Book CommuniTEA Tuesday: Publishing Is Quite White, Don't Mess With Romancelandia...[CC]

[@smt4148]

“Listening and learning” is the new “thoughts and prayers”....

[@JessOwens]

LOL it is 😂

[@TheGoofy1932]

😂 Just as effective too.

[@xXSweetsMelodyXx]

When you read the parts that said "I don't write about billionaires...I craft stories about real people..." My first thoughts were instead of "I'm not like other girls" it's "I'm not like other romance writers" lol.

[@losermillie]

Yes! ‘I’m not like those I’m reeeeaal’ bleugh

[@JessOwens]

Very much that vibe

[@ifihadfriends437]

Are billionaires lizard people???

[@maia_gaia]

The idea of one author being "enough" for an entire demographic hurts my brain. Like that would NEVER be a conversation for white men (or white women either probably), and it shows that they view poc as all being the same, imo

[@maia_gaia]

Omg when Nigel climbed into your lap 😭 a baby!

[@heathermalmal9943]

But it’s worse, because they were stating they didn’t need Angie (a Poc woman) because they had Jason (a Poc man). Like y’all don’t at the very least think the story needs to be told from two different gender perspectives? I hope they fired who said that at least based on a money perspective since THUG has been on top charts forever.

[@JessOwens]

It’s awful. How can someone honestly think ONE person represents an entire group ???

[@Laiyina]

I read a tweet by the author of Legendborn where she was saying that her white author friend told one of their other friends that the only reason she got Legendborn published was for token diversity (or something along those lines). It's so sad that even when black people or poc succeed people will say stuff like that. As consumers the only thing we can really do is put our money where our mouth is and try support authors who are not just the Michelle Obamas but also the less known authors who are just entering the market. The little I've read so far of legendborn is really good so the other author was talking out their backside. I don't know how you do this every week Jess and I hope your mental health is good.

[@JulEnglefaris]

That so sad and what an awful 'friend'. I've heard fantastic things about Legendborn.

[@JessOwens]

Oh wooow, that is so awful !! I’m waiting on Legendborn from the library, can’t wait to read it

[@SBrown-og3nr]

That "friend" is not really a friend.

[@victoriatalkswriting8352]

Yeah, that was crazy. The “friend” previously said the book was good. She was just bitter. I’m looking forward to reading Legendborn.

[@bluesunflowers]

I'm also reading it now and it's so good. I now have a problematic fav, Selwyn 💙

[@lilyb.9875]

I’m so sick of people “listening and learning” start acting 🙄 also that data about publishing was so frustrating you think people would have done enough “learning” by now to actually make change

[@JessOwens]

They’re obviously not learning a damn thing

[@lindavanli]

I feel like it became a frase they just throw in without actually meaning it since everyone is automatically using it these days 🙃

[@887frodo]

I have a complicated relationship with “we are listening and we are learning”. In one hand, I don’t trust fast apologies. People complain because X, Y, or Z took longer than 24hrs to retract their statement. But that’s the way I’d rather have it. I don’t want people saying they are sorry to avoid the Twitter mob, I want people saying they are sorry because they understand how harmful to the community their actions were. And if apologizing requires them to seek an outside opinion or talk to different people until they finally accept they fucked up, I don’t stand in opposition to that. We are all human and our first reaction is to get defensive. That’s natural. I hate, however, how “I’m listening and I’m learning” also became the outline to get criticism off their backs. And sadly We find ourselves in this position when we have to either trust they are doing their due growth when they aren’t, or roll our eyes at people who might actually be listening and learning. The worst part of belonging to a marginalized group is that one is both exhausted of having to educate white people, but one must continue to educate white people because there is no other alternative to it. Even asking white people to share the mainstream spaces, to (for once) reach out and adapt themselves to our cultures and subcultures IS educating them. And I hate all of it.

[@losermillie]

The amount they pay for a book directly influences the amount they put into advertising. If they spend 10k on a book, they aren’t going to spend another 10k promoting it. If they spend a million on a book, 10k to promote it ain’t all that much. If they promote it, it does better and they think ‘wow people like black written books’ if they don’t promote it, it does less well and they won’t continue to buy them, or will continue offering less on the basis that it doesn’t make them as much money. Honestly the worst circle of prejudice!

[@JessOwens]

Never ending circle of mess

[@ifihadfriends437]

I feel like it's more complicated than this though - there are way more factors involved in whether a book will sell well or not.

[@heathermalmal9943]

What’s worse is if you start paying attention to how many POCs are on the cover of books. Hint: not that many.

