If you’re a white editor or agent thinking about taking a social media break right now... please don’t. How can you possibly do your job as a cultural gatekeeper effectively if you’re not here in this moment?

I’ve been thinking a lot about my role as a gatekeeper (editor) throughout all this. Starting with when I saw an author tweet “is it possible for a religious person to get published when all the agents/ editors are liberal/ progressive?”

(First, let’s be honest, she didn’t mean religious, she meant Christian). I clicked on the authors profile and it was filled with concerning, hateful (dangerous) MAGA memes.

And my first thought was “yeah, you’re right, I would never want to work with you.”

And guess what? I’ve earned the right to make that choice. It’s my job to bring stories to young people that I believe are going to positively impact their lives.

Someone who posts MAGA memes can’t do that imo.

Sorry for this being a little rambling. I’m having trouble distilling all my thoughts.

Basically, 1) gatekeepers, remember we have a responsibility to the kids we publish books for to elevate the voices of creators who will positively impact their generation.

2) White gatekeepers CANT know the storytelling needs of kids and teens if you’re not here, listening, and participating right now.

3) Yes, I will reject you on the grounds of having a pro Trump profile. You’re stories aren’t what we need.