Vicki Stringer - Urban Fiction Publisher

Girl, if you're a millennial, I know you remember Triple Crown Publications. Did you know the publishing company was founded by a black woman and is one of the most successful African American book publishers in the US and abroad?

Founder Vicki Stringer was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, by a schoolteacher mother and an electrical engineer father at General Motors. She graduated from the prestigious Cass Technical High School in 1985, briefly attending Western Michigan University before intending to transfer to Ohio State University. However, her life took a turn when she became romantically involved with a drug dealer, leading to the birth of her son in 1992. Following their separation, Stringer, facing the need to support herself and her son, turned to drug dealing and also managed an escort service.

In September 1994, Stringer was arrested on federal drug trafficking and money-laundering charges after selling two kilograms of cocaine to a police informant in Columbus, Ohio. Pleading guilty, she received a seven-year sentence in federal prison. While incarcerated, Stringer wrote her debut novel, "Let That Be The Reason."

Upon her release in January 2001, she worked as a bartender and tried to get her book published. She was rejected 26 times because publishers didn't see any money in “Urban Fiction”. So, she borrowed money from her family and had a printer make a small number of copies of her book, which she then marketed and sold on her own.

Sales were so good that Stringer soon had enough capital to found Triple Crown Publications - which she named after her drug crew. She would publish her works and those of other writers, including my favorite, Keisha Ervin.

Publishers Weekly Magazine named her "The Reigning Queen" of Urban fiction, and Book Magazine named one of the "Most 50 influential Women" in publishing.

Her novel has been translated into Japanese for worldwide distribution and acclaim.

In 2002, she partnered with a silent investor to further establish Triple Crown Publications in the billion-dollar publishing industry. Her second novel, "Imagine This," secured a six-figure two-book publishing deal with Simon & Schuster, and it spent over two years on the Essence paperback bestseller list.

As the publisher of Triple Crown Publications, Stringer has become one of the most successful African American book publishers in the U.S. and internationally. She's been featured throughout the media and has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of notable urban fiction authors. She has brokered over US$3,000,000 in book deals for her clients as a literary agent.

Recognized as Ball State University Entrepreneur of the Year in 2007, Stringer actively participates in initiatives focusing on using entrepreneurship to reduce recidivism. Her success story reminds us that your origin doesn't define you; you always have the option to rise above and shape your narrative. Ms. Stringer currently resides in Ohio with her two children.

This HERstory is particularly special to me because I LOVED a Triple Crown Publication book in middle school. Me and my friends stayed passing them around. What a treat to learn the company was founded by a black woman making a way for herself despite her circumstances.

So, the next time you pick up an urban novel - thank a black woman. Not really, but really. We love you, Ms. Stringer.