Over the last decade, the avenue for diverse writers and their subject matter has been redefined. And with this new opportunity comes an ambitious New York-based company – Melodrama Publishing.

      Founded in 2001 by award-winning author Crystal Lacey Winslow, Melodrama’s portfolio includes an array of exciting titles offering intrigue, mystery, love and fiery appeal.

      Ready and capable to handle this barrage of new, young, stimulated writers, Melodrama knows the urban literary marketplace well. National, well-regarded publications like Vibe and Essence Magazine has heralded the efforts and accomplishments of Winslow, a legal wiz who gave up a budding law career to a literary one. Her legal studies were put to good use in building her publishing company.

      “We look for books that are uplifting; publications that in some way add to our readers’ life interest,” says Winslow, who has numerous writing accolades to her credit.

      Melodrama was started by Winslow on the single premise that authors should follow their own path. That aspirations should come in the light of developing one’s own skill; honing in on self-development as opposed to mimicking another author. Winslow looks for writers who are assured and whose self-esteem is in tact. That mantra comes through in their craft, research, and work ethic to become better, says Winslow.

      A few highlights of Melodrama’s tenure include Kiki Swinson’s Wifey series; Mark Anthony’s Snake Eyes; and Menace II Society – a collection of five short stories by handpicked bestselling authors.

      Building on a legacy of quality and commitment, this independent publisher continues to grow an impressive repertoire of talented writers who bring real-life experiences to their work.

There’s Melodrama author Endy who draws on her early childhood memories of Newark, N.J.; Carl Patterson who began his professional writing career in midlife after the death of his wife; Kiki Swinson who wrote from her federal prison cell; while Amaleka McCall connected to stories early on from her private talks with God at the tender age of three.

      Another budding author is Jacki Simmons a product of a Harlem upbringing of which she says there’s never a shortage of people or issues to write about. Simmons, who began winning school-wide essays by the age of 13, wrote Stripped, a short-story-turned novel.

      Melodrama is embarking on impressive expansion plans with numerous authors and publications under consideration. Street lit as well as other fiction genres are always welcomed for review.