Modjaji Books and Catalyst Press are pleased to announce a new international publishing partnership beginning May 2025, building on their successful collaboration since 2016. The foundation for this partnership was established when Catalyst acquired international rights to five acclaimed Modjaji titles: Bom Boy by Yewande Omotoso, Do Not Go Gentle (as We Kiss Them with Rain) by Futhi Ntshingila, Grace (as Unmaking Grace) by Barbara Boswell, Love Interrupted by Reneilwe Malatji and Outside the Lines by Ameera Patel.
Under this new partnership, Catalyst Press will progressively take on international publishing and distribution of Modjaji Books titles. While Modjaji Books will maintain its independent operations in South Africa and the southern African region, the international rights and distribution of its catalogue of well over 100 titles will transition to Catalyst Press through a carefully managed process. This arrangement promises to bring increased global visibility to Modjaji authors while maintaining Modjaji’s distinctive editorial vision and established local presence.
“This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for Modjaji Books,” said Colleen Higgs, the founder and publisher of Modjaji Books. “While we'll continue our independent operations in southern Africa, partnering with Catalyst internationally opens up new possibilities for our authors globally. Their proven track record in international markets and rights sales makes them an ideal partner for taking Modjaji's distinctive literary list to a wider audience.”
“We’re thrilled to deepen our relationship with Modjaji Books,” said Jessica Powers, Publisher at Catalyst Press. “Colleen has built an extraordinary legacy of publishing powerful voices in African literature. I’ve always admired the work she does, the books she publishes, the authors she represents. Secretly, I’ve often wished I could be her, doing the work she does! Catalyst has had a broader approach to African voices, and I love Modjaji’s focus on women writers in Southern Africa. I’m excited that this partnership will allow Catalyst Press to bring all of Modjaji’s important works and voices to an international audience while respecting Modjaji’s independent identity and operations in southern Africa.”
The first two new titles to be released through this partnership are Unseen: Listening to Visually Impaired South Africans by Joanne Bloch and Limbo Circus, a short story collection by M.A. Kelly, both scheduled for publication in 2025. As the partnership develops, Modjaji authors will benefit from Catalyst’s established international distribution networks and rights management expertise while maintaining their connection to Modjaji’s strong southern African presence.
About Modjaji Books
Established in 2007, Modjaji Books is an independent feminist press that publishes southern African women writers. Named after the Rain Queen Modjadji, the press has been at the forefront of discovering and nurturing new literary voices from the region.
Over its 18-year history, Modjaji has published 200 titles across genres including fiction, poetry, memoir, and academic works. The press has been instrumental in launching the careers of numerous acclaimed authors, with many of its titles winning major literary awards including multiple UJ Debut Prize awards, SALA Poetry and Nadine Gordimer Short Story awards, several Ingrid Jonker Poetry Prizes, and NIHSS fiction awards, mostly for debut authors.
Modjaji Books has earned a reputation for its commitment to publishing bold, innovative writing that might otherwise not find a home, and for maintaining high editorial and production standards. The press is particularly known for its contribution to putting short stories back on the map in South Africa and for publishing debut authors who have gone on to receive international recognition.
About Catalyst Press
Founded in 2017, Catalyst Press is an independent publisher dedicated to bringing African and African-influenced literature to global audiences. With a carefully curated list of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books, Catalyst has established itself as a significant channel for African literature in the international marketplace.
The press has garnered attention for titles such as The History of Man by Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu (winner of the 2021 Windham-Campbell Prize), Bom Boy by Yewande Omotoso, and Small Mercies by Bridget Krone.
Through partnerships with Ingram Publisher Services, Catalyst ensures wide distribution across major online retailers, independent bookstores, and library wholesale channels both in North America and internationally.
The press is particularly known for its commitment to maintaining high editorial standards while bringing fresh perspectives and underrepresented voices to readers worldwide.
The post Press release: Modjaji Books and Catalyst Press announce international publishing partnership first appeared on LitNet.
The post Press release: Modjaji Books and Catalyst Press announce international publishing partnership appeared first on LitNet.