Why Only 6% of Authors Are Black And Why Black Voices Matter in Publishing

Rise2Write Publishing LLC
Sep 9
5 min read

Welcome to the September edition of the Rise2Write Monthly Newsletter!

Every book written by a Black Author is more than a story. It’s a cultural contribution that impacts the World. From James Baldwin to Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Arthur Ashe, to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Black Authors have shaped the literary culture, sparked movements, and shifted global consciousness.

Black Authors Bring:

Authentic Perspectives
Black Authors provide rich and accurate portrayals of Black culture, history, and everyday life, challenging stereotypes and misrepresentations.
Diverse Storytelling
From sci-fi and fantasy to romance and historical fiction, Black authors broaden the variety of stories, showing that our narratives are not one-dimensional.
Cultural Preservation
Through literature, Black authors preserve traditions, dialects, histories, and folklore that might otherwise be lost or forgotten.
Truth-Telling & Social Commentary
Black Writers highlight systemic injustices, spark discussions on race and identity, and provide essential perspectives on society.
Narratives That Heal & Empower
Black literature often emphasizes resilience, survival, and empowerment, providing readers with hope and inspiration.
Global Perspectives
Black Writers from around the world share their voices, bringing richness to the literary landscape from Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, and many other places.
Innovation in Language & Style
Black authors have expanded boundaries and reshaped literary traditions, from poetic prose to distinctive narrative styles.
Intergenerational Wisdom
They pass down wisdom, lessons, faith, and ancestral knowledge, linking readers to a legacy of strength and resilience.
Catalysts for Change
Black authors inspire activism, reshape industries, and influence culture, demonstrating that books can serve as both art and revolution.

Despite the growing demand for diverse stories, Black voices remain disproportionately UNDERREPRESENTED in the Publishing industry. This isn’t just a statistical gap; it’s a cultural silence. When Black authors are missing from bookstores, school curriculum, and bestseller lists, the world loses access to the wisdom, resilience, beauty, and truth that only our stories can tell. At Rise2Write Publishing, we exist to change that.

Now, let's discuss the Publishing Gap in 2024.

While it may appear that Black authors are on the rise through social media and LinkedIn, we still have a long way to go, both nationally and globally. The publishing industry continues to struggle with diversity issues.

Despite years of conversations about equity, Black authors remain drastically underrepresented both in the U.S. and Globally.

Take a look at the 2024 publishing stats in the US:

• Only 6% of Published Authors in the U.S. are Black (WordsRated, 2024).

• In children’s literature, just 12% of books feature Black characters or are written by Black authors (Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2024).

• Black authors make up less than 2% of the New York Times Best Sellers list authors (NYT & WordsRated, 2024).

• Only 5 of the top 100 Amazon bestsellers in 2024 were written by Black authors.

• Across global publishing, less than 1% of children’s books feature Black protagonists.

• The publishing industry remains 74% white in staffing and leadership (Lee & Low Books, 2024).

These numbers reveal more than a lack of representation! They show how gatekeeping, systemic bias, and unequal access continue to silence voices the world needs to hear.

Take a look at the 2024 publishing stats Globally:

Outside the U.S. and U.K., comprehensive data is limited.
Progress has been slow; by 2024, estimates indicate that fewer than 3% of authors published annually in the U.S. are Black.
Based on available publishing reports and surveys, Black authors make up well under 2% of globally published authors in mainstream publishing.
Globally, less than 1% of children's books feature Black protagonists (Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2024).

This isn’t just a statistical gap… It’s a Cultural SILENCE.

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The Barriers Black Authors Face: Why the Gap Exists

The underrepresentation of Black Authors isn’t due to a lack of creativity or talent.

Instead, it stems from:

• Publishing Leadership Gaps

Decision-makers, editors, agents, and publishers are predominantly white.

• Genre Bias

Black authors are often limited to writing about trauma or struggle while being overlooked in genres like fantasy, sci-fi, or romance.

• Marketing Inequities

Books by Black authors consistently get less marketing funding, reducing visibility and sales.

• Access & Opportunity

Many aspiring Black writers lack the necessary knowledge, mentorship, and resources to navigate the publishing industry effectively.

Why Rise2Write Publishing Exists

Rise2Write Publishing was born from a powerful purpose: to amplify Black voices and stories that deserve to be heard.

Founded by Dee Evans, Rise2Write is a Black-owned, independent publishing company committed to:

• Empowering Black and Brown authors to retain ownership of their work and royalties.

• Providing education, coaching, and publishing tools to underrepresented voices.

• Creating a legacy of representation in every genre from children’s books and faith-based nonfiction to fiction, memoirs, and professional guides.

• Shifting the narrative by helping more Black authors reach readers across the globe.

We’re not just publishing books; we’re rewriting history, One Author at a time.

At Rise2Write, we believe that publishing is a form of activism, a tool for education, and a weapon against invisibility.

When Black authors write and publish, they make history. They leave footprints in the sand that others can follow. They make room at the table for more voices to rise.

The 2024 statistics remind us why Rise2Write exists:

Because the publishing world is not yet equal. Because our voices cannot wait. Because every untold story is a missed opportunity for impact.

When Black authors write, publish, and thrive, we change the world. If you’re a Black writer, your voice is needed now more than ever.

Join the Movement

Whether you’re an aspiring author, a reader, or someone who believes in equity, here’s how you can support:

✅ Share this newsletter with aspiring writers

✅ Follow @Rise2Write on all platforms

✅ Invest in Black authors: buy, review, and recommend their books

✅ Partner with us to bring more diverse stories to life

Together, we rise. Together, we write.

Together, we can ensure the next generation doesn’t just read about change, they write it.

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Rise2Write Publishing LLC is a full-service, Black-owned indie publishing company that empowers minorities to become published authors. We offer comprehensive book publishing services that guide clients through the entire journey from inception to publication. Specializing in nonfiction, fiction, children's books, and more, we ensure a seamless and high-quality publishing experience.