Minorities in Publishing: Recent Episodes
Jenn Baker
Bimonthly podcast from publishing professionals Bev Rivero & Jenn Baker, and other industry insiders, on diversity (or lack thereof) in the industry.
[This interview was conducted online and there may be some audio variation.]
"Platform alone will not persuade an editor [to acquire your book]." --Alia Hanna Habib
During pub week for Take It From Me: An Agent's Guide to Building a Nonfiction Career from Scratch, VP & Literary Agent, Alia Hanna Habib and Jenn discussed the plethora of information detailed for writers, particularly nonfiction writers, in her new book and in her Substack, Delivery & Acceptance. Consider this another great demystifying episode that explores the day-to-day realities, dispels assumptions about industry expectations, and provides guidance/help on how to approach the page, submissions, and publication with an open mind & heart.
[You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, transcripts, and new eps on the MiP website here. A transcript of this episode will be available in the coming weeks.]
[This interview was conducted online and there may be some audio variation.]
"I think human nature is always enamoured by it's own reflection. But to what end?" --Irvin Weathersby Jr.
Irvin Weathersby Jr. is the author of In Open Contempt: Confronting White Supremacy in Art and Public Space, which was longlisted for the PEN Award for Nonfiction. At the time of recording, Jenn and Irvin spoke to the relevance of monuments, the acknowledgement of memorials, and the importance of community awareness & voices as posed in Irvin's powerful prose and examinations of history meeting the present moment. Irvin also touches on how he's taking care of himself upon and leading up to publication ("a pre-publication plan" as Jenn says.)
[You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, transcripts, and new eps on the MiP website here. A transcript of this episode will be available in the coming weeks.]
[This episode was recorded by Westport Library on-site in Westport, Connecticut.]
Last Fall, the MiP Podcast returned to Westport Library for their annual StoryFest! Jenn was joined by fellow debut authors / pub professionals Lauren Morrow (author of Little Movements) and Amber Oliver (author of When the Music Hits). They discussed the narrative parallels of these two novels with Black women protagonists making their mark in creative industries, navigating the other side of publishing as an author, and offer advice to novices seeking to begin a career in book publishing.
[You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, transcripts, and new eps on the MiP website here. A transcript of this episode will be available in the coming weeks.]
[This interview was conducted online and there may be some audio variation.]
"Your sentences are your vehicle." --Denne Michele Norris
Denne Michele Norris (When the Harvest Comes and Both/And) returns to the MiP podcast to discuss everything leading up to her debut novel, including breaking from a "quitting" mentality to one where she invested herself fully into the writing process. A process that has lead her to an amazing career as Editor-in-Chief of Electric Literature and editor of the upcoming anthology Both/And. Denne shares her fears of not reaching her dream up until the day she received an offer and how the pursuit of what you desire most can strengthen your focus.
[You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, transcripts, and new eps on the MiP website here. A transcript of this episode is available.]
The Power of Storytelling is a special collaboration episode between Minorities in Publishing and the Restorative Works! Podcast. Through the power of storytelling, we aim to engage powerful leaders and activists in conversations around keeping hope in dire times; giving back power to communities; radical empathy; arts as means to tell real life stories, and the effects of genuine engagement in community resilience. Listen to critical storytellers and educators including Jennifer Coreas, Reginald Dwayne Betts, and Tiffany Yu, who have been foundational in bringing awareness to societal issues and community movements through storytelling and literacy. Tune in to hear these influential voices speak on the power of transforming stories into actionable change in the worlds of criminal justice, disability awareness, and publishing.
Participant Bios Jennifer Baker is an author, editor, writing instructor, and creator of the Minorities in Publishing podcast. She’s been a recipient of NYSCA/NYFA and Queens Council on the Arts grants, a 2024 Axinn Writing Award, and was named the Publishers Weekly Star Watch SuperStar in 2019. She edited the short story anthology Everyday People: The Color of Life (2018) and is the author of Forgive Me Not (2023) a 2023 Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist, an NYPL 2023 Best Book for Teens, and 2023 Best of the Best by the BCALA.
Claire de Mézerville López is a licensed psychologist from UCR (Universidad de Costa Rica). She holds a Master in Education with an emphasis on cognitive development from ITESM (Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, México). She also has a Master of Science in Restorative Practices from the IIRP Graduate School. She is also an associate professor at Universidad de Costa Rica, and has experience as a therapist, researcher, and consultant. Claire has published papers on adolescence, restorative practices, resilience and educational psychology. Claire has worked with the IIRP since 2011. Currently, among other duties, serves as a liaison to Spanish-speaking communities and organizations in Latin America and elsewhere
Reginald Dwayne Betts is a poet and lawyer. A 2021 MacArthur Fellow, he is the Executive Director of Freedom Reads, a not-for-profit organization that is radically transforming the access to literature in prisons through the installation of Freedom Libraries in prisons across this country. Betts has authored several books including the poetry collections Bastards of the Reagan Era and Felon.
Jennifer Coreas is the coordinator and cofounder of the program Literacy for Reconciliation for ConTextos in El Salvador and Chicago. Her work extends from curriculum development and teaching to advocacy, training, and facilitation of dialogue. She has led the work and the vision for ConTextos’s work in prisons and communities, accompanied authors in their journeys of self-discovery, and brought their stories to hundreds of teachers, psychologists, and social workers in professional development spaces. She has been recognized with numerous fellowships and scholarships including the Rocky Gooch Memorial Scholarship and the Esperanza Fellowship. She holds degrees from El Salvador in English as a second language and applied linguistics, and she received a master’s degree in English from Middlebury College in 2018.
