Guest Blogger Melissa Blue
October 30th, 2008 by Edie Ramer
I’m a writer, so by nature I can write on any given subject and sound intelligent. I know big words and I use them often. Yet, when it comes to the struggles of breaking into the e-publishing industry and being an African American author…well, cue the crickets.
I’m one of those people who had luck on their side from the day one. Or, ignorance is truly bliss. It never crossed my mind that writing AA characters would somehow limit my resources as an author. I was born to a generation that knew OF Langston Hughes and might have read some of his works. We heard OF the Black Renascence and for those more intelligent than I, might have researched it. I saw myself as a writer first and foremost. I write books about people falling in love and struggles of getting to their HEA.
Don’t get me started on how ignorant I was to the woes of breaking into e-presses. Well, since you’re here I will. I knew three e-publishers: The Wild Rose Press, Samhain and Ellora’s Cave. That’s it. I didn’t write Erotica, so Ellora’s Cave was out. At the time, Samhain lines were closed. And The Wild Rose Press was small, new, but reputable. That’s the key here–reputable. Trust me, I may have been wet behind the ears, but I’ve heard of e-pubs that folded and took authors’ book(s) with them. No way would I work close to two years on a book only to have my book get sucked into the black hole that is Chapter 11. I, too, had the misconception it was easier to break into this market. Of course until I received my first rejection stating all the craft issues I had and believed e-presses would ignore.
Now let’s put these two together. Going the route of e-pubbing is definitely a personal and professional choice as a writer. I don’t have a choice of being African American or Latino, Asian, or Caucasian, but I do have a choice what my characters would look like. Early on in my writing career I’d met authors who refused to write characters who looked like them stating “AA romance novels don’t sell”. Put me back into the naïve category because I didn’t see (still don’t for that matter) how that’s true.
So me being the person I am, I did a little research. I wanted to see how many Romance/Romantica/Erotica e-publishers had AA lines versus Big Name New York Publishers. And what I found is, out of 13 e-publishers I researched, only 3 had AA lines or multi-cultural lines. * Not including Interracial for my research purposes * Off the top of my head I can name five Big New York Publishers that either have an AA/Multicultural line or that is all the publisher prints * still not including interracial.* Does this mean my chances as an African American author is limited when it comes to e-publishing?
No.
Here’s my interpretation *feel free to disagree *: E-publishing is the niche market e-presses are selling. Bigger names in the e-pub industry have started to mimic Big New York Publishers when it comes to marketing not just their lines, but their authors. *really don’t get me started on how one e-pub had AA as a theme, like Christmas and Valentine’s day—eye twitch— ’cause I’d be here all day * Again, IMHO, the only true difference I see is how I would have been marketed, because that’s where the true obstacles stand. Example: AA romance authors being shelved separately from romance. Or AA romance being considered a freaking theme or ‘niche’ like Paranormal or Historical. * sorry, got started anyway *
By now I’m sure you’re wondering what the similarities are. Both routes of publishing expect me to submit a book of high quality and high concept. Both would expect me to know my craft and the mores of the publishing industry. Both would want me to be a professional.
So the main difference: my book would likely be marketed as an AA novel with a Big New York Publisher. Versus an e-press, that doesn’t have an AA line, would market my book based on the line it’s published under.
The true challenge boils down to personal (marketing?) preference. I prefer to see myself as a romance author. The true obstacles standing in my way are grammatical errors and poor conflict. Then again you can refer back to my ‘ignorance is bliss’ statement.
What do you think is the true challenge with being an AA author and publishing with e-presses? More cons than pros? Is Big NY Publisher really the land of opportunity for AA authors? You tell me.
http://www.melissablue.net
17 Responses to “Guest Blogger Melissa Blue”
Mel, thank you so much for your wonderful guest blog! You really made me think. And feel. I knew the issues, but this blog put me in your skin. I’m Jewish and my mother said when she was young she went to a resort town. At the bigger hotels signs said “No dogs and no Jews.”
