whose lips are sealed?
Have you been following the latest controversy in the kidlit world–the use of yet another white model on the cover of a YA novel ABOUT a black girl? The author of the novel has posted a detailed response on her blog, in which she reassures us that she objected strongly to the use of a white model. The Australian cover is much more neutral and impactful, I think, but the author’s request for something similar was denied by Bloomsbury, her US publisher (stop by Chasing Ray for Colleen Mondor’s take on Bloomsbury’s half-ass defense of the white girl on the cover). Of course, I’ve started to wonder what I would do in that situation. Several publishers have expressed an interest in acquiring the rights to A Wish After Midnight, and it’s hard to know that the alliance I’m about to make will be productive and mutually beneficial. I’ve had a difficult week when it comes to communication: two tricky emails from family members, conversations with my attorney, and lingering resentment about my less-than-stellar relationship with the publisher of my first book for kids. When I wrote my friend Gabrielle for advice, she instantly (effortlessly?) connected all the dots: I have issues with being undervalued. She’s right! I didn’t grow up being lavished with praise–not at home. Select teachers encouraged me at school, but otherwise there was a strange silence around my achievements. Prince was on Tavis Smiley the other night, and he said his artistic excellence was a result of his father’s determination to withhold approval—I can totally relate. So here I am, an adult, still seeking recognition from others, still simmering with resentment when others underestimate my intelligence or ability. I’ll be frank: at this point in my life, I *am* too proud to beg! I chose to self-publish because I believe in the quality of my writing and the relevance of my stories. It’s not easy doing everything myself, but self-publishing has certainly forced me out of my comfy hobbit-hole: I’ve learned to network, self-promote, forge alliances, and stick to my guns. And along the way I’ve met some truly incredible, generous souls who have embraced me and my work. I’ve been quite critical of the mainstream publishing industry, and my own experience at a small press wasn’t great. So how do I find the right fit? And how do I ensure that people of color are involved in the production of my book? How do I make sure no idiot marketing director slaps a white girl on the cover of AWAM?!? It’s hard to imagine giving up all that control…even though
doing everything myself has been exhausting at times. I think I *would* be “churlish” (Larbalestier’s term) if my publisher lost their mind and disrespected me and my characters that way. I’d talk about them like a dog to anyone who’d listen, and I’d tote around a copy of the original AWAM, with its prominent image of a dark-skinned black girl. No woman’s an island, and I do want my book to reach a wide audience; I need help to make that happen, but I feel like I need to know–going into any alliance–just how far I’m willing to bend. In the past I was told I lacked ambition because I wasn’t willing to do “whatever it takes” to see my work produced. But I don’t want to be an artist who’s burdened by regrets–nor do I want to be betrayed by my publisher…negotiations are tricky, but I’m taking my time and making sure to get it right NOW so I don’t have regrets later…
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