tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post4689856223303503797..comments2023-11-02T06:57:11.400-04:00Comments on BookEnds Literary Agency: Politics and PublishingBookEnds, A Literary Agencyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287278822065839469noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-2880054811409863122009-01-13T21:18:00.000-05:002009-01-13T21:18:00.000-05:00Publishing definitely still uses racial stereotype...Publishing definitely still uses racial stereotypes in their marketing - case in point - The lawsuit between Millenia Black and Penguin.<BR/><BR/>Basically the author's self published 1st novel had race-neutral characters.It did so well that Penguin became interested. The did a cover featuring 2 wedding bands (no people).<BR/><BR/>The acquiring editor at Penguin asked the agent what the author's race was. Upon finding out the author was black, the company refused to release the book as general fiction. They promptly changed the cover art to show 2 black women and marketed it as African-American fiction only despite the author's objections.<BR/><BR/>Then when the editor got Ms. Black's draft of her 2nd novel featuring clearly white characters, she was told it would have to be re-written with black characters.<BR/><BR/>Some might think it doesn't matter but it definitely changes who looks at the book. I've rarely seen non-black women picking up books with black people on the cover in the stores. <BR/><BR/>I DON'T think this is intentional on their part either. Most people naturally gravitate towards what looks familiar/comfortable. <BR/><BR/>The only reason people of color don't do the same thing is because living in a society where you are surrounded by images that don't represent you, you become almost immune to it. You also start to identify with the majority culture much more than the majority culture identifies with you.<BR/><BR/>Like I said - I don't think people are avoiding reading about multicultural characters on purpose, their subconscious is just inclined to believe they won't "relate" to those books.<BR/><BR/>The major lesson of this lawsuit IMO is that it's not the publisher's business what race the author is. They also shouldn't be using their preconceived notions of that race to market the book. Let the book stand on it's own. <BR/><BR/>http://bestsellingauthor.blogspot.com/2007/01/millenia-blacks-complaint.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-41417438044857095102008-12-15T00:54:00.000-05:002008-12-15T00:54:00.000-05:00Julie--your idea of "interesting" reading seems wo...Julie--your idea of "interesting" reading seems worlds apart from most people. No sense in arguing with you since you seem stuck in the past. My guess is you're over 60? Time for a new generation and a more progressive era...the Republicans have had 8 years to ruin this country--time to move on, whether you like it or not.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-10669260241508462002008-12-12T18:11:00.000-05:002008-12-12T18:11:00.000-05:00"I have never met a single one that screened ficti..."I have never met a single one that screened fiction queries or manuscripts based upon the race of the author. Word usage, yes. Character usage, yes. Grammar and spelling, yes."<BR/><BR/>Hello, I took a look at the link and I didn't get the same impression as you, so I hope we can agree to disagree on this one, as I do see your point. But from what I gather of the article, its saying some black authors feel the book industry seems to put a damper on their literary works or to type cast them, believing their works only appeal to their racial group, when the writers themselves feel their works could be appreciated by all, and hope that the industry will be more open minded now. It's the age old commercial versus literary debate. I do hope that this part of the article comes to pass, but only time will tell if "Obama has proved, after all, that readers of all races and backgrounds can take to non-mainstream literary portraits of the American experience." <BR/>imho authors of literary works, no matter what race are having a tough time getting published, that's where I differ with the article.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the link, whoever provided it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-87950646735238392972008-12-12T16:37:00.000-05:002008-12-12T16:37:00.000-05:00Julie Marie -Sure! Friends are great.Anon 5:20Int...Julie Marie -<BR/><BR/>Sure! Friends are great.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Anon 5:20<BR/><BR/>Interesting article. Still seems to think that ... how do I put this?<BR/><BR/>In all my time studying and interacting with people in publishing, I have never met a single one that screened fiction queries or manuscripts based upon the race of the author. Word usage, yes. Character usage, yes. Grammar and spelling, yes. <BR/><BR/>The assumption that President Obama will have any effect on how queries or manuscripts from black authors are received in the publishing industry is... ummm... mistaken. Yes, that's a polite word. <BR/><BR/>Mistaken, in my experience.Dal Jeanishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03652296391869599080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-24944275476447843922008-12-12T16:23:00.000-05:002008-12-12T16:23:00.000-05:00Interesting how quickly the mention of politics le...Interesting how quickly the mention of politics leads to cliche'ed hyperbole. <BR/><BR/>It's not that there have been a greater number of (only) conservative books under Bush, it's that the polarization that mushroomed under Clinton has continued. There are more books aimed at *both* margins, not just the right. <BR/><BR/>And I'm not blaming Clinton - both parties are worsening it, along with the national media. The polarization probably actually started with Nixon's Southern strategy, which pulled