Tiffany Yu is the CEO & Founder of Diversability, an award-winning social enterprise to elevate disability pride, the Founder of the Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter, and the author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World. Her TED Talk, How to Help Employees with Disabilities Thrive, has over one million views. She serves on the NIH National Advisory Board on Medical Rehabilitation Research and was a Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum Sustainable Development Impact Summit. At the age of 9, Tiffany became disabled as a result of a car accident that also took the life of her father.
[This interview was conducted online and there may be some audio variation.]
"Writing has extracted from me this idea of exorcising demons, but also exercising a self that felt so erased." -Cherry Lou Sy
In the first MiP episode of 2025, Jenn speaks with debut author Cherry Lou Sy (Love Can't Feed You) about adjusting to prose writing as a playwright, the line between fiction and autofiction, and how the stories we need to create most come from a necessity to be seen.
[You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, transcripts, and new eps on the MiP website here. A transcript of this episode is available.]
This month's episode & newsletter were sponsored by Writeability, a nonprofit writers guild, in defense of the imagination.
Intro/Outro music is by Moutaineer and licensed through Premuim Beat.
[This interview was conducted online and there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn spoke with the most avid of readers and the most bountiful of hosts, Traci Thomas (The Stacks podcast), about The Stacks origins and Traci's deep love of books in her approach to interviews, plus we go in-depth about the reader experience! Discussing book events and the possibilities, Traci suggests The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker to discuss overall energy and setup as well as the range of how the tour experience can go. Good stuff!
[You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, transcripts, and new eps on the MiP website here.]
This month's episode & newsletter were sponsored by Writeability, a nonprofit writers guild, in defense of the imagination.
Intro/Outro music is by Moutaineer and licensed through Premuim Beat.
This is a live recording of the Minorities in Publishing podcast hosted at The Westport Library on September 21st as part of the 2024 StoryFest line up. Audio was provided by Travis Bell (The Westport Library).
StoryFest 2024 welcomed Jenn and fellow 2023 debut authors Don P. Hooper (True True) and Shannon C.F. Rogers (I'd Rather Burn Than Bloom and Eighteen Roses) about their respective year as debut authors in the young adult space. The group discusses expectations, surprises, and the ways they found community to help one another through a somewhat emotional, uplifting, and unpredictable time in their creative and professional lives.
[You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, transcripts, and new eps on the MiP website here.]
This month's ewsletter was sponsored by Writeability, a nonprofit writers guild, in defense of the imagination.
[This interview was conducted online and there may be some audio variation.]
Newly anointed MacArthur Fellow and best-selling, award-winning author Jason Reynolds returns to the MiP podcast for the 10th anniversary year! His new book, Twenty-Four Seconds From Now, joins the compendium of many of Jason's love stories for and featuring young people. Jason speaks to the transparency of larger conversations around intimacy--what it means, feels like, and actually looks like outside of "mainstream" representation--the multidudes of love in relationships and storytelling, as well as a very necessary need for more discourse around the emotions that come with Black male's sexual experiences. Particularly the need for more tenderness.
[You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, transcripts, and new eps on the MiP website here.]
This month's episode & newsletter were sponsored by Writeability, a nonprofit writers guild, in defense of the imagination.
Intro/Outro music is by Moutaineer and licensed through Premuim Beat.
[This interview was conducted online and there may be some audio variation.] Continuing the podcast's 10th anniversary year, Jenn speaks with book influencer--bookstagrammer and booktoker elite--! Lupita keeps it real about the influencer life,...
[This interview was conducted online and there may be some audio variation.] As the 10th-anniversary year continues, Jenn welcomes debut author Danica Nava (The Truth According to Ember) for some laughs around romance shenanigans! Danica breaks down...
[This interview was conducted online and there may be some audio variation.]
As the 10th-anniversary year continues, Jenn welcomes debut author Danica Nava (The Truth According to Ember) for some laughs around romance shenanigans! Danica breaks down what often makes a rom-com while increasing the stakes for characters, she discusses the necessity of representing the reality of Indigenous characters within all genres through hardships and highlights, and what it's like being one of the first Indigenous writers of a romantic comedy to be traditionally published.
[You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.]
This month's episode & newsletter were sponsored by Writeability, a nonprofit writers guild, in defense of the imagination.
Intro/Outro music is by Moutaineer and licensed through Premuim Beat.
[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation.] For the 10th anniversary year of Minorities in Pub, Jenn welcomes to the podcast! Nick Medina is the author of the novels Indian Burial Ground and Sisters of...
[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation. Intro/Outro music is by Moutaineer and licensed through Premuim Beat]
Continuing the 10th anniversary year of Minorities in Pub, Jenn welcomes another Newbery honoree in Veera Hiranandani! Veera her new middle-grade novel, a follow-up to the award-winning The Night Diary, Amil and the After. Veera also discusses how writing a book about a massive historical event like The Partition of India reflects the ongoing effects/repercussions for the communities (and world) involved, the ways in which we can parse out our own questions through fiction, and how healing can happen through writing and for the characters depicted.
[You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here. Transcript of this episode is TK.]
This month's episode & newsletter were sponsored by Writeability, a nonprofit writers guild, in defense of the imagination.
