Monday, December 24, 2018

Kya Publishing and Elevated Waves to Host Black Narrative Writing Workshop at Toronto Public Library

TORONTO, ONT (December 2018) - Canadian and American writers will connect this upcoming Black History Month at the Toronto Public Library's North York Central Branch, for the collaborative workshop with Kya Publishing (Toronto) and Elevated Waves (Cleveland) taking place on Saturday, February 2, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. "Writing the Black Narrative: How to Tell Your Cultural Story" will take place in the North York branch's e-Learning Lab.

"Join our interactive panel discussion with writers Stacey Ann Berry, Kamilah Haywood, Selwyn Jeffers, and Angelot Ndongmo, sharing experiences and strategies for writing culturally-specific narratives. Writers will also provide individual workshops and share tips and resources for starting, sustaining, and publishing writing projects in a variety of genres. Facilitated by Jameel Davis (Elevated Waves Publishing, Cleveland) and Stacey Marie Robinson (Kya Publishing, Toronto)."

Registration is now available through the Toronto Public Library--spaces are limited. Please register for this free event by calling (416) 395-5639.



Friday, October 26, 2018

Kya Publishing Author Kamilah Haywood to Present at Naked Heart Festival

TORONTO, ONT (October 2018) Kya Publishing author Kamilah Haywood will be participating in the upcoming Naked Heart festival at Glad Day Bookshop, Buddies in Bad Times, and 5Six2. The annual LGTBQ festival of words, features a range of 60 authors and presenters, and runs from Friday, November 9 through Sunday, November 11. Kamilah will be featuring her third published novel "Diamond in the Rough: Part 2" through a panel discussion and also a reading.

The Festival will include a range of events featuring Jewell Gomez, Larissa Lai, Fatima Jamal, Lindsay Nixon, Kai Cheng Thom, Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, and Shyam Selvadurai--a balance of new and returning presenters. The main session types include panels, workshops, and readings across the three locations, Glad Day Bookshop (499 Church Street), Buddies in Bad Times (12 Alexander Street), and 5Six2 (562 Church Street).

Glad Day Bookshop is the oldest surviving LGBTQ bookstore, dedicated to stories of representation and freedom of speech: it is an important venue for supporting, nurturing and inspiring creativity and community.

"Michael [Erickson] and Glad Day Bookshop have been supporters of my books from day one, and I am grateful for their support," said Kamilah Haywood. "I look forward to sharing my book Diamonds in the Rough: Part 2 with the Naked Heart festival attendees, and also learning from the range of presentations taking place over the festival weekend."

Diamonds in the Rough: Part 2 chronicles a series of questionable events taking place in a women's prison in Toronto, as the main character battles issues of love, addiction, and struggles with her mental health. Over the years, Kamilah has comfortably written about subjects ranging from the drug game, to the criminal system, relationships, and coming-of-age in urban Toronto, and has been praised for her truthful depictions of urban landscapes and characters.

"Kamilah brings an authentic voice and a gritty perspective to the Canadian literary scene," said Kya Publishing's Stacey Marie Robinson. "Her writing style, her subject matter, dialogue, and perspectives are unlike any other Canadian author, and will make a great addition to the Naked Heart festival."

For details about Naked Heart Festival events and times, please visit their website at NakedHeart.ca.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Kya Publishing Shares Online Resources for Writers

TORONTO, ONT (September 2018) - Toronto-based communications company, Kya Publishing, has expanded their website to include a range of resources for writers. The newly updated online hub will now also host writing tips, educational guides, and other niche-specific tools to assist cultural writers and communicators.

The website, which currently features musical products, an author directory, links to their research journal and other programs, in addition to their book sales, is designed to be a beneficial resource for cultural content creators who are looking for urban-specific writing tools or Canadian references.

Urban writing (based on experiences of the inner-city, as well as based on African-Canadian and African-American cultural trends) is essentially an independently supported industry, with limited resources available in educational institutions or formal instruction. The industry has primarily grown through grass-roots initiatives and self-published authors, and has developed and been sustained over the years through the publishing houses, events, readers of the genre.

Hosted on the Kya Publishing website, under the specific Resources page, the new hub will expand over time as needs are expressed, and content is made available from contributors and the urban writing community.

