Read on Twitter
1. Came upon this discussion about it being strange that just when more BIPOC stories began to get pubbed, that book cover trends turned to illustrative styles
The person who initiated convo thought that it robbed us of seeing ourselves in the real finally
What do u guys think?
The person who initiated convo thought that it robbed us of seeing ourselves in the real finally
What do u guys think?
2. Asking this as an author who started my career with 2 YA novels with real people on them.
I loved LOVED both covers but they were not common among covers; when mine debuted in 2017, illustrative styles had begun changing the landscape.
Saints originally had an illustrated
I loved LOVED both covers but they were not common among covers; when mine debuted in 2017, illustrative styles had begun changing the landscape.
Saints originally had an illustrated
3. cover — by an amazing NYC artist who, in 2016, did floral work that is only now being widely seen on covers — but i felt like it didn’t fit Janna.
And it was really important to me that this book with a hijabi American teen be as right as possible, not exotic in any way.
And it was really important to me that this book with a hijabi American teen be as right as possible, not exotic in any way.
4. I would never change a thing about any of my book covers; I’m fortunate to have worked with publishers who understand how important visual representation is for marginalized identities.
But I sometimes wonder what impact covers w/ proud Muslims have on different audiences.
But I sometimes wonder what impact covers w/ proud Muslims have on different audiences.
5. Personally, I prefer real people who represent my communities on covers.
I used to read books like Anna & the French Kiss imagining my own books with a Muslim couple on the front and was ecstatic when it happened!
(THANK YOU @ZareenJaffery @lucyruth @simonschuster!
)
I used to read books like Anna & the French Kiss imagining my own books with a Muslim couple on the front and was ecstatic when it happened!
(THANK YOU @ZareenJaffery @lucyruth @simonschuster!
)
6. And, from feedback, I know my Muslim readers LOVE seeing the real-life representation on my covers.
While i write for everyone, the thoughts of Muslim readers are of paramount importance to me as our rep is still rare.
But I also want my books to reach wider audiences & have
While i write for everyone, the thoughts of Muslim readers are of paramount importance to me as our rep is still rare.
But I also want my books to reach wider audiences & have
7. ADORED some of the illustrative work coming out now — 
— and wanted to ask your thoughts:
— real life rep of our communities on covers?
— or illustrative artsy imaginings?
(This is for anyone & everyone to weigh in on, not just Muslims, but if you’re Muslim
— and wanted to ask your thoughts:— real life rep of our communities on covers?
— or illustrative artsy imaginings?
(This is for anyone & everyone to weigh in on, not just Muslims, but if you’re Muslim
8. please say so as I write for y’all first and foremost. I want to hear *your* thoughts!
& if you’re not Muslim: have non-illustrative covers with visibly Muslim people intrigued you or not? Would love honesty...
Would appreciate shares of this thread — to get more thoughts!
& if you’re not Muslim: have non-illustrative covers with visibly Muslim people intrigued you or not? Would love honesty...
Would appreciate shares of this thread — to get more thoughts!
