Black in Academia Call for Submissions

Proposal: Shades of Excellence – A Lauren Simone Publishing House Project

Lauren Simone Publishing House is excited to announce an upcoming anthology, Shades of Excellence, which aims to amplify the voices and experiences of 100 Black academics across the diaspora, in numerous disciplines, from several U.S. states, and in various stages of their careers. This book, edited by Dr. Christiana Best, Dr. Vangella Buchanan, Dr. Kaydian Reid, and Dr. Melissa-Sue John, will serve as a powerful collection of stories detailing what it has been like to navigate academia as Black, Indigenous, and other professionals of color, dealing with unique challenges and triumphs in the face of systemic issues.

Call for Submissions: We are seeking well-written, novel, and deeply personal stories from Black academics about their experiences working with professors, colleagues, students, and staff. These stories should touch on themes such as:

• Intersectionality: How multiple aspects of identity—race, gender, age, class, sexuality, etc.—have shaped your experience.
• Racism and Stereotyping: Reflections on encounters with explicit or subtle racism, microaggressions, and the pervasive stereotype of Black or Hispanic incompetence in academic spaces.
• Immigrant Bias: If applicable, explain how immigrant status or national origin (e.g. Africa, China, or Mexico) influenced your career trajectory and interactions within the academy.

We seek stories that connect with the wider academic context and provide personal, detailed reflections on how these issues have shaped your journey, professional growth, and contributions to your field. These narratives may be autobiographical accounts or anonymous, third-person storytelling. Provide references for generalizations.

Publication Details:

• Lauren Simone Publishing House will cover all expenses related to the production and marketing of the book.
• These expenses will be recouped from book sales, with all contributors sharing royalties evenly.
• Marketing will be a collaborative effort, with contributors expected to promote the book through their networks, presentations, and academic events.
• The book will be published on Amazon and available in both print and digital formats.

Submission Guidelines:

• All stories must be original, unpublished works between 2,000 and 5,000 words.
• Your submission must be well-edited and provide a compelling, authentic narrative of your academic journey.
• Depending on the volume of submissions, the book will be divided into chapters based on themes, academic discipline, years of experience, or other relevant categories.

Submit:

1. 1. Signed contract
   2. Original manuscript (2000-5000 words)
   3. Profile including:
      • First name and last name
      • Preferred email address
      • Phone number
      • Gender
      • Race
      • Current state
      • Last academic position
      • Current position
      • Field of study
      • LinkedIn profile
   4. Biography (150-300 words to be included in the book)
   5. Professional headshot (to be included in the book)

Submit by March 28, 2025

Decisions will be shared by April 30, 2025.

Spread the Word: Please feel free to share this opportunity with other Black academics who may be interested in contributing their stories.

This is a rare opportunity to contribute to an essential and overdue conversation about race and academia. We look forward to receiving your submission and working together to create a collection that will inspire, challenge, and educate future generations of academics and beyond.

For more information, please contact us at laurensimonepubs@gmail.com

Sincerely,
Lauren Simone Publishing House