Providential. Colin Channer

Channer's debut poetry collection is highly accessible, and it tackles issues of policing and justice from a highly unique perspective (Channer's father was a policeman). It is also timely since police violence against black men is a major news story in 2015. Channer is Jamaica's best-selling writer, and also has a strong and dedicated following in the US. Russell Banks is very supportive of Channer. He has already contributed a blurb (see below) and will likely appear publicly with Channer to support the book's launch. Akashic's promotion will have a strong social media component Giveaways on Goodreads, LibraryThing, and through Advance Access. Galleys (and e-galleys via Edelweiss) available 4-6 months in advance of publication. Nomination to poetry awards. Targeted outreach to poetry review outlets. Targeted outreach to Caribbean media in US. Prepub sneak peek of select poems available on AkashicBooks.com; exclusive, not-in-the-book poems featured on Akashic.