With the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement gaining momentum in America, as well as across the world, more and more people are talking about the existence and impact of racism. That includes the publishing sector. UK publishers in particular have been vocal, and their messages are being heard across the globe. Most (if not all) of the big publishers in the United Kingdom are officially supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, but some indicate that is still not enough.
UK publishers and racial inequalitities
Among the major publishing houses are Penguin Random House, Macmillan, Hachette, Harper Collins, and Simon & Schuster. They have separately agreed to conduct audits about the number of Black authors they publish yearly, the number of books sold, and the pay that these Black authors receive too.
Recently, the hashtag #PublishingPaidMe trended on Twitter, with many authors disclosing what advance the publishing house gave them on their books. While some were fairly modest, books by big contemporary writers reached astonishing sums.
For example, British author Matt Haig said he received 600,000 pounds for his tenth novel. Many noted that Black authors do not receive such sums from publishing, although it should be noted that Haig is a tremendously popular writer, and that such advancement sums are not the norm for any starting-out writer just publishing their first novel.
The British bookstore chain Waterstones also came under fire as they refused to donate to Black Lives Matter causes because of the substantial revenue losses sustained over the Covid-19 pandemic. Naturally, this did not go well with the Black community, and one Waterstones employee even called out the company for profiting off of Black authors’ works (which have seen a surge of popularity in recent weeks), and yet not supporting BLM.
The experiences of two Black female authors
British author Reni Eddo-Lodge’s book titled “Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race” has been topping the UK charts for the past couple of weeks now, jumping ahead 155 places in the non-fiction UK paperback charts.
Similarly, Black author Bernardine Evaristo’s book, “Girl, Woman, Other” has also seen a surge, with Evaristo becoming the first Black woman to top the UK fiction paperback chart, which had only had one black author as number one before. Although it’s important to note that Evaristo did win the Booker Prize last year, so she was doing quite well to begin with.
Still, these authors were less than impressed by their recent popularity, with Eddo-Lodge commenting on Instagram that she feels “dismayed” at the news.
“I can’t just uncritically celebrate breaking a barrier without asking why the hell the barriers were there in the first place,” Eddo-Lodge wrote on Instagram.
More about Reni Eddo-Lodge and Black Lives Matter
Reni Eddo-Lodge has also asked potential readers who want to buy her book to match the cost with a donation to the Minnesota Freedom Fund. This organization is a non-profit that posts bail for low-income people of color who have been jailed.
“This book financially transformed my life and I really don’t like the idea of personally profiting every time a video of a black person’s death goes viral,” said Eddo-Lodge.
On a more positive note, I look at the news of increased book sales as encouraging as they mean that more people are looking to learn about history, present, and future issues relating to racism, respect, and gender. Learning is a good first step toward change, so I am staying hopeful.
Thank you very much for mentioning this great movement, Christy! I am only a little bit angry about our German officials. There were only a few words about this, but racism is in Germany too. Michael
Sadly, racism is something that’s still happening.. let’s continue to spread the word about BLM and what it stands for xx
Yes! The best way to keep in mind we are global,and all are in the same boat. Michael
I adore this line of yours: “Learning is a good first step toward change, so I am staying hopeful.” — What a beautifully true statement, Christy. It reminds me of the old adage, “When people know better, they do better.” While this doesn’t always play out, it often does. Oh how I pray for change in our cultures – for so many reasons, most assuredly including the BLM movement.
I’ll admit though, the quote from Eddo-Lodge does touch my heart. It’s true, why have these barriers ever been there? What does the amount of melanin in someone’s skin have to do with anything at all? If you cut us, we WILL bleed the same. So how is anyone less human or worthy than another with less rights? It deeply saddens me.
For me, I think one of the most troubling things is that ALL lives matter. Everyone, even when we don’t see eye to eye on something, are worthy of respect, love and being heard! Violence is violence – no matter what the skin color, gender or social status. Violence against any human being without a cause is simply wrong. Period! NO ONE should be afraid to walk outside, live their life as law abiding citizens simply because they’re the wrong skin color. (sigh) I feel the same way about the cops who ARE doing the right thing and would never dream of hurting those they vow to protect.
We can’t blanket statement ANY race, job, gender or status without being guilty of ignorance. There are good and bad in every culture. We are all individuals and have the choice each day to either make this world a better place or create even more trouble & chaos.
I pray that *every* writer who puts their heart & souls into their words, gets the opportunity to be seen as equals amongst the writing/publishing community. Talent is talent and gifted is gifted. There’s no limitation on that!
Sending you all my love, Christy, for handling a tough subject with grace, dignity and love! ♥ You’re a beautiful soul my friend! 🌹
Oh Holly, your words have me close to tears. Thank you for this. As you say, “If you cut us, we WILL bleed the same.” We are all one, trying to navigate this experience called life, and why is there different treatment? The answers go much further back than us and getting to the heart of it will be the way to make lasting change. Yes, I remain hopeful, but I also know that it is not an easy road ahead and a lot of things have to be done.. but awareness, the willingness to learn, and prayer, are all part of the solution. There are many lessons to learn from what you wrote and I thank you for the insights. Love you!