In the constantly evolving landscape of the publishing industry, the collective of stories that exist do not merely act as words on a page; they are blatantly honest mirrors reflecting our society, the diversity within, and the struggles still faced. Beneath the surface of those stories exists deeper narratives of intersectionality, where the crossroads of race, gender, and representation often reveal systemic biases that continue to perpetuate inequality. And it is through our daily business operations in publishing that the most impactful and equitable changes occur.

Intersectionality in Publishing: One Writer’s Heartache

Consider the unexpected perils of a Black woman writer who recently secured her first traditional publishing deal, a milestone justifiably marked by elation and a feeling of accomplishment. Sadly, her excitement immediately turned to shock and dismay when she received the cover design for her debut book. The protagonist of her story, clearly and consistently described throughout as a dark-skinned Black woman, was portrayed with an alabaster complexion that bore little resemblance to her actual description. When she inquired of her publisher—a small, traditional indie publishing house on a limited budget who naturally wanted to maximize sales—she was told the cover was the result of months of market research and to trust their expertise. This is a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of colorism in society, along with publishing industry business practices that should be avoided.

The Impact of Colorism in Publishing: The Challenges of Authenticity vs. Perceived Marketability

Unfortunately, colorism has always been deeply rooted in historical and societal contexts. It refers to the discrimination or prejudice against individuals with darker skin tones, often granting privilege to those with lighter complexions. For centuries, women of color globally have been disproportionately affected by colorism, with continued societal pressures to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards that prioritize straightened hair and lighter skin. This deceptive bias has rooted its tendrils throughout various facets of life, including literature. And this is where industry players can eliminate the practices that contribute to the erasure of their author’s identities and experiences.

The blatant discrepancy between the protagonist’s description and the final cover image highlights the broader issue within publishing: prioritization of marketability over authenticity. Marketing strategies touting the idea that a lighter-skinned character will sell better than a darker-skinned one is a misperception that—while intending to maximize sales and appeal to a broad audience—frequently perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces those very same biases that we are collectively fighting to eradicate. Especially in an industry where more voices are publicly denouncing such beliefs, and industry players across many cultures are actively promoting, marketing, and celebrating melanated skin of various cultures globally. In this particular situation, the decision to alter the protagonist's appearance on the cover reflects a troubling trend—one that compromises the integrity of the story and devalues the raw honesty of the creations birthed from diverse communities in the hopes of not missing potential sales.

Navigating Trust and Integrity with Authors

Sadly, this situation created an additional wound: the loss of trust between author and publisher. She never imagined something like this would happen; they always gave the impression that diversity, equity, and inclusion was a priority in daily business operations. She was faced with the gut-wrenching choice that many have agonized over: stay silent and let the sickening feeling of compromised integrity fester, or overcome her fears and say something to the very people who held the fate of her book in their hands. For days, she suffered anxiety and panic attacks, stomachaches, headaches, and insomnia as she grappled with the decision.

Thankfully, the ending of this story shows that amid the adversity, there is hope. There are glimmers of progress being made, illuminated by the collective efforts of individuals who are committed to challenging systemic biases. When the author bravely raised her concerns within an online group with industry professionals, including publishers, editors, and authors, she was met with overwhelming support from people of all races who recognized the injustice of the situation. Their solidarity, advocacy, and sound advice served as a beacon of encouragement, empowering the author to face her publishers, who apologized and changed the cover design to match her protagonist’s description.

The subsequent decision by her publisher signifies a miniature victory in an ongoing battle for fair representation and inclusivity in publishing. It also serves as a stark reminder of the work still to be done. While individual acts of allyship are commendable, the true progress lies in systemic change—like fundamentally shifting the way publishers approach diversity and representation.

Journey Toward an Equitable Future

It is imperative that publishers recognize their role as gatekeepers of culture and champions of diversity. Every editorial decision made, from cover designs to marketing strategies, carries immense power in how the perceptions and narratives of people are shaped. By prioritizing authenticity when embracing diverse voices, publishers can dismantle the barriers that perpetuate systemic biases while creating a more inclusive publishing landscape.

This journey toward equity and inclusion is not without its challenges, but we are walking this path together whether we like it or not. The IBPA Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee—with our many examples of intersectionality inside the membership—remains committed to addressing these issues head on. As players in this industry, introspection, accountability, and a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices is required of us.

When navigating the complexities of intersectionality in publishing, we must heed the lessons of this story and continue to advocate for change within our own business operations as we amplify the voices of marginalized communities, fearlessly challenge systemic biases, and strive toward a future where every voice is valued and heard, and every identity is celebrated. Together, we will build a completely equitable and inclusive publishing industry—and not just one story at a time; it will be through a multitude of collective victories jointly shared and celebrated.

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