Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award
Now Accepting Submissions
We are now accepting submissions of unpublished or self-published manuscripts for an opportunity to win one of two $15,000 publishing contracts with Penguin USA. All entrants will also receive an electronic coupon for a free proof copy from CreateSpace, and 10% off of any single service offering.

A publishing contract will be awarded in each of two categories: General Fiction and Young Adult Fiction. We will accept up to 5,000 entries in… Continue

I am always thrilled to hear from authors who have just received their books in the mail. They are so excited about holding their baby in their hands and can't wait to tell everyone about it.
That is why I am amazed that some can also be so careless.
When they are forming the book, they are careful with whom they share their concept in fear that someone will steal the idea. They are afraid to send the book to a reputable publisher for fear that they will change their words or their meaning. Duri… Continue

It goes without saying, that I love books and I love the act of reading. Having said that, I think there needs to be a discussion on how to make books, and particularly, the African American book industry better. Since I entered publishing almost 10 years ago, I've learned a lot that I want to pass on to others to help them and subsequently help myself enjoy reading and this industry more.
Here are five people, I never want to see in publishing:

1) People who won't/don't work on their craft.… Continue

The movie Precious, inspired by the novel PUSH by Saphirre, is having its national release this weekend. I am officially encouraging everyone to see the movie for different reasons than others.
I am not in the business of promoting books or movies because they are black. I don't believe we serve any interest but someone's pockets by doing that. I wouldn't want people to subscribe to Written simply because its black owned. I want them to subscribe to Written because it is good. Which is the reaso… Continue