Opinion | How I got lost in publishing’s diversity game

If agents and acquiring editors truly want to affirm their open-mindedness after confronting their lack of diversity, they’re going to have to stop putting such a limited scope on nonwhite stories and writers.What does the public want? Diverse voices or human drama? The publishing industry seems to think the two must go hand in hand for a book to be successful.

Of course, the tragic story lines from groups and individuals who have experienced oppression and hardship are vital to a complete and essential literary landscape, and long overdue. But when stories that don’t center on the negative experiences of people of color aren’t seen as valuable enough to share, it’s a disservice to the public.

Still, it seemed like the most elevated perspectives were folks who graduated from prestigious universities or had some connection in the business world. After a while, as our culture’s attitude changed, more publications began to take chances on outsiders like me. After a piece was published, I’d receive emails from readers from near and far who related to my “mixed” life, whether they were of the same background or completely different.

But that would’ve been inauthentic. Although I come from a family who has experienced adversity in our own right, I found my strength in writing stories about love and hopefulness, paying fond tribute to my grandmother, mom and dad, and the figures who left deep impressions on my life.

During those many months, I saw the author Deesha Philyaw speak live at the Miami Book Fair. She discussed her long journey in writing her successful, award-winning debut book,,” published by the small-yet-fierce West Virginia University Press in 2020. I was inspired by the book’s ability to address complex topics through fictional characters that felt whole and relatable on one level or another. During the conversation, Philyaw was candid about her process and doubts.

THINK

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