Visit Kya Publishing at Miami Book Fair 2020's Virtual Marketplace

TORONTO, ONT (November 2020) - Toronto's Kya Publishing will be featured at this year's Miami Book Fair. The 37th annual edition of the festival will take place from November 15 through November 22,  2020 with novels by Kya Publishing authors Kamilah Haywood and Stacey Marie Robinson featured in their Virtual Marketplace.

The Virtual Marketplace will feature booksellers, publishers, and nonprofit organizations focused on literacy and educational issues. Interested participants can join the festivities online: author readings and conversations, workshops, and children's presentations. 

The live streaming of 300+ authors starts November 15th in English, Spanish, and Creole.

For information, please visit: https://www.miamibookfaironline.com/.

Author Kamilah Haywood Launches Online Discussion Series: "Chuuch"

TORONTO, ONT (September 2020) Kya Publishing author Kamilah Haywood launched an online discussion show "Chuuch" to highlight thoughts, conversations, and progressive ideals from community members in the Greater Toronto Area. Co-hosted by artist relations manager, event curator, and social media strategist Amanda (@whit3agle), the two-hour digital sessions cover a range of topics from the education system to racial trauma.

An open forum, with various guests from the community, the co-hosts encourage  audience comments and dialogue. Kamilah's novels focus on social issues ranging from sex trafficking to drug abuse, and issues within the corrections system--using the platform of "Chuuch" to amplify current issues, share informed voices, and collaborate to make tangible advances is an extension of her written work.

The program is sponsored by Carat Productions, Fame Supply Co., Dine with Dee, and Kya Publishing. The next edition of "Chuuch" is taking place on Sunday, October 4. For additional program details, contact kamilah@kyapublishing.com.

Kya Publishing Releases Results of Black Writers' Survey

TORONTO, ONT. (August 2020) - Toronto-based publishing and communication company, Kya Publishing, issued a survey to document the concerns, needs, and opinions of Black writers who are creating original works in spite of a challenging publishing industry, and in light of heightened awareness of Black stories, perspectives, and leadership.

The survey, issued through social media and Kya Publishing's monthly newsletter, was available from July 6 through July 31, 2020 online. The results are now available, in hopes that the findings ignite increased dialogue and investigation into the needs of Black writers.

"The conversation around anti-Black racism, and inclusive perspectives in literature, film, and public narratives has definitely changed this year," said Kya Publishing owner Stacey Marie Robinson. "We interact with a number of Black writers every day, and wanted to hear their thoughts, personal objectives, and struggles specifically as Black writers."

With increased visibility of the Black Lives Matter movement, and increased opportunities given to Black voices in light of the community's protesting and demands for social justice, the organization endeavoured to collect the opinions and also words of advice to share amongst their peers.

"Our perspectives are key, during this moment in history," said Robinson. "Writers play a role in the communication of not only narratives, but also ideas and advances. We want to ensure that we continue to be heard, acknowledged, and supported as we tell the stories of our culture and educate generations to come."

Survey results are now available online, with hard copies of the report also available upon request.

A $50 online gift card was issued to one participant of the Black Writers' Survey through a random draw, to be used at Durham Region-based bookseller Notability.ca.