Tell publishers to stop discriminatory submission policies.

I’ve been part of an ongoing debate examining the presumption that marginalized groups, specifically Black, Indigenous or people of colour (BIPOCs) and those who identify within the LGBTQ2S spectrum are underrepresented in Canadian literature.

The presumption is that because of discrimination by publishers their stories have been deemed not worthy and subsequently haven’t been published. To make up for this injustice, they should receive special privileges when it comes to submitting their stories.

It’s not enough for a publisher to state on their submission page that they encourage submissions from all groups and assure there’s no discrimination in reviewing material, some feel they must waive submissions fees, have special time slots for submissions, even ensure if the author self-identifies as marginalized their story will be get priority treatment.

Whether or not you’re predisposed to “two wrongs not making a right” (discriminating against the mainstream to compensate for what has/is happening to the marginalized) it presents three issues.

1. What does this do to the standard of literature? Shouldn’t acceptance go to the best written, most appropriate story and not be based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics?

2. Who and how has it been determined marginalized authors are underrepresented in Canadian Literature? How are they identified and their identity validated?

3. Policies that continue to prioritize writing by such groups by providing them with special privileges create the perception marginalized writers are less competent or accomplished.

If you’re against discriminatory submission policies, here are some actions you might consider taking:

– don’t submit to publications that discriminate in any way.

– call out such publications for the above said reasons.

– advocate for the removal of these discriminatory messages on submissions pages.

– advocate on behalf of blind judging – editors having no information about the author (including their name) and judging the submission on its creative merit alone.

This is by no means the final word on this issue. The discussion is ongoing and evolving and your comments are welcomed, will be considered and may alter this position.

Let’s talk.

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