We were not just taught what to believe. We were trained how not to think. For generations, Caribbean people were shaped by a system of Christianity that enforced obedience, normalized...
No publishing fee. Ever.
We invest in the books. You keep your rights.
Sankofa is an independent publisher investing in books that can have a positive impact on Africa, the Caribbean and the global diaspora. If we accept your book, you pay nothing to publish it. We pay for the professional design, production and worldwide distribution, and you earn 60% of net receipts.
$0publishing fee for accepted books
Yoursyou keep your copyright
60%of net receipts, from the first sale
7 daystarget for our first response
From the Sankofa list
Our first book is out now.
✦
Caribbean memoirA life told without apology.
Coming soon
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Diaspora fictionStories carried across oceans.
Coming soon
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History and ideasThe past, read with open eyes.
Coming soon
Zero publishing fee
You should never have to pay to have your book published.
Many companies that call themselves publishers charge authors thousands of dollars before a single copy is sold. Sankofa does not. When we accept a book, we carry the cost of editing guidance, cover and interior design, production and distribution set-up.
That is why we are selective. We put our own money behind each book, so we only choose books we believe can make a real difference for readers across Africa, the Caribbean and the diaspora.
Free to submit. Free to be assessed. No fee if accepted. Optional paid services exist, but they are never required and never influence our decision.
What you get
Traditional publishing without the traditional barriers. Independent publishing without doing everything yourself.
No publishing fee
If we accept your manuscript, publication carries no publishing fee. Submission and assessment are free too.
You keep your copyright
Copyright stays with you. Rights not expressly granted in the agreement remain yours.
60% of net receipts
Your royalty share is calculated on the money Sankofa actually receives after direct, sale-specific costs. No advance to earn out.
Professional production
Editorial guidance, cover and interior design, ISBN and metadata management, all handled by Sankofa.
Worldwide availability
Distribution through a global wholesale and retail network, plus direct sales through your own book website.
Transparent reporting
An author portal with sales estimates, quarterly royalty statements and a full payout history.
Publication is selective and free of any publishing fee. Optional paid services exist, and they are never required for acceptance or publication.
Who we are
Selective by design, generous in terms.
Sankofa is not a vanity press. We choose the books we publish, and we choose them because we believe in them and in their readers. That is what allows us to take no fee from the authors we accept.
Our list is centered on Africa, the Caribbean and the global African diaspora, including books that engage their histories, cultures, experiences, ideas or audiences. A book does not have to be about Africa to belong here.
Your rights
Your copyright remains yours.
You grant Sankofa an exclusive worldwide publishing license for print, ebook and audiobook for an initial 5-year term. Film, translation, merchandising and other rights not expressly granted stay with you.
Distribution
Available to bookstores. Not dependent on bookstores.
Your book is made available through a global wholesale and retail network, so readers, libraries and bookstores can order it. Print-on-demand and direct sales mean we avoid printing stock nobody has asked for.
Every accepted title also receives an author or book website, with direct-sales capability, so your readers can buy from you.
How it works
From submission to royalties, in ten clear steps.
Submit your manuscript
Send your manuscript and details through our free submission form. No payment information is ever requested.
Editorial review
Every submission is assessed for quality, audience, list fit and production needs. You should hear back within 7 calendar days.
Decision or conditional acceptance
You receive a clear decision. If a manuscript needs substantial editing, we may offer conditional acceptance with a written report explaining why.
Agreement and onboarding
Accepted authors receive our publishing agreement and complete a short onboarding so we have everything needed for production.
Editorial preparation
Where needed, the manuscript is prepared for production. You may use any qualified editor, or Sankofa's optional editorial service.
Questions
Straight answers.
Does it cost to publish with Sankofa?
No. Submission and assessment are free, and accepted manuscripts are published without a publishing fee. Optional paid services exist, but they are never required for acceptance or publication.
Do I keep my copyright?
Yes. You retain your copyright. Sankofa receives an exclusive worldwide publishing license for print, ebook and audiobook for an initial 5-year term. Renewal requires mutual agreement, and any rights not expressly granted in the agreement stay with you.
What royalty do I receive?
You receive 60% of net receipts. Net receipts are the money Sankofa actually receives after direct, sale-specific costs such as printing, retailer or distributor share, payment processing, returns, refunds and applicable transaction taxes. General company overhead is never deducted.
Do you pay advances?
No. Sankofa does not pay an advance, which also means there is nothing to earn out. You participate in qualifying earnings from the first sale.
Do I need an agent?
No. You can submit directly.
Can I use my own editor?
Yes. You may hire any qualified editor. Sankofa's editorial service is optional and never required for acceptance.
If your book deserves readers, we would like to read it.
Submission is free and needs no payment details. Submitting does not guarantee acceptance, and we aim to respond within 7 calendar days.