Melanin in YA Expansion
Donation protected
In August 2020, Melanin in YA , an online database for all things Black in traditional young adult publishing, soft launched. With the help of supporters, Melanin in YA was able to buy its domain, cover hosting fees, hire a graphic designer, and get every YA book in stock at a local B&N to give away to readers. Since its official launch this past January 2021, plans for Melanin in YA have expanded and Melanin in YA is now registered as an LLC!
What is Melanin in YA?
Melanin in YA is the go-to resource for readers and professionals alike. The information we provide introduces international audiences to the work of Black creatives in the traditional young adult publishing space. Melanin in YA aims to become the ultimate database for every Young Adult book that’s ever been traditionally published. The database gives readers across the globe new avenues for inspiration and entertainment. The database provides instant access to historical knowledge and acts as a cross-referencing tool for students, teachers, and librarians researching Black young adult writers. The database provides easy access to contact information for industry professionals including but not limited to program administrators for conventions across the United States.
Melanin in YA was founded in response to a culmination of events showcasing the lack of support for the Black community, specifically in the publishing industry, particularly in the young adult age category. With an increase in statements from publishers supporting Black Lives and zero follow through reflecting in these company practices of traditionally excluding and undeserving the Black community, accountability was necessary. With that, Melanin in YA was born. The mission for Melanin in YA is to provide a hub of information to amplify Black voices, making this a no excuses database in the YA space.
Since its launch as a website, Melanin in YA has been featured in Publishers Weekly and The Skimm as well as featured on the YA Podcast and Everything is Canon Podcast .
How will Melanin in YA be self-sustaining?
Melanin in YA aims to open an online merchandise shop, sell ad space, as well as provide more in depth data and hidden directories behind a paywall (which currently is available to Patreon and newsletter subscribers only).
The products Melanin in YA will create for those who reside in the United States are intended to spread awareness about the Melanin in YA brand which amplifies Black authors in the young adult publishing space. By creating wearable merchandise, we can introduce more readers to the Melanin in YA database and therefore, open up the opportunity for readers to find authors and books new to them to read.
In order to begin work on the online store and expand the Melanin in YA brand, I am asking for your help. Here’s where the start up funds will go:
Month One - Estimated Budget: $7,850
Legal Fees (Consultation)
Operational Costs (P.O. Box, Office & Shipping Supplies)
Ecommerce Inventory
Marketing Budget
Overhead and Administrative Costs
GoFundMe Fee
Month Two - Estimated Budget: $7,850
Operational Costs (Grant Writer)
Ecommerce Inventory
Marketing Budget
Overhead and Administrative Costs
GoFundMe Fee
Month Three - Estimated Budget: $9,300
Legal Fees (Trademark)
Marketing Budget
Operational Costs (Hosting Improvements)
Overhead and Administrative Costs
GoFundMe Fee
Any extra funds raised will go to Overhead and Administrative Costs.
Thank you so much for your support! Happy reading!
What is Melanin in YA?
Melanin in YA is the go-to resource for readers and professionals alike. The information we provide introduces international audiences to the work of Black creatives in the traditional young adult publishing space. Melanin in YA aims to become the ultimate database for every Young Adult book that’s ever been traditionally published. The database gives readers across the globe new avenues for inspiration and entertainment. The database provides instant access to historical knowledge and acts as a cross-referencing tool for students, teachers, and librarians researching Black young adult writers. The database provides easy access to contact information for industry professionals including but not limited to program administrators for conventions across the United States.
Melanin in YA was founded in response to a culmination of events showcasing the lack of support for the Black community, specifically in the publishing industry, particularly in the young adult age category. With an increase in statements from publishers supporting Black Lives and zero follow through reflecting in these company practices of traditionally excluding and undeserving the Black community, accountability was necessary. With that, Melanin in YA was born. The mission for Melanin in YA is to provide a hub of information to amplify Black voices, making this a no excuses database in the YA space.
Since its launch as a website, Melanin in YA has been featured in Publishers Weekly and The Skimm as well as featured on the YA Podcast and Everything is Canon Podcast .
How will Melanin in YA be self-sustaining?
Melanin in YA aims to open an online merchandise shop, sell ad space, as well as provide more in depth data and hidden directories behind a paywall (which currently is available to Patreon and newsletter subscribers only).
The products Melanin in YA will create for those who reside in the United States are intended to spread awareness about the Melanin in YA brand which amplifies Black authors in the young adult publishing space. By creating wearable merchandise, we can introduce more readers to the Melanin in YA database and therefore, open up the opportunity for readers to find authors and books new to them to read.
In order to begin work on the online store and expand the Melanin in YA brand, I am asking for your help. Here’s where the start up funds will go:
Month One - Estimated Budget: $7,850
Legal Fees (Consultation)
Operational Costs (P.O. Box, Office & Shipping Supplies)
Ecommerce Inventory
Marketing Budget
Overhead and Administrative Costs
GoFundMe Fee
Month Two - Estimated Budget: $7,850
Operational Costs (Grant Writer)
Ecommerce Inventory
Marketing Budget
Overhead and Administrative Costs
GoFundMe Fee
Month Three - Estimated Budget: $9,300
Legal Fees (Trademark)
Marketing Budget
Operational Costs (Hosting Improvements)
Overhead and Administrative Costs
GoFundMe Fee
Any extra funds raised will go to Overhead and Administrative Costs.
Thank you so much for your support! Happy reading!
Organizer
Melody Simpson
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