"In addition to providing Canadian Urban Fiction books and reading materials, Kya Publishing hopes to contribute to the development and education of urban writers and community members as well," said Kya Publishing's Stacey Marie Robinson. "Writing can be a lonely endeavour, so we want to encourage individuals to easily find a support system with us as they write and work on their craft--particularly in the genre of urban fiction."

To submit, or to inquire about Kya Publishing's resources, please email services@kyapublishing.com.



Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Kya Publishing Launches Online Author Directory

TORONTO, ONT (August 2018) - Kya Publishing has just launched an online author directory featuring participants from their Toronto Urban Book Expo events from 2014 through 2018. The directory, which currently lists almost 100 writers, will serve to connect interested readers with a unique grouping of novelists, children's writers, poets, and non-fiction authors.

Hosted on the Kya Publishing website, under the event-specific Toronto Urban Book Expo page, the list of featured authors was created to complement the book fair experience. The directory gives readers and community members an extended opportunity to contact the writers, and also provides increased exposure for the artists and their products.

"We created the Toronto Urban Book Expo to support local authors, independent writers, and to provide international artists with access to a Canadian audience," said Kya Publishing's Stacey Marie Robinson. "As we continue to build our event, and increase community awareness of the fabulous books and ideas that these authors have produced, we want to ensure that we're doing our best to contribute to their growing readership, and offer another venue for sales and communication."

This year marked the 5th occurrence of the Toronto Urban Book Expo, Kya Publishing's annual book fair. Hosted in collaboration with the Toronto Public Library, with support from the Toronto Arts Council, it is a culturally-specific space where predominantly African-Canadian, African-American, and Caribbean writers from a diverse range of literary backgrounds display their books to a readership that is often difficult to connect with en masse.

"There are challenges in building--and finding--our reading audience, however, Kya Publishing is committed to this process," said Robinson. "It is our hope that the online listing of authors can be easily accessed by new readers, and available year-round for those who enjoy urban fiction, multi-cultural children's literature, and other genres that are usually only found in niche bookstores and locations. We want all of the authors we've interacted with to do well, and look forward to spreading the word about this additional outlet."

For more information about the Toronto Urban Book Expo, please contact the planning committee and Board of Directors at TUBE@kyapublishing.com.

Friday, August 24, 2018

Kya Publishing Announces TORONTO URBAN BOOK EXPO Board of Directors

TORONTO, ONT (August 2018) - Kya Publishing has just announced the Board of Directors for their Toronto Urban Book Expo (TUBE). Since 2014, TUBE has hosted over 100 writers from across Toronto, Ontario, and visiting from the United States of America, in a book fair dedicated to urban literature and cultural texts.

"Over the years we have connected with so many talented and community-minded writers," said Kya Publishing founder, Stacey Marie Robinson. "With our new Board of Directors we will continue to brainstorm ways in which our Book Expo can best serve the writing community, provide exposure for independent and published authors, and also promote youth literacy and a love for reading."

The Board of Directors and their areas of responsibility are as follows:

Jeffrey Lee Cheatham II (Seattle, Washington) - Literary Festivals & West Coast Liaison

Jameel Davis (Cleveland, Ohio) - International Communication & East Coast Liaison

Kamilah Haywood (Toronto) - Youth & Community Outreach

Ancil London (Toronto) - Visual Communication

Marsha Mohammed (Toronto) - Logistics & Planning

Angelot Ndongmo (Toronto) - Children's Programming & Awards Presentation

Camille Ramnath (Toronto) - Education & Diversity

Stacey Robinson (Toronto) - Publishing

Thursday, August 02, 2018

Kareative Interlude Present Toronto Urban Book Expo Children's Program

TORONTO, ONT (July 2017) - Children's author Karee Shea Walker of Kareative Interlude will be presenting a children's program at the 5th annual Toronto Urban Book Expo (TUBE) taking place on Friday, August 3, 2018 at the Toronto Public Library's Parkdale Branch (1303 Queen Street West) from 4pm to 8pm. The children's program is free, and will feature arts and crafts, children's authors, and children's book readings.

Kareative Interlude is a partnership utilizing arts to transform eyes and bless hands to the creative expressions that lay within. A multi-disciplinary company, they create in the areas of fashion, visual arts, community programming, and personal empowerment. Their first children's book "The Bee Leaf" is a powerful story that engages readers on the journey of building one's character, confidence and courage.