[@JessOwens]

Nope 🙃

[@july3817]

Yeah, except when it's a biography. Its sad that when I pick up a book, switch on the TV or play a videogame, I always find people who look like me, but so many people aren't represented. And if they are, then it sometimes feels like they are a side character or the villain. Or just there because they need to seem inclusive (Although I don't buy books with people on the cover, again, not including biographies)

[@heathermalmal9943]

@@july3817 I agree. If sometimes feels like they need to meet some kind of quota which is just wrong. And I usually don’t buy many books with people on the covers, but I’ve been trying to hype up and support the ones with POCs on the cover, because all we need is some idiot stating that the book didn’t sell because the person wasn’t white, and not because readers just generally don’t like ANY people on the cover, white or otherwise.

[@LiterarilySmitten]

The point about marketing books is so spot on. I worked in publishing years ago, and how a book sells (ie. the number of books sold or the profit) is a huge factor in whether subsequent books will be bought by the publishers and what sort of advance the books will receive. If a book isn’t being promoted, it’s, generally, not going to earn out its advance quickly, or ever. And then that’s used as justification to not buy other books from that author or to give higher advances because “it wasn’t popular.” I loved how thorough you were in this video. Thank you for diving into all of this and making it accessible.

[@JessOwens]

Thank you. It’s sad how much difference there is between marketing for certain books

[@BooksToAshes]

This channel gives me the tea, and also educates me. I really do appreciate this. I don't go on Twitter so I never heard about the issues in publishing. It's clear there is a *HUGE* issue with the industry and I'm going to strive to read from more POC authors in 2021 in hopes that others will do the same.

[@JessOwens]

Yay thanks for watching ! I learn so much making these videos

[@MsWOCReader]

George Floyd was murdered in May in June there was a big push to make Black books bestsellers and it fell off within a few months

[@losermillie]

Yep! And because it’s less advertised, it’s harder to buy diversely. I’m still pushing myself but it feels like it shouldn’t be this difficult!

[@JessOwens]

I remember everyone clamoring to buy books on how not to be racist and then obviously didn’t read them

[@MsWOCReader]

@@losermillie That's why people have to do their own research and not rely on publishers to tell them what to buy

[@july3817]

@@JessOwens I'm kind of mad at myself that it took me until this year to read "Why I'm no longer talking to white people about race" by Reni Eddo-Lodge. I got that book at the end of October mind you. I'm definitely including more books about racism and more books written by POC in the future. To be fair, English isn't my first language and because I got it in English, it took some time to be able to understand books written in another language. I still wished, I had read it sooner.

[@lunarvisions7]

Me: **quits Book Twitter back in May bc all the drama was exhausting** Also me: **binges the entire CommuniTEA playlist in two days**

[@JessOwens]

🤣🤣🤣

[@DramaLlama2310]

What also gets me about these tell-all books about that Orange Menace is that these people are essentially, and with no shame, saying that they have been publicly supporting him and benefitted financially off of that, but they have also known all of these awful things about him the whole time...and now plan to also profit off of that. The f*cking nerve of these people!

[@JessOwens]

EXACTLY !!

[@MsAwesomeSaucey]

Excuse me?! Do we need an Angie Thomas when we already have a Jason Reynolds?! Again the caucasity!

[@JessOwens]

LIKE, HOW DARE YOU

[@audiem.7353]

2020 : I am listening and learning. I wonder what the 2021 catchphrase will be.

[@JessOwens]

🤣🤣🤣

[@heabooktubes]

I read that article. The numbers are horrifying. Especially since it’s not like there’s any trajectory of improvement over the last 50 years. It’s just stayed in the same ballpark.

[@JessOwens]

It’s so damn sad

[@MsAwesomeSaucey]

The performative activism is amazing to see. Like Bre from Loc’d Booktician says, the caucasity of it all.

[@JessOwens]

The caucasity is astounding 😤

[@laurengarcia1023]

I thought I was pretty jaded and cynical, but the Roxanne Gay figures shocked me. She's about as much of a celebrity as an author in her category can be. She's been on Stephen Colbert and other late night shows. I knew it was bad, but I really feel shocked how backwards it is.

[@JessOwens]

RIGHT !!!

[@heabooktubes]

It was kind of nice hearing you defend romance even though you’re not a “romance reader”. ♥️♥️♥️

[@JessOwens]

I can enjoy some romance from time to time ☺️

[@heabooktubes]

@@JessOwens have a rec?