As the market gets tighter, many more writers I know are going to e-press instead of New York. Though that doesn’t minimize the fact that it’s just wrong to be passed over because you have characters with a darker skin tone.
I hope your book sells many copies. And not just to a “niche” market. To anyone who loves a good romance.
As an AA author, I think the biggest challenge is how to market those of us who write something “weird” like urban fantasy–oh my gosh, no!
I was even told by a NY editor one time that I should stick to horror because that’s what sells in the AA market. That was the most painful lesson I learned during my writing career, just how much color really matters in this business. Thank goodness I’m pigheaded enough to unhinge those claws and keep on writing what I want to. Unfortunately, there are times where I wonder if that rejection letter I receive is because an agent or editor are thinking the same thing that other editor was and are just too ashamed to admit it.
In terms of our writing careers, I still think NY is a good place for an AA author to be, even if we don’t write urban fiction (completely different from urban fantasy) and erotica. However, I also know that e-pubs and small presses will have a pivotal role in getting us there. After all, it worked for Ellora’s Cave founder Tina Engler. I also know that NY is slow when it comes to waking up and smelling the coffee. E-pubs, not so much. So, if the only way I can get my AA or mixed-race characters in readers’ hands is through e-pubs or small presses, then that’s the way I have to go…for now. My fist will always be poised to knock on NY’s doors.
As the market gets tighter, many more writers I know are going to e-press instead of New York. Though that doesn’t minimize the fact that it’s just wrong to be passed over because you have characters with a darker skin tone.
This pass election has really shed a bright light on the racism and prejudice that is still alive today. Even with every bone in my body being cynical, I found what I’ve read and seen during this election surprising. And the fact that it goes on in the publishing world astounds me. I know I may be naive, but a good book should trump all.
But it doesn’t.
Unfortunately, there are times where I wonder if that rejection letter I receive is because an agent or editor are thinking the same thing that other editor was and are just too ashamed to admit it.
I shudder to think “I don’t represent multi-cultural” will ever be a reply to a query I send. I write romance and women’s fiction. In essence they would be rejecting me for the color of my skin. I wonder how well that will go over with my writing friends…
So, if the only way I can get my AA or mixed-race characters in readers’ hands is through e-pubs or small presses, then that’s the way I have to go…for now.
It is definitely a catch-22. In the e-press market your book (depending on the publisher) isn’t going to push your novel(la) as an AA, multi-cultural title. In NY 9 times out of 10 your would. I understand there is a market, but in focusing on the “color” of the readers you are marketing, you are just reinforcing that we as a people are so different we cannot relate even in literature.
Thanx for joining us here at MM, Melissa. As Edie says, you’ve given everyone a thinker. I’m fortunate in that I’ve never hit the brick wall of prejudice, so I cannot imagine the route … and won’t pretend to. That is for those who have experienced it.
I went the route of trying to sell a sci fi/romance to the big names and have a folder full of rejections to prove that lack of success. I eventually went with an e-pub because (1) after researching the market, I was intrigued with the whole concept; and (2) I was fortunate enough to catch the eye of an editor at Samhain and they have an excellent reputation.
Would I go with one of the big names if given the opportunity? Sure. But perhaps not as eagerly as I did initially.
You’re right in that its the writing that matters.
First you are welcome,Liz. It’s a pleasure for me to be here today. I lurk more often than comment, so I really enjoy this blog.
I eventually went with an e-pub because (1) after researching the market, I was intrigued with the whole concept; and (2) I was fortunate enough to catch the eye of an editor at Samhain and they have an excellent reputation.
I think even with certain obstacles in your way knowing who to pitch your book to will get your started in the right direction. I can’t stress enough researching your publisher and the agent you want to represent you. Of course there will still be ignorant people out there (missing out on some fantastic authors), but my mother always told me stupid is the one disease we’ll never have a cure for.
I tend to agree.
