Hey,
as we move forward with the new imprint, we want to emphasise the core vision that makes this project unique: our commitment to grounded, vivid, and propulsive storytelling that mirrors the oral culture and everyday dramas of Southern African life.
Because the heart of this idea lies in its “close to the street” approach and its use of African language nuances, we require that all submissions be entirely the product of human creativity and original effort.
We are specifically asking our contributors to avoid using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the generation of these stories for several strategic reasons:
Cultural Remittance: For our diaspora audience in the UK and South Africa, these books are cultural artifacts—a tangible link to home. That connection is built on the shared human experience that only a writer who has lived these stories can provide.
Authenticity of Voice: AI currently lacks the cultural nuance to capture the specific grit, “hustle culture,” and neighbourhood anxieties that our readers recognise as authentic.
Linguistic Nuance: A key element of the upcoming series is the natural integration of local languages without a glossary. AI-generated text often struggles with the subtle, idiomatic ways we weave Shona and Ndebele into our English prose.
We value your unique perspective and your craft. Each commission is an investment in your specific literary voice, and we want to ensure that Afronaut Press remains a trusted home for original Southern African fiction.
