The Em Dash #19
Friend, I don’t know if you know this, but there has been a LOT of drama in the book world lately.
This (also white) author is accusing another (Nigerian) author of plagiarism because their book has a similar plot and a main character with similar sun-wielding powers. (Fun fact, neither plot lines nor character traits can be copyrighted.) She even claimed both MCs were Black, but her book cover very clearly shows a white woman?! Idk y’all, here’s more on this mess. (And you can probably find more on threads.)
I’m not sharing all this just to gossip (though I will rarely turn down tea if you’re offering, lol). I’m sharing this because if you’re following all the things going on in the publishing world—traditional or not—you might be discouraged by what you see.
And that makes me sad. Yes, writing a book with the intention of it being published and sold and read by real people is tough. But it shouldn’t be more tough because you’re not white. While the publishing industry is (very slowly) being diversified, incidents like the ones above seem to be at an all time high. (Or maybe we’re just more aware of them now because of social media?)
Even so, I encourage you to keep going! Keep sharing your ideas, keep dreaming up new worlds, keep finding ways to turn your personal and professional stories into inspirational lessons for your readers. Keep. Writing.
And, if you can, practice being a good literary citizen! Rate and review the books you read (honestly, of course). Recommend the books you love everywhere you can. Send nice DMs to your favorite authors because it’ll make their day to know a reader loved their work. Buy from your local bookstores, borrow from your local library.
YOU are what makes the publishing world go ’round. And if we can’t change the system at all once, we can at least try to keep our corner of the book world a friendly place where we build each other up.
That’s what I’d like to see at least.
No book recs or webinars this week—tbh I’m just tired. But feel free to Google the books of the authors under recent attack and buy or preorder their books!
<3 Sabs
Happy Holidays if that's your vibe! See ya next week. :)
P.S. If you found this useful, forward it to a writing friend! They can subscribe and be part of the cool kids club, too. 😎
