Is this the worst thing a writer has ever done?

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Romance Reader
January 21, 2024

It’s only January…

and the BookTok drama is unfolding…

and we've got the complete lowdown on everything you need to know this week!

TLDR:

Heather Holifield - Did She Compare Being Forced to Search For And Read Diverse Authors with Being SA’d?

Laurell K. Hamilton Criticizes Self Publishing Authors and Apologizes

Holly’s Shocking 10 Minute Rant About Having to Search For Diverse Authors

Laurell K. Hamilton Criticizes Self Publishing Authors and Apologizes

When a follower sought Laurell's advice on whether to self-publish her debut book, Laurell expressed a strong dislike for the idea, emphasizing the importance of attempting traditional publishing before resorting to self-publishing. As a traditionally published author herself, Laurell suggested that individuals should opt for the indie route only if traditional publishing proves unsuccessful.

She argued that transitioning from indie to traditional publishing is a more challenging path and highlighted the benefits of traditional publishing, such as having a dedicated marketing team for support. Despite Laurell's success in the traditional publishing world, some indie authors are expressing concern, feeling that her stance may discourage others from supporting independent authors, or becoming self-published themselves.

To watch the controversial video, click here.

To watch the apology video, click here.

What’s your take? Let us know below⬇️

Heather Holifield Did She Compare Being Forced to Search For And Read Diverse Authors with Being SA’d?

Heather Holifield, who has now made her account private, got into a debate with commenters about whether or not it was racist to not actively seek out diverse authors. She said that she does not actively seek authors of any color…but then says this,

“We’re really saying that my inaction to purposely look for ‘diverse’ is making me racist? Is that where' we’re going with this… is a woman’s in action to fight somebody- [a woman who] just freezes, does that mean she wanted it? Is that really the road we are going down, that inaction makes you guilty?”

Whether or not you think not actively looking for diverse authors makes you racist or not, her comparison of “inaction” to sexual assault was unexpected, and people are up in arms.

What’s your take? Let us know below⬇️

Holly’s Shocking 10 Minute Rant About Having to Search For Diverse Authors

Holly is a small creator who posted a ten minute video ranting about the pressure to read more diversely, and said that she did not actively search for diverse authors. The original video is no longer up, her account is now private, but there is a a great response video linked below discussing why someone should consider searching for diverse authors

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