Black Ember Press is an independent publishing house founded by author Rashida Saunders. We publish memoir, poetry, and guided reflection exploring family, identity, faith, resilience, and the human experience. Our approach centers on honest storytelling, creative ownership, and care for each author’s voice.

Permission to Break: A Memoir of Strength, Silence, and Softness explores what happens when being the strong one becomes both an identity and a burden. Through motherhood, grief, public service, faith, and healing, Rashida Saunders examines the cost of enduring in silence and the courage it takes to receive care.

The memoir shares Rashida’s story. The companion workbook offers guided prompts and exercises to help you reflect on your own experiences, what you carry, and what you may be ready to release. They are available individually or together as a book and workbook bundle.

Yes. A free Permission to Break discussion guide is available to download from our website. It can be used by book clubs, classrooms, leadership teams, community organizations, or individual readers.

Signed editions are identified in the product listing. Copies of Permission to Break and Reflections of a Black Woman’s Heart purchased directly from Black Ember Press are signed by their respective authors. Check individual listings for details about workbooks and bundles

In-stock orders ship within 2 business days. Delivery time varies by shipping method and destination. Preorders follow the shipping schedule listed on the product page.

Please email: info@blackemberpress.com with your order number and photographs of the damaged item and packaging. We’ll review the issue and help determine the next steps.

Preorders ship according to the schedule listed on the product page. What We Owe Our Sons releases April 16, 2027. Please check its product page for preorder shipping updates. The release date is not a guaranteed delivery date.

Yes. Email: info@blackemberpress.com with the title, quantity, delivery location, and date needed.

We’ll confirm availability and any applicable pricing. A free Permission to Break discussion guide is also available on our website.

Creative ownership is central to our publishing philosophy. We value each author’s voice and believe publishing relationships should clearly define rights, responsibilities, and compensation. Specific terms are established in each author’s publishing agreement.

Black Ember Press is currently focused on its existing catalog and forthcoming titles. We are not accepting unsolicited manuscripts, publishing clients, or photography clients at this time.