[@BeyondSolitaireBooks]

Great coverage of bookish news, as usual. Nigel stole the show, though! I feel guilty for laughing at his cone but... lol.

[@JessOwens]

Nigel is the star!

[@christina-xz2tj]

Its honestly sad how bipoc authors don't get the recognition they need. I would also love for publishing companies to see how much men/women/trans/intersex authors they have and how much lgbtq authors they have in general.

[@JessOwens]

Yes! I bet those numbers are ridiculously low as well

[@alimaree1827]

Thank you for this discussion, Jess. It's one thing to 'know' what's happening in publishing, but to actually see it in numbers.. It really hits hard.. there isn't an emoji to express how that makes me feel.. Take care and stay safe 💕

[@JessOwens]

It’s really sad and depressing. Thank you 💜

[@readingwithwrin]

Sitting down singing the 'what'd I miss' from the hamilton music in order to prep for this week's book world drama.

[@JessOwens]

😂😂😂

[@kayleighnicgearailt7335]

Discovered you this week and girl, you're making my day with the pup and you're hilarious content. Keep it up! 😁

[@JessOwens]

Awh thank you !

[@lisa.hennessey19]

Just wanna put it out there....I effing love you! Book Twitter is one giant hot mess i stay away from so I always appreciate your videos full of humor, wit and facts! Thank yiu so much for such a great discussion and deep dive into the problems of publishing and black authors. It's such an important conversion that we need to keep in the forefront and not let up on. I seriously hope we get some new people in these jobs in publishing to help change the future outcomes so much further. Frankly, we are so far from it even being ok at all. As a country and in EVERY industry we need to do better. Period. Keep being such an amazing voice and light within the booktube community. Your voice is so needed. I dont even want to say I appreciate it bc I shouldn't HAVE to bc it just SHOULD be. But honestly, I adore your channel, your personality, and I promise to continue doing what I can to help change the future of America and the racism problems. I'm not perfect and continue to learn, but I'll never stop thriving to learn and do better. That is how we grow as people and how I can teach my kids do to better as well. Happy holidays!! I hope your clinger heals fast! My clinger, Xander, is a tier 5 a-hole but I love the big shit to death!!! He's an 80lb black lab who thinks he's a 7 lb chihuahua and my chest is the only place he can sleep! His favorite hobby is farting coma inducing gas in my face at 3am. Gotta love them!

[@JessOwens]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 thank you so much ! I think all dogs think they’re lap dogs. Nigel is healing well

[@klrl93]

I didn’t know I needed book related drama videos, so thanks for this!

[@JessOwens]

You’re quite welcome !

[@Awesomepossum233]

Thank you for going so in depth, Jess. I was stunned and saddened by the actual figures. This is disheartening for me as a Black woman who one days hopes to publish books.

[@JessOwens]

It’s really sad but done give up! I hope it can get better

[@Awesomepossum233]

@@JessOwens I won't, thanks! 😊

[@Financiallyfreeauthor]

Don’t be afraid to go indie! ❤

[@VixxKong2]

Imagine being the child of an erotic romance author and reader their books inspired by real life events 😳

[@JessOwens]

😂😂

[@lorbito155]

Your conversation about BIPOC access reminds me of some shit JKR said a while back. She things she's better than everyone because she wrote HP while homeless living in her car. BUT she's white and was always going to have that going for her in publishing.

[@JessOwens]

Yep!

[@egghead3812]

From what I’ve read she was homeless for a very short time, and then applied for benefits and got an apartment shortly after.

[@antuanvance]

😂🤣 You really went off about that Kellyanne book. // I’m incredibly unplugged from the literary world. I’ll definitely thumbs up and subscribe to get better insight on what’s going on instead of quietly writing in my little corner.

[@JessOwens]

Thank you! The kellyanne book deal makes me so angry !

[@writenowdream3882]

I read the article and looked up the #publishingpaid me and it was so disheartening. I feel like publishers have some warped idea that POC don’t read and therefore the publishing books by POC won’t make them money??

[@lmac3869]

We also need to somehow change the fact that often white people can't/don't/won't read books by poc. I don't see a book by a white person and think ooop can't read that it's not for me, I'm black.

[@JessOwens]

Yes, this ! And lack of people outside of POC reading them

[@itsnessuhhh613]

First off, the Kellyanne deal is RIDICULOUS & really making lose faith in some of the traditional publishing. Second, I’ve lived in Denver my whole life & have never heard of Tattered Cover so that whole ordeal is interesting

[@JessOwens]

Millions wasted on her “tell all”. I hate it

[@joyahawkrose3984]

I live about an hour north of Denver and I never heard of Tattered Cover until I was 15 and I’m 18

[@JustMeToday2]

Yes, yes, yes. Amazing update this week. Sick and tired of seeing black books only serving as a performance piece for trends. Really loved this, especially that example of Toni Morrison. Publishing really needs to be hiring black and poc. Thank you for such detailed coverage!

