Hot off the (Slant'd) Press: independent AAPI publisher debuts its first 2 book titles!

Slant’d is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit literary organization that nurtures self-discovery, creative expansion, and meaningful connection for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) through vibrant publications and storytelling programs.

What started as an idea on a post-it has since evolved into an ambition to reimagine publishing to be more accessible, equitable, and joyful for AAPIs everywhere 💛. Since our founding in 2017, Slant'd has published nearly 200 AAPI writers and artists in our literary magazine—and we are embarking on our next chapter: books!

Despite being the fastest growing ethnic group in the US, AAPIs remain underrepresented in publishing—and Slant'd aims to change that from the inside out.

According to a 2022 study by Penguin Random House, only 7% of authors identify as AAPI (compared to 76% of authors who identify as white). Our community's stories are often flattened, misrepresented, or entirely omitted from mainstream media.

At Slant'd, we believe that everyone has a story worth sharing. Unlike traditional publishers, we prioritize developing writers who have never been previously published or mentored in the creative arts, and we especially co-create with creatives who identify as disabled, neurodivergent, trans and LGBTQIA+, are over the age of 30, or do not have an MFA or an agent.

Pulling from our roots as a radically inclusive literary magazine, we are proud to share that our inaugural books will be authored by incredibly talented first-time authors.

Book 1: Thick Dumpling Skin (children's book) by Lynn Chen

All dumplings have a pleat day, but Little Dumpling isn't sure she'll live up to the traditional expectations and standards. Inspired by Lynn's personal journey of self acceptance and viral blog, Thick Dumpling Skin, this heartfelt children's book explores big feelings and what it means to love yourself just the way you are.

Book 2: ETERNAL: Tales of an Eastside Pinoy (visual memoir) by Kelsey Tang & Jeffrey Wu

Before he was a community hero, Roel Garcia (aka: DJ Eternal) was a 9-year old geeking out at his first garage party in Eastside San Jose. This memoir remixes coming of age stories with archival content about DJ culture in the 90s to explore themes of resilience, joy, family, Filipino pride, and hometown love.

Community has always been a part of our DNA at Slant'd—and you're invited to be part of this next chapter!

Our team has been working hard to get the manuscripts to a good place. Now, we ready to turn our attention to design, production, and marketing prep before the books launch in Fall 2026. As first time book publishers, we need your help to get these books to the finish line.

Your donation will literally help us bring our first books to life 📚

As a fully volunteer-run organization, we appreciate all donations: no amount is too small or too large. Plus, it's tax-deductible! Every $1 from this campaign will go directly towards the production and the people behind the production, including:

Book team stipends
Author/artist compensation
Printing
Distribution and shipping
Marketing & PR
Book tours
Admin (legal, tech)

Bonus: Donate at least $50 to see your name in print 🤩

Feeling extra generous? As a special thank you for helping us build momentum, we'll print your name in the acknowledgements section of both books!

Matching alert: Help us get an extra $500 🤑

We are honored to be 1 of 20 nonprofits that are part of the Mockingbird Nonprofit Incubator Program's Fall 2025 cohort. Each nonprofit is running a fundraising campaign to raise at least $1,000 by October 31. The 2 orgs who raise the most funds will receive an extra $500 in matching funds.

Connect with us:

📣 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for real-time updates
📰 Sign up for our newsletter for monthly creative inspiration
💫 Double Your Impact: Find out if your company matches employee donations. If they do, your contribution could go even further. Need help with this? Check out our corporate matching setup guide or email krystie@slantd.com.
🎤 Spread the word to the storytellers and readers in your life! Every share—via text, email, social, Slack—makes a difference!

PS: We embrace all ways of giving (including stock donations). If this is something you'd like to explore, please email krystie@slantd.com.

We know there are so many causes that you can support, so it means the world to have you in our corner. ❤️

With gratitude,
The Slant'd Team

Slant'd: Debut Books Fundraiser

Support inclusive storytelling and celebrate AAPI voices