America’s Leading Black Publisher Celebrates Rising Authors Over Celebrity Connections

Three decades ago, Yvonne Rose hesitated to embrace her identity as an author. Today, she stands as a prominent figure in the publishing world, serving as the head of Quality Press, the largest Black book packaging company in the United States.

Back in 1995, after a thriving career in modeling, she initially created a pamphlet to guide aspiring models. “I never thought about doing a book,” Yvonne recalled. Her husband, Tony, encouraged her to write a book, leading to a collaborative beach outing that sparked their literary journey.

By 1997, the couple published Is Modeling for You? The Handbook and Guide for the Aspiring Black Model. This title, released under Amber Books—founded by Tony in 1998—achieved remarkable success with over 80,000 copies sold.

Quality Press launched just three years later, emerging in response to the needs of self-publishing authors. Yvonne credited Tony’s entrepreneurial drive and his previous success in the music industry as critical factors in this transition.

“He visited Black bookstores and newspapers across the country,” Yvonne shared. This grassroots approach laid the groundwork for their publishing enterprise, showcasing the couple’s vision and commitment to the community.

Amber Books flourished, publishing around 60 titles in its initial five years. As self-publishing began evolving, Yvonne recognized a new opportunity. She observed that events like BookExpo America drew scant representation of Black authors, prompting Tony to initiate the African American Pavilion, which became a hub for Black publishers and literary figures.

The mission of Quality Press is clear: “You present us with a manuscript, and we will present you with a final book,” Yvonne stated. For a flat fee of $800, authors receive comprehensive services, including proofreading and formatting.

Yvonne emphasized the importance of quality in every manuscript they accept. “If you refuse proofreading, we generally won’t work with you,” she said, highlighting the organization’s commitment to producing polished work.

Over her career, Yvonne has ghostwritten or co-authored several bestselling nonfiction titles. A memorable project involved working on a book for Rev. Warren H. Stewart Sr., after the minister cited her work during a funeral, leading to a collaboration chronicling a significant civil rights battle in Arizona.

The Roses have interacted with notable figures throughout their journey, yet it’s the everyday conversations with emerging authors that fuel Yvonne’s passion. She maintains a personal connection with clients, often directly communicating with them to ensure accessibility and affordability.

Quality Press now collaborates with authors globally, with a strong domestic presence in major Black cultural centers. The breadth of their authors spans from a 12-year-old author of a coloring book to seniors in their nineties seeking to document their legacies.

Market trends indicate that paperback and black-and-white books dominate the current landscape. Yvonne advises aspiring authors to consider splitting lengthy manuscripts into shorter volumes, aimed at market viability.

Popular genres include Christian literature, self-help books, and memoirs, with a notable interest from prison inmates wanting to share their narratives. Despite language challenges, these stories can be deeply moving and impactful.

Reflecting on her husband Tony Rose’s legacy, Yvonne pointed out the wide-ranging accomplishments he achieved over his career in the music and publishing industries. From managing successful recording artists to founding Quality Press, Tony’s entrepreneurial spirit left an indelible mark on both sectors.

A testament to their longstanding commitment to literacy and representation, the Roses continue to inspire a new generation of authors, striving to keep the art of storytelling accessible to all.