Akoma Coffee & Books

Black Dot Publishing

Your book deserves more than one path to its readers.

Practical publishing guidance from an author and bookseller who understands what happens after the manuscript is finished.

Kazemde Ajamu speaking on a panel at the Collecting, Researching, and Writing While Black Conference at Auburn Avenue Research Library in 2024.

Kazemde Ajamu speaking at the Collecting, Researching, and Writing While Black Conference at Auburn Avenue Research Library in 2024.

Why this work matters

I learned this as an author, and then as a bookseller.

I published my own book through Amazon and believed it had entered the marketplace. As a bookseller, I learned that Amazon is one important channel, but not the whole book market. My book—and many self published books brought into Akoma—was missing from systems used by bookstores, libraries, schools, universities, and organizations.

Black Dot Publishing helps authors see those decisions earlier, protect ownership of their work, and build a practical path toward the readers and opportunities they want to reach.

Choose how to begin

You do not have to commit to a full publishing project to receive useful guidance. Start with the level of support that fits your book, your questions, and your budget.

Publishing Strategy Session

$125 introductory price

Bring your manuscript, questions, and goals to a focused private consultation. The session includes up to 60 minutes and a written summary of recommended next steps.

View the strategy session →

Assessments and Roadmaps

Starting at $375

Choose a manuscript and publishing assessment, a customized written roadmap, or continuing advisory support when the book needs more than one conversation.

Compare assessments and roadmaps →

Editing, proofreading, illustration, cover design, interior layout, formatting, printing preparation, and marketing execution are independently quoted. You receive a written scope, price, timeline, and deliverables before paid work begins.

Amazon belongs in the plan. It should not be the entire plan.

A strong publishing strategy makes the book available through every appropriate channel while preserving the author’s ownership and future options.

Reach individual readers

Amazon remains an important place for readers to discover and purchase books.

Enter the wider book trade

Distribution networks such as Ingram connect books with ordering systems used across the book market.

Prepare for institutional buyers

Bookstores, libraries, schools, universities, and organizations often buy through established trade channels rather than directly from Amazon.

Trusted creative partner

When your book needs marketing or a voice beyond the printed page

When an author needs specialized creative support, Black Dot Publishing may recommend Organized Movements and PrivíCast Studio for strategy, professional recording, audiobook and voiceover production, editing, and launch support.

Organized Movements + PrivíCast Studio

Support for authors who are ready to develop strong promotional content or bring their work into audio.

Creative strategyAudiobooksVoiceoversRecordingEditingLaunch support

Explore PrivíCast Studio

Any services are arranged directly with Organized Movements under a separate scope, price, timeline, and agreement.

What working together looks like

Tell me about the book

Share what you have written, who it is for, what you want it to accomplish, and where you feel stuck.

Identify the real work

Separate what the book needs now from what can wait, what you can do yourself, and where professional support may be worthwhile.

Move forward clearly

Leave knowing what comes next, why it matters, and what evidence will show that the work has been completed properly.

Questions authors often ask

Is Black Dot Publishing a traditional publisher?

No. Black Dot Publishing provides consultation, assessments, roadmaps, and access to independent professional resources. The author retains ownership and decision making authority.

Will you take over the entire publishing process?

The focus is consultation and guidance. When additional work is needed, the scope, cost, timeline, and responsible professional are identified before work begins.

Do I keep ownership of my book?

Yes. The author keeps ownership of the manuscript and control of publishing decisions.

What should I bring to the first conversation?

Bring the manuscript or current draft, any existing publishing information, your questions, and a clear sense of what you want the book to accomplish.

What is keeping your book from moving forward?

Tell me where you are, what you have already done, and what you are trying to understand. We will begin there.

Submit a publishing inquiry

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