leave a responseImagine the struggles of those early pioneers in African American literature. Whether they penned fiction or non-fiction, the manuscripts they’d poured their heart and soul into was ready for the world to read. The only way this would happen was through publication. Led by courage and on the wings of faith, they strolled proudly toward the literary door. Many knocked long and hard, while others no doubt had to kick. Finally, entrance was granted. Fast forward to now. Every African American writer whether self-published or under contract with a traditional publisher should remember the struggle in celebration, not complacency. Although African American authors have come a long way, we still have a long way to go.
Until 2003, my link to the literary world was that of reader. However, in 2007, after the publication of my debut novel, When I’m With You, I see things from an entirely different perspective. While the struggles from yesteryear may have lessened, African American authors are still faced with challenges, nonetheless.
My last statement doesn’t come from what someone told me, but from personal experience. Three and a half years ago when I knocked on those same doors, I stood firm in the belief that the story burning deep in my spirit was worthy of publication. The most defining moment on my literary journey came when someone behind the desk said, “We don’t think readers would be interested in reading this story.” Okay, another rejection, which I was use to by now. Thankfully, I was able to ask why not and got an answer. “Well, it touches on issues black readers aren’t used to reading.” Whoa Nellie!! Yes, folks, that’s when I discovered that stories written by African American authors are categorized and scrutinized to a large degree based on profitability. But for me, the deeper implication was that either Black folks won’t read outside of what has already been published or they don’t read, period.
Sorry to disappoint you America, but Black folks read!! While African Americans make-up only 13 % of the total U.S. population their buying power is incredibly strong. Annually, nearly three hundred million of our dollars are spent on books. That single incident coupled with trying to find an editor who didn’t view the story through “colored glasses” made me even more determined to continue on the path of getting my story on store shelves.
Today, African American authors enjoy the benefit of better advances and royalties (although there still isn’t parity with white writers), savvy marketing plans, and effective book tours. Despite all of this, challenges remain. While I can’t speak for others, I’m resolved to continue the struggle of those who came before me. After all, our forefathers endured immense suffering and many died just for the chance to learn how to read. And authors before me were deprived of the opportunities I now enjoy. I owe them that much.
But how? Thanks for asking!
I must embrace the commitment and preparation needed to continually do the one thing that will keep me in the published world—write the stories of the heart. Of all the challenges I face as an author who happens to be African American, coupled with all the other components that shape the literary world; this is the only element I have complete autonomy over.
Enjoyed reading this LaConnie.
I’am not an author but I have heard other authors voice the same thing.
I just find it amazing that in the year 2009, publishers, agent and editors still have this mind-set.
If it’s a good story nothing else should matter!
No Race shouldn’t matter!
This is a wonderful post. Race shouldn’t matter, but if you’re black, sometimes it seems as if that’s all that matters.
Is this the only way we are going to get read (only marketed to our own and only what others think we want to read as a monolithic group)? It’s not a bad thing, but it is a limiting one.
See the PW cover and article on AA (segregated by blacks only) books?
Marketing plans? Book tours? Huh?
Great post, LaConnie. One statement, however, is not totally accurate. ALL authors, not just AA ones, are catatogorized and scrutinized based on profitability. Publishers are in the business to make a profit–not deliver a message. They are not in the business of publishing good stories, but stories that they can sell. Books are a product to them–like shoes and purses.
Great post LaConnie.
After reading Gwyneth Bolton’s author about AA romance, it really got me to thinking. Since then, I’ve done a couple of post about AA romance’s place in the genre, both on my site, and while I guest blogged on Petit Fours & Hot Tamales.
You bring up a different aspect of this discussion from a pub’d author’s standpoint. I hope the world soon comes to understand that good work is good work, regardless of the author’s race, or that character’s race.
Race Should not matter!! Before AA authors were published so extensively, I read numerous Caucasian authors and enjoyed them. However, when I discovered Brenda Jackson, Frances Ray,et al, I was so happy to find someone that thought like me, looked like me and someone that shared my vision as a black woman, I couldn’t buy their books fast enough. To shorten this comment, thank you for forging on inspite of the dissension and difficulties you all encounter. We have your back and will support always. I am looking forward to reading your new release in March. Keep Writing!!!!