Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I submit to the Melanin Library?
  Complete the form found on the Submit page.
• What's the purpose of the Melanin Library?
  The purpose of the Melanin Library is to create a space to help discover Black stories written by Black authors, whether their books are self-published, traditionally published, or independently published.
• What are the requirements for submitting to the Melanin Library?
  The book must be written by a Black author, and the book must feature Black characters (or people, if non-fiction).
• I self-published my book, can I submit it to the Melanin Library?
  Yes, if it meets the requirements for submission.
• What is a Melanin Spotlight book?
  Books in the Melanin Spotlight are paid advertisements. More information can be found on our Spotlight Application page.
• Can I return a book to the Melanin Library?
  No. Books are not sold directly through the Melanin Library, so books should be returned according to the policies of whichever platform you bought it through.
• I'm Bi-racial (Black and something else), can I submit my book to the Melanin Library?
  Of course! As long as your book features Black characters or people, then we encourage you to submit your book. You can do that by filling out the submission form on the Submit page.
• I'm a non-Black Person of Color (POC), can I submit my book to the Melanin Library?
  No. While we support your creativity and wish you the most success with your book, our platform is dedicated to uplifting Black authors. We ask that you respect our mission.
• I am not Black, can I still submit my book to the Melanin Library?
  No. While we support your creativity and wish you the most success with your book, our platform is dedicated to uplifting Black authors. We ask that you respect our mission.
• I'm Black and submitted my book. Why isn't it showing in the Melanin Library?
  Because the Melanin Library is a resource for finding Black authors, we do “confirm Blackness” before approving a book. If your book hasn't been approved, it is most likely because we could not confirm your identity in association with your book. It could also be due to missing information upon submission such as a purchase link. If you believe your book has been omitted by error, then please contact us.
• Can I submit books that I didn't write to the Melanin Library?
  Yes! We encourage others to submit books to the Melanin Library so that it will be continually growing and reflect all genres and interests, however, the requirements for it to be added remain firm – the author of the book must be Black and feature Black characters or people.
  
  You can submit the book Submit page.
• Will you review my book for the Melanin Library and/or provide me with feedback?
  We greatly appreciate you wanting our opinion on your work! While it is rare that we accept review requests, we do from time to time. You can request a review by emailing us at Info@MelaninLibrary.com.
  
  Please keep in mind this is simply a request and does not guarantee a review. Reviews are voluntary and done according to the personal preference of the reviewer.
• Can I suggest a book by another author for the Melanin Library to review?
  We greatly appreciate you wanting our opinion on your work! While it is rare that we accept review requests, we do from time to time. You can request a review by emailing us at Info@MelaninLibrary.com.
  
  Please keep in mind this is simply a request and does not guarantee a review. Reviews are voluntary and done according to the personal preference of the reviewer.
• Can I submit my book if it hasn't released yet?
  If you have a cover and a pre-order link, and you meet the other requirements for submitting, then yes! You can submit the book to us on the Submit page.
• I'm a Black author who does not write Black characters, can I still submit?
  No. The mission of this website is to uplift Black stories written by Black authors. If you have questions or concerns regarding this, please reach out to the Melanin Library via email.
• I'm a white author who writes Black characters, can I still submit?
  No. While we support your creativity and wish you the most success in your endeavors, our platform is dedicated to uplifting Black authors. We ask that you respect our mission.
• Can I pay to have my book or product featured and/or promoted on the website?
  Yes! Please visit our Spotlight Application page for more information.
• Can I pay to have an author featured on the Melanin Library?
  Yes! Please visit our Spotlight Application page for more information.
• Does the Melanin Library promote products other than books?
  Not at this time. If you have a product you would like the Melanin Library to promote, please email us at Info@MelaninLibrary.com
• Can the Melanin Library share my platform as an author along with my books?
  Currently, the Melanin Library does not offer that feature.
• Have you read [some book title]?
  Possibly. The books we have read and reviewed can be found on Goodreads, Storygraph, and the Written in Melanin YouTube channel.
• Can you recommend me books?
  The Melanin Library is a resource for awareness and not an endorsement of any book.
• Does the Melanin Library use affiliate links?
  Yes. This means that the Melanin Library will receive a small commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking one of the links on our site. The price of the item does not change for you – meaning, you won't be charged extra for it.
• Can I send you stuff in the mail?
  No.