PHOENIX PUBLISHING NEWS
October Issue Out Now! Stories, Voices & A Countdown to the Phoenix Book Awards.
The October issue of Writers Inc. is here, and it’s one you won’t want to miss! As the season shifts and the year draws closer to its grand finale, we’re bringing you a powerful collection of stories, interviews, poetry, and reflections to inspire and uplift.
On our cover, we proudly feature the incredible Sue Nyathi—a writer whose books continue to capture hearts and spark conversations across the literary world. Her voice, her journey, and her commitment to storytelling embody exactly what Writers Inc. stands for.
This month’s edition takes you across borders and into new creative spaces:
We catch up with Muofhe, National Director of Nwala Writers, for a heartfelt reflection on the Limpopo Book Fair and the vision behind it.
We spotlight Sisan McNeil, the South African-Nigerian writer bridging cultures through her vibrant narratives.
We speak with Pastor Gamu, whose words remind us of the strength found in faith and community.
Our Emerging Voices Poetry Corner bursts with fresh talent.
Diaspora Reflections and Youth Corner shine light on voices shaping the future.
And, as always, we’ve included our Events Calendar and a round-up of new books to discover in October.
But that’s not all—there’s an extra buzz in the air. With the Phoenix Book Awards just around the corner, this issue marks the countdown to one of the most anticipated literary celebrations of the year. Expect announcements, highlights, and stories as we build towards the big night in December.
Dive into the October issue here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qhCt3Mqd_tsi6x4E_k5gx9wHeQNJIbdf/view?usp=drivesdk
Join us as we celebrate voices old and new, stories that move us, and the unstoppable energy of the written word. October is here—and the best is yet to come.
The Writers Inc. Magazine Issue One Has Landed!
Phoenix Publishing is proud to announce the long-awaited release of the very first issue of Writers Inc. Magazine; a fresh, dynamic space dedicated to celebrating stories, storytellers, and everything in between.
This debut issue is nothing short of remarkable. We are thrilled to feature exclusive interviews with the best selling author Busisekile Khumalo and the trailblazing Margaret Chideme, the visionary founder of Lifeline Narrative. They share their journey of building a platforms that have given voice to stories of resilience and empowerment, and their words will leave you inspired and ready to write your own chapter.
But that’s not all… inside this issue you’ll also discover:
Book Reviews – honest, insightful takes on the latest reads.
New Voices in Poetry – raw, vibrant expressions from emerging poets you’ll want to remember.
Book Events Calendar – never miss the key launches, readings, and literary happenings near you.
And so much more — from features to fresh ideas that ignite creativity. Read all about it here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/116DDRvE56_tHXdlUsp6yIces4VJ8e1xo/view?usp=drivesdk
Writers Inc. isn’t just a magazine; it’s a movement. A place where writers, poets, publishers, and readers come together to share, connect, and keep the love of literature alive.
Be Part of the Story
We’re opening our doors to the wider literary community! If you’re a writer, editor, poet, or creative with something to say; we’d love to feature your work in upcoming issues. Businesses, bookstores, and literary service providers are also welcome to advertise and connect with our growing audience of readers and creatives.
Whether you want to contribute, advertise, or simply get your hands on the latest issue, this is your invitation to step into the Writers Inc. circle.
This is just the beginning. And trust us, you’ll want to keep watching what’s next.
Last Call: Phoenix Publishing Annual Book Awards Submissions Closing Soon!
The countdown is on! Submissions for the Fourth Annual Phoenix Publishing Book Awards close on 30 August 2025 — and this is your chance to be part of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated literary stage.
If you’ve published a book between September 2024 and August 2025, we want to see it. Whether you write heart-racing fiction, life-changing self-help, inspiring memoirs, or poetry that speaks to the soul — your work deserves the spotlight.
Categories include:
• Fiction (romance, fantasy, adventure, sci-fi) • Motivational & Self-Help Spiritual (prayer, journals, devotionals)
• Poetry & Short Story Anthologies
• Memoirs & Autobiographies
• Children’s Books
• Business, Politics, Cookbooks, Health & Fitness
• Audiobooks
Why Enter?
Gain national recognition. Celebrate your craft. Join a vibrant community of writers. This is your moment to let your words shine.
📅 Deadline: 30 August 2025
📞 +263 775 388 608
Don’t wait — send in your submission today and stand a chance to be celebrated at the 29 November 2025 awards ceremony.
Submissions Now Open for the 4th Annual Phoenix Publishing Awards!
Celebrating Excellence. Honouring Creativity. Uplifting Talent.
We are thrilled to announce that submissions are now officially open for the 4th edition of the Phoenix Publishing Awards!
These awards are more than just a ceremony; they are a bold celebration of Zimbabwean literary excellence, creative courage and the voices shaping our present and future through the written word. Since the inception of the awards, we have remained committed to identifying, recognising and amplifying exceptional talent across the publishing and literary landscape.
What makes the Phoenix Publishing Book Awards special is not just the honour itself, but the impact it carries. Over the past three years, several of our winners have gone on to receive national recognition, including Zimbabwe’s highest literary accolade — the NAMAs (National Arts Merit Awards). This speaks to the calibre of authors and creators we highlight, and the eye for talent, detail and storytelling that our team is known for.
