Minorities In Publishing

Jenn speaks with debut author, in two genres(!), Anjali Enjeti about her essay collection Southbound and novel The Parted Earth. She discusses relevant themes in both her fiction & nonfiction, her growth as a writer when considering the examination of privilege and trauma, how socioeconomic status comes into play in publishing, and the importance of indie presses.  [Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr.]

Jenn speaks with #1 New York Times bestselling author Angeline Boulley (member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians) about her debut novel Firekeeper's Daughter, how's she's been able to prepare to engage with audiences, the responsibility she felt in telling this story, and her path to publication after writing this book for 10 years.  [Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr.]

Jenn speaks with FSB Associates founder Fauzia Burke about her 20+ years experience in book promotion, running her own firm focused on digital marketing, and tells authors what they should ask (and expect) from those they hire to get the word out about their books!  [Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr.]

This episode was recorded online and may have some audio variation. Assistant Director of Publishing and editorial maven Porscha Burke joins the podcast to discuss her entry into publishing from the music industry, the work of some legacy Black-run presses she's worked with, and the ways she's seen the industry grow and evolve.   [Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr.]

Jenn speaks with ebook production specialist, literary mag editor, and author Chris Gonzalez about the balancing act of working in publishing and his creative pursuits, how he built a literary community when coming to New York City, and about his upcoming story collection I'm Not Hungry But I Could Eat publishing later this year.  [Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr.]

In the last episode for 2020, Jenn speaks with podcaster and photographer Mike Sakasegawa about producing not one but two literary podcasts--LikeWise Fiction and Keep the Channel Open--the work this entails and forging one's own definition of success.  [Transcript of this episode will be available on the Episodes tab of the podcast Tumblr.]

Art director and 2019 PW Star Watch honoree, Na Kim, joins Jenn to discuss how she got into book publishing, the benefits of making mistakes, and the core role of book designers in book publishing.  [Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr.]

Punching the Air collaborators Ibi Zoboi and Dr. Yusef Salaam discuss their latest bestselling book; the roles adults, especially educators, play in young people's lives; the introspective nature of young people that needs to be respected & represented in more work; and the importance of how to discuss topics such as the carceral system in work for young readers.  Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes tab of the podcast Tumblr.

WNDB Communications manager and writer Alaina Lavoie returns to the MiP podcast to discuss ableism in the workplace, how remote working has been possible but not available in publishing, and what progress she's observed in the industry. Transcription of this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr site. 

[CW: This episode discusses sexual assault.] Jenn speaks with bestselling author Kelly Yang (Front Desk) about her new young adult novel Parachutes centering two teen perspectives on sexual assault. Kelly speaks to the importance of these books, the ways in which victims deserve more advocacy, and the need to open up more discussion and education around rape culture. 

Yes we have reached episode 100 of Minorities in Publishing! Holy cow! This milestone episodes features guest Liara Tamani (All the Things We Never Knew and Calling My Name). We discuss the ideology behind success and striving to stay afloat, how she found her way back to a first love she didn't realize she was missing, and her new YA romance from Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins out today!  Transcription of this interview can be found on the Episodes tab of the podcast Tumblr. 

In a follow-up conversation, Jenn and Loyalty Bookstore owner Hannah Oliver Depp discuss the importance of campaigns like saveindiebookstores.com to get funds directly to Indie Bookstores when federal grants may not and ways we can continue to aid indies during Covid-19.  Transcription for this episode can be found on the Episodes tab of the podcast Tumblr. 

[This episode was recorded online. Audio variation may occur.] Jenn speaks to owner of Loyalty Bookstores (in the DMV area) Hannah Oliver Depp on running a small business, the challenges facing booksellers as business owners through economic inequality, and the importance of independent bookstores in community establishment and growth.  Transcript of this episode can be found on the Episodes tab of the podcast Tumblr.

MiP welcomes back Renée Watson who has had quite the trajectory since she first appeared on the podcast five years ago this month. She talks about her new book from Bloomsbury Ways to Make Sunshine, writer's block & imposter syndrome, and also her trajectory over the years and how much her stories for Black girls continue to showcase range & beauty. Transcription for this episode can be found on the Episode tab of the podcast Tumblr.

Jenn speaks with literary agent Connor Goldsmith (Fuse Literary) on his path to agenting from film casting, why publishing/agenting would make a bad reality show, and the financial realities of agenting and how privilege comes into play with stability in publishing.  [Transcription can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr.]

[This interview was conducted over Skype so there may be some audio variation.] Jenn speaks with debut author (and recent NYT bestseller) Abigail Hing Wen about her book Loveboat, Taipei, combating Asian stereotypes in her work, pursuing writing and another full-time career, and the ways in which character journeys can mirror one's own.  Transcription of this episode can be found on the Episodes tab of the podcast Tumblr. 

[This interview was conducted over Google Hangouts, there may be some audio variation.] Jenn speaks with Angela Maria Spring, owner of Duende District, about her trajectory as a bookseller from the midwest to the east coast and back. Spring mentions the hardships of crowdfunding, the importance of a bookstore honoring BIPOC artists, and the importance of bookselling in the publishing industry. Transcription for this episode can be found on the Episodes page of the podcast Tumblr. 

[Please note this interview was conducted via Google Hangouts. Audio quality may vary.] Jenn speaks with author Kacen Callender (Queen of the Conquered, Hurricane Child, This is Kind of an Epic Love Story) about their background as an editor, the perils of privilege for the protagonist in their adult debut, and the ways in which they pursue storytelling and outcomes for different readerships from their education to decolonizing their reading.  Transcription for this interview will be available on the Episodes tab on the podcast Tumblr. 

[This interview was conducted over Skype, so there may be some audio variation.] Jenn speaks with Rena Barron (Kingdom of Souls, Maya and the Rising Dark) about her growth as a writer, the necessity of a wider range of fantasy stories featuring People of Color, and her upcoming middle grade fantasy that takes place in Chicago's Southside.  Transcript for this episode will be available on the Episodes tab of the podcast Tumblr. 

[This interview was conducted via phone and the audio quality on speakers will vary.] Jenn speaks with Bharat Babies publisher Sailaja Joshi about the creation of a new independent imprint focused on South Asian stories, the work behind-the-scenes as a new indie publisher, and the overall goals and support needed when making such a venture for young readers.  Transcription of this episode will be available on the Episodes page of the MiP podcast's Tumblr.