The Lagos-based independent publisher Ouida Books is asking for submissions of unpublished manuscripts.

The press was founded in 2016 by the novelist and Ake Book and Arts Festival organizer Lola Shoneyin.  It has an impressive roster of writers that includes Nnedi Okorafor, Ayobami Adebayo, Tomi Adeyemi, Chike Frankie Edozien, and Odafe Atogun. The press also publishes a children’s literature imprint calld Tanja and a nonfiction imprint called Cognix.

Writers are invited to submit their best work of fiction or creative nonfiction. Ouida Books is NOT accepting submissions of poetry or plays.

To submit your work, send an email with the subject heading “Submissions: [title of your work]”  to [email protected].

Submission Guidelines

  • In your query letter (in the body of the email), introduce yourself. Tell them everything you think they ought to know about the work in question. Consider mentioning why you think you are best placed to write this work .
  • File 1: A one-page synopsis of the work you are submitting in Microsoft Word. Please include all major plot points in your synopsis, including spoilers.
  • File 2: A sample of the work in question. This should be the first 3 chapters, or the first 50 pages, or the first 10,000 words, whichever is longer. (go here for more. https://ouidabooks.com/submissions-guidelines/)

Ouida Books will read all submissions. However, they will need time to respond to all submissions. An automated email will be sent to acknowledge receipt of submissions.

Other inqiuries should be addressed to [email protected]