A message from Karee, about her book "The Bee Leaf":

"This creative work has been very spiritual, empowering and cleansing for me all at the same time. Through completing this bookwork, I know that I want to be free in my creative process and to be real with myself to the audiences I share my blessings and gifts with. Everyday I breath life into what I feel, I strive to use my time wisely to make my true purpose come through to manifest my authentic self. How we live our life is all about perspective, I am grateful I have embraced my bountiful abilities and had this moment in my life to complete my first children’s bookwork. To create is inspiring. As an artist I have sculpted my vision and process to achieve my spiritual nature. Since I have the free will to do and do again, I am motivated to refine, review and reflect in order to attain prosperous outcomes in my connection with the audience. I am thankful for my ability to create inspiring artistry. I am thankful that you choose to open your mind to this story, the messages and the symbols of this book has to offer that can bring people together in wholeness, to reflect and be."

"Kareative Interlude's presentation is a welcome addition to our program," said Kya Publishing's Stacey Marie Robinson. "We look forward to Karee's reading, and the uplifting messages she will bring our young attendees!"

Karee can be reached at info@kareativeinterlude.com.

Monday, July 30, 2018

Toronto Urban Book Expo Welcomes Guest Speaker Andree Nicole

TORONTO, ONT (July 2017) - Kya Publishing has announced the guest speaker featured at the 5th annual Toronto Urban Book Expo (TUBE) taking place on Friday, August 3, 2018 at the Toronto Public Library's Parkdale Branch (1303 Queen Street West) from 4pm to 8pm: educator, entrepreneur, certified life coach, motivational speaker, and author Andree Nicole!

The author of four motivational books, Andree Nicole "offers a kaleidoscope of information, guidance, support, and encouragement to both her readers and audience." Her most recent book is titled Victorious Secrets: Unveiling a Couple's Passion & Quest to Love. Along with her previous titles: My Eyes Can See, 101 Inspirational Quotes, and Beyond the Tears, the books are available through her website AndreeNicole.com, as well as Amazon, Barnes and Nobel, and on most online bookstores.

"We look forward to having Andree Nicole present at our Book Expo again," said Kya Publishing's Stacey Marie Robinson. "She has been a supportive participant  over the years, and always meets her readers and attendees with messages of hope, encouragement, and progress. Andree is a great leader, and a great resource for writers and educators in the community. We welcome her, proudly!"


An advocate for anti-bullying and mental health and wellness, Andree Nicole has opened her own empowerment practice and geared her career path towards empowering others. With a Masters in Education (specializing in curriculum), a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts, and Life Coach certification, she is committed to the community and inspiring excellence.

She can be reached at info@andreenicoleinc.com, and will be presenting just after the opening remarks at the Toronto Urban Book Expo (between 4pm and 5pm).

Wednesday, June 06, 2018

Authors Announced for the 5th Annual TORONTO URBAN BOOK EXPO

TORONTO, ONT (June 2017) - Kya Publishing has announced the confirmed authors that will be featured at the 5th annual Toronto Urban Book Expo (TUBE) taking place on Friday, August 3, 2018 at the Toronto Public Library's Parkdale Branch (1303 Queen Street West) from 4pm to 8pm.

"Kya Publishing welcomes registration requests from all writers," said Kya Publishing founder Stacey Marie Robinson. "We look forward to inviting both local and international authors to present with us in the city, and are excited to celebrate urban literature and culture during Toronto's festive holiday weekend. "

Featured authors include (list updated with new registrants, daily):



Andree Nicole (Toronto, ON)
Angela Walcott (Toronto, ON)
Cathy-Ann Alexander (Irvington, NJ)
Christian Basie (Euclid, OH)
Christopher McClean (Glenside, PA)

Clarence Birdsong III (Memphis, TN)
Deborah Watkins (Buffalo, NY)
Ebony Nicole Smith (Rochester, NY)
Guildford J. Thomas (Toronto, ON)
Jameel Davis (Cleveland, OH)
Janele Caver (Buffalo, NY)
Janine Carrington (Toronto, ON)
Jasmine Henderson (Rochester, NY)
Jennylynd James (Toronto, ON)
Jonathan Boxill (Toronto, ON)
Kamilah Haywood (Toronto, ON)
Karee Shea Walker (Toronto, ON)
Katrina Thompson (Rochester, NY)
Kawana Moore (Syracuse, NY)
Kelvin Nyeusi Mawazo (Toronto, ON)
Louis Mason (Rochester, NY)
Malcolm Solomon (Houston, TX)
Marilyn Foote (Buffalo, NY)
Martha Sanchez (Toronto, ON)
Mansa Musa (Toronto, ON)
Natalee Johnson (Brampton, ON)
Rebel Miller (Courtice, ON)
Selwyn Jeffers (Toronto, ON)
Shannon Spruill (Cheektowaga, NY)
Sharon Johnson-Wright (Ajax, ON)
Simone Benoit (Toronto, ON)
Simone Walsh (Brampton, ON)
Sophia Jackson (Brampton, ON)
Stacey-Ann Berry (Toronto, ON)
Stacey Marie Robinson (Toronto, ON)
Yolanda T. Marshall (Toronto, ON)