[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation. Intro/Outro music is by Moutaineer and licensed through (Content Warning: At around the 20-minute mark there is mention of the video of Ahmaud Arbery's death and the last...
[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation.] For the 10th anniversary year of Minorities in Pub, Jenn welcomes recent Newbery honoree and Pura Belpré winning author/illustrator Pedro Martín! Pedro talks about his entry...
[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation.] For the 10th anniversary year of Minorities in Pub, Jenn welcomes back best-selling & award-winning author Renée Watson for her fourth episode (in a year she has 4 books...
[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation.] For the 10th anniversary year of Minorities in Pub, Jenn speaks with author about his new young adult novel, The Broke Hearts, a companion to his debut...
[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with editor and graphic novelist/author Elizabeth Agyemang (Fibbed) about her debut middle grade, finding space for her professional and creative life, how she's learned that incremental progress is still progress in all aspects of our work, and the inherent struggles creators of color face when the expectations are not balanced (or unbiased).
[Transcript of this episode can be found on Tumblr. You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.]
[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with Candlewick publicity manager Jamie Tan (a 2020 PW StarWatch honoree and CBC Diversity Achievement Awardee) and former Candlewick outreach manager Ally Russell (whose debut middle grade It Comes From Trees pubs in 2024). They discuss working outside of NYC in the publishing industry and the reality of what hybrid work has looked like for their positions, what drew them to the industry and keeps them in publishing, in addition to the added emotional labor BIPOC take on in speaking up about issues in the workplace.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on Tumblr. You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.]
[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with debut novelist Namrata Poddar about her book Border Less(longlisted for the 2022 Center of Fiction First Novel Prize), pursuing publication with an small press versus a Big 5 publisher, the "classic" question of marketability versus craft that BIPOC writers especially face when publishing their work, and one's intentionality in not only their writing but what their expectations are when it comes to publication.
(We also mention Book Coaching and the Unicorn Authors Club that you can learn more about at their website.)
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr. You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.]
[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with TV writer and journalist Kashana Cauley author of the debut novel The Survivalists out now from Soft Skull Press. Kashana talks about the many drafts before this novel came to fruition, how juggling several career paths helped her stay on the path to writing, and how this novel's themes apply to what she's seen and observed about New York City (and people) at large.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr. You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.]
[This interview was conducted via Zoom with several participants, so there may be some audio variation.]
Ten days into the HarperCollins Union strike, four employees and union members--Doris, Genessee, Ahmunet, and Parrish--spoke to Jenn about the requests the union has made to HarperCollins, how to support those on strike, on why they believe in the work they do as both publishing professionals and in being vocal on pushing for a contract renewal, as well as what it's been like on (and off) the picket line. As of this episode posting, the strike is now on Day 26 with no response from HarperCollins management. Listeners can follow the HCP Union on Instagram and Twitter as well as go to their LinkTree for assets, to sign their solidarity letter, for information on how to donate and about their 12/16 Rally in the Financial District.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr. You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.]
[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with associate production editor, Kaitlyn San Miguel, about her switch from editorial to production in children's lit, adapting to a white collar and white dominant work space, and why the production department spoke to her love of books.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr. You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.]
[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with production editor, Carla Benton, about the specifics of the role of the production editor in trade publishing, how more remote positions may help with representation in the publishing landscape, and how some may look into freelancing by using social media to connect with other production editors in the industry.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr. You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.]
[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with production editor, Carla Benton, about the specifics of the role of the production editor in trade publishing, how more remote positions may help with representation in the publishing landscape, and how some may look into freelancing by using social media to connect with other production editors in the industry.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr. You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.]
[This interview was conducted online and is an overseas conversation so there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with illustrator/author, Kate Gavino about her latest graphic novel A Career in Books will publish on August 2nd. Kate discusses how life imitated art--and was fictionalized--for her latest book, the experiences that led her to leave the industry and pursue life as an artist, inequality in the workplace economically and the importance of AAPI representation in her book to reflect an honest experience of entry-level workers in publishing.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr. You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.]
[This interview was conducted online and is an overseas conversation so there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with illustrator/author, Kate Gavino about her latest graphic novel A Career in Books will publish on August 2nd. Kate discusses how life imitated art--and was fictionalized--for her latest book, the experiences that led her to leave the industry and pursue life as an artist, inequality in the workplace economically and the importance of AAPI representation in her book to reflect an honest experience of entry-level workers in publishing.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr. You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.]
[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation. Please note there's also a dog in the background.]
Jenn speaks with former senior social media manager, In the Books IGLive host, and writer Zakiya Jamal about the role of social media depts at book publishers, her recent departure, and the importance of salary transparency in the workplace for establishing equity.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr. You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.]
[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation.]
New York Times bestselling author, Samira Ahmed, speaks to Jenn about her new YA novel Hollow Fires, the reasons why diversity panels should always have been craft discussion panels, how her past experience dictates her approach to writing, and how much she loves engaging with young readers for pertinent discussions as they inherit the world we live in.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr. You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.]
[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation.] The many award-winning author/illustrator Erin Entrada Kelly author of the new middle grade novel, Those Kids From Fawn Creek. She discusses her new book, reading Goodreads reviews, what aspects of the business part of publishing makes her happy, productivity, and uplifting the writing community as a core tenet of an author's role. [Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr. You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.]
