Get Real Books, UK

Get Real Books, London, was established in 2022 for the purpose of publishing a series of crime novels I’d written called the Investigations of Patrice Le Congo. This followed countless rejections from literary agents and publishers in the UK. I was told by one agent: ‘I’m afraid there’s not much appetite for stories about Africa.’ Another said publishers were wary of cultural appropriation and suggested I make the protagonist of my stories a white man. I was determined not to let Patrice Le Congo die in a drawer or a memory stick, so I set up this small business and began the lengthy process of publishing the books myself. I’m hoping this partnership with African Books Collective will help them find the audience they deserve!

- Peter Lewenstein, Get Real Books