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!

Written to be Heard

AUDIOBOOK GRANT

Black Girls Who Write has partnered with Spotify for Authors for the Written to be Heard Audiobook Grant for Black writers. This grant is sponsored by Spotify for Authors, and TYDEF Studios will produce the audiobook. This grant is to amplify self-published Black voices in literature. In addition, Black Girls Who Write’s marketing agency, The LIT Suite, will help with marketing strategy and cover design for the winning author. 

This is a continued partnership with Spotify for Authors, who is also the title sponsor for Black Girls Who Write’s It’s LIT! Literary Awards this year, and presenting the Best Black Audiobook award. 

The winner of this award will be notified in advance but publicly announced at this year’s It’s LIT! Literary Awards on November 7th, 2026, in Atlanta, GA. 

If you have any questions, please email info@blackgirlswhowrite.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Audiobook Grant is a grant administered by  Black Girls Who Write and supported by Spotify for Authors. It was created to support Black authors interested in bringing their stories into the audiobook space. The grant offers one author a fully funded audiobook production with Tydef Studios for their manuscript. 

    The grant is designed to help increase access, visibility, and opportunity for Black authors and storytellers pursuing audio publishing.

  • This opportunity is intended for Black authors and storytellers. Additional eligibility requirements, including age and manuscript requirements, can be found in the official application.

  • No. Depending on the application criteria, unpublished, self-published, and independently published writers may all be eligible to apply. However, the book must be completed and edited upon submission.

    Applicants should review the official guidelines carefully before submitting.

  • Grant support may include:

    • Funding toward audiobook production with  TYDEF Studios

    • Audiobook publishing consulting session with a Spotify employee

    • Marketing + Design support from Black Girls Who Write’s marketing agency, The LIT Suite

    • Industry resources and educational support

    • Visibility opportunities

    • Access to audiobook and publishing insights

    • (2) Tickets to Black Girls Who Write’s It’s LIT! Literary Awards Luncheon in Atlanta, GA.

    Specific details regarding grant support will be shared with selected recipients.

  • No. There is no cost to apply.

  • The selected applicant will be contacted directly upon completion of the review process. Timeline updates will be communicated through official Black Girls Who Write channels, as applicable. Please note that due to the volume of applications received, we may be unable to notify unsuccessful applicants individually.

  • Your manuscript must be between 30K - 90K words.

  • We welcome a wide range of storytelling, including but not limited to:

    • Romance

    • Literary Fiction

    • Fantasy/Sci-Fi

    • Young Adult/New Adult

    • Thriller/Mystery

    • Contemporary Fiction

    If your work tells a compelling story, we encourage you to apply.

  • Friday, July 31 at 11:59 PM EST

  • Applications will be reviewed based on criteria such as storytelling strength, originality, creative vision, and alignment with the goals of the program.

  • Yes. Self-published and independent authors are encouraged to apply unless otherwise stated in the official eligibility requirements.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page or info@blackgirlswhowrite.com.

  • Applicants are welcome to submit multiple manuscripts, provided they are not in audiobook format and meet all applicable grant requirements.

honorary awards

Lifetime Achievement
Legacy Achievement

Pearl Cleage

Tayari Jones

ALEXANDRA WARREN

The Game Changer Award

ASIA MONIQUE

The Game Changer Award

GYRL WONDER

MARA BROCK AKIL

She Be Workin'

The Hype Community Award

NICOLE FALLS

The Founders Award

too lit! award nominees

author queen nominees

author king nominees

nominees for best new author

Best Black Audio Book

presented by

nominees for best narrator

nominees for best magazine

nominees for best screenwriter

nominees for best journalist

best women’s fiction nominees

best historical romance nominees

best non-fiction nominees

best collaborative book series nominees

best book series nominees

best urban nominees

best interracial/multi-racial nominees

best holiday romance nominees

best Black romance nominees

best erotica nominees

best dark romance nominees

best poly/why choose nominees

best queer romance nominees

best novella nominees

best rom-com nominees

best sports romance nominees

best paranormal nominees

best mystery/thriller nominees

best poetry book nominees

best new/young adult nominees

best children’s book nominees

best book store nominees

best literary creator nominees

best bookish podcast nominees

best bookish vlog nominees

best book club nominees