Minorities in Publishing

Jenn speaks with former YA trade editor and debut author of Wintersong Sarah (JJ) Jae-Jones via Skype about the realities of being in trade publishing, her expectations as an editor turned author, the difficulties of intersectionality when it comes to the diversity discussion, and also how defensiveness doesn't help progress. 

[Please note that this episode was edited to remove content. There's a preface as to why at the start of the episode.]

Jenn speaks with School Library Journal reviews manager Shelley Diaz to discuss the necessity for not only more diverse representation by librarians but how much reviews also matter and how this can hurt diverse books when they are not part of the conversation or in trades where reviews happen. 

In this week's episode Jenn speaks with Simon & Schuster marketing manager, BMP Connect member, and Coloring Books founder Ebony LaDelle about the necessity of POC spaces and representation in publishing, the recent Diversity Baseline Survey, and what authors can expect from their marketing/publicity team when they do get published.

In this week's episode Jenn sits down with associate editor, creator of Geeks of Color and beyondvictoriana.com, Diana Pho. Diana discusses her experience of expectations in the industry, how helpful & necessary it is to foster relations to help bring up other marginalized voices, and the weaponization of marginalized culture by the majority. 

In the first new episode of 2016, Jenn interviews transgender activist, playwright, comedian, and emerging YA writer Ashley Lauren Rogers about the necessity for more transgender representation in media, helping to educate allies, and the unpacking necessary for allies and others marginalized voices to do to better understand the larger community. 

In the last episode of 2015, Jenn talks with creators of Bold As Love magazine & the Sundays @ Reading series Bridgett M. Davis (author of Into the Go-Slow, professor, and independent filmmaker) and Rob Fields (marketing/branding strategist) about how their respective experiences has helped them to bring out and promote more diverse voices in the literary and music establishment, building audience and recognition of POC voices, as well as what it takes nowadays to be a thriving artist while also recognizing you may also have to have business savvy. 

[Sound editing for this episode was provided by MR Daniel. Thanks, MR!]

On November 4th at HiFi Bar in NYC Jenn curated the HiFi Reading Series with readings by Glendaliz Camacho, Ennis Smith, Courtney Gillette, and previous MiP guest Daniel José Older. Listen in on each one's vivid, emotional, and thought-provoking pieces ranging from the juxtaposition of pro wrestling to one's life to a comedic & heartfelt take on lesbian sex positions. 

 Thanks again to Lena Valencia and Ryan Britt for inviting me to curate!

In the latest episode Jenn speaks with author of Blue Talk & Love story collection, professor, and editor at The Feminist Wire Mecca Jamilah Sullivan discuss being PoC in an MFA/graduate program, the necessity of self-care and understanding of work as writers, and also the limitations of Black women represented in literature as well as other marginalized cultures/identities. 

[Additional sound editing for this episode was provided by MR Daniel. Thanks, MR!]

Episode 27 is a dedication episode to writer, bookseller, RI Writers Colony & Clever Agency founder, Brook Stephenson who sadly passed away this summer. Jenn speaks with Big 5 publishing editor Adrienne Ingrum, and award-winning authors Renée Watson & Jason Reynolds to reminisce about Brook's work, his personality, & his unwavering philanthropy for artists of color. 

Should you have interest in learning more and/or donating to Brook's "baby" the RI Writers Colony you can find more information on this retreat for writers of color at the website here and also see video & pictures on the Colony's Facebook page here. 

In the latest interview Jenn speaks with executive editor at Simon & Schuster, Zareen Jaffery, about her introduction to publishing and how networking aided in her moving up & gaining knowledge, her passion for making sure more diverse voices are included on shelves at bookstores, and understanding that there's discomfort that comes with the conversation but that the importance of the conversation is paramount. 

[Also please note that at the halfway mark there's a spoiler for the Pretty Little Liars finale. If you are a fan of that show and haven't watched it try skipping over that portion.