Thread by @LZats

Okay, because I'm having some Feelings about this, let's talk about how to circumvent different ways publishing weaponizes #ownvoices and creator identities:

First, there are many agents and editors calling for #ownvoices in their subs. Ideally, this means this person is open to various (and non-monolithic) marginalized experiences--feel free to sub to them with or without mentioning #ownvoices or self-identifying...

But stay away from agents/eds/pubs that REQUIRE you to disclose--you can't trust this person to maintain your boundaries or safety.

If an agent (or editor) asks you "is this project #ownvoices" and you don't want to claim that signifier, you can say something along the lines of:
"this project is based on personal experiences, but I don't feel comfortable calling it #ownvoices" (you don't need to explain why)

If you want to explain why, generally, feel free to keep it vague: "for safety reasons" or "for personal reasons" or "for branding reasons"

Here's the secret: publicity can't trade on what you're not willing to share, so set those boundaries early so people stop pushing

If you have an agent, perhaps you have disclosed to them your identities, perhaps not. REGARDLESS, talk with them about what language you're comfortable with them using for selling your book.

Is it okay to call the book #ownvoices to an editor, but not to the public? Is it okay to disclose any part of your identity? If so, at what stage in the publishing/book sale process?

Please note that these boundaries can change b/w projects and over time. I've gotten to a point in my negotiation with an editor that I've literally said, "you know what? I don't know what my author feels comfortable with here, let me get back to you" and you know what? It's FINE

Pulling tips/tricks from Romancelandia, you and your agent can also discuss adding additional levels of safety in using pen names/disguises for author photos/social media. Note: this may get tricky if you get super duper big and have to go a lot of places in person

Publishing is literally set up for this sort of obfuscation of author: it's super common to put pen names in the copyright page rather than legal names, for example (but be careful of linking your pen name to your real name with an LLC, for example—there are pros and cons here!)

Explore often what language builds you and your work up and what language diminishes you--if you and your agent lead with the language you approve of, everyone else will follow.

If you feel weird about #ownvoices, how do you feel about "authentic" or other in-group signifiers?

Unfortunately, there's not much you can do about readers making assumptions about your identity and your work, but ideally, any work done pre-pub to control the language and brand around your work will help temper this...

And the more agents and authors make their expectations clear for publishers, the less they'll lean on #ownvoices as a necessary hoop for marginalized creators to jump through

Please note that this thread is for marginalized creators who are worried that they will have to compromise their safety/privacy if they want to get pubbed. I don't want to see any cishet white writers in my inbox with some nonsense because you thought this thread was a free pass

It’s also very worth mentioning that any push for disclosure may come from an editor, but often, individuals are pushed by their bosses to get/use this info—they may be fighting big fights in-house that you barely see (though this doesn’t mean you need to give up your boundaries)

An editor can be an incredible ally in protecting you and your work.

I’m working with one editor right now who, when a proofreader assigned an nb character an incorrect gender, went through and stet’ed all the shitty corrections so the author didn’t have to deal with/see them

BUT the best editor in the world might not be able to protect you fully from a bad corporate infrastructure, so how much you’re willing to put up with that should play into your querying/submission strategies

Final note saying that you are allowed to change your mind! You can shelve that book that feels a bit too True and Honest until you’re ready. My goal—all of our goals—is to first and foremost build careers, which means supporting individuals. Specific books come second.

The writer has the power. The writer is in control. Alway. Forever.