Photo of Mariko Tamaki by Gage Skidmore (CC BY-SA 3.0)

A new graphic novel imprint is coming from Abrams, dedicated to highlighting LGBTQ stories and creators. According to a report from Publishers Weekly, the new imprint, to be called Surely Books, was announced at NYCC @ NYPL, a New York Comic Con kick-off event designed for teachers and librarians held at the New York Public Library. 

Surely Books will be led by Mariko Tamaki, the highly acclaimed author of graphic novels such as Skim and Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, and who has written for Marvel and DC Comics. While giving the keynote speech at  NYCC @ NYPL, Tamaki confirmed her directorship of Surely Books and that the books will feature LGBTQ stories by LGBTQ writers.

Set to launch in 2021, Surely Books will release three to four books a year, a mix of fiction and nonfiction. The first books on their list include: “a graphic biography of suspense writer Patricia Highsmith by Grace Ellis; an account of the openly gay Revolutionary War hero general Baron von Steuben by Josh Trujillo and Levi Hastings; and a work of fiction about a group of friends and a surprising secret by Terry Blas and Claudia Aguirre.” 

In a statement, Tamaki said: “I am excited to have this opportunity to take on a new role in the creative process, to learn more with the writers and artists I’m working with, to find new ways to support queer creators and queer stories, and new voices in our community.”

A publishing imprint dedicated to expanding the reach of diverse voices? As they say, we love to see it.