Publishers Weekly is reporting that independent children’s book publisher Lee & Low is forming a new multicultural science fiction and fantasy imprint called Tu Books. The first of their books, for middle-grade and teen (YA) audiences will appear in Autumn 2011.
PW quotes Lee & Low Publisher Jason Low: “Increasing our offerings in both the MG and YA markets is something Lee & Low has wanted to do for some time. Our customers have asked for books for older readers with the same emphasis on cultural diversity that we have applied to our picture books.”
Tu Books describes its mission: “Fantasy and science fiction, mystery and historical fiction—these genres draw in readers like no other. Yet it is in these genres that readers of color might feel most like an outsider, given that such a large percentage features white characters (when they feature human characters). It is the goal of Tu Books to publish genre books for children and young adults that fills this gap in the market—and more importantly, this gap in serving our readers. By focusing on diverse settings and characters in fantastic stories, we also open up worlds to all readers.”
Tu Books was created by Stacy Whitman, who will serve as editorial director of the imprint. She plans to publish three books per season, and is already reading submissions (see this page for writers’ guidelines.
Whitman, who was previously an editor at the Wizards of the Coast YA imprint Mirrorstone, originally started Tu Books as an independent publisher, and funded it through donations raised via the fundraising web site Kickstarter. Seeing her success there (she raised more than $10,000), Whitman made contact and signed the company as an imprint. They’re planning to return the donations.