[@JessOwens]

You’re welcome ! Seeing the numbers made me so sad, it’s awful !

[@lmac3869]

I just discovered you and I'll be binge watching for a while. Great video 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@JessOwens]

Thank you 🥰

[@KistiReads]

I don't know a lot about publishing tbh, I'm just an avid reader, but thank you for this - it shed SO MUCH light on what's going on!

[@JessOwens]

Yes, of course !🖤

[@aspiring_recluse]

I bought the thin version of those lemon oreos once (i.e. the cookies are thinner, not like a diet version) and pretty much inhaled the entire thing in a day so I'm not allowed to buy them anymore. Great video, as always! Edited to add: actually maybe thin oreos are meant for people who want to eat less, but that only works if you don't eat 3 of them for every normal sized cookie, I guess...

[@JessOwens]

I couldn’t have a thin one, I need them to make double stuffed lemon Oreos bc I’m obsessed !

[@aspiring_recluse]

@@JessOwens Oh my god. That would be amazing. I need them to exist now (so I can again buy them, gorge myself, then swear never to touch them, I guess).

[@vamps_rock]

Both the sarcasm and the tea was superb today! And it was great to see Romancelandia included. Did you also know about the Romancing The Runoff which raised almost $500K for the Georgia Runoff? Not tea, but... champagne perhaps? 😂 Not going to say much other than I hate the idea of imprints for POC authors or those from marginalised groups within the mainstream publishers. It is segregation at its finest and more 'othering' than simply making better choices to include them as normal within the main lines of each of these companies. If they are truly invested in equity, they will also choose their staff better and make more opportunities available for people at all levels. They would also publish more stand commercial genre fare, not just the trauma porn that the same 5 or 10 POC authors across the board are marketed for. The major level gatekeeping is why so many authors choose the indie route and make a killing at it, one reason it annoys me when people turn their noses up at indies or treat them as if they are the lesser quality (and we have to ignore the ones that are an utter embarrassment because those people are not representative) cousins to the trads. TFS :)

[@JessOwens]

Yessss, I should have mentioned Romancing the Runoff because what they’ve done is AMAZING !!! I need a happy tea or champagne episode ! I agree, that they should have more POC throughout the publisher and not just one imprint

[@vamps_rock]

@@JessOwens 👍🏽 for a happy tea/champagne ep!

[@venessaharris5621]

love watching your channel grow jess you deserve it!

[@JessOwens]

Thank you 🥺🥺

[@robyn8221]

Another great video! Thank you for all of your hard work. Smooches to Nigel 😍

[@JessOwens]

Thank you. I’ll give him all the kisses

[@RaetheSaint]

One of your videos was recommended to me a couple days ago and now I’ve gone down the spiral of watching all the Tea videos 😂 thank you for keeping us educated on the white foolery that is publishing

[@JessOwens]

😂😂 you are quite welcome

[@Siberiabird]

that person who pissed off romancelandia was also promoting her pen name on her twitter as if it was her "friend". also people read her book(s) and they're not great :/

[@JessOwens]

Extra yikes

[@SloanePaoPow]

How do you not have more subscribers? Your videos are fantastic!

[@JessOwens]

Thank you 😭😭

[@AdrianneChristineBooks]

Thanks for the great video and information but I now have a strong urge to scream

[@losermillie]

I feel this on a soul level.

[@JessOwens]

Nigel is here as a buffer, to give you some joy 😂

[@AdrianneChristineBooks]

@@JessOwens he does help, such a sweet potato

[@marielikesbooks3437]

Another great video! I’m not on twitter so didn’t know about the New York Times article so i appreciate you going through it and sharing it :) hope you have a good day

[@JessOwens]

Thank you !

[@altig.804]

Just wanna say I LOVE these videos and your channel! I hope Nigel recovers well 😊

[@JessOwens]

Thank you ! He’s doing great so far

[@nelvalostinpages5846]

I have nothing to add except i hope "listening and learning" turns into action in 2021 bc we've been talking for a long time..

