The new imprint will publish new voices, and provide an opportunity for African science fiction and fantasy writers to showcase their work.
By Helena Olori
Nigerian publisher, Ouida Books, has announced the launch of its new imprint, Phoenix. The initiative, founded by renowned writers, Nnedi Okorafor and Lola Shoneyin, aims to promote and publish fresh Africanfuturism and Africanjujuism (science fiction and fantasy) works by writers of African descent from around the world, with Omotoke Solarin-Sodara serving as the managing editor.
Phoenix is the newest addition to the Ouida Books imprints collection, which includes Tanja (for children), Cognix (Non-Fiction), Ouida (fiction), Tevani (for self-publishing), and Ouida Poetry.
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Phoenix founding authors, Okorafor and Shoneyin, are acclaimed authors with extensive knowledge and experience in African science fiction and fantasy literature. Nnedi Okorafor is known for works such as Who Fears Death trilogy, and the Binti novella trilogy. She has received numerous awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Awards. Okorafor has also ventured into comics with titles like LaGuardia, and has a memoir called Broken Places and Outer Spaces. She has a PhD in literature. She currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona.
Lola Shoneyin, famous for her acclaimed debut novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives. is an award-winning Nigerian writer, poet, and publisher. She is a cultural activist and has made notable contributions to literature, as well as active involvement in curating Arts and Book festivals. Shoneyin is currently the director of Book Buzz Foundation in Nigeria, where she leads initiatives aimed at creating reading programs for children, developing reading spaces, and organising the Ake Arts and Book Festival. Lola Shoneyin is also the author of Iyaji the House Girl.
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Phoenix is now accepting submissions, with a particular interest in long-form pieces, ranging from novellas to novels, and a special emphasis on works by women.
Interested applicants are encouraged to send a digital copy of their manuscript via email to Phoenix@ouidabooks.com with the subject line “Submission: [title of work].” The submission should include an introduction, a one-page synopsis, and a sample of their work. Submissions should be formatted with double-spaced, indented paragraphs, left-justified text in Times New Roman on A4 paper.
Only one manuscript is allowed to be submitted at a time. For further details, click here.