breaking news!

0 Comments

1. 

   Laura

   21 Jan 2010 Reply

   Well what do you know? I just read this on PW Children's Bookshelf as well (publishersweekly.com/article/CA6716006.html?nid=2788&source=title&rid=17627613). Bloomsbury's comment was brief:
   "Here is Bloomsbury’s full statement: “Bloomsbury is ceasing to supply copies of the US edition of Magic Under Glass. The jacket design has caused offense and we apologize for our mistake. Copies of the book with a new jacket design will be available shortly.” Maybe they'll figure something out after going through this twice...

2. 

   elliottzetta

   21 Jan 2010 Reply

   At least they used the words "apologize" and "mistake"! I really hope they wouldn't be so low as to pull this stunt just to sell more books...I think it does put all other publishers on notice, though. Tomorrow I have an interview with USA Today, and I plan to discuss this...

3. 

   Laura

   22 Jan 2010 Reply

   Wow, Z - an interview with USA Today is great! Let us know when/where we can read it. I was interested to read the author's comments, which I thought were heartfelt but also, maybe, fearful. I think the power dynamic between author/illustrators and publishers can mean that people don't just talk straight. In this case, even if she didn't have a clear idea in mind about the race of her protagonist, there's clearly a big, institutional problem when "dark skin" is interpreted as it was. If this happened in both directions, where "light skinned" characters were shown with dark skin, then it would be different. It's a lot to ask of a first-time author to take a big stand, as Justine did. Anyways, must get to work. I'll look forward to reading your interview...

4. 

   elliottzetta

   22 Jan 2010 Reply

   Thanks, Laura. I think the author proved herself to be rather spineless, particularly after she made a trailer that clearly showed the character was of color...and she lost a lot of sympathy from people who were just dying to support her. It takes courage to stand up for yourself and your artistic vision--seems to me she chose the former and not the latter. "I've always wanted to be a writer"...so please don't boycott my book and ruin my career. She chose to stand with the publisher and not the readers and/or PoC she chose to represent in her book...will def let you know about the interview!

5. 

   Laura

   22 Jan 2010 Reply

   Always saying it like you see it, Zetta. Yes, it did seem pretty wimpy. And I read somewhere (can't remember where) that publishers seem to mainly feel free to whitewash covers by white authors. Does that mean white authors are less likely to speak up? Considering the privilege white authors carry (though they probably don't feel like it considering how hard it is for anyone to get published) - it's that much more important that they DO speak up. Anyways - good luck with the interview. Say what you think - your honesty is one of your big strengths!

6. 

   elliottzetta

   23 Jan 2010 Reply

   It is an interesting dynamic--do white marketing people rely on unspoken racial solidarity, or their professional power to coerce white authors? The interview should be up on Thursday...

7. 

   susan

   23 Jan 2010 Reply

   It was wimpy of the author and not surprised you said so, Zetta.

   Looking forward to the interview.