It’s no secret that the publishing industry hasn’t always been welcoming to people of color. The number of books published by and for black people has been historically low. But it’s not for a lack of talented writers. The publishing industry just isn’t that diverse. According to a 2015 study by indie children’s book publisher, Lee & Low Books, nearly 80 percent of those working in publishing identify as white. And when it comes to bookstores, the news isn’t much different. According to Open Education Database, only 6 percent of independent bookstores are black-owned.
Suggested Reading
As a result, books geared towards people of color are regulated to a small section in the corner of most bookstores, leaving many writers of color to face challenges making their books available to the masses. This whitewashing of mainstream publishing leaves many black writers and readers feeling left out.
But some passionate readers are taking matters into their own hands by developing subscription book services that give subscribers exposure to some lesser-known authors of color. If you want to read more books by authors of color but you don’t know where to start, these book subscription boxes deliver.
ReadHer
ReadHer is a bi-monthly subscription box created with Black women in mind. The service is the brainchild of Ashley, an avid reader who loves black indie romance novels. Disappointed with the lack of diversity in book subscription boxes on the market, she created her service with the hopes of promoting independent black authors and introducing more readers to the genre she loves. Each ReadHer box comes with a book written by an indie black author, along with 3 to 5 other goodies such as bookmarks, t-shirts, tote bags and snacks.
BlackLIT
When you subscribe to BlackLIT, you’re supporting Black authors and Black entrepreneurs. Whether you enjoy spiritual, memoir or fiction, there’s something for everyone in this monthly subscription box. Each box comes with a book written by an author of color, 3 to 5 products from a black-owned business and 5 writing and discussion prompts to get your creative juices flowing. Proceeds from sales will support opening a bookstore in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that highlights authors of color.
Beauty and a Book Box
If a good book and an exfoliating face mask is your idea of the perfect afternoon, Beauty and a Book Box is the subscription service for you. The boxes are curated by a team of educators, nurses and cosmetologists and can be customized for adults or teens and tweens. Along with their book, subscribers receive beauty and personal care products that will help make them look and feel amazing. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the boxes goes to support classrooms around the world.
Reading in Color Crate
Autumn grew up with a love of reading but was nearly an adult before she read a book featuring a person of color. Now, her book subscription service, Reading in Color Crate, will make sure young readers are exposed to more diverse titles and characters. The monthly themed boxes include a Middle-Grade book and a YA book written by an author of color along with other book-related goodies like bookmarks and candles.
DiversaTea Reads
The folks at DiversaTea Reads want readers to be exposed to diverse authors and themes and enjoy a good cup of tea while doing it. DiversaTea was founded by book lovers who want readers to go beyond the front table at the bookstore for their next great read. Subscribers can choose one of five featured books from assorted genres each month or opt to be surprised and receive the favorite book among subscribers. And because tea is the perfect companion to a great book, you’ll also receive a tea sample from a small business.
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