TUBE is the only Canadian event dedicated to celebrating urban fiction and culture. This event, taking place during the Simcoe Day holiday weekend in Ontario, will feature published and independent writers selling their books at a free and family-friendly book fair. Live urban music (hip hop, reggae, R&B, and soca) will once again be provided by Toronto's DJ Majesty.

Kya Publishing, a boutique publishing and communications company, promotes and celebrates contemporary urban literature and culture through their books, research, events, and community initiatives. The annual Book Expo was established in 2014 in support of independent authors, and to increase urban literacy through familiar texts and cultural subject matter.

This year, the Book Expo has received support from the Toronto Arts Council.

For more information about this event, please contact TUBE@kyapublishing.com, or visit www.kyapublishing.com/tube.html

JOIN THE CONVERSATION ONLINE USING #TUBE2018

TWITTER // @KyaPublishing

INSTAGRAM // @KyaPublishing
FACEBOOK // KyaPublishing

Monday, June 04, 2018

Kya Publishing Receives Toronto Arts Council Support for TORONTO URBAN BOOK EXPO 2018

TORONTO, ONT (June 2018) - Kya Publishing is pleased to announce that they are the recipient of programming support for their annual Toronto Urban Book Expo from the Toronto Arts Council and the City of Toronto. The 5th annual Toronto Urban Book Expo is scheduled to take place on Friday, August 3, 2018 at the Toronto Public Library's Parkdale Branch from 4pm to 8pm.

The Book Expo hosts published and independent authors from Canada and the U.S.A., and gives them an opportunity to share and promote their writing, while networking with their peers and establishing their businesses. Over the years, this family-friendly book fair has seen growth in author participation as well as community support.

"It is such an honour for us to receive support from the Toronto Arts Council," said Kya Publishing founder, Stacey Marie Robinson. "We love that we are able to bring a diverse group of writers together every year for our Book Expo, and hope that with the help of the TAC our messaging can reach a wider audience, and that more Torontonians will be able to enjoy our celebration of urban culture and literature."

This year, the Book Expo anticipates the participation of 50 vendors, including writers, cultural organizations, and community networks. In addition to the vendor booths, there will also be live music from Toronto's DJ Majesty, along with author readings, and refreshments.

"The Toronto Arts Council (TAC) is the City of Toronto's funding body for artists and arts organizations. Since 1974, TAC has played a major role in the city's cultural industries by supporting a very broad range of artistic activity. From the emerging artist to the most established, from celebrated institutions to arts that challenge convention, TAC is typically the first funder to offer support. Through our ongoing funding, TAC cultivates a rich engagement between artists and audiences. We are proud to reflect Toronto's vibrancy through the diversity of artists, arts communities and audiences that we serve." - Toronto Arts Council website

Registration for the Toronto Urban Book Expo continues, and information is posted online on the Kya Publishing website. Inquiries can also be forwarded to TUBE@kyapublishing.com.

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Kya Publishing Partners with the SEATTLE URBAN BOOK EXPO

TORONTO, ONT (May 2018) - Kya Publishing has established a partnership with the annual Seattle Urban Book Expo and event organizer Jeffrey Lee Cheatham II for 2018. The partnership will encourage cross-promotion and international attendance for both the Seattle Urban Book Expo and Kya Publishing's Toronto Urban Book Expo taking place on Friday, August 3, 2018 at the Toronto Public Library's Parkdale Branch from 4pm to 8pm.

Cheatham, a Seattle-based children's author, attended the Toronto Urban Book Expo as a vendor in 2016 and 2017, and has also been hosting his book fair for the past two years. The Seattle Urban Book Expo features published and independent writers showcasing their writing projects and related products, with a mandate to endorse and promote local talent and Washington's African-American culture.

