Ankara Press, originally established in 2014 as a romance imprint, is undergoing a significant relaunch, rebranding as the commercial arm of Cassava Republic Press. This strategic move, according to a statement, aims to deliver a wide array of “rich, diverse, and electrifying Black stories” to a global audience. The revived Ankara Press is committed to promoting “colour and inclusion in contemporary publishing” by amplifying narratives that are “playful, fun, and fiercely hopeful”.
The relaunched press will feature a diverse range of genres, including romance, high-stakes thrillers, sweeping sci-fi and fantasy, bold horror, and thought-provoking commercial nonfiction. Their nonfiction offerings will encompass memoirs, cultural commentary, and self-help guides.
The relaunch lineup includes a women’s fiction duology by South African author Zibu Sithole and a nonfiction anthology on love, sex, and relationships in Nigeria, developed in collaboration with pop-culture platform Zikoko.
Beyond books, Ankara Press is cultivating a movement to foster real-life connections within the Black community. This initiative includes merchandise like colouring books and conversation cards, along with live events and in-person experiences designed to create spaces for Black readers, writers, and dreamers to connect.
Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, Publishing Director at Cassava Republic Press, emphasised the belief that “joy is a radical force, that community is the heart of storytelling, and that every Black experience deserves to be seen”. Ankara Press is actively seeking submissions and will officially launch in Summer 2026. Writers can find submission guidelines on their website, www.ankara-press.com.
