These are critical times when authentic and conscious discussions surrounding race, class, and gender are of the utmost importance. Many authors are taking this opportunity to speak to such topics from their own lived experience. Readers are hungry for works with diverse voices to help create an informed citizenry. The written word is as powerful as it has ever been in this magnificent new milieu.
To align with this need, we are transitioning from The Intercultural Alliance of Artists and Scholars, Inc. (IAAS) into a new nonprofit, 2Leaf Press, Inc. And in order to focus all my efforts on deepening the vitally important partnership with University of Chicago Press, I am stepping down as Executive Director and passing the torch to Stephanie Agosto, who will lead the administration of 2Leaf Press Inc. Our vision at 2Leaf Press is to publish books that make a difference in the world; and when people read one of our books, they are moved to rethink their positions and be open to change. Our mission then is to foster a universal passion for reading through our multicultural poets, authors, artists, activists, and scholars who communicate stories and ideas that inform, entertain, educate, inspire, and connect them with you. We are dedicated to providing an eclectic mixture of writers who would not otherwise be published by the mainstream media.
2Leaf Press is one of the few black/brown female led publishing company in the nation, and the first to be backed by University of Chicago Press, one of the oldest and most prestigious distributors in the world, which facilitates the printing, distribution, and promotion of its books. Our catalog is jam-packed with powerful 2Leaf Press writers and activists who are encouraging conversations in the hopes of creating a more inclusive, just society. Please enjoy perusing all of our book offerings at University of Chicago Press’ website.
The formidable marketing department of University of Chicago Press focuses on selling our titles to bookstores and libraries before they are published. Its marketing department ensures publicity and promotions are conducted in the United States, as well as from its satellite offices in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. Coupled with our own robust promotional outreach to teachers and activists, this broader international distribution ensures millions of readers have access to books published by 2Leaf Press. With this distribution, 2Leaf Press moves forward to becoming an internationally-acclaimed press.
We are at a crossroads and we need your help. Today’s digital technology seemingly allows one to cost effectively publish books with considerable ease, but it still costs about $8,000 per book. These costs include editing, translators, copy editing, cover design, layout, ISBNs, copyright notices, proofs, and print runs. And let’s not forget website updates, marketing and social media, as well as administrative and bookkeeping duties. As a grassroots initiative, we’ve relied on an amazing group of volunteers to help produce high-quality books that strongly compete with major publishers. We’ve cut corners considerably by thinking outside the box. But there is simply no way around the need to ask for the financial support of our community.
Our immediate fundraising goal is to meet a partnership payment of $12,000 to University of Chicago Press by August 31, 2019. This payment represents an accumulation of printing and processing fees. While they have been extremely supportive, a payment must be made to University of Chicago Press by the end of August or this dynamic partnership comes to an end. An investment today will ensure the strategic partnership between 2Leaf Press and University of Chicago Press and fulfill the first stage of our 2019 fundraising goals.
Won’t you please join your friends in making a generous contribution to help 2Leaf Press reach its $12,000 goal before August 31st? All donations are tax deductible and each donor will be publicly recognized here. Click here to make your contribution through Unique Projects Inc., our fiscal sponsor, and select 2Leaf Press from the dropdown menu today!
On behalf of the multicultural writers who share their stories through fiction, nonfiction, and poetry – thank you for being an ally.
Gabrielle David
Note: If you would prefer to write a check, please make it payable to Unique Projects, Inc. with 2Leaf Press’ name in the memo line, and mail to 2Leaf Press, PO Box 4378, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163.