[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation.] Bethany C. Morrow discusses her writing practice of prioritizing Black and Brown femmes, the ways that canonization can (and has) erased marginalized people and stories, and the ways in which stories develop for her in terms of knowing characters & audiences.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr. You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.]
[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with debut author of the novel Brown Girls, Daphne Palasi Andreades about selling (and pubbing) a book during a pandemic, her MFA experience as a BIPOC, and tackling "unconventional" narratives in her novel.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr. You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.]
[This interview was conducted via Zoom so there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with Electric Literature EiC Denne Michele Norris and freelance development/copyeditor Jon Reyes about the travails of publishing over 2021 including continuous calls for true efforts of inclusion & equity, how lack of efforts leads to a sustainment of continually problematic & harmful systems, and we also delve into their respective current + past roles in the industry.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr.]
This month, Jenn speaks with former colleague and Assistant Art Director for young adult covers, Regina Flath about the arduous and import work of design, creating & leading super helpful DEI initiatives in the workplace, and the discussions that have happened around BIPOC rep on covers.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr. You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.]
(Please note this interview was recorded via phone so audio quality may be muffled.)
Jenn speaks with Professor Anton Treuer about the young reader's edition of his well-known work Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Askand his dedication to education and empathy in recognizing Indigenous history and society. The importance of understanding perspectives remains at the forefront of the work Prof. Treuer does.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr. You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.]
This month is a podcast collaboration/discussion with Jenny Bhatt (author of Each of Us Killersand Ratno Dholi) and creator/host of the Desi Books podcast. Jenn and Jenny discussed creating platforms to celebrate marginalized writers, indie vs. big publishing, and how authors can build their platform by building community in a genuine way.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr.]
Jenn speaks with debut author, in two genres(!), Anjali Enjeti about her essay collection Southbound and novel The Parted Earth. She discusses relevant themes in both her fiction & nonfiction, her growth as a writer when considering the examination of privilege and trauma, how socioeconomic status comes into play in publishing, and the importance of indie presses.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr.]
Jenn speaks with #1 New York Times bestselling author Angeline Boulley (member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians) about her debut novel Firekeeper's Daughter, how's she's been able to prepare to engage with audiences, the responsibility she felt in telling this story, and her path to publication after writing this book for 10 years.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr.]
Jenn speaks with FSB Associates founder Fauzia Burke about her 20+ years experience in book promotion, running her own firm focused on digital marketing, and tells authors what they should ask (and expect) from those they hire to get the word out about their books!
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr.]
This episode was recorded online and may have some audio variation.
Assistant Director of Publishing and editorial maven Porscha Burke joins the podcast to discuss her entry into publishing from the music industry, the work of some legacy Black-run presses she's worked with, and the ways she's seen the industry grow and evolve.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr.]
Jenn speaks with ebook production specialist, literary mag editor, and author Chris Gonzalez about the balancing act of working in publishing and his creative pursuits, how he built a literary community when coming to New York City, and about his upcoming story collection I'm Not Hungry But I Could Eatpublishing later this year.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr.]
In the last episode for 2020, Jenn speaks with podcaster and photographer Mike Sakasegawa about producing not one but twoliterary podcasts--LikeWise Fiction and Keep the Channel Open--the work this entails and forging one's own definition of success.
[Transcript of this episode will be available on the Episodes tab of the podcast Tumblr.]
Art director and 2019 PW Star Watch honoree, Na Kim, joins Jenn to discuss how she got into book publishing, the benefits of making mistakes, and the core role of book designers in book publishing.
[Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr.]
Punching the Aircollaborators Ibi Zoboi and Dr. Yusef Salaam discuss their latest bestselling book; the roles adults, especially educators, play in young people's lives; the introspective nature of young people that needs to be respected & represented in more work; and the importance of how to discuss topics such as the carceral system in work for young readers.
Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes tab of the podcast Tumblr.
WNDB Communications manager and writer Alaina Lavoie returns to the MiP podcast to discuss ableism in the workplace, how remote working has been possible but not available in publishing, and what progress she's observed in the industry.
Transcription of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr site.
[CW: This episode discusses sexual assault.]
Jenn speaks with bestselling author Kelly Yang (Front Desk) about her new young adult novel Parachutes centering two teen perspectives on sexual assault. Kelly speaks to the importance of these books, the ways in which victims deserve more advocacy, and the need to open up more discussion and education around rape culture.
Yes we have reached episode 100 of Minorities in Publishing! Holy cow! This milestone episodes features guest Liara Tamani (All the Things We Never Knew and Calling My Name). We discuss the ideology behind success and striving to stay afloat, how she found her way back to a first love she didn't realize she was missing, and her new YA romance from Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins out today!
Transcription of this interview can be found on the Episodes tab of the podcast Tumblr.
In a follow-up conversation, Jenn and Loyalty Bookstore owner Hannah Oliver Depp discuss the importance of campaigns like saveindiebookstores.com to get funds directly to Indie Bookstores when federal grants may not and ways we can continue to aid indies during Covid-19.
Transcription for this episode can be found on the Episodes tab of the podcast Tumblr.
[This episode was recorded online. Audio variation may occur.]
Jenn speaks to owner of Loyalty Bookstores (in the DMV area) Hannah Oliver Depp on running a small business, the challenges facing booksellers as business owners through economic inequality, and the importance of independent bookstores in community establishment and growth.
Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes tab of the podcast Tumblr.
MiP welcomes back Renée Watson who has had quite the trajectory since she first appeared on the podcast five years ago this month. She talks about her new book from Bloomsbury Ways to Make Sunshine,writer's block & imposter syndrome, and also her trajectory over the years and how much her stories for Black girls continue to showcase range & beauty.
Transcription for this episode can be found on the Episode tab of the podcast Tumblr.
Jenn speaks with literary agent Connor Goldsmith (Fuse Literary) on his path to agenting from film casting, why publishing/agenting would make a bad reality show, and the financial realities of agenting and how privilege comes into play with stability in publishing.
[Transcription can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr.]
[This interview was conducted over Skype so there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with debut author (and recent NYTbestseller) Abigail Hing Wen about her book Loveboat, Taipei,combating Asian stereotypes in her work, pursuing writing and another full-time career, and the ways in which character journeys can mirror one's own.
Transcription of this episode can be found on the Episodes tab of the podcast Tumblr.
[This interview was conducted over Google Hangouts, there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with Angela Maria Spring, owner of Duende District, about her trajectory as a bookseller from the midwest to the east coast and back. Spring mentions the hardships of crowdfunding, the importance of a bookstore honoring BIPOC artists, and the importance of bookselling in the publishing industry.
Transcription for this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr.
[Please note this interview was conducted via Google Hangouts. Audio quality may vary.]
Jenn speaks with author Kacen Callender (Queen of the Conquered, Hurricane Child, This is Kind of an Epic Love Story) about their background as an editor, the perils of privilege for the protagonist in their adult debut, and the ways in which they pursue storytelling and outcomes for different readerships from their education to decolonizing their reading.
Transcription for this interview will be available on the Episodes tab on the podcast Tumblr.
[This interview was conducted over Skype, so there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with Rena Barron (Kingdom of Souls, Maya and the Rising Dark) about her growth as a writer, the necessity of a wider range of fantasy stories featuring People of Color, and her upcoming middle grade fantasy that takes place in Chicago's Southside.
Transcript for this episode will be available on the Episodes tab of the podcast Tumblr.
[This interview was conducted via phone and the audio quality on speakers will vary.]
Jenn speaks with Bharat Babies publisher Sailaja Joshi about the creation of a new independent imprint focused on South Asian stories, the work behind-the-scenes as a new indie publisher, and the overall goals and support needed when making such a venture for young readers.
Transcription of this episode will be available on the Episodes page of the MiP podcast's Tumblr.
Jenn talks with author and mental health advocate Bassey Ikpi (I'm Telling the Truth But I'm Lying) about her new book and the depictions within it along with the ways she pursued writing & utilizing memory in personal essays on mental illness and diagnosis.
This interview was conducted over Skype so there may be some audio variation.
Author and disability activist Keah Brown (The Pretty One) openly discusses the discomfort she felt in a lack of reflections of disabled POCs in media, her thoughts on breaking in to publishing with no to low-pay opportunities, and how her book reflects more of the evolution of self and a push against ableism in existing and experiencing inherent joy.
[Transcription of this episode will be available in the Episodes tab on the MiP tumblr.]
Jenn spoke with author and professor Tanisha C. Ford about her new memoir Dressed in Dreams,which ties in personal history with cultural representation and fashion. This discussion ran the gamut from Black hair care, to nostalgia for FUBU and Karl Kani, to the importance of fashion within Black culture and what it set the stage for in terms of individual expression.
[Transcription of this episode can be found on the Episodes tab on Tumblr.]
Author Sonya Chung (The Loved Ones,Long for This World) discusses her essay dissecting the issues of gaze and focus in Green Bookand the documentary Period: End of Sentence,how she formulated success as a published author, and her experiences publishing with a Big 5 imprint and an indie press.
Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes tab on the MiP Tumblr.
The latest episode is the live recording of the March 27, 2018 Creative Conversation with Meg Medina and Elizabeth Acevedo at I, Too Arts Collective in East Harlem. This event was in celebration of the publication of The Poet X.Meg and Elizabeth read from their latest, at the time, books and discuss Latinx representation, their approach to writing fully fleshed characters, and struggles with imposter syndrome.
[Transcript will be available on the Episodes tab.]
Jenn speaks with co-owners of Brooklyn based Radix Media, Lantz Arroyo and Sarah Lopez, about the work of printers, being a new independent publisher, and the case for worker cooperatives to provide equity in the workplace.
[Transcription will be available on the Episodes tab of the Tumblr.]
[Audio and Transcription of this episode was provided by BookNet Canada]
Road Trip to Toronto for the latest episode! At this year's Tech Forum conference Jenn spoke with author and founder of the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD), Jael Richardson, about the creation of an inclusive literary festival, the work to maintain representation, and also the benefits and concerns about tagging/separating books by marginalized authors when it comes to consumers finding these works.
Transcription of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr site.
On January 10th, the nonprofit I, Too, Arts Collective held a celebratory NYC book launch for the picture book The Roots of Rap, a collaboration between award-winning & acclaimed artists Carole Boston Weatherford and Frank Morrison at Langston Hughes’ brownstone in East Harlem. The two discussed their origins as writer and visual artist respectively, the history of hip-hop/rap music, and their thoughts on some of the greatest artists of our time.
