It’s an exciting leap forward for diversity in publishing!
The Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, has launched Storehouse Voices, a groundbreaking imprint dedicated to amplifying Black voices in literature. Developed in partnership with Tamira Chapman, the visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist behind Storehouse In A Box, this new initiative is a powerful move to reshape the narrative in the literary world, ensuring that the richness of Black storytelling is heard and celebrated on a broader scale.
Born from a deep commitment to equity and representation, Storehouse Voices will publish both nonfiction and fiction works that honor the diverse experiences of Black people while providing a platform for emerging voices from the African diaspora in literature. Its mission goes beyond simply acquiring books; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem for Black writers, one rooted in community engagement, mentorship, and authentic representation.
Chapman, the founder and CEO of Storehouse In A Box (SIAB), a global merchandising company named the eighth-fastest-growing woman-led enterprise in the world in 2022. Chapman and SIAB previously partnered with Penguin Random House to develop the Women & Words program, which offered networking opportunities and virtual workshops connecting aspiring authors to literary agents. The program registered more than 10,000 Black women in just thirty days, with thousands attending each session and numerous authors securing representation. From that initiative, Chapman has spurred this new imprint. Now, as Publisher of Storehouse Voices, Chapman brings that same dedication and expertise to the literary world, where she hopes to break down barriers and provide a home for underrepresented Black authors.
Chapman is joined by an exceptional editorial team, including Porscha Burke, the imprint’s Associate Publisher, and Jennifer Baker, its Editorial Director. Both are deeply respected figures in the publishing world, with decades of experience championing underrepresented voices. Burke, who previously served as Senior Editor and Director of DEI Strategy at Crown and Random House Publishing, has worked with some of the most iconic Black authors of our time, including Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison. Baker, a versatile editor and creator of the Minorities in Publishing podcast, has acquired and published works by authors such as Jenifer Lewis and Tiffany Haddish. Together, they bring their wealth of knowledge and commitment to diversifying the literary landscape to their new roles.
“We’re creating a home for Black voices and celebrating the richness of diverse storytelling. I’m deeply grateful to the tens of thousands of Black women whose passion and dedication to excellence in literature made this moment possible, and to David Drake, Porsche Burke, and Penguin Random House for their leadership and belief in the importance of amplifying Black voices. Diverse authors have a home here, and we call on the brightest talent in publishing to join us in reshaping the narrative. Together, we will tell bold, inclusive stories that honor our experiences, amplify our voices, and redefine the future of storytelling for generations to come,” said Chapman via press release.
In addition to championing stories with authenticity and respect, Storehouse Voices will also offer a community-based incubation model. The digital platform, storehousevoices.com, will allow authors to create detailed profiles to showcase their work, engage in community conversations, and connect with readers. The platform will include manuscript submission portals, sample chapters, and integrated review and rating systems. The goal is not just to publish books but to build a vibrant, supportive community for writers, readers, and agents alike.
“Tamira Chapman has long demonstrated an unwavering commitment to developing content that speaks to the experience of the audiences she serves and that fosters an authentic sense of community. Crown is honored to partner with her and the talented team at Storehouse Voices to break some publishing molds that have long needed to be broken to better serve diverse authors and readers,” said David Drake, President of the Crown Publishing Group
For more information on Chapman’s new Storehouse Voices imprint, visit www.storehousevoices.com.
Cover photo: Entrepreneur Tamira Chapman Launches New ‘Storehouse Voices’ Publishing Imprint to Amplify Black Storytelling/Photo Credit: Storehouse Voices