conservative whites over to the Republicans and aligned the two parties on a left-right axis rather than the more fractured lines that existed previously. <BR/><BR/>With the retirement of old-style conservative (Zell Miller) Dems, and the ostracism of any Dems that deviate from leftist orthodoxy (Lieberman), you're likely to see the polarization continue, especially if the Reps counter with a similar nasty ostracism on their more liberal members (Powell). Neither party really believes in diversity, that's just a slogan or shibboleth on the left.Dal Jeanishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03652296391869599080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-52670639755276355012008-12-12T10:57:00.000-05:002008-12-12T10:57:00.000-05:00"Which seems odd since an author at Books and Writ..."Which seems odd since an author at Books and Writers was writing a fascinating story about with a black protagonist and she was roundly criticized by several people in the industry for having to audacity to write about a black woman when she is white. How can she possibly know how to write about black people?"<BR/><BR/>Hi Julie, without knowing the book it's difficult to know what could have set the audience off. There are many wonderful books written by non-minority authors that are enjoyed by African Americans. The Astonishing life of Octavius Nothing, Vols 1 and 2 come to mind, as well as the classic "To Kill a Mockingbird." It may well be that the author touched a nerve with some members of the audience that didn't ring as authentic, but offensive or bordering on stereotypical. And that can happen regardless of race. But please know, what may seem offensive to some may not set someone else off.<BR/>It would be interesting to find out if there were others who didn't share the viewpoint.<BR/>But back to the question. I hope it opens up more discussions, like these. It's best not to ignore but to communicate, because that's the first step.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-21223464469830249302008-12-12T04:43:00.000-05:002008-12-12T04:43:00.000-05:00Anon 6:30.Can you give some actual facts about how...Anon 6:30.<BR/><BR/>Can you give some actual facts about how enlightened we were during the Clinton era and what Bush did to destroy publishing?<BR/><BR/>Seriously. You can spout all the rhetoric you want about this, but come up with some statistics about this.<BR/><BR/>The question was, how will politics change my reading habits? My answer was, and is, I can make up my own decisions about what I like to read without consulting the president. Yeah, I know it's radical to make up my own mind about what I like to read regardless of who is in the white house.<BR/><BR/>Frankly, the only remotely interesting "political" book in ages was the one with Reagan's letters.Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-2497783008978929972008-12-11T18:30:00.000-05:002008-12-11T18:30:00.000-05:00You "mavericks" are missing the whole point! This ...You "mavericks" are missing the whole point! This has nothing to do with a President's likes or dislikes, it's the divisive way Bush ran the country (us vs. them).<BR/>What happened to separation of Church and State? Killing innocent victims (by illegal guns or war) is wrong, no matter what your religion is or political side you're on. Who can afford to buy books when millions of jobs have been lost since Bush stole the election 8 years ago? <BR/>The Borders guys i right--Bush tried to change the whole culture into a racist, fear-mongering, pseudo-religious country. Let's see more balanced, not biased, books on the shelves!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-85898990797137403832008-12-11T17:20:00.000-05:002008-12-11T17:20:00.000-05:00For another more African American take on this que...For another more African American take on this question please take a look at the op-ed piece on The Root titled The Obama Effect on Publishing by Lori L. Tharps.<BR/><BR/> http://www.theroot.com/id/49013?GT1=38002Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-87582390301628319192008-12-11T13:58:00.000-05:002008-12-11T13:58:00.000-05:00I've known people who refuse to write characters w...I've known people who refuse to write characters who share the color of their skin, because "insert race and genre" doesn't sell.<BR/><BR/>Which seems odd since an author at Books and Writers was writing a fascinating story about with a black protagonist and she was roundly criticized by several people in the industry for having to audacity to write about a black woman when she is white. How can she possibly know how to write about black people?<BR/><BR/>The critics were black. So, it seems to me while some are trying very hard to ignore the race issue, others prefer to wear their martyr status proudly. <BR/><BR/>What happened 100, 200, 300 or 400 hundred years ago to my ancestors has no bearing on what I choose to make of my life.<BR/><BR/>I have enough strength to be able to choose what I enjoy reading without consulting what the current president likes or doesn't like or what is popular. Call me a maverick.Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-8099235440786279252008-12-10T20:35:00.000-05:002008-12-10T20:35:00.000-05:00Finally, I am also tired of the "racial issue thin...<I>Finally, I am also tired of the "racial issue thing." Someday, I hope it will go away.</I><BR/><BR/>The only way for this to go away is for everyone to acknowledge that one still exists and work towards bridging the gap.<BR/><BR/>Yes, a romance should be a romance. Though in some bookstores AA romance is shelved next to books like Terry McMillian just because the authors are the same race.<BR/><BR/>I've known people who refuse to write characters who share the color of their skin, because "insert race and genre" doesn't sell.<BR/><BR/>Faulty thinking, but it's more common than people think.