Jenn speaks with artist/illustrator Jerry Craft about his trajectory as a cartoonist from regular strips to self-publishing to his latest graphic novel (New Kid) pubbing with a Big 5 publisher. Jerry shares his aesthetic which is bringing humor and heart to stories prioritizing Black families.
[This episode was heavily edited and conducted over Skype, so please not audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with Imani Josey (The Blazing Star) about creating a realistic and mindful historical YA novel with Black protagonists, the inspiration from her pageant background for her short story "Crown," and her trajectory as a self-published and traditional published author with a mind for business.
Transcription of this episode can be found on the Episodes tab on the MiP Tumblr.
[This interview was conducted via Google Hangouts, some audio variation may be heard.]
Jenn speaks with the creator of the new literary journal Day Dreamers,Bria Kiara about her inspiration and the nitty gritty details of starting your own print journal and the balance to maintain it as a unique vision for those included and who it represents.
[Transcription of this episode will be available on the podcast Tumblr 'Episodes' tab.]
[This interview was conducted via Google Hangouts, some audio variation may be present.]
Jenn spoke with debut author and professor Dawn Quigley (Apple in the Middle) about writing for trade vs. academia, presenting Native American identities in fiction, and what it was like her debut year.
[Please note that audio variation occurs in this episode, which was conducted via phone.]
On the latest episode Jenn speaks with author SJ Sindu about her novel Marriage of A Thousand Lies, her path to publishing her first novel after leaving tech and moving towards creative writing, the perspectives of LGBTQ+ narratives and importance of intersectional stories (and reviewers) in the industry.
Jenn spoke with scholarly publishing employees Celine and T (in marketing and sales, respectively) about their personal experiences as people of color within their work place, the necessity and also the push back of creating a diversity committee, and how microaggressions on the job have made it hard to retain marginalized employees.
[Transcription of this episode will be available on the podcast Tumblr 'Episodes' tab.]
Jenn speaks with author Lilliam Rivera (The Education of Margot Sanchez, Dealing in Dreams) about the hardships of writing short fiction, how she wrote her debut YA novel, incorporating social justice elements in her work, and character development, along with being a born & raised New Yorker.
[Transcription of this episode can be found on the Episodes tab on the podcast Tumblr.]
[This interview was conducted via Skype so there may be some audio variation.]
Content Warning: This episode contains discussion on sexual and emotional assault.
Jenn speaks with Peter Gajdics (Inheritance of Shame) about the struggles to write his memoir on conversion therapy, the experience and outcomes of writing a trauma narrative, and the exploration of shame as well as reconciling with being able to heal after experiencing and writing about one's own and others' experiences.
In the latest episode Jenn speaks with James Han Mattson (The Lost Prayers of Ricky Graves) about his time in the Iowa Writers' Workshop, the pathway to publication, how the It Gets Better campaign inspired his current book, and the reality of what publishing (and life) is like for People of Color.
On September 27, 2017, YPL National Book Award finalist Ibi Zoboi and author of The Jumbies Tracey Baptiste celebrated the launch of the follow-up to Tracey's critically acclaimed book with Rise of the Jumbies. They spoke of Black female representation, particularly in mythology versus folklore and the importance of telling these stories to children via oral traditions as well as the roles relegated to women in these stories in the manifestations of "good" and "evil."
Jenn speaks with marketing associates Jalissa Corrie (Lee & Low Books) and Bianca Salvant (Atria Books/37 Ink) about their respective roles in book marketing. They shed light on the differences between marketing and publicity, the importance of rounding out representative teams in their departments and in sales, and the difference in pursuits when it comes to indie publishers and Big 5 imprints.
Transcription of this episode is available on the Episodes tab on the podcast Tumblr.
The latest episode welcomes editor at Macmillan's Imprint and author Rhoda Belleza (Empress of a Thousand Skies and Blood of a Thousand Stars). She and Jenn spoke about her entry into publishing via working for a book packager, how she draws a line between her editorial life and writing life, and breaking into the science fiction genre as an author of YA and a women of color.
Transcription of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast's Tumblr, available later this week.
[This interview was conducted via Google Hangouts so there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with Morgan Jerkins (This Will Be My Undoing) about her debut book that releases today(!), the hardships she found getting a foot in the door in publishing, Black women empowerment, how to properly pitch an editor, and how she wrote personal material that is also self-reflective in This Will Be My Undoing.
[Transcription of this episode can be found on the MiP Podcast 'Episodes' page.]
[This interview was conducted via Skype, so there may be some audio variation.]
On the first episode of 2018, Jenn speaks with artist/musician/writer Arigon Starr (Super Indian) about her ongoing comic book Super Indian, the tenacity & passion it takes to pursue the arts, and how previous jobs helped her learn to better market and create her work.
Transcript of this interview can be found on the Tumblr Episodes page.
[This episode was conducted via Skype so there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with cartoonist Nidhi Chanani (Pashmina) about her debut graphic novel, using art as a form of resistance and utilizing happiness to enhance awareness, and how committing oneself to art means perseverance.
Transcription of this episode will be available on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr.
Jenn speaks with author/illustrator Vashti Harrison (Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History) about her fast paced trajectory as a published author, her paths in film and illustration, and the work behind her upcoming book to represent so many Black legends.
Transcript can be found on the 'Episodes' page of the podcast's Tumblr site.
[This interview was conducted via Skype and there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with Shade Mountain Press publisher and author Rosalie Morales Kearns (Kingdom of Women, Virgins and Tricksters) to discuss the role Catholicism has played in her writing (and most notably her new novel), why she started a feminist indie press, and intersectional feminism.
