Okay, We’re Published Now What?
By APOOO • Jun 8th, 2008 • Category: Articles •
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OKAY, WE’RE PUBLISHED NOW WHAT??
By LaConnie Taylor-Jones
Imagine the struggles of those early pioneers in African American literature. Whether they penned fiction or non-fiction, the manuscripts they had poured their heart and soul into was ready for the world to read. The only way this would happen was through publication. Led by courage and on the wings of faith, they strolled proudly toward the literary door. Many knocked long and hard, while others no doubt had to kick. Finally, entrance was granted. Fast forward to now. Every African American, writer whether self-published or under contract with a traditional publisher, should remember the struggle in celebration, not complacency.
Although African American authors have come a long way, we still have a long way to go.
Until a few months ago, my link to the literary world was that of reader. Since the fall ‘07 release of my debut novel, When I’m With You, I see things from an entirely different perspective. While the struggles from yesteryear may have lessened, African American authors are still faced with challenges, nonetheless.
My last statement does not come from what someone told me, but from personal experience. Three and a half years ago when I knocked on those same doors, I stood firm in the belief that the story burning deep in my spirit was worthy of publication. The most defining moment on my literary journey came when someone behind the desk said, ‘We do not think readers would be interested in reading this story.’ Okay, another rejection, which I was use to by now. Thankfully, I was able to ask why not and got an answer. ‘Well, it touches on issues black readers are not used to reading.’ Whoa Nellie!! Yes, folks, that is when I discovered that stories written by African American authors are categorized and scrutinized to a large degree based on profitability. But for me, the deeper implication was that either Black folks would not read outside of what has already been published or they do not read, period.
Sorry to disappoint you America, but Black folks read!! Although African Americans makeup only 13 % of the total U.S. population, our buying power is incredibly strong, and annually, nearly three hundred million of our dollars are spent on books. That single incident coupled with trying to find an editor who did not view the story through ‘colored glasses’ made me even more determined to continue on the path of getting my story on store shelves.
So we’re published. Now what?
Today, African American authors enjoy the benefit of better advances and royalties (although there still is not parity with white writers), savvy marketing plans, and effective book tours. Despite all of this, challenges remain. While I cannot speak for others, I am resolved to continue the struggle of those who came before me. After all, our forefathers endured immense suffering and many died just for the chance to learn how to read. And authors before me were deprived of the opportunities I now enjoy. I owe them that much.
But how you ask?
By embracing the commitment and preparation needed to continually do the one thing that will keep me in the published world–write the stories of the heart. Of all the challenges I face as an African American author, of all the components that shape the literary world; this is the only element I have complete autonomy of.
Website: www.laconnietaylorjones.com
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APOOO is an online author and reader community dedicated to advancing African American literature. Our mission is to expose readers of all ages to a good book in any genre; to support African American authors, books, literary events and bookclubs; to provide marketing resources, tools and tips to authors; and, to promote literacy within the African American community.
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