Duck Duck Books
Connecting Cultures through Stories

The skillful adaptation and recreation of literary content while preserving its essence is crucial in connecting diverse cultures and giving life to stories that would otherwise remain untold. The transcreation process allows literary journeys to harmonize with audiences of varying backgrounds, allowing a shared human experience to develop and flourish.

This is precisely where Duck Duck Books comes into the picture. The visionary minority and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) publisher excels in transcreation, bringing stories to life as they traverse linguistic boundaries. Specializing in crafting multilingual board books and eco-friendly children's goods, the company surpasses conventional translation, ensuring cultural resonance. Its diverse product range, all crafted from sustainable materials, extends beyond the written page, nurturing language learning, emotional intelligence, and an eco-conscious lifestyle.

From Manuscript to Masterpiece

Duck Duck Books’ services elevate authors' manuscripts and meet professional standards for market success. Recognizing the challenges self-publishers face without access to resources available to traditional publishing agencies, the company provides essential support in editing, design, marketing, and distribution.

“From our roots as a multilingual children's book publisher, we've evolved into something remarkable. We have an expansive range of publishing services that sets us apart. Emphasizing not just our own but also the potential of publishing others' books makes us stand out on this list,” says Serena Y. Li, Author & Founder & Innovator & Editor-In-Chief.
A comprehensive range of services is available, from strategic planning and branding to editing and layout. It provides production services like printing, video creation, and go-to-market strategies. Whether it's editing, or designing, Duck Duck Books creates stories that transcend language barriers, fostering a deep connection between reader and author.

Its expertise extends beyond children's books, catering to a diverse clientele. It collaborates with authors on memoirs, offering comprehensive ghostwriting support. Notably, it partnered with a medical brand to develop blogs for menopausal patients. With extensive experience aiding self-published authors, including parents, Duck Duck Books also extends its proficiency to international brands seeking entry into the U.S. market. This involves leveraging their knowledge in content creation, adaptation, and cultural resonance to ensure successful brand penetration and connection with the American audience.

The importance of aligning with clients whose missions and beliefs resonate with their own is emphasized. Rather than competing on price, it prioritizes delivering high-quality services to clients who share its vision and values.

It also actively advocates for causes related to diversity, sustainability, and a love for the planet.

A Multilingual Dream Team

Duck Duck Books emerged from Li's personal journey. As a 1.5-generation Asian American, she confronted the challenges of parenting and postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter, Sophia. Struggling to find meaningful, bilingual children’s books reflecting her cross-cultural values, she discovered a significant gap in the market. She established Duck Duck Books in August 2021, with a mission to create multilingual board books that foster social-emotional skills. Guiding a team, her profound commitment is to shape a more enlightened world for future generations.

The team is highly diverse with varied backgrounds, including advertising, marketing, journalism, creative writing, and linguistics. Their blend of expertise keeps them agile and competitive in the publishing market, sourcing talent from Fortune 500 companies. An understanding of language nuances is evident in their resonant Spanish and Chinese translations. Each member, from writers to designers, brings a unique perspective honed by experience with prominent brands and their roles as parents, and are driven by their shared passion for children's books.
Duck Duck is distinguished by its strong emphasis on supporting people of color in achieving their publishing aspirations. Acknowledging the limited scope in the traditional publishing industry, the company is committed to creating opportunities and generating employment. As a MWBE, it proudly champions the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) community, seeking to uplift and empower diverse voices.

In an interconnected world seeking understanding, Duck Duck Books stands as a beacon of unity, enriching writers and readers, transcending borders, and embracing the symphony of human diversity.