[@JessOwens]

Seriously

[@alihormann7743]

I just found your channel and it is definitely now my fave booktube channel. Thank you for your honesty. Thank you for your humor. Thanks for not letting people off easily, I hope if I ever publish my book and I say something completely asinine, you will screenshot this and call me to the damn carpet. (Granted that shouldn't be your job, because white people need to stop asking BIPOC to fix what we have broken, but the carpet offer still stands)

[@JessOwens]

Awh thank you !!

[@ashleynelson2065]

I’m planning on attending a virtual talk with Kwame tomorrow night and I plan on asking him to elaborate more on how exactly he’s planning on not only acknowledging the horrible response from the previous owners, Len and Kristen, but also what his plans are to redeem the image of the store with its customers (myself being one of them) who were pissed and have found other bookstores to shop at and with all the amazing authors who used to come to Tattered Cover every year who have said they will ever hold a book signing there again. All this to say, want me to pass along notes?

[@JessOwens]

Oh wow how awesome !! I hope you get your questions in and answers ! I basically have the same sentiments as you. I’m also curious how decision making will happen ... with an all white board, except Kwame, do they have to vote ? Does his vote carry more weight ? Because what’s to say if he wanted to implement something that’s about Black culture and the board votes no?

[@msalwayswrite92]

I really hate that the author of the HuffPost article called her stories "porn". I'm glad people informed her there is a difference between erotica and porn. I read the article before it blew up and remember it not sitting well with me so I'm happy she was called out. I'm sorry it affected her mental health but romance is so misunderstood and looked down upon even today, I'm pleased people pointed out the issues with her article. Love your channel, by the way!

[@JessOwens]

Thank you!! I definitely judged the romance genre in the past but it’s so vast and people look down on it for no reason.

[@Primalstrawberry]

Ugh this publishing thing is so frustrating, it's like when politicians tweet "Wow, this is so wrong. Someone should do something about this." Like excuse me??? THAT'S YOUR JOB

[@JessOwens]

Exactly ! It’s so upsetting

[@yaelhoefs4791]

Okay I have been sitting at home for three weeks because I was tested positive for COVID (got it at work, which is in healthcare). I just discovered your channel and love it!!! It makes my life a little bit better everyday, so THANK YOU! P.S. I am shocked how white publishing is, it’s ridiculous.

[@danichiong6727]

the kellyanne conway deal is...such a waste of money. I rolled my eyes so hard they nearly fell out of my head.

[@JessOwens]

So much money wasted 😤

[@alimaree1827]

Sleeping Nigel is my new favourite thing 😍 Bless his little cotton socks 🐶🐾

[@JessOwens]

😂😂 I love to stare at him as he sleeps

[@alimaree1827]

It's relaxing and good for the soul! 😆🐾

[@sandrasanchez4283]

I love the way you show the article to us as you read/ walk through your points. I just stumbled across your channel today, but I'm definitely subscribing!!!

[@JessOwens]

Yaaaay thank you!!

[@TheBookFinch]

That article on publishing and diversity (or rather, the lack thereof...) was uncomfortable to read. Homogeneity does not a thriving publishing industry make. :/

[@TheBookFinch]

Wtf!? What kind of name is Illegal Pete!? o__o;;;

[@JessOwens]

Nope. And going down to 4 big publishers don’t give me much hope either

[@MsAwesomeSaucey]

I don’t understand why some people have to look down on romance all the time? I understand that many people don’t have to like romance but don’t act like you’re above anyone because you don’t read it.

[@DramaLlama2310]

Because it's a traditionally female domain and obviously anything female should be looked down on according to the patriarchy. And then, of course, the internalized sexism plays a big role.

[@JessOwens]

I don’t get it. It makes them feel superior I guess

[@quirkyblackenby]

Yeah it's a bit weird. I don’t like traditional romance. I like a little drama added but I don’t care if people read it. There is a lotta elitism in the book world unfortunately.

[@Financiallyfreeauthor]

I have a MA degree in writing and the way genre fiction is looked down on is ridiculous. In fiction education we are encouraged to think only literary fiction is good and to look down our noses at genre. Even though that’s what sells and a path to making a living as a writer! It took me years to undo my shame around writing romance

[@kelsqi-books4835]

Aw Nigel I hope you feel better soon! 🥰 love to see the comfy cone we have one too so much better than that hard plastic!

[@JessOwens]

Thank you! The hard plastic is awful

[@alanshadastrokeanddiedinho2897]

The Barnes & Noble CEO stated that stores around the country will not be uniformed. Meaning that if John Grisham or James Patterson books are not selling in your Barnes & Noble store then you are not obligated to have a large display in your store.

