KONNECTION NEWSLETTER | November 2026

 

View in Browser Greetings! We truly appreciate each and every one of you who continues to read, enjoy, and support our content. We'd love to hear from you! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like to learn more about or ways Konnection can better support you on your writing, reading, and publishing journey. konnection@kyapublishing.com BLACK BRITISH BOOK FESTIVAL: Reflections We had the pleasure of attending the Black British Book Festival in London, England on October 4. Here are some reflections on the experience, the extensive program, and esteemed speakers highlighting Black literary excellence and community. READ REFLECTIONS INK TO ALGORITHM: Event Recap A look back at Ink to Algorithm, a Toronto Urban Book Expo (TUBE) initiative celebrating the intersection of literature, digital storytelling, and content creation. This overview of the September 2026 event highlights key moments and reinforces the importance of amplifying Black Canadian YA literature across digital platforms. READ RECAP

TUBE Distinguished Contribution Awards As part of Ink to Algorithm 2026, the Toronto Urban Book Expo collective presented its inaugural Distinguished Contribution Awards to Mutendei Nabutete and Allister Thompson. Both awards recognize the importance of mentorship, advocacy, and collaboration in supporting writers and building literary communities. Mutendei Nabutete received the Global Commitment Award for his contributions to TUBE and his work strengthening connections between African writers and literary communities internationally. Allister Thompson received the Literary Ally Award for his longstanding advocacy for Black African and Caribbean voices in Canadian publishing. You are appreciated! SUBMISSION OPPORTUNITY: YA Fiction James Lorimer & Co. Ltd., Publishers is seeking story ideas and unpublished manuscripts that align with its “Take Action” editorial direction: 20,000 to 30,000-word realistic fiction set in contemporary Canada, featuring teens aged 12–18 who confront pressing social issues and take meaningful action to create change. Authors are especially encouraged to submit stories rooted in cultural communities they know well. Canadian citizens and permanent residents of all experience levels are welcome to send story ideas or manuscripts to submissions@lorimer.ca. VIEW SUBMISSION GUIDELINES HERE TORONTO TALES: New Design, Same Vibes There's a new look for Kya Publishing's Toronto Tales collection, storytelling that captures the voices, culture, rhythms, and lived experiences of Black Canadian communities and their peers. Written by Stacey Robinson for teen and adult readers, the books offer a vibrant, independently published literary record of Toronto life from 1993 - 2023, preserving snapshots of changing social landscapes while exploring timeless themes that continue to resonate today. VIEW THE COLLECTION INK TO ALGORITHM: View Author Videos We had a great afternoon connecting with young adult authors at Ink to Algorithm, discussing their fiction, and recording content. Videos and interviews from the event are now posted on the @TUBookExpo Instagram page. Click image to view YouTube page/videos. We welcome literary news submissions from our Konnection community; if you have updates to share, please send them to konnection@kyapublishing.com, and we’ll be glad to feature you!

"Ink to Algorithm" Celebrates Literary Allies

Last week, the Toronto Urban Book Expo collective celebrated two people whose work has helped writers find community, opportunity, and support, presenting its inaugural Distinguished Contribution Awards at their "Ink to Algorithm" event.

As host Cleveland author Jameel Davis expressed during the presentation, “Books are never created in isolation. Behind the writers are people who mentor, advocate, encourage, connect, and open doors.”

That spirit is at the heart of the new awards, which recognize contributions that strengthen literary communities through mentorship, advocacy, collaboration, and representation in Canada and around the world.

LITERARY ALLY AWARD: Allister Thompson

The inaugural Literary Ally Award went to author/editor Allister Thompson, recognized for his longstanding advocacy for Black African and Caribbean voices in Canadian publishing.

Introducing the award, Davis highlighted Thompson’s editorial leadership, mentorship, professional guidance, and advocacy, noting that his efforts have “helped open doors and bring Black literature to life. His influence has created meaningful opportunities for writers and changed outcomes.”

GLOBAL COMMITMENT AWARD: Mutendei Nabutete

The inaugural Global Commitment Award was presented to Mutendei Nabutete, a member of the collective currently based in Kenya.

The group recognized Nabutete’s contributions to TUBE’s planning, brainstorming, programming, and professional development, particularly his role in strengthening connections between African writers and literary communities.

The award celebrates his “spirit of international collaboration, cross-cultural exchange, and global literary solidarity.”

Both awards will be mailed to the recipients: Allister in Thunder Bay, Canada, and Mutendei in Nairobi, Kenya.

Kya Publishing was proud to contribute to Ink to Algorithm and to continue supporting the work of the TUBE collective.

KONNECTION NEWSLETTER | "Ink to Algorithm" is One Week Away!

View in Browser Join us for "INK TO ALGORITHM" ! Join TU Book Expo for Ink to Algorithm, a special afternoon celebrating Black Canadian teen literature, storytelling, and digital creativity on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Toronto Public Library’s Fairview Branch* (35 Fairview Mall Drive, Toronto). This day is for content creators, book influencers, book lovers, and supporters, bringing Black Canadian YA literature to teen readers with the people who share, celebrate, and amplify books online and in their communities. The afternoon will feature author readings, live interviews, and opportunities to connect directly with writers, giving attendees the chance to create engaging content and discover stories to share with and recommend to teen readers. Special thanks to the Toronto Arts Council for their support through the Literary Projects program. *This event is not hosted by or sponsored by the Toronto Public Library. Double Book Launch: "Between Classes" & "Finding Family" this weekend! Celebrate the official launch of two new teen novels from Lorimer Publishing: "Between Classes" by Angelot Ndongmo" and Finding Family" by Kamilah Haywood. Both books follow young Black Canadian men navigating friendships, family, romance, school, and the experience of growing up in Toronto. Stop by for author readings, a conversation and Q&A with host Robin Rice, and a chance to have your books signed by Angelot and Kamilah. Saturday, September 12, 2026 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Blackhurst Cultural Centre 777–779 Bathurst Street, Toronto Admission is free! Books are available at A Different Booklist and will also be available for purchase at the event. Cultural Content Creators to Check Out Our social media feeds are home to content creators doing genuinely thoughtful, funny, creative, and culturally important work. This new Kya Publishing post on Patreon highlights creators whose work keeps us laughing, informed, inspired, and connected to culture. Reflections from the Harlem Book Fair "Black book fairs continue to emerge as a powerful response to decades of underrepresentation in traditional publishing, growing threats of book censorship, and the need for spaces where Black writers, readers, and communities can reclaim their voices, celebrate their stories, and shape their own literary narratives..." Read the full reflection on Substack, composed after attending this year's Harlem Book Fair. I would like to acknowledge funding support to attend the Harlem Book Fair from the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario. ~ Stacey Robinson Book Launch: The Distinguished Leader The countdown is ON for "The Distinguished Leader". Mark your calendars — this is one you don't want to miss!  Saturday, October 3rd, 2026  5:00 PM  Iceland Arena — 705 Matheson Blvd East Mississauga, ON L4Z 3X9 Leadership starts with a decision. Be there when it's made.  For additional information, please visit The Able Leadership. We welcome literary news submissions from our Konnection community; if you have updates to share, please send them to konnection@kyapublishing.com, and we’ll be glad to feature you!