<BR/><BR/><BR/>That's beside the point. To answer your question...I don't think it will change my reading habits. I read everything, but non-fiction. I'm more than sure I will continue to do so. A leopard doesn't change their spots because of politics.NerdSnarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02239376650316446684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-78395178230272048122008-12-09T21:46:00.000-05:002008-12-09T21:46:00.000-05:00I just finished reading "Minders of Make-Believe" ...I just finished reading "Minders of Make-Believe" by Leonard S. Marcus (basically a history of children's publishing). The question reminded me of this book, because the author discussed how administration changes have had dramatic impacts on children's publishing, at least. For instance, Marcus discusses how under the Johnson administration, public schools received massive funding to purchase books for their school libraries, which led to dramatic growth in children's publishing, and also an increase in multi-cultural books. Under Reagan, tax cuts led to fewer books being purchased by schools and public libraries, and the conservative approach to education meant schools purchased more text books and fewer trade books.Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04086562553070279943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-59909518919341544392008-12-09T18:52:00.000-05:002008-12-09T18:52:00.000-05:00To answer the question, the election will have no ...To answer the question, the election will have no impact on the publishing industry other than all the non-fiction books regarding the election and individuals involved that show up on the shelves until the next big thing shows up.T. M. Hunterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04315726033990784930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-53478698122346464142008-12-09T17:55:00.000-05:002008-12-09T17:55:00.000-05:00Elissa, I would agree that people don't walk into ...Elissa, I would agree that people don't walk into a bookstore and think "because Obama was just elected, I'm going to buy that book." <BR/><BR/>It's just that every single one of us is effected by the world around us. Very few of us live in a vacuum. Art, books, and music, throughout time, have almost always reflected the society and culture its time.<BR/><BR/>Bush made a very different America. Americans are hoping Obama will make a very different America, and we can't argue that his election was historic.<BR/><BR/>It's only natural that, on some--arguably--perceptible or imperceptible level, this election and, hopefully, the new politics it brings, will change the way we see things, and therefore the books writers write and the books readers and editors select.<BR/><BR/>Just in July, David Baldacci released a book with the hook: "Dick, I need a war."<BR/><BR/>It's fiction, sure, but it's definitely reflective of the times of a Bush presidency. It resonated with readers because of the sociological context.<BR/><BR/>It's not shallow. It just is what art is supposed to do.Spy Scribblerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14299551957327543491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-24793358738979333642008-12-09T17:16:00.000-05:002008-12-09T17:16:00.000-05:00I feel sorry for anyone who is so shallow that the...I feel sorry for anyone who is so shallow that their book choices are based on who is president. Or who is not president for that matter. Seriously.<BR/><BR/>This goes for publishers as well as readers.Elissa Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10727748060605823895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-34392947108238989342008-12-09T16:48:00.000-05:002008-12-09T16:48:00.000-05:00I forgot the question!I forgot the question!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-60274467443495796092008-12-09T16:39:00.000-05:002008-12-09T16:39:00.000-05:00I write at Borders every day (work at home, so I g...I write at Borders every day (work at home, so I gotta get out sometime!), and over the last eight years, I've noticed a HUGE increase in conservative, right-wing, and the-government-should-be-more-Christian books. Where I used to see one on the front tables every now and then, I would venture to say that over the past two years, there are almost always four or five. (The election may have something to do with that, LOL!)<BR/><BR/>So... I don't know, but these sorts of books scare me and sadden me. I'm hoping this election is proof of a more tolerant and gentle trend.<BR/><BR/>But those are just hopes. If Bush saw a swing to more conservative political books, shouldn't it swing the other way? I hope?Spy Scribblerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14299551957327543491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-12593940832091393122008-12-09T16:26:00.000-05:002008-12-09T16:26:00.000-05:00One of the lasting legacies of this election is th...One of the lasting legacies of this election is the dozens of sites devoted to all-things-political all-the-time. I had multiple web sites I checked on a daily basis to scan polls, skims quotes, fume over ads, etc. And many of them were really well-written. <BR/><BR/>This 24/7 stream of sound-bites changes us as readers. We want fast. We want succinct. We want crisp. Every word has to count. And we know it is possible now; there are a thousand blogs that prove it. <BR/><BR/>I used to buy a hundred books or more each year. I'd say that has dwindled to a dozen--even as my income climbed. And it's mainly because I find too many bloated novels out there. I check books out of the library--especially for the first time I read an author--before I'm willing to buy. Because I want an efficient read. Like I can get on the web.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-53637033348380751022008-12-09T16:21:00.000-05:002008-12-09T16:21:00.000-05:00"What effect, if any, do you think the election wi..."What effect, if any, do you think the election will have on you as a reader?"<BR/><BR/>For me, I like the insider stories.<BR/>There are some juicy true life backstories and probably a few fiction titles that could come out of this. Carl Rove is already writing a book and claiming that he's going to call out the Repubs that didn't support Bush. I'd like to read Sarah Palin's book, well, just because. Instead of those commemorative plates they keep hawking on TV, I'd like to see Obama write one on how it felt to realize he'd actually become President, especially in this time of economic upheaval (sorta reminds me of the joke in that Airplane movie "I picked the wrong week to stop smoking"). This is off topic, but for the exec who still wants his 10 million dollar bonus because he kept his company's loss in the low billions,I'd like to see his book listing why he thinks he should get it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-17240733773736501292008-12-09T16:10:00.000-05:002008-12-09T16:10:00.000-05:00Anon 3:52250,000? Do you know what tax credits are...Anon 3:52<BR/><BR/>250,000? Do you know what tax credits are? Do you get any now? I do, but not for long. i.e. my taxes are about to go up, and I don't make anywhere near 250,000. Bye, Buy books :(Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-76293266647226358912008-12-09T16:05:00.000-05:002008-12-09T16:05:00.000-05:00Over at Pub Rants there have been entries about sc...Over at Pub Rants there have been entries about scientologists wielding power to stop the distribution of books they suspect would give an unfavourable view of their beliefs and practices. Maybe this is the sort of thing the person making the query meant?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-50508372595927257332008-12-09T15:52:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:52:00.000-05:00ACpaul said: The only effect I can see is that onc...ACpaul said: The only effect I can see is that once my taxes go up, I'll have less money to spend on books?<BR/><BR/>*****<BR/>You know, if you're earning over $250,000 a year, then you probably have some discretionary income to spend on books even if your taxes do go back to the rates you paid under Bill Clinton. Obama said the only tax increases he would enact are on people earning more than $250,000 a year. Frankly, if I were at that pay grade, I'd be pretty darn happy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-36527605926097549492008-12-09T15:32:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:32:00.000-05:00A pitbull with lipstick would be very intersting t...A pitbull with lipstick would be very intersting to see. Maybe 4 years from now will get luckier. Politics and Anon are the only smart way to go. Afterall we are all allowed our own opinion it's the American way. Just like it's the American way to by books based on your beliefs or refuse to buy books based on your beliefs. And even more certainly if you intend to voice your opinion and put your name with it, you should certainly have your facts straight and know how to spell correctly. As for the race issue, it will never go away if no-one gives it a chance to.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-45289616507280230912008-12-09T15:30:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:30:00.000-05:00I'm Anonymous 3:13 PM (the long winded post) I see...I'm Anonymous 3:13 PM (the long winded post) I see an opportunity here to build bridges and to jump on the new puppy in the white house bandwagon. If anyone wants to contribute to a children's book on puppies applying for the job (I've got Rottweilers covered) email me at Onyx5525yahoo.com.) <BR/>the rottie puppy I'm writing about guards the Obama's daughters and makes a mess of things.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-84587750877522244482008-12-09T15:13:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:13:00.000-05:00Hi Anita,I get what you're saying, and I'm pleased...Hi Anita,<BR/><BR/>I get what you're saying, and I'm pleased to see that there are books making it to the best seller lists about Barack Obama, #9 in Children's Picture Books BARACK OBAMA: SON OF PROMISE, CHILD OF HOPE, by Nikki Grimes. In children's paperback books BARACK OBAMA, by Roberta Edwards. Illustrated by Ken Call. <BR/>His autobiographical books also are still on the non-fiction lists<BR/>(NY Times and USA TODAY). But this is not just about Obama, though his win could be used as a tool to inspire children who needed a role model like themselves. I do not wish to get into a political discussion, I only hope that the doors will open for more multicultural writers and that all writers include (or at least consider including more diverse characters). I know when I write, that's what I do, however the choice is left to the individual.<BR/>And because I've had to step in when I saw injustice through the years, I know that for many, "That Racial thing" will not go away, whether it be subtle or overt. And yes, it can go both ways. We're imperfect people. But that's one of the reasons why I write. To educate and entertain. I truly enjoyed Twilight. Perhaps there can be a story just as engrossing being penned for YA's of color, which are an underserved population. Just this week Publisher's Weekly had an article concerning reaching out to African American teens, though I hope they include Hispanic and other groups as well. Sorry this is so long, and I don't wish to seem argumentative, I do see both sides, and I feel there's room not only in writing, but in many fields for greater minority representation. It's not from lack of trying, or lack of authors of color not writing. It goes without saying, this business is subjective, and one must be as persistent as "a pitbull with lipstick" to succeed:)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com