"We have worked closely with Kya Publishing over the years, and are glad to make this association official," said Cheatham. "I appreciate the presence of our events and how we have been able to connect with other writers as a result. I hope that our partnership continues to brings awareness to both American and Canadian authors, and give them an accessible opportunity to travel across the continent to celebrate the love of books!"

The Seattle Urban Book Expo will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at the Centilia Cultural Centre from 1pm to 5pm, and is a free and family-friendly event for the Seattle arts community. Participants of both Book Expos will receive additional benefits and registration incentives for taking part in the Toronto and Seattle events this August.

For additional information on the Seattle Urban Book Expo, please visit their websitewww.seattleurbanbookexpo.com or email Jeffrey Lee Cheatham II at subexpoinfo@gmail.com.

Registration for the Toronto Urban Book Expo continues, and information is posted online on the Kya Publishing website. Inquiries can also be forwarded to TUBE@kyapublishing.com



Thursday, May 24, 2018

Kya Publishing Partners with Cleveland's ELEVATED WAVES for Toronto Urban Book Expo Activities

TORONTO, ONT (July 2017) - Kya Publishing has partnered with Cleveland-based publishing company Elevated Waves for events surrounding their 5th annual Toronto Urban Book Expo, taking place on Friday, August 3, 2018 at the Toronto Public Library's Parkdale Branch (1303 Queen Street West) from 4pm to 8pm.

The Book Expo takes place during Toronto's celebratory Simcoe Day long weekend (also the weekend of the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival, and Toronto hip hop recording artist Drake's OVO musical festival), and is one of many activities that draws tourists and international artists to the city. Elevated Waves Publishing Corp., founded by Cleveland author Jameel Davis, will be hosting a series of networking events and coordinating access to cultural activities during the Book Expo weekend, through this newly established collaboration with Kya Publishing.

"I love the energy of Toronto," said Jameel Davis, on a recent visit to the Canadian city. "The creative vibe here has inspired me to want to get to know the writing community and connect with my Canadian readers, but also to become familiar with the entertainment and arts community as well. This partnership with Kya Publishing is a great way for Elevated Waves to integrate with the Canadian cultural community, and also encourage my American peers to expand their reach as well."

The 5th annual Toronto Urban Book Expo is the only Canadian event dedicated to celebrating urban literature and culture. The event features published and independent writers selling their books at a free and family-friendly book fair. Live hip hop, R&B, reggae, and soca music will once again be provided by Toronto's DJ Majesty. Attendees of the Book Expo will now also be able to experience a range of other activities with Elevated Waves, while they celebrate the 5th year of the event.

"Elevated Waves is a great partner for the Toronto Urban Book Expo," said Kya Publishing founder Stacey Marie Robinson. "Both companies are dedicated to celebrating writers, celebrating culture, and by joining forces it will only make the weekend more fulfilling for all participants!"

The itinerary surrounding the Toronto Urban Book Expo will include daily events, restaurant recommendations, and cultural entertainment starting on Wednesday, August 1 through the holiday Monday, August 6. For details on the planned events, please visit Elevated Waves site at, at https://authorjameeldavis.wordpress.com/2018-toronto-carnival-retreat/.

Registration for vendors at the Toronto Urban Book Expo remains open at www.kyapublishing.com/tube.html.

Tuesday, May 01, 2018

Registration Begins for Kya Publishing's 2018 Toronto Urban Book Expo

TORONTO, ONT (May 2018) - Registration is now underway for the Toronto Urban Book Expo (TUBE), presented by Toronto publishing and communications company Kya Publishing. The 5th annual book fair is scheduled to take place on Friday, August 3, 2018 at the Toronto Public Library's Parkdale Branch (1303 Queen Street West, Toronto) from 4pm to 8pm.

TUBE is the only Canadian event dedicated to celebrating urban fiction and culture; over the years it has also become a hub for African- and Caribbean-Canadian writers, as well as African-American author participants. The Expo will feature published and independent writers selling their books and related products at a free and family-friendly gathering. Live urban and Caribbean music will once again be provided by Toronto's DJ Majesty, to enhance the cultural tone for the affair.

"Kya Publishing welcomes registration requests from all writers," said founder Stacey Marie Robinson. "We look forward to inviting both local and international authors to present with us in the city, and we are excited to celebrate urban literature and culture during Toronto's Caribbean festival holiday weekend."

