My YA novel about an undocumented and incarcerated teen mom was rejected by 90 lit agents. A novel not ‘commercial’ enough or ‘too niche’ to take a chance on. But then I found the STEP contest and won. Brooke and SheWrites/SparkPress published my book in 2023. The book went on to win awards.
My second book was picked up by a publisher after 9 rejections, also with numerous awards. Brooke and her team are walking the talk and I’m forever appreciative.
This is wonderful, and similar in mission to what ALLA is building toward. I'll be sure to share the contest on the ALLA socials, and I'm adding the books to our Reading list. Looking forward to seeing the winners from this year's contest.
“Once a book makes it out into the world... it cannot be disappeared.”
That idea stayed with me. Publishing isn't merely producing books; sometimes it is ensuring voices survive attempts to diminish them. Creating tangible opportunities for unheard writers makes that principle wonderfully concrete.
Purposeful. Defiant. Important. I'M SUBSCRIBING!
I write at The Reflective State, where one of my ongoing series is Mountain Mysteries—atmospheric tales of mystery, folklore and the unexplained set in the mountains of India.
If curiosity ever brings you my way, I'd genuinely love to know what you think.
I’m glad you are doing this! Being supportive in a specific way and noticing a group that needs support the have their voice heard/ and words read is a good thing you do. This is offering direct support and so I just want to affirm it.
My YA novel about an undocumented and incarcerated teen mom was rejected by 90 lit agents. A novel not ‘commercial’ enough or ‘too niche’ to take a chance on. But then I found the STEP contest and won. Brooke and SheWrites/SparkPress published my book in 2023. The book went on to win awards.
My second book was picked up by a publisher after 9 rejections, also with numerous awards. Brooke and her team are walking the talk and I’m forever appreciative.
Thanks for sharing your experience here, Mona!
Brava Brooke & team. You lead by example and we are all better for it. Thank you for lifting & raising voices.
Hi Brooke I shared this with Lighthouse Writers in Denver. They have a rigorous BIPOC support program. Well done!
Elizabeth
Thank you so much, Elizabeth. We appreciate it.
Really great opportunity! I have forwarded it to my stepsister who qualifies and has just begun writing her story. Thank you for this.
Excellent!
This is wonderful, and similar in mission to what ALLA is building toward. I'll be sure to share the contest on the ALLA socials, and I'm adding the books to our Reading list. Looking forward to seeing the winners from this year's contest.
Thank you, wonderful!
I have such admiration and respect for you, Brooke. Thanks for all you bring to publishing, authors, and the world at large.
“Once a book makes it out into the world... it cannot be disappeared.”
That idea stayed with me. Publishing isn't merely producing books; sometimes it is ensuring voices survive attempts to diminish them. Creating tangible opportunities for unheard writers makes that principle wonderfully concrete.
Purposeful. Defiant. Important. I'M SUBSCRIBING!
I write at The Reflective State, where one of my ongoing series is Mountain Mysteries—atmospheric tales of mystery, folklore and the unexplained set in the mountains of India.
If curiosity ever brings you my way, I'd genuinely love to know what you think.
I’m glad you are doing this! Being supportive in a specific way and noticing a group that needs support the have their voice heard/ and words read is a good thing you do. This is offering direct support and so I just want to affirm it.
I told a very nice intelligent young woman at the Bay Area Book Fest about this; I do hope she got in touch. I don't have her name...
This is fantastic! I posted it to 8 Facebook Groups and to Threads.
Yes, thank you, Brooke. I entered. 🙏🥰😍
Good luck to you, Lani!
Thanks! 😁🙏
Wonderful <3
Done, Brooke. I just posted this to FB. Bravo to you
for your leadership in supporting publishing of books by women of color.
Thank you, Marilyn!
Yes!
Wonderful that you are doing this. Will definitely spread the word.
🫶 Especially timely given the push to whitewash everything "American"