Literary strategist and Honey Magnolia Media founder Keisha Mennefee has launched Honey Blossom Press, a boutique imprint focused on underrepresented authors. Mennefee, who has worked with such authors as Kennedy Ryan and Jada Pinkett Smith, will serve as publisher, overseeing acquisitions, editorial direction, and overall strategy.
The imprint plans to launch this spring with 20 titles in its first year, focusing on what the company described in a release as "high-quality, culturally resonant fiction and nonfiction," with plans to "expand significantly" in its second year. Honey Blossom is distributed by Ingram, with audiobooks produced and distributed exclusively by RBmedia.
Titles are acquired through traditional submissions, agented deals, and strategic partnerships with both emerging and established authors. "As a boutique independent press, we operate with traditional publishing structures," Mennefee told PW, "offering editorial development, distribution, marketing, and tailored support for our authors while also exploring innovative partnerships and direct-to-consumer strategies to maximize success and engagement." Mennefee is joined at the imprint by three other full-time staff: publicity and marketing manager Toya Haynes, editorial assistant Brian Ellis, and a dedicated support staff member.
Honey Blossom's inaugural slate includes the lead fiction titles This Side of Beautiful by Tiye (slated for May 6), The Divorcétante by Mia Heintzelman, and and ClickMate by Tia Kelly. Mennefee previously published Tiye's Rifts and Refrains, now being adapted by Universal Television, through Honey Magnolia Media. Also on the Honey Blossom list is The Micheaux Mission by Len Webb and Vincent Williams, creators of the podcast of the same name which explores Black cinema, as well as a work of nonfiction by Jonnetta Patton, mother and former manager of Usher, and a novel by cultural journalist Jacinta Howard.
“There is still a real need for spaces that bridge the gap between traditional and independent publishing, where bold, culturally rich stories are not just welcomed but carefully cultivated," Mennefee said. "At Honey Blossom Press, we are intentional about championing voices that deserve a wider platform, ensuring their stories are not only told but strategically positioned to reach engaged audiences and make a lasting impact.”