Taking place during the Simcoe Day long weekend in Ontario (also known as carnival/"Caribana" weekend in Toronto, for supporters of the Caribbean celebration), the city will be buzzing with tourists and locals alike, out to enjoy the city's diverse culture.

Kya Publishing, a boutique publishing and communications company, promotes and celebrates contemporary urban literature and Caribbean culture through their books, services, research, events, and community initiatives. The annual Book Expo was established in 2014 in support of independent authors, and to increase urban literacy through familiar texts and cultural subject matter.

Authors, cultural organizations, publishers, and bookstores are welcome to register for #TUBE2018 by visiting the Kya Publishing website. Information about the event--including registration guides and visitor's packages--are also available online at www.kyapublishing.com/tube.html, or can be obtained by email request to TUBE@kyapublishing.com.

"Our event is growing, and the independent writing community is embracing this opportunity to share stories, network with like-minded artists, and enjoy the city of Toronto," said Robinson. "We appreciate the support we've received over the years from the participants and attendees, and look forward to continuing to provide the city with access to these important books and significant texts."


Thursday, March 01, 2018

Kya Publishing Highlights CARIBBEAN WOMEN IN MUSIC with DJ Majesty Soca/Reggae Mix and Article

TORONTO, ONT (March 2018) - Counting down to International Woman's Day this month (March 8), Toronto-based publishing and communications company Kya Publishing has just released a tribute article and musical mix in celebration of Caribbean Women in Music.

Inspired by new female artists on the soca and reggae music scene and their energetic appearances during Trinidad's Carnival season, Jamaican singer Shenseea and Trinidadian songstress Nailah Blackman are highlighted as a force to continue the vibrant legacy of women in Caribbean music. Along with local Toronto recording artists, and a brilliant list of contributions, the quick 30-minute mix is a jump start to a month of celebration and decades of legacy.

"Music is the driving force behind everything we do at Kya Publishing," said founder Stacey Marie Robinson. "We've been working with DJ Majesty to help us curate the perfect sound for our projects, to create an energetic environment at our events, and to interpret what we do with literature...through music."

DJ Majesty, a native of Toronto with Bajan roots, has been a versatile expert in mixing and producing urban vibes in the city for over fifteen years. A force on the promotional entertainment team of Jus Blaize, he is deeply connected to the music and energy of the city as well as the Caribbean culture at large.

"Majesty is the official DJ of our organization, and understands the connection between what we listen do and what we write as urban communicators," said Robinson. "This mix is a wonderful tribute to reggae and soca music, and the best way we know how to pay our respects to the ladies who fill our airspace with their talents."

The mix can be heard via Kya Publishing's Soundcloud page, along with other mixes created by DJ Majesty over the years to support Kya Publishing's writing projects and events.

The tribute article (including a featured list of 101 female Caribbean recording artists) is now posted on Kya Publishing's "Urban Toronto Tales" blog.

Along with curating urban music, Kya Publishing also exclusively sells Canadian Urban Fiction novels, and offers communication and publishing services to the urban cultural community. This year they will host their 5th annual Toronto Urban Book Expo (an urban book fair) during Toronto's Caribbean Carnival weekend: Friday, August 3, 2018 at the Toronto Public Library's Parkdale Branch from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

"We love the culture!" said Robinson. "The books, the music, the performances, the history...everything. This mix and tribute article are just a small token of thanks to the women in the Caribbean music industry who inspire us every day."







Monday, January 29, 2018

Celebrating Black Authors at the Toronto Urban Book Expo

TORONTO, ONT (February 2018) - In celebration of Black History Month, independent publishing company Kya Publishing is highlighting the black authors who have participated in their signature event--the Toronto Urban Book Expo--over the past four years.

The Book Expo began in 2014 as a tribute to local writers and as an outlet for independent writers and self-published authors to promote, display, and sell their books. With an initial participant count of 8 vendors, Kya Publishing has seen author interest and international attendance grow steadily over the years.

Since the inaugural Toronto Urban Book Expo during the Toronto Public Library's Black History Month program in February of 2014, there have been approximately 70 writers who have honoured the Kya Publishing event with their presence.

"As we approach the fifth annual Toronto Urban Book Expo, we want to thank all of the authors who have officially supported this event as vendors, hosts, speakers, and ambassadors," said Kya Publishing founder and event administrator Stacey Marie Robinson. "The response from the U.S. has been particularly encouraging; it's a great opportunity for the writers to network, and also for the readers to have a nice range of urban cultural literature."

