Meet Jacquitta McManus

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacquitta McManus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacquitta, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought of starting my company, Worlds To Discover, developed gradually. It began when I decided to write fantasy adventure children’s stories to fill a gap I noticed while searching for books to read to my daughter. As a big fan of fantasy and science fiction, I was saddened by the lack of stories featuring black girls—when I say lack, I mean I couldn’t find any. That’s when the spark began for me.

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve imagined stories in my head, stories I realized I could develop into books. My goal was to create books featuring black female protagonists in fantasy adventure and science fiction—books I would have loved to read to my daughter at bedtime. Once I committed to writing these stories, the idea of creating my own publishing company emerged. After considering various names, I landed on Worlds To Discover, which perfectly encapsulates my mission to create diverse worlds and characters for readers to discover.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is storytelling. When I began writing, I never imagined how diverse and empowering it could be. Stories give us history, inspiration, identity, and confidence, and I’m proud to be part of that.

I create diverse and empowering stories for children, featuring black female protagonists in fantasy adventure and science fiction. My work stands out by filling a significant gap in the market with stories that celebrate diversity and inspire young readers. I’m proud that my books resonate with children and parents, fostering a love for reading and imagination.

Reaching this point hasn’t been easy. It required perseverance, self-teaching, online courses, and connecting with my audience through social media and events. One of the biggest challenges was finding my storytelling voice, navigating the independent publishing landscape, and building my brand from scratch.

This journey has taught me resilience, the value of a supportive community, and the importance of believing in my vision. Creating meaningful work requires passion, dedication, and staying true to one’s unique voice and purpose, even when others try to sway you.

Worlds To Discover is more than just a publishing company—it’s a mission to create worlds where every child can see themselves as the hero of their story. My brand is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion, striving to craft stories that entertain and empower young readers to dream big and believe in themselves.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of my favorite activities in Atlanta include visiting the aquarium and enjoying a good burger or steak. I love Yogli Mogli frozen yogurt for a sweet treat, though I also enjoy Cold Stone. Catching a comedy show is always a great choice, and I’m always up for an adventure, so I like to check out what’s happening in the city and find something fun to do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My journey with Worlds To Discover has been supported by many incredible people, but I would particularly like to shout out to my family. Their unwavering support, love, and encouragement have been the foundation of my success. I also owe a lot to my children, who inspired me to write stories that reflect the diversity and strength I want them to see in the world. Finally, I want to recognize the countless readers who believe in my stories and share them with their children. Their enthusiasm and feedback are what keep me going every day.

Website: www.WorldsToDiscover.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldstodiscover

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jacquitta