Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Someday I Will Be Famous Enough to Fix My Covers



I saw the initial row over this, but somehow the resolution totally passed me by (I don't spend nearly as much time on the internets these days). There are lots of stories about SF/F publishers whitewashing covers. So even if you've got a heroine who's a far darker shade of pale, it's unlikely it'll be seen on the bookshelf.

This was one of those, "Yeah, and this surprises people because...?" But it's important to remember that our silence as authors can be read as complicity. If you don't say something publicly - even if you're fuming - readers assume you're just going along with it. And that's a shame. Because as somebody who has sometimes wanted to drag a publisher out and kick them in the shins publicly, I can tell you I'm not so keen on doing it because it means, you know, I might be out a meal ticket.

That said, I need to choose my battles. Because if I end up with a whitewashed cover someday, I'm going to have to say something about it. Even if it means the loss of a meal ticket. Because at the end of the day, it's about systematic silencing, erasing. It's about lying.

That said - and understanding what JL was up against - I find this to be a pretty cool win.

Bloomsbury backs down in Larbalestier race row

3 comments so far. What are your thoughts?

David Batista said...

I love this story! Such a cool resolution.

But yeah, like you, I would love to have that kind of courage someday.

Oh and: love the blog! You don't know me, but I've been silently waiting for your novel to come out. :)

Kameron Hurley said...

Welcome to the blog! I'm looking forward to the book release too... just no idea when it'll happen. The market hasn't been kind to a lot of writers these days...

David Batista said...

I know. I said as much in my recent blog update. I also mentioned your book. I was so looking forward to it coming out this Fall. Bummer!