Emmanuel Acho Signs Two-Book Deal with Macmillan

Macmillan Publishers announced that it will publish two books from Emmanuel Acho, host of the viral hit video series “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man,” on the An Oprah Book imprint. The first book, also titled UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS WITH A BLACK MAN, was acquired by Flatiron Books President Bob Miller and will be published on November 10, 2020, with Senior Editor Meghan Houser editing. The second book, UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS WITH A BLACK BOY, was acquired by Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group President Jon Yaged, and will be edited by Jennifer Besser, Senior Vice President and Publisher, and Mekisha Telfer, Senior Associate Editor at Roaring Brook Press.

“Emmanuel Acho is creating a space to open the aperture for understanding by breaking down fears, frustrations, biases and prejudices week after week,” said Oprah Winfrey. “I consider it a privilege to be able to help him keep doing the good work that he has been called to do. I can’t wait until this book is available to everyone who chooses to open their mind and heart to their own uncomfortable conversation.”

“While I’ve been thrilled by the reaction to my video series, I never wanted this to just be a social media moment,” said Acho, a current Fox Sports analyst and former NFL player for the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles. “In order to effect true change, these uncomfortable conversations need to transcend the screen—which is why I’m putting them on the page, too. I firmly believe that if you want to go fast, you go alone. But if you want to go far, you go together. I’m honored to have a partner and supporter in Oprah Winfrey and Macmillan Publishers.“

UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS WITH A BLACK MAN is an essential guide to the truths Americans need to know to address the systemic racism that has gone unchecked for generations. With the same open-hearted generosity that has made his video series a phenomenon, Acho tackles all the questions white Americans are afraid to ask—Is it best to say “Black” or “African American”?, What is cultural appropriation?, Why isn’t reverse racism real?, and, most importantly, What can I do to join the antiracist fight?

“Emmanuel Acho’s voice is one we all need to hear right now,” said Miller. “His videos and the book he has written are simultaneously honest and empathetic in a way that encourages listening—real listening—in a time of national reckoning that demands it. We couldn’t be more proud to be his publisher.”

UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS WITH A BLACK BOY is an accessible book for children to learn about systemic racism and racist behavior. For the awkward questions white and non-black parents don’t know how to answer, this book will be an essential guide to help support communication regarding how to dismantle racism amongst our youngest generation.

”Uncomfortable Conversations apply to kids too,” said Yaged. “By connecting with and educating children before they internalize racial stereotypes Emmanuel Acho is kickstarting important discussions that will change our future for the better. We are privileged to be a part of this process"

UTA represented Acho in the deal.

About Macmillan

Macmillan Publishers is a global trade book publishing company with prominent imprints around the world. Macmillan publishes a broad range of award-winning books for children and adults in all categories and formats.

U.S. publishers include Celadon Books, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Flatiron Books, Henry Holt & Company, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, St. Martin’s Publishing Group and Tor Books. In the UK, Australia, India, and South Africa, Macmillan publishes under the Pan Macmillan name. The German company, Holtzbrinck Deutsche Buchverlage, includes among its imprints S. Fischer, Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Rowohlt, and Droemer Knaur.

Macmillan Publishers is a division of the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, a large family-owned media company headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany