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So in relation to publishing pros + readers only wanting Black pain stories
... the 1st thing i did when i got promoted to editor was email almost all agencies who have sold to us & ask if they have POC (not even specifically Black) writing stories NOT about racism to submit
... the 1st thing i did when i got promoted to editor was email almost all agencies who have sold to us & ask if they have POC (not even specifically Black) writing stories NOT about racism to submit
I got two submissions, from Black agents. Everyone else had none.
You could argue they wanted to try elsewhere first, but its been 8 months and theres been nothing. Other editors told me this was gonna happen bc many ppl ask & have this experience.
Much to think about.
You could argue they wanted to try elsewhere first, but its been 8 months and theres been nothing. Other editors told me this was gonna happen bc many ppl ask & have this experience.
Much to think about.
Just to give you an idea - i emailed 30 agencies, usually the head or sb i trusted & told them to forward to all.
Its wild they either have no POC, or nobody not writing about racism. And no, most also havent sold lots of POC books elsewhere since, to explain this.
Its wild they either have no POC, or nobody not writing about racism. And no, most also havent sold lots of POC books elsewhere since, to explain this.
Now, add this up to publishing houses who cannot take unagented submissions. Imagine their slush pile.
The majority of POC subs, & especially Black authored, they get are pain and racism narratives. The high POC editor turnover isnt surprising if you know this. Its horrifying.
The majority of POC subs, & especially Black authored, they get are pain and racism narratives. The high POC editor turnover isnt surprising if you know this. Its horrifying.
And specifically to POC writers reading this:
If sb asks for your next book or writes you a detailed rejection, -- keep going. Theres not too much competition to bother -- and even if there was, this doesnt stop white writers from shooting their shot. It shouldn't stop anyone.
If sb asks for your next book or writes you a detailed rejection, -- keep going. Theres not too much competition to bother -- and even if there was, this doesnt stop white writers from shooting their shot. It shouldn't stop anyone.
I am desperately looking to add more POC joy, more Black joy especially. Im always searching all pitch contests to find you--and theres more ppl like me out there.
Yes, there are many bad eggs, but a ton of folks work overtime to help you. Keep going. We'll find each other.
Yes, there are many bad eggs, but a ton of folks work overtime to help you. Keep going. We'll find each other.
