Ankara Press, originally launched in 2014 as a romance imprint, is back and bolder than ever. Rebranded as the commercial arm of Cassava Republic Press, Ankara Press is expanding its vision to bring readers across the globe the rich, diverse, and electrifying Black stories the world has been waiting for.
Guided by the pillars of community, diversity, and creativity, Ankara Press is stepping confidently into new terrain. From steamy, heart-stopping romances to high-stakes thrillers, sweeping fantasy, bold horror, and thought-provoking nonfiction, the imprint is creating space for the full spectrum of Black life and imagination. Its offerings span continents from Lagos to Los Angeles, Kingston to Kigali capturing joy, heartbreak, mystery, and healing in stories that are playful, fun, and fiercely hopeful.
The relaunch lineup sets the tone for what’s to come. It includes a hilarious and sexy women’s fiction duology by South African author Zibu Sithole, as well as a collaboration with pop culture platform Zikoko to produce a nonfiction anthology filled with unfiltered, laugh-out-loud stories about love, sex, and relationships from across Nigeria.
But Ankara Press isn’t stopping at books. The imprint is building a movement curating real-life connections through merchandise like colouring books and conversation cards, and hosting events designed to bring Black readers, writers, and dreamers together. These in-person experiences are part of a larger mission to create spaces where Black stories are seen, heard, and celebrated beyond the digital sphere.
Publishing Director at Cassava Republic Press, Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, says,
“At Ankara Press, we believe that joy is a radical force, that community is the heart of storytelling, and that every Black experience deserves to be seen. Our books span romance, thrillers, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and nonfiction, but at their heart, they are about connection. We want our readers to encounter each other in real life, beyond the digital noise, and rediscover the power of storytelling as a force for community.”
Ankara Press officially launches in Summer 2026 and is now open for submissions. For more information, kindly click here.
Agents and representatives looking to get in touch can reach out to Assistant Editor, Tito Sanusi at tito.sanusi@cassavarepublic.biz. For media inquiries, review copies, or interview requests, please contact Rhoda Nuhu at marketing@cassavarepublic.biz.
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
