A brief thread on why it’s so important to actually buy books written by minority ethnic authors 🧵

First off, please remember that minority authors are exactly that: a minority. In a market with a majority-white consumer base in a majority-white country, this means that our work is always seeking to push into the centre from a marginalised position.

This means that the dominant white majority readership has been primed for a mainstream of books that has excluded minority voices. It wasn’t long ago that you had ‘Black Interest’ ‘Asian Interest’ ‘Gay Interest’ ‘Jewish Interest’ sections, etc, at major book retailers.

In this climate, the visibility of minority authors must not be confused with security of position. Publishing has flourished without our voices, so the tides can easily pull away from us, with no upset to the status quo.

Because of the historic lack of marginalised voices, minority writers are often seen as ‘groundbreaking’. This may seem like a leg up into visibility/ success, but in practical terms, it means that the industry struggles to place us: there being no easy referent for comparison.

The result? Our books become risky, in that they don’t have many (or any) precedents for sales and market value. Remember: Books are sold and marketed. The buying public ultimately dictates their popularity, which confirms whether or not an author has been a solid investment.

For example: Many (most?) black authors I know are relatively new to the game. Three books or under. This means we are unproven in terms of sales. If we don’t sell, the cold logic of market forces mean we will struggle to be published again.

‘But what about big advances?’ you might ask. Well, unless they come with regularity, and certainty, advances don’t equal financial security. Delivered in instalments, new authors simply cannot survive off an advance in any long term, even if it’s a seemingly large figure.

Even relatively established black and minority ethnic writers, years in the game, are at the mercy of mainstream appetites that see diversity as garnish, or trends. (And you’ll be surprised at some of their deals compared to lesser known white authors…)

It’s vital not to separate economics from identity politics. Authors from ethnic minorities often exist in a context of economic vulnerability, as per many minority groups. And bc we’re appealing to a majority white readership without a shared lived experience, it’s a tough sell.

The point is that marginalised narratives & perspectives are crucial to the growth of publishing as a whole.

But real talk, our voices could easily disappear with no huge upset to an industry that has not had to accommodate us, historically. So, the demand for our narratives is key. Hence the importance of buying said books.

There are WAY too many authors, publishers, agents, prizes and supporters to list here who are helping change publishing for the better, but if you have read this far, please remember to support writers who are shifting the needle, from the frames. Thanks. J

Spot the difference.

BREAKING 🚨🚨🚨 Meghan Markle condemned after Queen’s funeral for reason British press have not yet decided.

They broke the economy, the NHS and the immigration system. Mortgages are £500 a month more expensive and you can’t see your GP. Their answer? “We can’t fix it” It’s time for a Labour government.

Surely this is hate speech. It's so deeply misogynistic and as John Bishop says, 'a blatant appeal to incite humiliation and violence on a woman'. Complaints to the Independent Press Standards Organisation - [email protected]. theguardian.com/media/2022/dec…

This is the moment when all women and people of colour come together and say No Jeremy Clarkson will not get away with this, this time. All agencies and organisations must come together and stand against misogyny and bigotry. Do not stay silent!

Sadistically misogynistic, racist diatribe from Clarkson.The gaslighting in his non apology is staggering. Unsurprising to hear certain fractions legitimising his tirade. I'd like to see her reaction if this was written about Kate or Camilla but he wouldn't DARE. Disgraceful.