The book Black Feminist Writing: A Practical Guide to Publishing Academic Books by Stephanie Y. Evans is a groundbreaking and necessary intervention in academic publishing—it integrates Black feminist intellectual traditions, offering a deeply thoughtful, structured, and compassionate approach to navigating the often isolating and high-pressure world of academic writing. Evans is a scholar, educator, and activist whose work focuses on Black feminist thought, African American women’s history, and social justice. While many books on academic writing focus on mechanics and productivity, Evans underscores the necessity of balancing practical guidance with a critical analysis of structural barriers in academia, offering both encouragement and tangible tools for scholars committed to transformative research. 

Evans’s writing is both practical and deeply engaging. What sets this book apart from other academic publishing guides is its explicit grounding in Black feminist thought. Evans not only instructs but also models a method of scholarly engagement that is collective, sustainable, and affirming. Each chapter includes discussion questions and exercises, making it a hands-on resource for scholars at all stages. Nevertheless do not mistake this for a quick manual! Careful and attentive reading are necessary to make the most of this resource, as is setting aside time to reflect on the questions and practice the tasks—some of which require collaboration with a colleague, mentor, or group. 

In the Preface, Evans begins by narrating her personal journey with writing, sharing stories from her childhood, adolescence, and academic life in the first person. Through reflective passages, she invites readers to embrace the concepts of time and freedom, offering her gift—this book—and encouraging us to pause and breathe. In the Introduction, Evans frames academic writing as both a political and personal act, asserting that the book is deeply rooted in Black feminist traditions. She draws on the wisdom of thinkers such as Toni Morrison, bell hooks, Audre Lorde, Maya Angelou, Toni Cade Bambara, Anna Julia Cooper, and many others engaging with theories of Black feminism, intersectionality, cultural memory, identity, resistance, and the power of storytelling as a means of liberation and social change. Evans then identifies five key stress areas—personal, professional, publishing-related, public, and political—and provides actionable strategies to mitigate burnout, maintain wellness, and sustain a long-term scholarly career. She also outlines the chapters, highlights common sources of stress, and presents three reflective questions and five practical tasks to help readers begin their own scholarly journey . 

In Chapter Two, “Regenerative Writing: Learn, Create, and Teach the Practice of Collective Self-Care,” Evans challenges conventional notions of academic success, urging scholars to write for community impact, healing, and collective knowledge production. This perspective reorients the reader toward a more holistic, purposeful approach to publishing. Her emphasis on self-care as an integral part of the writing process is both radical and necessary, challenging the dominant academic culture that often equates overwork with success. She offers concrete suggestions such as setting boundaries, prioritizing mental health, and building support networks. Evans’s approach is deeply affirming, encouraging scholars to recognize that their well-being is just as important as their productivity. 

Moving into the mechanics of academic publishing, Chapter Three, “Voice: Personal Practice,” provides a detailed guide to developing a research agenda and structuring mental health to adapt to the writing routine. She emphasizes clarity, coherence, and audience engagement, making this chapter particularly useful for early-career or first-generation scholars who may feel overwhelmed by the publishing process. The most important message from this chapter is “finding your scholarly voice”—probably the hardest work of many intellectuals to develop a unique perspective, engaging critically with existing ideas, and contributing original insights with clarity and, especially, confidence.

The importance of constructing well-founded arguments that not only contribute to scholarly discourse but also resonate with broader audiences is one of the key focus areas of Chapter Four: “Argument: Professional Practice.” In this chapter, Evans offers practical advice for developing a clear thesis, structuring arguments effectively, and engaging critically with existing literature. She, again, includes several exercises to help readers articulate their research questions, organize their ideas, and refine their arguments. 

In Chapter Five, “Editing: Publishing Practice,” the author shares a list of tips for handling the often-intimidating peer review process, advising scholars to see feedback as part of a communal dialogue rather than an isolating or punitive process. One of the standout aspects of this chapter is Evans’s discussion of how race and gender biases shape peer review. She provides examples of the ways Black women scholars have historically been dismissed, misread, or unfairly critiqued in academic spaces. By addressing these challenges of how race and gender biases shape peer review directly, she prepares readers for the realities of navigating a system that is not always welcoming to their voices. By emphasizing agency, Evans offers guidance on how to advocate for oneself, revise manuscripts strategically, and recognize when to push back against unfair or irrelevant critiques. 

Chapter Six, “Community: Public Practice,” is particularly powerful for scholars committed to activist research, social justice work, and knowledge production that serves communities rather than just academic institutions. Evans discusses different platforms for public scholarship, including blogs, op-eds, and community-based publications, providing guidance on how to navigate the tensions between public engagement and academic legitimacy.

One of the most insightful parts of Chapter Seven, “Institution: Political Practice,” is the acknowledgement of the importance of assessing whether a publisher aligns with one’s values and scholarly mission, recognizing the institutional barriers faced by Black women scholars. She encourages scholars to research presses, engage with acquisition editors, and think strategically about where they want their work to be published. Evans also explores alternative publishing models, including independent and community-based presses, for scholars who want to reach audiences beyond the academy. 

I consider Black Feminist Writing an essential read for anyone navigating the academic publishing process, especially those working in race and gender studies. The mix of practical guidance, personal reflection, and Black feminist wisdom ensures that scholars come through the publishing process with purpose, wellness, and community impact. By foregrounding self-care, communal knowledge production, and political consciousness, Evans redefines what it means to be a scholar in today’s academic landscape. 

To conclude, Black Feminist Writing is a vital resource, not only for Black feminist scholars but for anyone who wants to approach academic writing with intentionality, resilience, and a commitment to justice. Her insights empower scholars to engage with peer review from a place of confidence rather than fear. As a first-generation in my family and Black woman scholar, this book impacted me positively and one of the most valuable contributions is its acknowledgment of the emotional and psychological toll of academic publishing.