10 Ways to Support Black Women Writers
With Black Women Writers Week coming up, I bet you’re wondering how best to support the Black woman writers you know and love. Well, I have 10 different ways that you can support Black women writers today!
Me at my first ever book signing, joined by authors Adrienne Prather, Kiana Blake Chung and of course, my daughter, Symone Dobson! Community is essential!
I remember when I first started writing my first book, Departure Story, I was so worried that no one would read it or care, especially because I was publishing independently. I had the advantage of experience working in and around the publishing community for many years, so I understood the importance of building relationships full of mutual admiration and support. It’s more important than ever that we stand together and support each other’s work. Ultimately, I write, not only for other Black women, but so that more people outside of my demographic can understand and empathize with the varied experiences of Black women and girls. It’s one thing to say “listen to Black women” , but the next step should be to support and read the work of Black women writers!
Here are 10 ways to support Black Women Writers:
Purchase Books: Buy our work directly from bookstores or online platforms to boost visibility and income. My favorite place to shop (if not direct from the author) is Bookshop.org
Read & Share: Read books by Black women writers and share them with others through word of mouth, social media, or book clubs.
Leave Reviews: Positive reviews on platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, and personal blogs can greatly influence new readers. If you have read Departure Story, this is a great time to leave a review on Amazon or GoodReads!
Attend Events: Attend book launches, author talks, or readings either in person or virtually to show your support.
Subscribe to Their Newsletters: Many Black women writers offer newsletters where you can learn more about their work, events, and offerings.
Support Independent Publishers: Some Black women writers are published through independent presses that need financial and public backing. Spoken Black Girl is an example of a small publisher. Donate to help us help more Black women writers!
Engage on Social Media: Follow, share, and interact with content by Black women writers on social media platforms to help spread awareness of their work.
Recommend Our Work: Suggest books by Black women Writers to libraries, schools, bookshops, and reading groups.
Create a Platform for us: If you’re involved in any media, podcasts, or platforms, consider featuring Black women writers and our work!
Support Mentorships and Initiatives: Many writers lead workshops or mentor other aspiring writers. Supporting these initiatives helps empower the next generation of Black women writers. For example at Spoken Black Girl we have the Write Heal Thrive Collective! Join us!
These actions help amplify Black women’s voices and ensure that their contributions to literature are recognized and celebrated. Do you have any suggestions that we didn’t mention? Feel free to comment.
I appreciate all of the support I have received over the years for my book, Departure Story. As a Black woman writer myself, I can tell you that each and every reader interaction fills me with joy and inspires me to keep writing. I hope you’ll join us from March 1-7 for Black Women Writers Week! Get your book stacks ready to post!
Participate in our 7 Days of Black Women Writers Challenge to win some free books! Download your score sheet below. Be sure to follow, like & tag on IG to enter!