[@JessOwens]

Well that’s good

[@NancyCavillones]

I could feel my blood pressure rising in this video. I will say though that while publishers do marketing for their authors, they still expect authors to do their own marketing as well, so I can only imagine just how little marketing is being done for Black/POC authors versus white authors, then those white authors obviously have more capital to do their own marketing on top of whatever marketing they get from the publishing company. It's just a mess.

[@JessOwens]

So much mess. I got mad filming, angrier editing and I about lost it while doing the captions

[@samankhalid1279]

oh i love these communitea videos. And I love the fact that you always stay unbiased and rational!

[@JessOwens]

Thank you !!

[@cherylmusgrove7]

The local used bookstore owner said romance is #1 sales😎

[@JessOwens]

I believe it !

[@silja6838]

Lol Nigel’s snoring scared my at the end there! 😅 I was like who made that noise, it’s midnight!! And then I realized it came from the vid.... 😂😂

[@JessOwens]

Hahahaahhaha😆😆😆

[@badazzledhippo6010]

The stuff that happened with the Tattered Cover this summer was devastating. I personally know the (old) owners and was very disappointed in their article about “neutrality” that came about during the protests over the summer. I’m wary of this purchase and hope that they are more willing to jump into social issues and work towards change. If you do live in Denver/visit Denver in the future I recommend visiting MATTER in RiNo which is a great bookstore and actually Black-owned.

[@JessOwens]

I hope to one day visit Denver, I’ve only been to the airport 😭 but I hope these new owners aren’t afraid to comment on social issues

[@quirkyblackenby]

Thanks for the rec!

[@avsambart]

Honestly author percentages should reflect the population. If 40% of the US is black then at least 40% of books and authors should be black too.

[@JessOwens]

Yes !

[@ambermoss622]

I discovered your channel last night! And I am here for all of this. I really love your channel.

[@JessOwens]

Yaaaay thank you !

[@BetwixttheBooks]

I did a live stream last week reading the NYT article and talked about how unnerving those numbers were for me personally. I work at Barnes and Noble and I've been seeing some change when it comes to representation on covers and themes (mostly in children's and young adult lit) but its still such a small percentage compared to the over saturation of white cis-het stories. On top of that, I've watched a couple live streams by booktubers of color talking about how 6 months post George Floyd and the discussions around BLM and racism/colorism on booktube has either not changed at all or actually gotten worse and as a white person in the community hearing my BIPOC peers simultaneously tired and beaten down and like absolutely not shocked or upset by that doesn't bode well for changes. The discussion of publishing viewing BIPOC stories as niche when it comes to fiction and centering the content they publish around black pain instead of black joy is systemic but its impossible to change their mind when the big "influencers" do the exact same trend hopping. I don't know how to fix it or if there even is a way to but it's something I've been watching closely and trying to effect change in myself (reading about 30% POC books this year and hoping to maintain or improve that going forward, actively seeking out and reading indigenous books which I had a terrible track record with and im hoping to post a review this week of some of those and talk about what I've learned along with it) but I am one person and have little to no influence ... how do you get to the people on top? ... The past seems to show that isn't enough and there isn't really a way to boycot ... the internet? Right?

[@marceljones9454]

Just out of curiosity, would you know the statistics on Black readership in comparison to white readership?

[@JessOwens]

I don’t but I would love to find out

[@staceyb.5878]

I've been eyeing those cookies, guess I got to go get some now!

[@JessOwens]

YOU MUST

[@cherylmusgrove7]

Read a K Conway book after 4 years of her ? - a movie??? Just no- God save us all. .

[@JessOwens]

Seriously, help us 😭

[@memobrown7288]

Thank you for this. Found the part about white publishing soooooo interesting. I’ve been reading avidly for years, but nee to booktube and bookstagram and book politics! I was aware of these issues but when you’re putting the facts and figures to this I’m just... sad. Not shocked but just further saddened. REBUKE IT!

[@JessOwens]

REBUKE IT ALL, Jesus !!

[@pepperreads8125]

Another great video, Jess! I wanted to let you know that I have used a couple of your links in my own descriptions. I have started with the ones that I am familiar with and working my way through the others!! Thank you for having all the carrds in one place! The final story raises a lot of questions for me. I totally see where the other Black bookstore owners are coming from and I don’t disagree. I am curious, now that they’ve thrown down the gauntlet and the venture capitalists have said they’re going to try and make it a true black owned bookstore how that will pan out. Will it all be lip service and we’ll move on? Will that one guy become the full time owner of the store? At what point does it shift from white venture capitalists headed by one Black dude purchase a bookstore as an investment to true Black owned bookstore? 🤔

[@JessOwens]

I’m really intrigued to see what they do with those bookstores. I wish I knew a way to keep up to date with the changes they make

[@makennaweddle4700]

Thank you for bringing all of this up ❤️

[@JessOwens]

Thanks for watching 💜💜

[@xTheMazeRunner]

Thanks for covering and going through that article in such depth. Incredibly harrowing but informative.

