The summer of 2020 – in the middle of a global pandemic – may not have seemed the ideal time to launch a publishing house specialising in literature and fine art. But The Top Publishing Company is no ordinary publishing house.

A family venture, formed in the US by brothers Alexander Xavier Free Garland and Vizier Kamau LuQamn, it has the aim of “collecting, writing and preserving black culture”.

The death of the family’s much-loved grandfather Eugene David Williams Sr just days after the company’s launch added extra significance to making this a family legacy.

The company’s first book release tells Vizier’s own story, as a young black man who was diagnosed with stage four cancer days before his 18th birthday and was told it was not worth starting chemotherapy.

Now 24 years old, this autobiography, Why Accept Failure When Success Is Free? The Rebirth of A Silent Warrior, chronicles his journey from the diagnosis at 17 to his treatment, and recovery, explaining what made the difference when he was faced with his own mortality at such a young age.

The company is now taking pre-sale orders for the book, which is due to be published in January 2021.

Other forthcoming projects include a children’s chakra book series, illustrated by the family’s nieces and nephews and written by Alexander; and a motivational speaking platform to inspire peace and positivity in young people of colour.

They also plan cookbooks, fine art collections, and works by established and first-time authors. Music publishing is expected to follow in 2021.

It’s certainly an interesting and timely venture. You can find out more about The Top Publishing here. The company is also on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

In other recent Piece of Pink Pie posts on publishing, we’ve looked at the expected boost in book titles after the widespread lockdown in early 2020 and the launch of the latest Cara Hunter crime thriller.

If you’re a writer or publisher looking for help with editing, proofreading, or other editorial services,  please check out Weltch Media here.