About Oba Kunta Octopus

Founded in 1995, Oba Kunta Octopus began as a creative design studio, deeply rooted in African visual culture. After years in mainstream design, the company evolved into a publishing house in 2016, driven by a mission to champion bold, politically resonant, and visually striking literary works from the African diaspora. Now based in the U.S., Oba Kunta is setting its sights on literary acclaim, dedicated to publishing original literary fiction, popular and genre fiction, thrillers, romantic suspense, romance (historical and contemporary), and political and cultural nonfiction—aiming for major awards and features in The New York Times, NPR, and beyond.

What We Do

At Oba Kunta Octopus, we provide powerful creative solutions for publishers, authors and agents, and we have a reputation for building long-term relationshis by crafting great books. Our services span writing, editing, book design, branding, marketing, consulting, and digital product development. We turn ideas into polished, market-ready assets—whether it's a beautifully designed book, a compelling brand identity, or a full-scale launch kit. Everything we create is rooted in strategy, culture, and purpose.

Oba Kunta Octopus curates books for unconventional readers with adventurous spirituality. We publish across genres and operate several imprints, but Oba Kunta focuses on trade publications—not academic textbooks or fee-for-service projects. Our mission is to champion gifted authors who speak to our audience, even when it’s financially risky.

We follow the traditional publishing model: the publisher covers all production costs, and authors earn royalties. We do not accept hybrid or pay-to-publish proposals. Every book we publish is fully vetted by our editorial advisory board.

Part of our mission is to discover bold new voices and to breathe fresh life into overlooked works, bringing them back to life and to new audiences. In doing so, we not only transform the careers of our authors but also expand the literary landscape for millions of readers worldwide.

Publishing at Oba Kunta Octopus

At Oba Kunta Octopus, we are more than a publishing house—we are a cultural movement. As an Afro-American-modernist publishing company, we champion bold voices and narratives that transcend borders and reshape how stories from America, Africa and its diaspora are told.

Our mission is to amplify a new generation of authors and to document the untold. We are drawn to stories that reflect a contemporary Africa, the experiences of African Americans, and immigrant perspectives around the world.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome submissions in fiction and nonfiction, with a focus on:

• Immigrant Voices – Stories of migration, belonging, identity, and reinvention.

• Women’s Fiction – Narratives that explore the depth and diversity of women’s lives.

• African Literary & Commercial Fiction – Both groundbreaking and accessible stories rooted in African realities.

• Historical Fiction – Works that reimagine or revisit Africa’s past and its global intersections.

• Adventure Fiction – Page-turning tales of discovery, risk, and human spirit.

• Cosy Crime – Character-driven mysteries that intrigue without excessive violence.

• Self-Help & Personal Growth – Practical, inspiring guides that empower readers to live better.

• Art & Design – Works that celebrate creativity, aesthetics, and visual culture.

• Experimental & Poetic Prose – Writing that breaks form, blends genres, and takes creative risks.

We seek culturally vibrant, politically engaged, and intergenerational storytelling. Whether literary, commercial, or experimental, we are committed to works with substance, soul, and story.

Why Publish with Us?

We don’t just publish books—we craft new experiences for readers. Every title we champion is nurtured through editorial care, design excellence, and a marketing approach that ensures your work reaches the audiences it deserves.

What We Stand For

• The Author Relationship – We do more than publish books; we help authors grow their influence.

• The Audience & Mission – We support adventurous spirituality for unconventional readers.

• The Highest Standards – From editing to design to the quality of ideas, excellence is non-negotiable.

Our Publishing Experience

• Design – Authors collaborate closely with our designers on covers, interiors, and titles. We offer expert advice for diagrams and photographs, plus optional professional enhancements.

• Production – World-class print and digital production, managed for quality and efficiency.

• Marketing – Strategic outreach tailored to each title and its audience

• Royalties – Standard: 15% (print), 30% (e-book/audiobook); Partnership: 5% (print), 20% (e-book/audiobook).

Global Distribution

We partner with IngramSpark, providing access to 40,000+ retailers, libraries, and schools worldwide—both online and in-store. Our print-on-demand (POD) model reduces waste, supports sustainability, and allows us to take more creative risks with debut authors.

Beyond Publishing

We are deeply committed to building and sustaining our authors’ careers. Every manuscript is edited with care and passion, and every cover is crafted with a sharp focus on connecting the book to its ideal readers. We connect authors with top-tier professional services for editing, design, and promotion. Contact us for recommendations tailored to your needs.

If you would like to submit your work to us, please read our submission guidelines.