Many of the thousands of Latino writers submitting to big publishers getting rejected are intellectuals or academics who write perfect English and Spanish thus I was shocked to read in Meminger's and other literary blogs about editors “throwing their doors wide to submissions by PoC” and saying “the work they're receiving seems to be sub-par, not polished, or in need of more work than they have time for in this highly competitive business.”
Most editors don’t accept unsolicited manuscripts. Writers must first go through agents. I don’t know a single agent in these times who’d present the work of a “sub-par” Latino writer to an editor.
Could this be a nasty rumor?
Who are the editors stating these comments?--luckliy, my beloved editor for Down to the Bone isn't one of them. She belongs to the list of powerful white editors interested in true diversity.
If it's true, the remarks seem racist and hurtful to Latino writers.
http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_87...
Marcela Landres, ex executive editor for Simon & Schuster says:
“If you are a Latino writer… all you can reasonably expect from your publisher is for them to simply print and distribute your book. Do not expect your publisher to invest more than the minimum of time and money in promoting your book…. Don’t assume your publisher or agent will actually tell you this. Most people are unwilling or unable to convey bad news; they’d rather point fingers when things go wrong. It’s just human nature.”
In order for Latino books to sell, not only do publishers/publicists need to promote Latino books in the same way they do white authors, they must have a Latino list of literary journals, newspapers, blogs, magazines, etc. Sending Latino books for review to the important white literary reviewers is important, but we need professional Latino reviewers too.
If editors put the same effort in advertising and marketing Latino books, I’m confident Latinos fierce at promoting our books can also become best-sellers.
2 Questions to editors who made remarks:
• Do you think most Hispanics and POC are illiterate or semi-illiterate?--I'm always surprised when people aren't aware that a large percentage of Latinos and POC are highly literate.
http://www.lasculturas.com/library/fa...
• If you are receiving manuscripts from Latinos that aren’t up to par, why don’t you recommend professional book doctors to them as you do with your Caucasian writers whose novels need work?
The publishing business boils down to 2 factors:
1. MONEY
2. What white editors know will sell.
In the past, many large publishers made a mint with white vampire, zombie and werewolf novels. Now, many editors are searching for Horror, Dystopian, Paranormal and Steampunk. Obviously, in this economy (unless Latinos wish to self-publish), it’s no longer about art, literary merit, or the love for the written word.
It’s all about TRENDS that rake in the mula (it’s understandable. If editors don’t publish books or authors that sell, they could be terminated).
Film director, Alejandro Agresti (Valentin and The Lake House—the latter’s stars are Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves) wrote me seven moving emails (he’s a brilliant, poetic writer and I will save them forever) expressing interest in turning Down to the Bone into a feature film. Agresti has handed my novel over to Selma Hayek, his business partner, and I’m hoping for the best.
In other words, if you give underdog Latinos an opportunity we might shine.
Unfortunately, none of my talented Latina/o writer friends submitting at the same time got published.
Now that I have my foot caught in the door, I have ventured out to write for larger audiences and in different styles (Down to the Bone was written for a “niche” audience: young LGBTQ, reluctant Latino readers without a single book that spoke to them).
It’s time for equality in the publishing business.
Editors, why not place a call for submissions for culturally authentic Latino writers and authors? It’s not enough for white authors to add Latino characters they know nothing about or for you to secretly advice white authors to invent Spanish nom de plumes. I’m confident we can find a solution for bringing in el dinero while at the same time staying true to ourselves. (In case you haven’t heard about us, there are thousands of Latino-Americanos writing contemporary books with literary merit): http://labloga.blogspot.com/
Por favor, give authentic Latinos a chance to shine in your ultra exclusive and neon white publishing world. Let agents know you’re searching for diversity and authenticity. Culturally authentic Latinos in literature means the following: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
PUBLISHERS: Por favor, hire Latino editors. We need equality and diversity in publishing.
READERS: Please buy Latino books (most of us write contemporary Latino-American stories set in the U.S.).
LATINO WRITERS: I understand the painful struggle. Many of us don’t have the money to pay editors, but do your best and give your work to at least ten avid readers for critiques. Revise 3,000 times if you must! Never give up! Talk about the issue of inequality in publishing on your blogs. Tweet about our challenges. Make change happen.
AGENTS: please open your doors to Latino authors.
The U.S. is comprised of different cultures. Shouldn’t kids, teens and adults read diversity in books?
Regardless of the sate of our economy, and even though mula comes first, there must be some publishers, editors and agents interested in diversity. If you are one of them, please RAISE your HAND!
Diversity rules!
http://thenakedhero.com/guest-marcela-la...
http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/...
Most editors don’t accept unsolicited manuscripts. Writers must first go through agents. I don’t know a single agent in these times who’d present the work of a “sub-par” Latino writer to an editor.
