What We Publish
Ayikwa welcomes manuscripts and book pitches from writers and illustrators of all backgrounds. We are interested in stories with child or animal protagonists that spark imagination, inspire curiosity, or explore meaningful experiences for young readers.
Submissions can be picture books, board books, or middle‑grade and young adult stories that reflect curiosity, imagination, and meaningful experiences for young readers.
We also accept manuscripts in Nigerian languages, like Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba.
Submissions can be picture books, board books, or middle‑grade and young adult stories that reflect curiosity, imagination, and meaningful experiences for young readers.
We also accept manuscripts in Nigerian languages, like Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba.
Your questions answered
The kind of books we’re looking for…
Board Books for 0–3 year olds
Short, simple texts of 50–250 words designed for toddlers. Stories should focus on early learning concepts, sensory experiences, or simple adventures. Text works alongside illustrations, but authors do not need to provide artwork.
Picture Books for 2–5 year olds
Short narratives, usually 100–800 words, that work with illustrations to tell a story across 12 double-page spreads. Text should read smoothly aloud, with the full meaning revealed through the interaction of words and images. Authors do not need to provide illustrations.
Picture Books for 4–8 year olds
Stories of 600–1,200 words exploring friendship, family, culture, or adventure. Manuscripts should offer opportunities for engaging illustrations but do not require authors to supply artwork.
Middle-Grade for 8–12 year olds
Fully developed manuscripts of 20,000–40,000 words. Stories should feature child protagonists navigating imaginative adventures, challenges, or cultural experiences.
Young Adult for 12+ year olds
Complete manuscripts of 50,000–80,000 words. Stories should feature teen or child protagonists in contemporary, fantastical, or adventurous narratives.
Animal Tales (All Ages)
Stories where animals are central or important to the tale. Length and format follow the same word count guidelines as the corresponding age group.
How to submit your manuscript or portfolio
Important notice: We are currently NOT taking any new submissions.
You can sign up to our newsletter to stay abreast of the newest updates. If you are a non-fiction author and think your book concept would be a good fit for us, please send us an email with your pitch.
If you are a fiction author, please include the full manuscript and a chapter-by-chapter synopsis. If you are an illustrator, kindly include a link to your website in the body of the email.
You can sign up to our newsletter to stay abreast of the newest updates. If you are a non-fiction author and think your book concept would be a good fit for us, please send us an email with your pitch.
If you are a fiction author, please include the full manuscript and a chapter-by-chapter synopsis. If you are an illustrator, kindly include a link to your website in the body of the email.
How It works
Discover
Submit Manuscript
Kickstart your journey to becoming an Ayikwa Author by submitting your manuscript during our open submission windows (which will be announced).
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Review
Upon receipt, our editorial team will meticulously review your submission. This process usually takes up to eight weeks, and you’ll hear from us if we’re interested in your manuscript.
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Publish
If your manuscript meets our criteria, we will extend an offer to publish your work under Ayikwa Books.