Participating authors over the years have included:

CANADIAN AUTHORS

Adrian Sterling
Akwasi Afriyie
Allan Brentt Hood
Andree Nicole
Angela Walcott
Angelot Ndongmo
Ava Knight
Bernadette Hood
Breanna Chanelle
Dalton Higgins
Dane Swan
Jaden Amber Taylor
Janine Carrington
Jennylynd James
John Robinson Jr.
Josephine Casey
Kamilah Haywood
Kebrina Morgan
Kelvin Gumbs
Kwame Osei
Latania Christie
Lavern Lewis
Makini Smith
Mathis Bailey
Matthew L. Taylor
Mutendei Nabutete
Nadine Chevolleau
Ndija Anderson Yantha
Olive Rose Steele
Pamela Mordecai
Peter James
Randall Mitchell
Robert Small
Simone DaCosta
Stacey Marie Robinson
Yusuf Abubakar

AMERICAN AUTHORS

Christopher Signal (Ohio)
Deborah Watkins (New York)
Edquina Washington (Pennsylvania)
Jameel Davis (Ohio)
Erika L. Farmer (Maryland)
JL Crayton (Florida)
Jeffrey Lee Cheatham II (Washington)
Jessica Tamara (New York)
Kawana Moore (New York)
Key Porter (Washington)
KL Hall (Virginia)
Queen Tastee Thoughts (South Carolina)
Mariah James (New York)
Melissa Jones (Florida)
Precious Champegnie (Maryland)
Shannon Spruill (New York)
Shataya Simms (Pennsylvania)
Ms Tee (New York)
Tramona Ford (Pennsylvania)
Tristan Jackson (Texas)
Sincere James (Texas)
Chase Monet (Michigan)
Domonique Pequet (Louisiana)
Ebony Stroder (Indiana)
Fanchon Stylezz (New York)
Jalissa Monique Brown (New Jersey)
Jedah Mayberry (Texas)
Kamesha Shropshire (Georgia)
Queen Rella (Pennsylvania)
Sammodah Speaks (Georgia)
Sheila L. Brown (New York)
Tawanda Amos (Maryland)

"Many authors enjoy operating independently of the mainstream publishing industry. Whether by default or by choice, the Book Expo offers an alternate environment for book sales and communication to take place," said Robinson. "Every major city in America has a black and/or urban book festival to represent the urban and cultural writers in their communities. We are pleased to offer a similar platform here in Toronto, and look forward to the continued growth of this literary celebration!"

This year's Toronto Urban Book Expo is scheduled for Friday, August 3, 2018 at the Toronto Public Library's Parkdale Branch. Registration will begin this month, and registration and sponsorship packages will be available through TUBE@kyapublishing.com, and via the Kya Publishing website: kyapublishing.com.


Saturday, January 20, 2018

Kya Publishing Launches Author Branding Kit for Trade Show Vendors

TORONTO, ONT (January 2018) Toronto-based independent publishing company Kya Publishing has just launched a new tool to assist authors with their vendor displays at book fairs, trade shows, special events, and for public sales opportunities.

The Author Branding Kit contains personalized items to aide in presentation and marketing for authors on the go, integrating the author's logo, name, and preferred colours to create an original setup.

"As we approach the fifth year of our Toronto Urban Book Expo, we appreciate how each author brings a unique presentation and style to their display table at our book fair, and other similar events," said Kya Publishing's Stacey Marie Robinson. "We've put together a great package where new authors--or veteran marketers--can get the basics for their vendor setup in one convenient location."

Items in the kit include:

-Personalized Drinkware (water bottles/cups/mugs/glasses)
-Trade Show Table Cloth (suitable for 10" x 10" tables)
-Dual Colour Tote Bag
-Hipster Sales Apron (a light, string-tied carrier for pens, business cards, and currency)
-Team Shirts (t-shirts/polos/hoodies/tanks)

"The Author Branding Kit is available year round, and is especially handy for authors who travel to more than one book fair a year," said Robinson. "Our goal is to make the process of selling books less hectic for the individual authors, and to give them the opportunity to worry about their product and their customers. We are happy to help with the rest, so they can concentrate on their craft!"

For details about ordering an Author Branding Kit, please contact Kya Publishing at services@kyapublishing.com.