Olongo Africa is Seeking Book Reviews (Payment: Unstated)
Olongo Africa Is Seeking Book Reviews: Here’s What You Need to Know
If you want to publish a sharp, thoughtful review of contemporary African literature, Olongo Africa is currently inviting submissions. Edited by Olajide Salawu, the platform seeks nuanced, articulate reviews of books written by African authors and published (or forthcoming) between 2006 and 2025.
The call is rolling, the pay is guaranteed (amount varies), and the editors want reviews that deepen literary conversations rather than merely summarizing books.
What Olongo Africa Wants
Olongo Africa publishes new writing twice weekly, creating space for:
- Poetry
- Journalism
- Travelogues
- Translations
- REVIEWS – This call is specially for book reviews, but you can try submitting to other categories.
Your review should fit within this vibrant atmosphere of cultural and literary inquiry.
Submission Requirements
- Word Count: 1000–1200 words
- Style: Sharp, nuanced, and engaging
- Format:
- Times New Roman, 12 pt
- 1.5 spacing
- No PDFs
- No Google Doc links
- Email: submissions@olongoafrica.com
- Include a clear subject line and an email body
Olongo also accepts pitches. Their payment varies depending on length, quality, and editorial considerations.
Why Write for Olongo?
Olongo Africa values criticism that interrogates themes, context, and craft. Their editorial team includes respected literary voices such as Henneh Kyereh Kwaku, Precious Arinze, and Ayodele Ibiyemi, with publisher Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún at the helm.
For inspiration, consider reading this in-depth review of Nikki May’s This Motherless Land to see how layered critique can look.
You can also strengthen your drafts with this guide to the basics of copy-editing before sending your work.
What Happens After Submission?
Olongo aims to respond promptly. If you haven’t received a reply within four weeks, you’re encouraged to send a polite query.
Olongo Africa remains committed to publishing writing that challenges, provokes, and illuminates. If you have something meaningful to say about an African book, this is your opportunity to contribute to a vital literary conversation.