Could this be a nasty rumor?
Who are the editors stating these comments?--luckliy, my beloved editor for Down to the Bone isn't one of them. She belongs to the list of powerful white editors interested in true diversity.
If it's true, the remarks seem racist and hurtful to Latino writers.
http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_87...
Marcela Landres, ex executive editor for Simon & Schuster says:
“If you are a Latino writer… all you can reasonably expect from your publisher is for them to simply print and distribute your book. Do not expect your publisher to invest more than the minimum of time and money in promoting your book…. Don’t assume your publisher or agent will actually tell you this. Most people are unwilling or unable to convey bad news; they’d rather point fingers when things go wrong. It’s just human nature.”
In order for Latino books to sell, not only do publishers/publicists need to promote Latino books in the same way they do white authors, they must have a Latino list of literary journals, newspapers, blogs, magazines, etc. Sending Latino books for review to the important white literary reviewers is important, but we need professional Latino reviewers too.
If editors put the same effort in advertising and marketing Latino books, I’m confident Latinos fierce at promoting our books can also become best-sellers.
2 Questions to editors who made remarks:
• Do you think most Hispanics and POC are illiterate or semi-illiterate?--I'm always surprised when people aren't aware that a large percentage of Latinos and POC are highly literate.
http://www.lasculturas.com/library/fa...
• If you are receiving manuscripts from Latinos that aren’t up to par, why don’t you recommend professional book doctors to them as you do with your Caucasian writers whose novels need work?
The publishing business boils down to 2 factors:
1. MONEY
2. What white editors know will sell.
In the past, many large publishers made a mint with white vampire, zombie and werewolf novels. Now, many editors are searching for Horror, Dystopian, Paranormal and Steampunk. Obviously, in this economy (unless Latinos wish to self-publish), it’s no longer about art, literary merit, or the love for the written word.
It’s all about TRENDS that rake in the mula (it’s understandable. If editors don’t publish books or authors that sell, they could be terminated).
Film director, Alejandro Agresti (Valentin and The Lake House—the latter’s stars are Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves) wrote me seven moving emails (he’s a brilliant, poetic writer and I will save them forever) expressing interest in turning Down to the Bone into a feature film. Agresti has handed my novel over to Selma Hayek, his business partner, and I’m hoping for the best.
In other words, if you give underdog Latinos an opportunity we might shine.
Unfortunately, none of my talented Latina/o writer friends submitting at the same time got published.
Now that I have my foot caught in the door, I have ventured out to write for larger audiences and in different styles (Down to the Bone was written for a “niche” audience: young LGBTQ, reluctant Latino readers without a single book that spoke to them).
It’s time for equality in the publishing business.
Editors, why not place a call for submissions for culturally authentic Latino writers and authors? It’s not enough for white authors to add Latino characters they know nothing about or for you to secretly advice white authors to invent Spanish nom de plumes. I’m confident we can find a solution for bringing in el dinero while at the same time staying true to ourselves. (In case you haven’t heard about us, there are thousands of Latino-Americanos writing contemporary books with literary merit): http://labloga.blogspot.com/
Por favor, give authentic Latinos a chance to shine in your ultra exclusive and neon white publishing world. Let agents know you’re searching for diversity and authenticity. Culturally authentic Latinos in literature means the following: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
PUBLISHERS: Por favor, hire Latino editors. We need equality and diversity in publishing.
READERS: Please buy Latino books (most of us write contemporary Latino-American stories set in the U.S.).
LATINO WRITERS: I understand the painful struggle. Many of us don’t have the money to pay editors, but do your best and give your work to at least ten avid readers for critiques. Revise 3,000 times if you must! Never give up! Talk about the issue of inequality in publishing on your blogs. Tweet about our challenges. Make change happen.
AGENTS: please open your doors to Latino authors.
The U.S. is comprised of different cultures. Shouldn’t kids, teens and adults read diversity in books?
Regardless of the sate of our economy, and even though mula comes first, there must be some publishers, editors and agents interested in diversity. If you are one of them, please RAISE your HAND!
Diversity rules!
http://thenakedhero.com/guest-marcela-la...
http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/...
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The sad thing is that our own publishing houses have had the same attitude for years. When I submitted my first book of poems to a publishing house that was run by our own Latin@ editors, I was told that I did not write like a typical Latina woman. If our own people have stereotypes about what our literary production should be, it does not surprise me that "white" editors are doing the same.
Dr. Lumpierre, i looked you up. your credentials are astounding. http://www.linkedin.com/in/drluzmaump...i have never heard of a publishing house run by a Latina. would you please tell me the name of the publisher? perhaps they were searching for strong Latina flavor and less academic material such as the use of territorial coloquialisms, dialect, stylistic writing and so forth? if they didn't state specifics in their submissions guidelines, then i clearly see your valid point.
