Race, sexual orientation, and publishing: the line in my sandbox

The blogosphere was abuzz today about Jessica Verday's refusal to change the sexual orientation and gender in a story, so that it would become a M/F relationship. While that was shocking, it wasn't at the same time. Even writing "Road to Hell," I often got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that I might be asked to change Captain Katherine Francis's sexual orientation. I already knew what my answer would be. Since my family reads my blog, I won't repeat what the answer would have been. Use your imagination.

If Verday's post didn't upset me enough, later in the comments section someone mentioned an author who lately twitter about her agent requesting a race change of a character. That's right – change a character of colour to be *drum roll* white. And, again, I was horrified, but not really. This has been the fourth instance of me hearing this in the last 5 weeks.

I don't have an agent. To be completely truthful, I've never submitted anything to an agent or tried to hire one. At this point in my career, I haven't needed one. So, I don't say any of this as a person spurned by an agent or someone unable to "land" one (I use quotes, since I believe an agent is a contractor who works for you, not the other way around).  And, this isn't an anti-publishing rant, since I have a publisher for some of my work already and am currently seeking another for my fantasy series. I'm good right now.

I would not change the sexual orientation or race or gender of my characters simply because an agent said so. In fact, I would immediately fire any agent who advised me to do such a thing. Change a main character to be white, because black main characters don't sell well? Oh please. Make a character straight so that it doesn't offend people? Really? Are we really fussing about this? What century is this again?

When I look at a publishing house – and, if I ever go on the hunt, an agent – I will look at these things. I will not work with bigots, racists, or sexists. I don't do that in my day-to-day life. I will not tolerate it there, so why the hell would I tolerate it in my writing career?

There are those who will tell me that this rant will stay on my blog forever and will hinder my future chances at publication or hiring an agent. Whereas I say, any publisher who thinks I should only write straight, white people really does not want to work with me. Further, any agent who thinks they have the power to tell me that gay or black or plaid doesn't sell, isn't someone I want working for me.

Call me crazy, but even I have standards.

 

ETA: MuseItUp did *not* even mention any concern about Katherine's sexual orientation in Road to Hell, nor Bearclaw's in Harvest Moon. Because, you know, they have ethics.