Stormzy collabs with Penguin to launch publishing imprint #Merky Books

Working with Penguin Books, the new #Merky Books imprint will be a platform for rising literary talent.

Announcing the venture via Instagram, the South London rapper says, “I know too many talented writers that don’t always have an outlet or a means to get their work seen and hopefully #Merky Books can now be a reference point for them to say ‘I can be an author’ and for that to be a realistic and achievable goal.”

“Reading and writing as a kid was integral to where I am today,” he added, “and I from the bottom of my heart can not wait to hear your stories, your poems, your novels, your sci-fis and then getting them out into the big wide world.”

Up first on #Merky Books will be Rise Up: The #Merky Journey So Far, which details Stormzy's journey "from one of the most promising musicians of his generation to a spokesperson for a generation...the story of how he got there. It’s a story about faith and the ideas worth fighting for. It’s about knowing where you’re from, and where you’re going. It’s about following your dreams without compromising who you are.” The books drops on 1 November and we're pretty sure it'll be better than the last high profile collaboration between Penguin and an iconic British performer.

An open commission will be announced in 2019 where aspiring writers can submit fiction, non-fiction and poetry.

Catch Stormzy live this summer at Super Bock Super Rock which takes place from 19-21 July in Lisbon - tickets are onsale now.