Screen-bound Publishers Embracing Diverse Narratives: A Focus on Elizabeth and Minnie
Elizabeth and Minnie Publishing, a groundbreaking independent publishing house co-founded by Tanya Sam and Jeanell English, is making waves in the industry. With a focus on diversity, inclusivity, and community, the duo is set to publish their debut title, The Sun and All the Other Stars by Karla Montalván, in February 2026.
The Sun and All the Other Stars tells the captivating story of a Cuban American muralist in Madrid who embarks on a journey of past-life regression therapy to break a generational curse on love. The novel spans across 15th-century Florence and 1980s SoHo, unraveling fated romances, and ultimately revealing the protagonist's destiny is bound to a mysterious Italian poet across centuries.
Elizabeth and Minnie Publishing's mission extends beyond their debut title. They are dedicated to identifying and amplifying powerful stories from underrepresented voices. One such book on their list is No One Dies Yet by Ghanaian author Kobe Ben Ben. This novel follows two gay Black American men visiting Ghana and navigating contrasting cultural narratives.
The company's commitment to diversity is not limited to their publishing efforts. They foster book clubs designed to ignite cross-cultural conversations and collaborate with entertainment partners to bring diverse stories to wider audiences. In fact, they recently partnered with Universal Pictures for a special event in Atlanta, inviting children, particularly those from underrepresented communities, to experience an outdoor adventure inspired by the Wild Robot film.
Tanya Sam, a former oncology nurse turned tech entrepreneur and media personality, and Jeanell English, who served as an executive at the Oscars, measure success differently from traditional publishers. They prioritize community engagement and author development over book sales and bestseller rankings.
Elizabeth and Minnie Publishing's name honours the great-grandmother of Jeanell and the grandmother of Tanya, respectively. The company was built from the ground up to diversify the entertainment industry and continues to double down on its commitment to authenticity, community, and a fearless belief that new stories deserve to be told and seen.
Interested authors can submit their manuscripts via the provided link and follow Elizabeth and Minnie on social media at @ElizabethMinnie. The company secured a sizable government-backed investment last year, only to have it vanish due to sudden political shifts in the U.S. Despite this setback, Elizabeth and Minnie Publishing remains steadfast in its mission to change the publishing industry by making it more inclusive and community-driven.
Elizabeth and Minnie Publishing's mission extends to various aspects of the world, not just publishing.Their upcoming events, like the collaboration with Universal Pictures, aim to bring diverse stories to wider audiences.Their list of books, such as No One Dies Yet, highlights powerful stories from underrepresented voices in fashion-and-beauty, lifestyle, and more.With their focus on diversity and inclusivity, they foster book clubs that ignite cross-cultural conversations and collaborations.*Tanya Sam and Jeanell English's commitment to their mission remains strong, even after losing a government-backed investment, as they continue to challenge the status quo in the entertainment business with authentic stories and community engagement.
