Detroit-Based Authors You Need to Know
Support Detroit always. Our artists and writers are no exception. Here are some of the top Detroit-based authors, across different publishing companies or even those that are self-published, that you absolutely need to read:
J.B. Exte
This author hit the scene in 2024, releasing his debut novel, Being Human, Then Decaying, in October.
J.B. Exte uses the feel of classic literature as a vehicle for picking apart how people think and react in the most difficult of situations. Being Human, Then Decaying dissects the gray areas of vice and virtue while telling the story of the end of a relationship and the effects of isolation.
To learn more about this Detroit-based author, visit J.B. Exte’s author page, or read more about his latest release, Being Human, Then Decaying by reading the book bio.
Danni Little
Danni Little is carving out a unique niche as a poet and author who has put out multiple handmade poetry books.
Her handcrafted books provide affirmations and stories that you can connect with. The stream of consciousness poetry is a perfect combination for the feel of a handmade book. A couple of her works include The Inner Workings of an Untamed Mind and Feelings of an Introverted Introvert.
You can find out out more about Danni by checking out her Instagram page @dannilittle. You can also learn how to make your own book by keeping an eye out for her next book making class.
Steve Hughes
Creator of the Stupor zine series, the city’s longest running zine, Steve Hughes gives one of the purest looks into the city by writing the stories of people he’s met in bars. As Steve puts it, these are the “stories of triumph and tragedy, of ridiculous debauch, and the sad beauty of bad decisions.”
This series has dozens of issues all with covers designed by local artists. Steve has even put together a 192-page book that contains his work from 14 issues from 2006 and 2011. You can also find his work in art spaces around Detroit.
Nandi Comer
The second poet-laureate of Michigan that the state has ever had, and the first since 1959, Nandi Comer has more than earned that title.
Nandi has two poetry books out now, American Family: A Syndrome and, most recently, Tapping Out. The most recent of the two explores themes of violence, trauma, and identity through the motif of lucha libre masks. It is an intense read, bringing emotion with every line.
You can start digging into the many awards and accolades and see the many places her poems have appeared at Nandi’s website.