Hachette Book Group has launched Legacy Lit, a new imprint that will focus on books by BIPOC writers. The imprint will be part of the Perseus Books division’s Hachette Books imprint and will be led by Krishan Trotman, who has been named v-p and publisher. Legacy Lit will focus on publishing nonfiction, including narrative titles, memoir, women's interest, social justice and empowerment titles, in addition to select fiction titles. The imprint will offer 12 to 15 books a year with the first titles expected to publish in January 2022.
Trotman was previously executive editor at Hachette Books, where she has worked for four years, and previously she was senior editor at Skyhorse. On her Twitter feed Trotman identifies herself as "The Beyoncé of Books" and she is also the co-author, with Brenda Jones, of four books in the series Queens of the Resistance, on women politicians, published earlier this year by Plume.
As an editor, Trotman has been responsible for publishing a wide variety of titles, including Maid by Stephanie Land, The End of White Politics by Zerlna Maxwell, Proud by Ibtihaj Muhammad, and You Look So Much Better in Person by Al Roker. Hachette's press release indicates that books by Faith Jenkins, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Van Lathan, Marisa Renee Lee, David Ambroz, Baynard Woods, Shanita Hubbard, D. Watkins, Daniela Pierre-Bravo, Devin Allen, V. Maia Thomas and others will be published under the new imprint.
"Fifteen years in book publishing have revealed to me a consistent craving by BIPOC authors, readers, and publishing insiders. That craving is to be understood, to be ‘seen,’" said Trotman. "Legacy Lit will be a home for writers where there's a core understanding of culture and diversity. It’s an imprint where authors and staff can feel seen and heard, where books will be acquired, promoted and
read by a team that authentically identifies with BIPOC authors. I’ve felt humbled by the excitement authors express when they meet me —a Black woman, someone of a brown hue—who understands their work without needing explanation, documentation. Our goal is to nurture and serve all people hungry for books that confirm their experience and history. I chose Legacy Lit as the imprint name because I offer our work as a gift to generations to come."
“I am very excited about this new imprint and grateful to Krishan Trotman for conceiving it and bringing us to this point. Now more than ever, culture-shifting publishing professionals like Krishan bring essential leadership and vision," said Michael Pietsch, HBG CEO in a statement. I am proud of this initiative and look forward to watching the imprint grow, succeed, and influence change.”
