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Buckle up. This is a thread about how I *personally* create a praxis around acquiring and editing books with marginalized voices.
I& #39;ll be discussing: how I define those, the complexities I see in using shorthand terminology, querying advice, and my practices during edits.
I& #39;ll be discussing: how I define those, the complexities I see in using shorthand terminology, querying advice, and my practices during edits.
As an editor, when I seek "diverse" or "OwnVoices" books, I seek books by authors who are marginalized, often featuring characters who are marginalized.
I think both terms often get misused because writing anything other than *your* direct experience is a challenge.
I think both terms often get misused because writing anything other than *your* direct experience is a challenge.
These terms also can often be used to withhold accountability from authors, editors, publishers, etc. When I use those terms, it& #39;s with the caveat that having a general identity does not guarantee an "authentic" or a non-toxic narrative around marginalization.
That being said, it is helpful when an author is up-front about general marginalizations they share and how they influence the process of a particular MS or their writing style overall.
When I get queries for books featuring marginalized characters, I look for those industry buzzwords. I also look for indications of whether the author is writing from some sort of experience, education, and awareness.
Most importantly, I look for (1) is the author purposefully not telling me they& #39;re of privilege and writing a marginalized experience and (2) if the depictions of any marginalization within the text is potentially problematic.
If the author is writing widely outside of experience AND point 2 also comes up, it& #39;s usually a no from me.
If the author is marginalized but some things are concerning, I ask how deep they go. Is it mostly in terminology/rhetoric? Is it intense? Could a content edit address it?
If the author is marginalized but some things are concerning, I ask how deep they go. Is it mostly in terminology/rhetoric? Is it intense? Could a content edit address it?
No one is perfect, and I think, for instance, authors of color are held to a much higher standard of writing a "perfect" book than white ones. So as an editor, I need to be willing to see a marginalized writer& #39;s work the way the industry sees the work of many priviliged writers.
If a book handles a marginalization in a way I can address as an editor - meaning it& #39;s not so baked into the MS that it& #39;s clearly a deeper problem - that& #39;s something I can work with.
That also means *I* willingly take on the responsibility of doing that justice if its acquired.
That also means *I* willingly take on the responsibility of doing that justice if its acquired.
When I start working with a new author, I send a welcome letter that includes a line about handling issues of marginalization.
I clearly define that those convos will be bad. I will listen to the author regarding identities they have, I will speak from the ones I have, etc.
I clearly define that those convos will be bad. I will listen to the author regarding identities they have, I will speak from the ones I have, etc.
I also promise that if it& #39;s something out of my wheelhouse or both of our wheelhouse, I& #39;ll guide it.
Editors should be willing to take that on, because editing a book is about refining the overall messages it sends as much as it is about the technical story it tells.
Editors should be willing to take that on, because editing a book is about refining the overall messages it sends as much as it is about the technical story it tells.
Personally, I like to ask a lot of questions in those sorts of edits. I bring up concerns about things that may be toxic or contribute to harmful narratives, etc.
I also like to clearly verbalize that harmful depictions of marginalized people are high-level concerns in my edits.
I also like to clearly verbalize that harmful depictions of marginalized people are high-level concerns in my edits.
Frankly, I care more that my authors are doing marginalized people justice than if their stories are "perfect" technically.
I also think that part of giving marginalized authors more chances in the industry means normalizing stories that address marginalization w/depth.
I also think that part of giving marginalized authors more chances in the industry means normalizing stories that address marginalization w/depth.
I also think editors need to do our research. I try to regularly read queer theory, critical race theory, disability theory, etc. If I cannot understand the in-depth experiences of my authors and their work, I cannot be an effective editor.
Most importantly, I think the key is fearless dialogue.
When I acquire a book, I have to be able to have these conversations even if it makes the edit complicated or if it means the story needs to change and become less "commercial."
When I acquire a book, I have to be able to have these conversations even if it makes the edit complicated or if it means the story needs to change and become less "commercial."
If you& #39;re a marginalized author and query me, I encourage you to let me know (as much as you& #39;re comfortable) the places you& #39;re writing from as identities and why your perspective informs your writing.
And if you query or go with another editor, make sure they& #39;re willing to have those conversations. Be direct. Let them know the shit you need to work on - maybe you want to write better characters of color or trans characters or whatnot. It& #39;s our job to help you improve.
My concern with industry focuses on diversity/OwnVoices have been that those terms can be used (especially by white priviliged editors) to tokenize and flatten the vast complexity of experiences.
I care even more if an author can show and embrace how complex these things are.
I care even more if an author can show and embrace how complex these things are.
In general, I also think the industry needs to:
- See editing as an opportunity to embrace subversive narratives
- Cultivate the skill of marginalized authors by embracing new writing styles & giving updated advice on how to minimize harm
- Give marginalized authors chances
- See editing as an opportunity to embrace subversive narratives
- Cultivate the skill of marginalized authors by embracing new writing styles & giving updated advice on how to minimize harm
- Give marginalized authors chances