[@JessOwens]

Thank you 💜

[@ebnovels]

Man, the publisher stuff is so infuriating. But at least we have a cute doggie to help keep our anger down 😂

[@JessOwens]

This is the exact reason Nigel is in these videos 😂

[@charlieh1427]

Please tell Nigel he is a fashion innovator with that camo cone

[@JessOwens]

I shall relay the message 😂

[@SantReads]

lol the way you reacted to Kellyanne Conway's book, I was like YESSSSSSS! AMEN.

[@JessOwens]

I am SO PISSED

[@quirkyblackenby]

Honestly very sad for me as a black writer that people might not read my work unless someone who looks like me dies especially because my work doesn’t necessarily center racism. It’s just about being black in the world which can be joyful. It’s very disheartening.

[@cherylmusgrove7]

Thank you for all this information as I love publishing news-

[@JessOwens]

💜💜

[@pepperreads8125]

Jessssss, the holidays are coming/here depending on what you celebrate, so unless you’d really prefer a Kofi, I really do think you ought to add your wishlist back! 🎁 👀 It’s the least I can do to thank you for all the wonderful videos + introducing me to my one true love, the Brumate.

[@JessOwens]

LOL 😂😂😂😂😂 OK FINE! The pressure became too much hahahaha. I'll put it in the description. Be warned it's not an Amazon wishlist, so again please don't feel pressured!!

[@pepperreads8125]

@@JessOwens I am the supreme bully!!! 💅 I am the one who applied pressure! I cannot be pressured! 😂😂😂

[@BeautifullyBookishBethany]

Yeah, the data on publishing is wild! Just because there are a few breakouts from POC authors doesn't mean it's not a problem more generally.

[@JessOwens]

The numbers are so sad. All we can do is keep trying to read more POC authors and hope it gets better

[@skullfullofbooks7398]

Honestly, the romance thing, I didn't even read it like that. I thought she was saying she was writing romance and not other genres. 😅 Like especially after her husband's comment. Idk, obviously.

[@JessOwens]

LOL.

[@jimsbooksreadingandstuff]

Hi Jess, I mention your channel in my latest video: "20 Booktubers I follow (and you should, too)" Is that worth a lemon Oreo cookie?

[@JessOwens]

Wow thank you ! Yes, worth 5 lemon cookies at least !!

[@jimsbooksreadingandstuff]

@@JessOwens thanks, when can I expect them? (just kiddin') I enjoy your content whether about books or baking or booktube "communitea" drama...

[@rafiqah4106]

Love your channel's content. New subscriber here!

[@JessOwens]

Thank you !! Welcome 🤗💕

[@skullfullofbooks7398]

I'm definitely now more committed to only buying "diverse" books and then using the library for everything else. They hide them though, and that's been frustrating. And I feel so bad that in some cases I'm trying to go down a rabbit hole of platforms to see if an author is white, looking for some kind of picture. 😅 Like I want to be supportive but then it feels like I'm being racist trying to identify their race and not just buying the book.

[@JessOwens]

😂😂😂 I know the struggle !

[@RaychelMcFrenchFry]

Love your videos and commentary! The link for black owned bookstores is no longer available. Do you know of any that I could buy from online? As a poc I would like to support as many as I can 💕

[@JessOwens]

Thank you !! I’ll fix the link . www.oprahmag.com/entertainment/books/amp33497812/black-owned-bookstores/

[@bookishdea9325]

The publishing data was fascinating -- disheartening, but fascinating at the same time. Publishing really does have to get its act together. That Fox imprint just makes me *furious*. Fox News is an absolute blight on the country. Thanks for the video!

[@JessOwens]

Thank you for watching ! Fox News is absolute a blight in America

[@Lorie336]

Please, no, not a book about fake carrot top. It will be skewed in his favor and please, no, not a movie. That pisses me off. Hey publishers if you have that kind of money to throw around how about better pay for the authors who can weave a better story that a white person or tackle issues that no white person wants to write. Why not just help out the world and donate to those who can't afford to feed their families right now.