At Phoenix Publishing, we don’t just publish books; we support writers, elevate voices and create platforms that inspire growth and visibility. These awards are part of that mission: a moment to shine a light on incredible work, to give writers their flowers, and to say, “You are seen. You are celebrated. You are making a difference.”
If you are a writer, designer or literary contributor who has published or produced work worthy of celebration; this is your moment. Whether it’s your debut or your tenth project, your voice matters and we want to honour it.
All details about submission categories, criteria, and deadlines are included in the official press release published on May 1st. Please refer to that for full information. For inquiries or to submit your work, feel free to get in touch, we would love to hear from you.
Let this be the year your work is acknowledged, your journey is celebrated and your story is honoured.
Submit today. Be recognised. Rise with us.
#PhoenixPublishingAwards2025
Welcome to 2025: A Year of Stories, Growth & New Beginnings!
Happy New Year, Phoenix Publishing family!
We are bursting with excitement as we step into 2025 because this year is unlike any other. Not only are we growing, expanding, and reaching new heights, but we are also bringing you something fresh, inspiring, and truly game-changing: our very own publishing magazine!
Yes, you heard that right! In April 2025, Phoenix Publishing will launch a brand-new quarterly magazine, dedicated to celebrating the magic of books, emerging talent, and the heartbeat of the publishing industry in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Whether you are an author, an aspiring writer, a book lover, or simply someone who enjoys diving into literary conversations, this magazine will be your go-to source for everything bookish.
From exclusive author spotlights, in-depth book reviews, industry insights, and inspiring new voices to the latest bookish events and trends, we are curating something special, meaningful, and uplifting. We want this magazine to be a home for African storytelling, a space where creativity and talent shine, and a beacon of encouragement for every writer still drafting their first pages.
And speaking of growth we are beyond thrilled to now be operating in South Africa! This expansion is more than just a business milestone; it’s an invitation for more writers, more dreamers, and more voices to join our Phoenix Publishing family. We believe in the power of stories to transform lives, and with our presence in South Africa, we are ready to make an even bigger impact.
So, here’s to a year of new beginnings, fearless writing, bold storytelling, and boundless creativity! Stay tuned for more details about the magazine, submission opportunities, and how you can be part of this exciting journey.
To all the authors, readers, and lovers of the written word 2025 is our year! Let’s make it one for the books.
With gratitude and excitement,
The Phoenix Publishing Team
AWARDS NIGHT IS UPON US…
The moment we have been waiting for is finally upon us, exactly 8 days away!!! The lights, the glitz, the electric atmosphere and everything that it comes with, and we are ready for it.
We are particularly intrigued by the turn out of events, and boy is it exciting to be counting down to the day. Just now it was January 4 and we were doing a press release and a call for submissions to writers. And today, here we are taking the hope, energy and enthusiasm of this long anticipated day. The big winners, the cheer and love to encourage authors to keep doing what they love most as they also get the recognition they desire and deserve.
It’s been a man awesome journey, one of much growth and learning. We are coming to share more after it has happened. For now head over to Rios Lifestyle Books Eastgate and grab your ticket. It’s gonna be awesome and we are ready for it…
PHOENIX PUBLISHING BOOK AWARDS VOTING AND NOMINATION CATEGORIES…
VOTING IS OPEN!!!
We thought we would make things a little interesting and we opened four catering to be open to the public so they get to vote and nominate the best people to contend for the titles… We share the links below so readers, family and friends they to join in the upcoming awards fun…
The following three categories are nomination based meaning the voters have to nominate authors and vote for them as many times as possible and the candidates with the most votes in these categories below will take the prize…
• book of the year
• editor of the year
• publisher of the year
These categories have short answer spaces for the voters to write the book title or editor’s name or the publisher’s name/ publishing company name.
PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDgjIRTxAQNkiLyR8tkVqGI5JGX32pzBZpob1vzyGrZyqCWg/viewform
BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddBAWetGW69onm7TU4kvZlkN6H-p0VaRad6yBD6I3DtmvMiw/viewform
EDITOR OF THE YEAR
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvuGtNohWGd7S1AXu0KW9lV1gvzOYZQr6WNwr0ojFHTtlihg/viewform
Then the one below is for the author of the year award. This one has author names listed so you get to vote for your favourite author.
AUTHOR OF THE YEAR
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRfHaV4V5pLCEWjWYQ1PX4DJkmoWI2bb-q-rd-Ude5Mc0IVQ/viewform
We are kindly inviting to get involved in the fun and appreciation of the hours these awesome people put in to contribute to the literary industry and the reading community.
Voting closes on the 10th of November.
Good luck to all authors, publishers, editors and individuals involved… 26 November we crown the winners… 🥳💃🏽👏🏽
Book Awards News
We are excited to notify the public as prior stated on the 4th of January 2022, that our inaugural book awards are still going ahead as planned on the 25th of November 2022. We invite interested stakeholders in the Zimbabwean literary society and industry at large to come forth and be part of it.
Writers are invited to submit their applications and work (published between 1 January 2021 - 30 August 2022) no later than 30 September 2022 for the adjudication process. We are open to partner with interested brands to make this historic event a success. For more information and inquiries kindly contact us on +263 775 388 608 or email us: [email protected]