At Black Girls Who Write, we don’t wait for others to recognize US and OUR accomplishments—we celebrate each other, loudly and proudly. The IT’S LIT! Literary Awards is our way of giving Black authors their well-deserved flowers, especially Black Indie Authors, by amplifying their voices, honoring their talent, and making sure their work gets the recognition it deserves.
This is more than an awards ceremony—it’s a movement. Powered by community voting, the IT’S LIT! Literary Awards puts the spotlight on the storytellers shaping culture, challenging narratives, and reflecting the richness of Black experiences on the page.
Join us in making sure Black storytelling continues to thrive. Because when we tell our stories, the world listens—and that’s why IT’S LIT!
The next chapter is yours to write.
Spotify Audiobook Selects is a new publishing program offering indie authors professional audio production, upfront payment, promotion, and distribution to Spotify listeners around the world. Twice a year, Spotify Audiobooks Selects will request manuscripts around a specific theme.
Spotify’s new publishing program offers indie authors professional audio production, upfront payment, promotion, and access to Spotify listeners around the world. Take a chance to find your biggest audience yet!
Submissions open now and close on April 30, 2026.
The current theme: Swoon-worthy tropes. Check out the submission page to dive into more of the program’s benefits, hear from their first round of authors, and more.