Picture a Texas-born storyteller who’s weaving magic and diversity into the heart of science fiction and fantasy—meet Patrice Caldwell! With her groundbreaking anthologies and fierce advocacy, Caldwell is a literary trailblazer, crafting worlds where Black girls shine as witches, rebels, and heroes. Her work, like A Phoenix First Must Burn, invites readers into vibrant, inclusive realms that pulse with hope and resistance.
As a former children’s book editor turned literary agent and author, Caldwell’s journey is as dynamic as her stories. Her passion for amplifying marginalized voices led her to found People of Color in Publishing, a grassroots organization that’s shaking up the industry. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this rising star!
The Making of Patrice Caldwell
Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, Patrice Caldwell grew up surrounded by books and theater, her imagination sparked by sci-fi and fantasy. Her parents, avid genre fans, filled her shelves with stories featuring Black characters, fueling her love for inclusive narratives. At Wellesley College, she majored in political science but found her calling in English and children’s literature courses, writing manuscripts and interning in publishing. After a brief detour outside the industry, Caldwell landed an editorial assistant role, setting the stage for her multifaceted career.
Her theater background and political theory studies shaped her storytelling, infusing it with critical depth and performative flair. By 2016, she founded People of Color in Publishing to support racially and ethnically marginalized professionals, a mission that remains central to her work.
Patrice Caldwell’s Unforgettable Stories
Caldwell’s literary contributions are a vibrant blend of editing, writing, and advocacy. Her debut anthology, A Phoenix First Must Burn (2020), is a dazzling collection of 16 speculative fiction stories centering Black girls and gender-nonconforming teens. Featuring authors like Elizabeth Acevedo and Justina Ireland, it explores the Black experience through fantasy and sci-fi, evoking Beyoncé’s Lemonade with themes of resistance and hope. Critics hailed it as “fiercely fantastical” and a must-read for diversifying YA literature.
In 2022, Caldwell edited Eternally Yours, a paranormal romance anthology with 15 stories that celebrate diverse love in supernatural settings. Her own short story, “Letting the Right One In,” showcases her ability to craft queer, emotionally rich narratives. Her debut novel, Where Shadows Meet (2025), a sapphic vampire romantasy, promises to blend gothic allure with heartfelt storytelling. Caldwell’s style is vivid and accessible, mashing genres to create worlds where marginalized voices take center stage.
Her editing prowess shines in curating diverse voices, ensuring each story feels fresh yet cohesive. Whether retelling folktales or imagining futuristic societies, Caldwell’s work radiates #BlackGirlMagic, making speculative fiction more inclusive and exciting.
Why Patrice Caldwell Matters
Patrice Caldwell is more than an author—she’s a catalyst for change. Through People of Color in Publishing, she’s opened doors for marginalized professionals, fostering mentorship and visibility in a historically white industry. Her anthologies have redefined YA speculative fiction, proving that Black and queer stories belong in fantastical worlds. Recognized as a Forbes “30 Under 30” honoree and a Publishers Weekly Star Watch recipient, Caldwell’s influence is undeniable.
Her work resonates with readers seeking representation, offering mirrors for Black teens and windows for others. By championing hope-filled endings, she challenges stereotypes and uplifts the next generation of storytellers. Caldwell’s legacy is one of empowerment, creativity, and unapologetic diversity.
- Born: Fort Worth, Texas
- Key Works: A Phoenix First Must Burn (2020), Eternally Yours (2022), Where Shadows Meet (2025)
- Awards: Forbes “30 Under 30” (2021), Publishers Weekly Star Watch (2018)
Snag A Phoenix First Must Burn and dive into Patrice Caldwell’s spellbinding worlds of magic, resistance, and love!