The transcript of this interview will be linked to on the podcast's Episode page.
[This interview was conducted via Skype, so there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with Nicole Blades (Have You Met Nora?, Earth's Waters,The Thunder Beneath Usand the Hey Sis! podcast) about her new novel, the prevalence of colorism, and how she utilizes her experience in journalism in her fiction writing.
A transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr account.
[This interview was conducted via Skype so there will be some audio variation.]
In the latest episode Jenn speaks with Nic Stone (Dear Martin) about how she came to write her debut, her experiences writing other marginalized identities, the fundamental necessity of critical thought in seeing progress, and her personal aesthetic when it comes to cosmetics and other creative outlets.
Transcript of this episode can be found on the 'Episodes' page of the Podcast Tumblr site.
[This interview was conducted via Skype.]
Jenn speaks with this year's National Book Award YPL longlist nominee Samantha Mabry (All the Wind in the Worldand A Fierce and Subtle Poison) about her new book with Algonquin Young Readers and being recognized for the #NBAwards, learning from students as a college instructor, and the Dallas literary scene.
The transcript of this episode can be found on the Tumblr episode page.
[This interview was conducted via phone and edited/amplified, so there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn speaks with National Book Award winner, and recent longlist nominee, Jesmyn Ward about her new novel Sing, Unburied Sing;the work that went into her NYTbestselling anthology The Fire This Time,and societal influence on the aging and demonization of Black children.
Jenn speaks with author David Barclay Moore (The Stars Beneath Our Feet) about his trajectory from the Missouri to New York City, the healing capacity of the arts, his new middle grade book, and what he found to be the differences--from a craft perspective--between middle grade, young adult, and adult literature as a cross genre artist.
[This interview was conducted via phone, post-editing may retain some audio variation.]
In the 3-year anniversary episode of the Minorities in Publishing podcast, Jenn interviews author Jenny Zhang (Sour Heart; Dear Jenny, We Are All Find; The Selected) about her road to publication post-MFA program for her debut story collection, entering the poetry scene to gain community, and also taking stock of what a writer should look for when it comes to representation and publication.
In the latest episode, Jenn speaks with author and diversity advocate Madhuri Pavamani (The Sanctum Trilogy) about her newly published books in The Keeper Series with St. Martin's Press, being a woman of color writing about people of color in genres (fantasy & romance) that have a dearth of those reputations, as well as how she divides her time between writing and being a practicing lawyer.
On the latest episode Jenn speaks with literary agent Saba Sulaiman about how she got into agenting and who may be a fit for this role in the industry, being a parent of a young child while navigating your career, and being an advocate at this time in the industry.
[This interview was conducted via Skype which may contribute to fluctuations in audio quality.]
Marcus Kwame Anderson (illustrator for the comic Snow Dazeand creator of the webcomic EastRaven) speaks to Jenn about the correlation of categories in the field of visual arts as compared to the written genre, how collaboration works from the illustrators perspective, and about his own projects and aims to create stories his own children can read and see themselves in.
Transcription of this episode can be found on theEpisodes page of the podcast Tumbler next to the episode link.
[This interview was conducted via Skype, so there may be some audio variation.]
Jenn spoke with founder and publisher of Koyama Press (which is celebrating their 10-year anniversary), Annie Koyama on how she got into publishing, the pursuit of doing what you love, the Con circuit, and the work involved behind small presses focusing on art books and visual stories.
[Sound for this episode was edited by MR Daniel. Thanks MR!]
On March 29th, the nonprofit I, Too, Arts Collective held a celebratory NYC book launch for Renée Watson's new young adult novel Piecing Me Together with Renée in conversation with National Book Award finalist Jason Reynolds at Langston Hughes' brownstone in East Harlem. The two read portions of their latest work; discuss creativity, legacy, and Black girlhood; and go on to answer questions from the audience.
[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 Alaina Leary about the ways that have helped her get her 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 Timesbestselling authors of All American BoysBrendan 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.
[This interview was conducted via Skype.]
Jenn speaks with author of Insurrections, professor, and satire editor for Queen Mob's Rion Amilcar Scott about his debut story collection, the myth that stories about Black people are only for Black people, as well as the understanding achieved from writing an "unpublishable" book before a publishable one came along.
The latest episode is the second half of a live panel held at BookCourt on June 27th called "The Realities of Publishing." Panelists included previous MiP guests Diana Pho and Ebony LaDelle, as well as Stephanie Jimenez, Todd Hunter, and Connor Goldsmith speaking to their positions in publishing, how they got where they are, and tips for new applicants seeking to gain entry into the industry.
On this episode Jenn speaks with Nahshon Anderson who has won a Brio award, Lambda Literary fellowship, and is a NYSCA panelist about Nahshon's memoir-in-progress Shooting Range, being diligent in the pursuit of funding as an artist, and also Nahshon's trajectory from working in entertainment to building a life as a writer.
On this episode Jenn speaks with Senior Editor Jill Petty who has had much experience not only in social justice work but in publishing. They talk about the current perception of "better" diversity in the industry, the nuts & bolts of her job as an acquisitions editor, and diversity versus anti-racist work.
