Head of Zeus reveals 'distinctive' series look for Apollo Africa list

Head of Zeus has revealed the covers for Apollo Africa, the new home for 100 titles from the Heinemann African Writers Series.

Creative director Tola Ojuolape worked on the series concept and approach. The covers draw on a range of African mark-making, using texture and shape rather than representational images.

The first 14 titles were released digitally on 1st October, to coincide with Black History Month, and the whole list will be available in e-book and print on demand by March 2024.

Working in conjunction with an editorial advisory board comprising literary agent Nelle Andrew, publishing consultant Nancy Adimora, author Noo Saro-Wiwa and cultural consultant Dean Ricketts, titles from the list have been selected for trade release from March 2024 onwards. The first 10 paperbacks, for which Head of Zeus has world English rights, include The New Tribe by Buchi Emecheta, Wings of Dust by Jamal Mahjoub and Ripples in the Pool by Rebeka Njau, among other titles. 

The digital release of the first 14 titles was marked with a panel event at the Africa Writes Festival at the British Library on 29th September. The launch of the paperbacks in March 2024 will be backed by a "comprehensive" promotional campaign spanning media, events and extensive digital marketing activity.

Adimora said: "It’s hard to overstate the importance of the African Writers Series. In many ways, it is what led me to start my career in publishing, so working on this project feels like a full circle moment. As an editorial board, we’re committed to ensuring that these titles are thoughtfully repackaged and reintroduced to the broadest possible audience, and I’m particularly looking forward to helping the team identify and platform new writers and stories from across the African continent and diaspora."

Ojuolape added: "I’m delighted to have been involved in the update and redesign of the iconic African Writers series. The updated cover designs take inspiration from mark-making techniques visible across the African continent. Our aim was to ensure the evolution of the cover designs would be visually striking, feel tactile and memorable."