Submissions for BRAE 2024 will open on October 10th and run through November 5th. To submit your book(s), click the link on our homepage to access the appropriate submission form.

All book submissions for BRAE 2024 must be in eBook format. Your eBook should be hosted on a platform that allows for an automatic download to be delivered directly to readers.

Authors can submit up to five books for the event. Those interested in participating in the opening day celebration may submit up to three books. Additionally, there is a separate form for publishers who wish to submit books on behalf of their authors.

Authors are encouraged to offer their books for free during the five-day celebration. However, in some cases, authors may only be able to provide discounted prices. These discounted books will have their own dedicated section. The majority of titles available throughout the event will be free for readers to enjoy.

.This year's Black Readers Appreciation Event (BRAE) will take place a week later than in previous years. The celebration kicks off on Tuesday, November 12, and will run until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, November 16.

You’re welcome to download as many books as you like! We hope you’ll take this opportunity to explore new genres, discover new-to-you authors, and enjoy the diverse stories and voices that make up our vibrant literary community.

No worries! We understand that some circumstances may prevent you from offering your books for free during the entire five-day event. That’s why we’re allowing authors to participate in the celebration on opening day. This gives you the chance to join in, and readers the opportunity to download your books. You can access the one-day participation form on our homepage.

Depending on the platform that host your books the process will vary.

To make your book free on Amazon, you can schedule a Free Book Promotion through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP):

Enroll your book in KDP Select. This 90-day enrollment gives you access to promotional tools, including five free promotion days.

Go to the Marketing tab

Select Free Book Promotion under Run a Price Promotion

Click Create a Free Book Promotion

Select your book and click Continue

Enter the start and end dates for your promotion

Click Save Changes

You can use these five free promotion days however you want, whether all at once or spread out over the 90-day period. You can also set up automatic re-enrollment in KDP Select so you can run another promotion every 90 days.

For those utilizing their website simply adjust the price for your eBook(s) to $0.00 for the duration of the event.

For any other platform please reach out to the hosting website for details.

Participating in the Black Readers Appreciation Event (BRAE) offers several valuable benefits for authors who gift their books to readers for free:

1. Increased Exposure: By offering your books for free, you can attract a larger audience, especially readers who may not have encountered your work before. This exposure can significantly increase your reach and introduce your stories to new readers.

2. Reader Engagement: The event brings together thousands of passionate readers who actively support independent authors. Gifting your books allows you to build direct relationships with readers who may go on to become loyal fans, eager to read more of your work.

3. Boosted Reviews: Offering your books for free often results in an influx of reader reviews. These reviews can help improve your book’s visibility on various platforms, enhancing your credibility and attracting even more readers after the event.

4. Brand Building: Participation in BRAE associates your name with a vibrant, positive literary community. It helps establish your presence as an independent author and builds your brand in a space dedicated to amplifying Black voices and diverse stories.

5. Increased Sales Post-Event: Many readers who download free books during the event will explore other books by the same author. This often leads to increased sales of your paid titles after the event.

6. Networking Opportunities: The event connects you with a network of fellow authors, readers, and literary professionals. This can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and even increased visibility for future works.

By gifting your books during BRAE, you not only give back to the community but also position yourself for long-term growth as an author.

Staying connected to the Black Readers Appreciation Event (BRAE) and upcoming events in the literary community is easy! Here are several ways to stay in the loop:

1. Join the Email List: Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on upcoming events, submission deadlines, author spotlights, and other important announcements related to BRAE.

2. Follow Us on Social Media: Stay active with BRAE by following us on all major social media platforms. We regularly post news, event updates, and opportunities to engage with authors, readers, and other literary events.

3. Visit the Website: Check the BRAE website for the latest information on current and future events, submission forms, and other resources. We frequently update the site with details on how to participate and stay involved.

4. Participate in Online Communities: Join our dedicated online groups or forums where readers and authors connect, share insights, and discuss upcoming literary events. These platforms are a great way to engage with the BRAE community year-round.

5. Follow Your Favorite Authors: Stay connected by following your favorite authors on their social media platforms. This is a great way to find out about upcoming events and how you can attend.

By staying connected through these channels, you'll always be in the know about BRAE and other exciting events in the Black literary world!