A few answers to your top questions
Product & General
Decentred is spelt incorrectly! What's up with that?
Well, not quite. Decentred is spelt using the British spelling which is more commonly used in the Caribbean. The product was designed with the region in mind and the spelling is a deliberate effort to challenge the American spelling.
How did you get your name?
All credit goes to Akilah White (@ifthisisparadise). Kaymara told her about the vision she had for the business and where she hoped it would go and true to form this genius-in-residence came up with our business name. Akilah says that’s not quite how the story goes but we’re not accepting this humility. We love the name and the message it sends. We’re very attached to it.
SO WHAT EXACTLY IS YOUR VISION?
Our vision is to decentralise the current publishing framework and make it more inclusive.
Why subscribe?
As a member of the Decentred Lit community, you’ll receive (sometimes) early access to the very best books by authors of colour. Each book is read ahead of its publication date and reviewed for potentially triggering material.
SO, WHAT'S INSIDE THEN?
The contents of each quarter will vary; but you can expect to see one exclusively designed tote, as well as a new (released within 1-2 months of shipment) book written by an author of colour. The book may be hardcover or paperback, depending on publication format; however, priority will be given to hardcovers.
In addition to the tote and book, subscribers to the full package will receive 3-4 literary accoutrements; items may be full sized while others may be smaller. Each item will tie into the themes explored in the Book of the Quarter. Some of the goodies that we may include: custom artwork, pencils, tea or coffee, bath goods, and journals.
WHAT'S YOUR LOYALTY PROGRAMME ABOUT?
Our current program ensures that returning subscribers (as well as new subscribers) who order on opening day will receive an extra book in their package! That’s right, you get TWO BOOKS!
WAIT, WHAT? THIS IS FOR ALL PRODUCTS?
Unfortunately not. The loyalty programme currently excludes Book Only Subscriptions as well as One Time/Gift Purchases.
YOU SAID CURRENT, ARE YOU CHANGING IT?
We may have a little something in the works *wink wink*
Totes? Why would I want a tote?
The question you’re really going for is “why wouldn’t I want a tote?”
What is a Trigger Warning?
A trigger warning may be viewed as a statement that warns of a negative emotional response to potentially distressing stimuli. Trigger warnings are often placed on movies or books and are intended for readers/viewers living with post-traumatic stress disorder or who wish to avoid content which they may find heavy or emotionally draining.
We want subscribers to enjoy the books we choose while having the flexibility to opt-out of reading material that can be harmful. Trigger Warnings are announced in tandem with the theme of the quarter to let readers know what to expect and by extension, inform their purchase.
Can I buy a single item from a past box?
It depends! If we have extra inventory, we will definitely make them available; although some may be reserved for giveaways on our socials. Feel free to reach out if there is something specific, and we’ll see what we can do.
Pricing & Fees
HOW MUCH DOES DECENTRED LIT COST?
For the Book-Only Subscription, the cost is US$28.00 plus shipping.
For Full Package Subscriptions plans, there are two different plans to choose from. Quarterly plans are US$40.00 plus shipping, and you are billed each quarter. Annual plans are US$34.00 plus shipping per quarter, and you pay for all four quarters upfront. Annual subscriptions may not be paired with discount codes.
ALL PLANS AND SHIPPING COSTS ARE IN US DOLLARS, exchange rates fluctuations may apply. (I’m so sorry. I hate it too.)
WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT OPTIONS?
We currently accept US dollar payments via PayPal and Jamaican dollar bank transfers or direct deposits if you are a Jamaican resident.
How do auto-renewals work?
When you sign up you will be charged immediately for the subscription model you have chosen (one-time purchase/gift, quarterly or annual). Once your subscription cycle is over, you will be re-billed for the same cycle until you decide to switch to a different plan or cancel your subscription.
For example:
One Time: No auto-renewal. You will be charged for one quarter, unless you have changed your plan.
Quarterly plans: Renewals take place on the 1st of each quarter, after you have received 1 package you will be charged again for another quarter, unless you have changed your plan.
Annual plans (4 packages): Renewals take place at the end of subscription cycle after you have received 4 packages. You will be charged again for another year, unless you have changed your plan.
What is your refund & return policy?
We will offer partial refunds or replacements if a package arrives damaged. Please email hello@decentredlit.com with proof of damage.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept returns.
SHIPPING & LOGISTICS
Does Decentred Lit ship to my country?
*Please contact us for a quote on shipping costs to the Bahamas.
What shipping options do you offer?
We ship from Jamaica via Jamaica Post, using the following options:
• ZipMail (within Jamaica) – 1 business day
• Airmail (international) – shipping times vary
• Express (available to customers based in Antigua, Canada, The United Kingdom and The United States) – 3-5 business days
When can I order and when do you ship?
We are a quarterly subscription, so we do four packages per year:
• March Package – Ordering opens on February 1st and closes on February 28th, or earlier if we are sold out. These packages are shipped in batches within the last two weeks of March.
• June Package – Ordering opens on May 1st and closes on May 31st, or earlier if we are sold out. These packages are shipped in batches within the last two weeks of June.
• September Package – Ordering opens on August 1st and closes on August 31st, or earlier if we are sold out. These packages are shipped in batches within the last two weeks of September.
• December Package – Ordering opens on November 1st and closes on November 30th, or earlier if we are sold out. These packages are shipped in batches within the first two weeks of December, to account for the Christmas rush.
Once we ship your packages, you will receive a shipping confirmation along with a tracking number, so you can know exactly when your packages will arrive!
how long will it take to get my package?
Delivery times are based on shipping with the assumption of no delays, if there are delays packages may take a few additional weeks. Customs clearance can take anywhere from a day to thirty days in our experience, but for the most part it is typically very fast.
What about customs duties & fees?
Is shipping tracked?
Yes! You will receive a tracking number once your package is in the mail.
PARTNERSHIPS
I sell goodies that would be perfect for Decentred Lit! How can I feature my items in a future box?
That’s amazing! We are always seeking quality, small business vendors from the Caribbean. If you would like to be a part of Decentred Lit, please e-mail us with your information at goodies@decentredlit.com. Please be willing to send samples at our request! We will log your information and let you know if we are interested in your products and for which quarter we’d like to feature them.
I'm an author and would like to have my work featured. Can I send you a copy?
Unfortunately, we aren’t accepting unsolicited books at this point in time.
I would like to run a giveaway on my blog/Instagram. Are you able to donate one of your packages?
Definitely! We’ll even curate a special one just for you! Please email us at hello@decentredlit.com with the subject line: GIVEAWAY PROMOTION, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.