It was not run by a Latina but by Latino males. The publishing house does not exist any more. My material was not academic at all---it was an indictment on whatoccurs in this country when you are a Puerto Rican Lesbian. The book was ultimately published by a Latina publishing house(Third Woman) which I helped established with that wonderful sister Norma Alarcon. Third Woman does not existe anymore either.
http://open.salon.com/blog/v_seijo/20...This was a post I wrote on the problems of how to present oneself as a writer in the literary marketplace.
I have written on Latino issues (http://open.salon.com/blog/v_seijo/20...) but that's not the only topic I'm interested in. Which makes it very hard when the expectations a last name and a cultural background entail are the only things considered. I am about to have a book published in Spanish and I am working on two novels in English with very different themes. If it's damned if you do and damned if you don't then, I am stumped on what to do.
Hello again ! I just realized that what I was trying to say did not sound right.
What I wanted to say was that it is better to succeed trying than to fail by not trying.
What I wanted to say was that it is better to succeed trying than to fail by not trying.
Hey, Vaness! No worries. I completely understood, especially after your email. I instantly assumed that you were refering to what you told me in private.: )
Vianka, I understand, don't worry. El mundo es de los que se atreven. Will let you guys know how it pans out.
Vanessa, your post is brilliantly written and inspiring. In these times, though, I don't think all agents and editors seek the "Latina/o experience" you stated.
Although I come from a place of passion, colors, palmas and cafecitos and I love to write about what I know,I also come from, and have lived in, the opposite:your world, and also write about it.
In your case, you're being rejected for what you know and you loathe being stereotyped because it's not you.
I hear you.
What I'm noticing is that there are no Latino agents and perhaps one Latina editor. Perhaps that's the real challenge?
I wish you the very best in finding an agent. Keep me posted.
Luzma (Lumpierre), it pains me to know that Latino publishing houses no longer exist. What happened to your book after Third Woman closed? Is it still available to the public? We need women like you to establish Latina/o publishing houses. Won't you please consider giving it another try?
Maybe I missed it, but where did the quote from the editor saying they're “throwing their doors wide to submissions by PoC” and that “the work they're receiving seems to be sub-par, not polished, or in need of more work than they have time for in this highly competitive business” come from?The truth is, when I was an editor at Simon & Schuster I received many sub-par manuscripts that were agented. Some of the writers were Latino, some not. The sadder truth is some books are published even though the writing is sub-par; again, some of the authors are Latino, some not.
The bottom line is this: When agents say they want to represent you, or when editors say they want to publish your manuscript, that doesn't mean they think your writing is good. Instead, it means they think they can make money selling your work. This explains why much of what is published--regardless of the ethnicity of the authors--is not particularly well-written.
Marcela Landres
http://www.marcelalandres.com/
The quotes come from the following, under TIDBITS on my post:http://neeshameminger.blogspot.com/20...
http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blo...
http://thenakedhero.com/guest-marcela-la...
It's understood that the bottom line is always money..
I realized I'd probably never get a publishing contract for my middle-grade novel A Boy Called Duct Tape, the story of three Latino kids searching for the "lost treasure" of Jesse James...so I self-published. Book will be out in March. Here are a few reviews:“A Boy Called Duct Tape is a beautifully written story. Christopher Cloud has created characters who bring the story to life. I loved the three children, Pablo, Pia and Kiki, with their witty dialogue which made me laugh out loud. Pablo is spunky and brave, and even though his peers tease him because of his duct-taped shoes, he refuses to let the taunting ruin his day.”
J.K. Maze, author
www.joanmaze.com
“A Boy Called Duct Tape will keep adventure-story fans on the edge of their seats. There’s enough action, mystery and suspense to satisfy the most demanding middle-grade reader. Every child has fantasized about discovering a lost treasure, and this story addresses that daydream. Christopher Cloud’s simple and kid-friendly language makes this book perfect for reluctant readers. A real winner!”
Midwest Book Review
“I absolutely loved A Boy Called Duct Tape. I’m 12 and I read about 50 books a year. This was the best realistic fiction book I’ve ever read!”
Alex Mina
Maumelle, Arkansas
“In this, his debut middle-grade novel, Christopher Cloud has cleverly set the stage for an old-fashioned, hair-raising treasure hunt with A Boy Called Duct Tape. After buying a $1 map at the county fair, Pablo, his sister, Pia, and their cousin, Kiki, set off in search of the celebrated “lost treasure” of Jesse James. Along the way they team up with an ill-mannered cave explorer, a man who might turn on them at any moment. A Boy Called Duct Tape has the proper mix of tension and the story never loses its pace. The characters are loveably original, and the unpredictable ending will have middle-grade readers squirming in their chairs.”
Rebecca Camarena, Freelance Writer
