Thank you for writing this 🥹 As a Malaysian-Australian writer this point hit home. How do we control and change the narrative when we aren’t in those editorial positions/ positions of power? How do we support others? I love how Vivienne provides practical steps forward.
These lines especially:
“Even when pitches are accepted, the editing process can erase particular narratives. White editors have questioned the relevance of my stories or my authority on topics related to my experiences as a Black woman. My work has been rewritten to align with familiar narratives, forcing me to push back”
This was a really excellent read – made me think lots about what I can and should do better, particularly as a commissioning editor. Thanks Vivienne!
Thank you Emma!
Thank you for writing this 🥹 As a Malaysian-Australian writer this point hit home. How do we control and change the narrative when we aren’t in those editorial positions/ positions of power? How do we support others? I love how Vivienne provides practical steps forward.
These lines especially:
“Even when pitches are accepted, the editing process can erase particular narratives. White editors have questioned the relevance of my stories or my authority on topics related to my experiences as a Black woman. My work has been rewritten to align with familiar narratives, forcing me to push back”
Thank you for sharing this Ange, we really appreciate your reading it and I'm sorry it hits home.
Here's to hoping we can all make change in this industry as we travel through it x
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