Hey, Melissa, love the cover and title. As to your question about the challenge of AA in epublishing, I haven’t a clue. Just when I think I get it, I find out I was clueless. Bottom line for me: it’s all about the author’s voice and the love story.
I understand there is a market, but in focusing on the “color” of the readers you are marketing, you are just reinforcing that we as a people are so different we cannot relate even in literature.
Um, I think you misread my post.
I don’t focus on the “color” of my readers. I focus on my readers. Period. Whether my stories have multicultural characters or not, shouldn’t matter. Getting it into readers’ hands, regardless of color, is all I care about. That seems to be what most e-pubs and small pubs care about, too.
Hi, Karin. I still remember you from conference.
Just when I think I get it, I find out I was clueless.
Lol. I feel that way about what genre’s are selling, what agents/editors/publishers really want…I could go on, but I think we’ve proved a good book should be able to trump all.
Um, I think you misread my post.
Nope, I think I miscommunicated. See this is why the academic community frowns on using “you” in a generic sense. I didn’t mean you, you, but publishers/agents/editors who can’t see past color. I’d even go as far to say readers and other authors. I read widely. I just think about all the great authors I would have missed out on if I didn’t read about characters who didn’t look just like me.
And just to clarify, I’m not saying you do it.
You (and I mean that in the non-generic sense
) are so right! When I think about all of the fantastic stories I might have missed because the characters or the author wasn’t black, it makes me ill. A good story should trump everything, which is why I keep knocking on doors. NY is for my career goals and e-pubs are until I get there.
Hi, Melissa, I love the title and the cover of See Megan Run! I would love to say what you say is a big misunderstanding but it’s so true. Publishing is a business and what’s more it’s a niche market; I am so happy you broke in. Could you tell us a little bit about See Megan Run and the plot that surrounds your book?
Again congratulations! Consider this, you’ve opened a door. I’d love to see it swing wide open!
You (and I mean that in the non-generic sense
)
Marcia, I like you.
First thank you, Donnell. I hope the door swings very wide. I usually like to make an entrance.
Second, Publishing is a business and what’s more it’s a niche market;
Yes, it is, but I never felt that race should be a “niche”. I did say I was idealistic, right?
Now what you asked for…See Megan Run is a reunion love story between Aiden Blake and Megan Hazley. I loved writing this story. Took forever for me and my editor to iron it out…Anyway, here’s a blurb:
A rock and a hard place has nothing on Megan Hazley when she agrees to stay for her mother’s wedding. Nicole aka Mommie Dearest isn’t Megan’s only obstacle to getting the deed to her deceased father’s home; her ex-boyfriend, Aiden Blake, is the best man. Time hasn’t lessened the spark between them. A spark that should have died the day she hitched hiked out of “Boondock”, U.S.A.
Megan must deal with the troubles she left behind 12 years ago and choose between the man she once loved and the life she built for herself.
Who said going home was easy?
Melissa, welcome to Magical and I love your bright smile!
Sorry so late commenting, I was gone most of today.
I believe our diversity is the gifts we bring to our work. In the publishing world, it should be all about the story… period. For instance, I’m a member of the granny squad out there, and I’m proud of that. We all come from somewhere, and we bring it to our work. That’s the puriest form of creativity.
I wish you continued success, Melissa, and thanks for giving us a great blog today!
La Donna, it’s really been my pleasure to take over someone else’s blog.
And, what’s funny is that I looked at that picture, thinking “I look like trouble.”
We all come from somewhere, and we bring it to our work. That’s the puriest form of creativity.
I want to bottle up this idea and give it away for free. This is what makes me sit down every day and write. I know I am the only person who can tell my stories. It really doesn’t matter the package it comes in as long as it’s entertaining.
Melissa, this has been such an excellent post. Thanks so much for joining us at MM. I keep hearing that a great story will eventually triumph over trends, market conditions and everything else. That no matter what, it will eventually shine. I hope that is true.
Congratulations on See Megan Run, it looks like a fantastic book.