About Oba Kunta Octopus

Founded by designers, writers and editors in 1995, Oba Kunta Octopus began as a creative design studio, deeply rooted in African visual culture. After years in mainstream design, the company evolved into a publishing house in 2016, driven by a mission to champion bold, politically resonant, and visually striking literary works from the African diaspora. Now based in the U.S., Oba Kunta is setting its sights on literary acclaim, dedicated to publishing original literary fiction, popular and genre fiction, thrillers, romantic suspense, romance (historical and contemporary), and political and cultural nonfiction—aiming for major awards and features in The New York Times, NPR, and beyond.

What We Do

At Oba Kunta Octopus, we provide powerful creative solutions for publishers, authors and agents, and we have a reputation for building long-term relationshis by crafting great books. At our core, we believe countless voices remain unheard. That’s why we’ve made a promise: we won’t stay silent, and we won’t compromise our authenticity. We champion stories of identity, community, belonging, and pride. Our authors tell the stories that matter to them, expressing their truths in a fully authentic voice.

Our mission is to discover bold new voices and to breathe fresh life into overlooked works, bringing them back to life and to new audiences and champion gifted authors who speak to our audience, even when it’s financially risky. We discover and celebrate original, diverse and transgressive literature and art, amplifying unheard voices. We publish across genres and operate several imprints. In doing so, we not only transform the careers of our authors but also expand the literary landscape for millions of readers worldwide. We follow the traditional publishing model: the publisher covers all production costs, and authors earn royalties. We do not accept hybrid or pay-to-publish proposals. Every book we publish is fully vetted by our editorial advisory board. Every book we create is rooted in strategy, culture, and purpose.

Publishing at Oba Kunta Octopus

To publish with Oba Kunta Octopus is to step into a creative force—not just a publishing house. It means partnering with a cultural movement rooted in Afro-American-modernist expression, where your voice is treated as art, heritage, and global currency. Here, your story is not just released into the world; it is positioned to shift conversations.

We elevate narratives that cross borders, challenge assumptions, and recenter voices too often pushed to the margins. We champion contemporary African stories, the lived experiences of African Americans, and the complex, layered journeys of immigrants everywhere.

Publishing with us means joining a global storytelling vision—one that honors identity, embraces innovation, and insists that your work deserves to reshape how our stories are seen, read, and remembered. It means standing with a community that believes your narrative matters and is determined to give it the platform it deserves.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome submissions in fiction and nonfiction, with a focus on:

• Immigrant Voices – Stories of migration, belonging, identity, and reinvention.

• Women’s Fiction – Narratives that explore the depth and diversity of women’s lives and struggles.

• Literary & Commercial Fiction – Stories that spark our imagination, illuminate modern issues, and feature characters who speak for the communities we live in, told in relatable and accessible language.

• Historical Fiction – Works that reimagine or revisit Africa’s past and its global intersections.

• Adventure Fiction – Page-turning tales of discovery, risk, and human spirit.

• Crime & Thrillers – Mysteries, high stakes narratives that explore power, politics, corruption and intrigue without excessive violence.

• Self-Help & Personal Growth – Practical, inspiring guides that empower readers to live better.

• Art & Design – Works that celebrate creativity, aesthetics, and visual culture.

• Experimental & Poetic Prose – Writing that breaks form, blends genres, and takes creative risks.

We seek culturally vibrant, politically engaged, and intergenerational storytelling. Whether literary, commercial, or experimental, we are committed to works with substance, soul, and story.

Why Publish with Us?

We don’t just publish books—we craft new experiences for readers. Every title we champion is nurtured through editorial care, design excellence, and a marketing approach that ensures your work reaches the audiences it deserves.

What We Stand For

• The Author Relationship – We do more than publish books; we help authors grow their influence.

• The Audience & Mission – We support adventurous spirituality for unconventional readers.

• The Highest Standards – From editing to design to the quality of ideas, excellence is non-negotiable.

Our Publishing Experience

• Design – Authors collaborate closely with our designers on covers, interiors, and titles. We offer expert advice for diagrams and photographs, plus optional professional enhancements.

• Production – World-class print and digital production, managed for quality and efficiency.

• Marketing – Strategic outreach tailored to each title and its audience

• Royalties – Standard: 15% (print), 30% (e-book/audiobook); Partnership: 5% (print), 20% (e-book/audiobook).

Global Distribution

We partner with IngramSpark, providing access to 40,000+ retailers, libraries, and schools worldwide—both online and in-store. Our print-on-demand (POD) model reduces waste, supports sustainability, and allows us to take more creative risks with debut authors.

Beyond Publishing

We are deeply committed to building and sustaining our authors’ careers. Every manuscript is edited with care and passion, and every cover is crafted with a sharp focus on connecting the book to its ideal readers. We connect authors with top-tier professional services for editing, design, and promotion. Contact us for recommendations tailored to your needs.

If you would like to submit your work to us, please read our submission guidelines.