The latest episode is the first half of a live panel held at BookCourt on June 27th called "The Realities of Publishing." Panelists included previous MiP guests Diana Pho and Ebony LaDelle, as well as Stephanie Jimenez, Todd Hunter, and Connor Goldsmith speaking to their positions in publishing and what relationships they have with authors in helping their book come to fruition.
[Note this interview was conducted via Skype and audio adjustments have been made.]
Jenn speaks with editor, photographer, writer, and speaker Taté Walker about her entry into publishing, the work of Native Peoples Magazine, how to pitch to an editor, and also the importance of the masses making the call for more diversity & actively seeking out that content.
[Note this interview was conducted via Skype and audio adjustments have been made.]
Jenn speaks with cartoonist Mari Naomi about her upcoming work Turning Japanese as well as the realities of being a self-taught artist including touring, pursuing your work above all else, and the need for more recognition of artists of color and in the LGBTQ community.
[Note this interview was conducted via Skype and audio adjustments have been made.]
Jenn speaks with debut author, nonfiction editor of Tahoma Literary Review,and freelance consultant Yi Shun Lai about being a debut author with an independent feminist press, the process of being nonfiction editor for a literary magazine and the importance of transparency on who is being published, and they discuss the business of publishing and how important this is for writers to contemplate prior to publication.
[Sound editing for this episode was provided by MR Daniel. Thanks, MR!]
In this episode Jenn speaks with Sophia Chester (creator/author of Cosmic Callisto Caprica), Leland Cheuk (author of The Misadventures of Sulliver Pong), and Mira Jacob (The Sleepwalker's Guide to Dancing) expound on being marginalized writers and also what their respective experiences have been in pursuing their art and it's publication from the aspect of self-publishing, independent publishing, and being with a Big 5 publisher.
Field trip episode to Brooklyn Public Library! Jenn speaks with associate editor at Catapult and creator of Specter literary journal Mensah Demary about access and opportunity in regards to the publishing industry, the creative class, helping uplift new voices, and the dichotomy of the writer's self from the professional self.
Jenn speaks with former YA trade editor and debut author of WintersongSarah (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.
Jenn speaks with nonfiction writer/notable essayist in Best American Essays (2014 & 2015) Karrie Higgins about her experience writing about disability and being part of this community, intersectionality in the minority community, recognizing White privilege, and staying true to your representations in work when it's not considered "the norm."
In the latest episode Jenn speaks with design director for one of the Big 5 publishers Claudia Martinez about the "fluke" of her starting in publishing, how she's worked her way up, and also about the importance of standing up for yourself when no one else may do so in order to get ahead in the industry.
[Please note this interview was conducted via Skype so there may be some audio sensitivity.]
Happy 1-year anniversary to the Minorities in Publishing podcast! In this episode Jenn interviews award-winning & acclaimed writer of short fiction & novels, as well as film, Tananarive Due about her upcoming collection Ghost Summer: Stories with Prime Books, about how writing saved her, the importance of diverse stories and where they come from, as well as encouraging writers to scribe their truth.
In honor of this milesetone episode Jenn will give a printed copy of Tananarive's Ghost Summer: Stories to one listener who tweets at @MinoritiesinPub about what advice they took to heart from Tananarive's episode. Thanks for listening!
[Please note this episode was conducted via Skype so there may be some audio sensitivity.]
Jenn speaks with Managing Editor of BookRiot Amanda Nelson, an avid reader and advocate for equality in diverse representation in books/media. Amanda talks about recognizing internalized preferences when it comes to hiring and also reading people's work and the need to be aware, how she goes about incorporating more diverse books in her children's reading, as well as the need for media outlets to be more active and less passive when it comes to promoting diverse authors and work.
Jenn talks to VP/Publisher Phoebe Yeh who has had an extensive career with various Big 5 Publishers about her love for editing and how that translated into her growing experience in acquiring good stories, how she's pursued good stories as well as diverse ones and the two don't have to be mutually exclusive, and the need for more of these stories in addition to the responsibility of publishers to make sure they sell.
Books recommended by Phoebe in this episode include:
Monster - Walter Dean Myers
Shooter - Walter Dean Myers
Hiroshima - Laurence Yep
The Magic School Bus series - Joanna Cole/Bruce Degen
The Joy Luck Club - Amy Tan
Waiting to Exhale - Terry McMillan
One Crazy Summer - Rita Williams-Garcia
Let’s Talk About Race - Julius Lester/Karen Barbour
The Seven Chinese Brothers - Margaret Mahy/Jean Tseng/Mou-sien Tseng
Jenn speaks with literary agent Linda Camacho and they discuss Linda's trajectory from working for Big 5 publishers to entering the field of agenting, her understanding of how authors feel when seeking representation, in addition to the frustration of dealing with the lack of diversity in the industry yet the hope that this appears to be changing.
Jenn speaks with writer/editor/speaker Ashley C. Ford (Buzzfeed, The Guardian, Elle, The Butter, co-editor of the upcoming anthology Not That Bad) about the publishing industry as a whole recognizing the buying power of marginalized groups, how important it is for everyone to speak up on issues they feel strongly on as well as listen, and what motivates Ashley to keep writing the stories she does.
Jenn talks with VP/editorial director at a major children's book publisher and New York Timesbest-selling author Andrea Davis Pinkney. Andrea discusses her trajectory from working at Essencemagazine to becoming one of the most well-known editors in publishing and how seeing the dearth of African American representation in books lead her to being a huge advocate in writing them as well as acquiring them.