[@JessOwens]

Seriously. Millions for this crap !? I hate it here

[@inlalaland4]

Look. If my romance lead isn’t a billionaire mafia don who is also an alpha male, I don’t want it! 😂

[@JessOwens]

😂😂😂

[@scl96]

Nigel could wear a crown or a cone, he will always be our king 👑 My eye twitched when I read the name John Sargant. Before he left his position as a CEO for Macmillan, he decided that the publisher was losing so much money bc of libraries purchasing ebooks... so he started an embargo on ebooks 🙃 and as depressing as those stats are, it's not surprising...my soul is tired from seeing this cycle repeat itself because of systematic racism. WHY do we need a book by Conlady? (It makes me mad knowing that I'll prob be asked to place holds on her title for the patrons at my library. Grr!!!)

[@JessOwens]

Omg John Sargant IS THAT GUY!?!?!,😡😡😡

[@scl96]

@@JessOwens yes indeed 😓

[@danielleoliver1734]

I really hope the imprints focusing on black authored books are 100% staffed by black people, not just 1 person at the top

[@JessOwens]

Yes !

[@aneweliseonlife]

Also this made me realize I am a dumb dumb dumb butt. I should be looking for black or other POC owned bookstores to support. I did see a blog from libro.fm which did list many stores by state who are black owned. It is a disgustingly small list - and my state has only one listed 😠 but it is near me! So I now have a new bookstore to explore (when it is safe to do so) and I saw your link to Amazon alternative bookstore! Thanks again for the video!

[@JessOwens]

You’re not dumb! I think we all have just purchased from where we know and where it’s easiest. But now we know !

[@chelseawritesbooks8763]

Shit like this makes me want to self publish. I would love for my series to be trad pub, but LORD does it have problems. I'm still weighing pros and cons.

[@JessOwens]

Trad publishing seems messy as hell 🥴

[@Financiallyfreeauthor]

I’ve never for a moment regretted self publishing. At first you want the validation of a trad publisher but then when people start reading your work you get so much validation directly from the readers! Except for a very small percentage of trad books get any promotion so I no longer see what authors get from it

[@SBrown-og3nr]

"My anxiety is sky high." How does she think romance authors feel when she shits all over their stories because they aren't "high class" stories?

[@JessOwens]

😂😂

[@rayhollander]

You should seriously consider reading Susan Elizabeth Phillips's modern romances. They are really good. Her Chicago Star series is stellar and her standalone CALL ME IRRESISTIBLE is freakingly good.

[@JessOwens]

💜💜

[@JulEnglefaris]

For that Julie author: I feel like you can take criticism and not go into a mental health spiral.... I mean, I understand, no one like s criticism but you have to be able to take it to some extent, especially being venturing into the author world. "We already have our Black Girl Book for the year" ???? Makes me wanna puke. Glad social media exists if only to call out these publishers. Also, sorry if I missed it but what happened to Nigel? Just a neutering surgery? Hope he bounces back ok! Thanks for getting him a soft cone. Those plastic ones suck lol.

[@JessOwens]

It seems the popular thing to do when there’s criticism, is to leave social media. I hope she’s ok but yeah, you have to be able to take criticism. Yes, Nigel got neutered! The hard cone is the devil

[@4erepawko]

We need some 'I'm listening, I'm learning' merch.

[@JessOwens]

We need to make it !!

[@4erepawko]

@@JessOwens as a designer, I'm open to pro bono work to make this merch happen 😂 HMU any time

[@Ahopelessromantic]

This this this 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@JessOwens]

🙌🏾

[@Katesbookishnature]

Lemon Oreos. Why do you do this to us?!? I. Must. Resist.

[@JessOwens]

Noooo, try them!!

[@Katesbookishnature]

@@JessOwens I already know I’ll buy them 🤣 can’t wait to try themmmm As always, thank you for the tea and keeping us updated!! ❤️

[@BookChats]

Oh yeah, The Hate U Give went to a multi publisher auction, but also a) it's a Black Lives Matter book so still has Black trauma as a major element and b) it's been on the NYTimes bestseller list for more than two years, most of those weeks in the top half, it has definitely earned out. Angie is amazing and get writing is amazing, but she's the exception. Where's the black or brown midlist???

[@JessOwens]

We need more Black and brown mid list. Angie is definitely the exception to the rule

[@Heididarvell]

I have never heard someone say "Jesus be a fence" before (I'm not American) I was so confused! haha I was like why would Jesus be a fence, or did she say 'offence'? no cc says fence.. I don't get it, google help me out.. Anyway, just found your channel and love your content!

[@JessOwens]

LOL!!!! Thank you !