Building the future of connection in Black young adult storytelling.
Hello Friends,
Where has the time gone? I think it’s safe to say that we’ve all had quite an interesting handful of years, yeah? One constant in all of that time was my desire for Melanin in YA. In all of this, Melanin in YA has survived! While burnout, lack of funds, and technical difficulties (I’m looking at you, false start on a secret podcast!) have prevented me from going as hard as I once did, you constantly reminded me that the value of Melanin in YA cannot be denied. Things cannot remain stagnant any longer. It’s time to pull those sleeves up again.
The long-term vision remains the same. The mission for Melanin in YA is to provide a hub of comprehensive information to amplify and invest in Black voices, making this a no excuses database in the YA landscape. The goal is and always will be doing what we can to help Black storytelling reach audiences at scale. Within this landscape, connections will flourish. I truly believe in that as I’ve heard from many people over the years regarding how much Melanin in YA has helped them.
But I know it can do so much more.
When Melanin in YA is able to maintain its most basic functions, that will open the door for so much more room to focus on community needs and expanding discoverability for all of the beautiful Black professionals in the database.
That being said, Melanin in YA has been maintained by one individual since its inception with a handful of behind the scenes help along the way. The problem is, it is impossible to maintain consistency without the means to compensate people. I do not believe in receiving the amount of help that is needed to maintain this website without compensating those who step up to the plate. Funds have run out for volunteer help and it’s time to scale Melanin in YA to what it was always meant to be. This is long overdue.
I’m asking publicly because traditional funding avenues have not been sustainable in regards to taking Melanin in YA to the next level. Thank you so much to the people who have helped behind the scenes! It will make the 2026 updates go all the more smoothly! Beyond that, this is what you can realistically expect from Melanin in YA. I want to put this out there so that you can see the tireless effort that has gone into and will continue to go into maintaining Melanin in YA. If you are interested in financially supporting Melanin in YA, you can do so via ko-fi or email info@melanininya.com. Thank you!
What We’ve Accomplished So Far
Melanin in YA has developed its identity. It has a specific look, knows what it offers and is very straightforward about that mission. That’s not going anywhere.
Many emerging writers have found our database of literary agents and editors to be immensely resourceful. Similarly, event organizers and libraries rely on it for discovering local authors as well.
Readers have found new authors to add to their TBR list. Some of these authors have become new favorites in their rolodex! They’ve also discovered new favorite narrators, cover designers, and let’s not forget local festivals and events near them!
People across all mediums have discovered YA adaptations that they didn’t even know existed!
We aimed for discovery and that’s what we accomplished! Woo!
Here’s what’s coming ahead:
2026 – Reset the Infrastructure
- Update All Databases & Add Timestamps for Last Update
- Posts: Return to Bi-weekly News Updates
- Respond to All Outstanding Emails
2027 – Return to What Worked & Revamp What Didn’t
- Establish Sustainable Behind the Scenes Support (Preferably in 2026!)
- Re-Open Shop Melanin in YA
- The Return of National Giveaways
- Introduce International Giveaways
- Website Navigation Update
- Expand Secret Databases
- Increase Social Media Push (Instagram, Threads, Facebook, Bluesky, TikTok)
- Re-Open P.O. Box
- Cover In Person Events
- Completely Revamp Patreon + Give Exclusive Gifts for OG Patreon Supporters
- Feature More Black Owned Business
- And More!
Beyond – Raise Expectations
- Significantly Expand Database Beyond U.S. Based Authors & Industry Professionals
- Add Events & Programming
- Limited Series, Audio Only Podcast
- Launch Mobile App
- Emergency Grants for Emerging & Established Black YA Authors
The initiatives above represent a small portion of a business plan that includes nearly 40 pages of strategies and goal for growing the platform and supporting Black YA creators. Some of those plans are best discussed privately with prospective partners, so please see below for more on that.
How to Help Us Build What’s Next
SHARE THE LOVE
Make sure that you are following Melanin in YA across all social media platforms (Instagram, Threads, Facebook, Bluesky, TikTok) and letting your family, friends, classmates and/or colleagues about us as we’ll be returning or emerging on all platforms very shortly!
Tag us on Instagram when you read a YA book written by a Black author that you loved, are checking out a Black YA book at your local library or making that purchase at your local bookstore. We want to see the love for all of these beautiful Black authors!
If Melanin in YA has helped you in any way, feel free to let us know with an email info@melanininya.com. We’d love to hear from you!
INVEST IN THE VISION
For individuals and organizations interested in supporting Melanin in YA at a significant level, please visit Our Vision / For Partners page. Individuals and organizations providing $1,000 or more in support may request access to our full pitch deck which outlines our long term vision, strategies, and funding needs.
Thank you all SO much for your support over the years. It does not go unnoticed. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Now let’s breath some new life into Melanin in YA! Who’s ready?!
With Gratitude,
Melody Simpson