Minorities in Publishing

[This interview was conducted via Skype and sound was edited by MR Daniel.]

In the latest episode Jenn interviews Rahul Mehta (Quarantine, No Other World) to discuss the process of promoting and writing his sophomore effort, being a writer from the Southern region and how little we hear about this area especially for marginalized artists, as well as the reality of writers block and how he pushed through to write a novel on the immigrant experience from the perspective of those raised in the United States.

[The transcript for this episode can be found on the podcast Tumblr "Episodes" page.]

On the latest episode, Jenn speaks with writer, publicist, and social media editor Fin Leary about the ways that have helped him get his pitches accepted by publications, how employers should be cognizant to the needs of disabled applicants and employees, and the job of a publicist who isn't in New York City.

[The transcript for this episode can be found on the podcast Tumblr "Episodes" page.]

Author of the Book of Addis series Brooke Obie speaks with Jenn about her debut novel, embracing dialect to tell the story she needed to, pursuing self-publication, the Neo-Slave Narrative, and the various avenues of support writers may receive and how to handle disappointment.

On the latest episode Jenn speaks with disability advocate, writer, and PhD candidate Lara Ameen on what accessibility really means for inclusivity, how few and far between disability representation is seen in media, and recognition of true ally-ship within the marginalized community.

On the latest episode Jenn interviews 2016 Center For Fiction First Novel Prize winner Kia Corthron (The Castle Cross the Magnet Carter) about being an older debut novelist, the path to publication of an epic tome, and the reality of representing marginalized people both within and outside one's background.

On the latest episode Jenn speaks with literary agent Mariette B. Zacker of Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency. Topics they discuss include the range of knowledge for being an agent and using that to your advantage, the inaccuracy of anyone thinking that diversity is a "trend," as well as the necessary work yet to be done in publishing to make marginalized authors feel more welcome in an industry that has not always been welcoming.

[Please note this episode was recorded over Skype, which may account for some audio variation and blips.]

On the latest episode Jenn speaks with the New York Times bestselling authors of All American Boys Brendan Kiely and Jason Reynolds about their collaborative process--especially when it comes to such an important topic, their touring and experiences speaking on race relations and police brutality, being pigeonholed as a marginalized artist, as well as the work to be done and the importance of young readers being treated as adults.

In the last of three episodes with this year's group of We Need Diverse Books' publishing interns, Jenn speaks with Jocquelle S. Caiby, Alexandra Hightower, and Jessica Howard about the realities of being a literary agent, including the financial side, and how that impacts the work they do while also reinforcing the passion they have to see more representation in books and clientele.

In the second of three episodes with this year's group of We Need Diverse Books' publishing interns, Jenn speaks with Maya Marlette and Rafiatou Ouro Aguy about their love of books leading them to publishing as a career option, the necessity of a paid internship, and how to navigate your way as you start off in the publishing industry.

In one of three episodes with this year's group of We Need Diverse Books' publishing interns, Jenn speaks with Manny Blasco, Pia Ceres, and Talia Chaves about how they found publishing, their journey to remain in the industry, and the importance of diversifying the field with paid internships and more outreach.