The one piece from all the readings that surprised me the most was actually just a small part of one article. That piece was when Richard Z. Santos stated that Jeaninne Cummins received a seven-figure advance for American Dirt. I am not as intrigued about the controversy surrounding this book, even though it is important to think about and discuss the topic of authors writing about matters they may not fully understand versus those who do. I am more shocked that a seven-figure, that means a million or more, was given for a book that was not even written yet. To be really honest I do not know much of anything about publishing a book, so I did not even know a book advance was a thing. From going to not even knowing an advance existed to learning someone got one that was so much, I am perplexed.
I began thinking more about it after reading Alexia Underwood’s article on Vox. The whole discussion about sexual harassment in the publishing industry made think about Cummins’ advance again. I thought about the men in the publishing industry, including authors, who are accused of sexual assault but have been given large sums of money as salary or advances for books. Such money gives these men power. This aligns with Underwood’s (2018) statement that “Several of the women didn’t report the behavior because it was often their word against those of the harassers, who tended to be popular, powerful men.” The money makes powerful men and then those powerful men deter accusations against them. They act invincible and everyone believes them meaning people either cover for them or are too afraid to reveal the truth.
It is all a tricky situation that needs serious change. In terms of book advances I have begun to wonder if there could be a way to not give them to authors without checking to make sure they will use it appropriately. I know it would be extremely difficult, but I think advances such as the one Cummins received could get to a person’s head. At least in Cummins’ case she is a woman. A man receiving the same treatment could perpetuate the harassment issues in the publishing industry that Underwood discusses.
References:
Santos, R.Z. (2020). The Real Problem With ‘American Dirt’. Retrieved from https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/american-dirt-book-controversy/
Underwood, A. (2018) The #metoo Movement Hit the Literary World Hard This Week. It's Not the First Time. Retrieved from https://www.vox.com/2018/5/10/17323642/metoo-junot-diaz-allegations-nobel-literature-prize
You make a great point about book advances. I did know about this but didn't realize they can get so substantial. I can understand if the author is established in the genre and pretty well known by the genre readers, so maybe a 'small' advance it alright. But then again, who will determine what that 'small' amount is?
ReplyDeleteWhat blew my mind was that she had sold the movie rights to the book before it was published. Let the book come out first and let people read it before deciding making a movie about it.
Great point about advances! You bring an interesting perspective to the table. Great job and full points!
ReplyDeleteRachel, Maybe this is something that happens often. I only recently heard of such huge advances. The author of the YA book Children of Blood and Bone had a 7 figure advance, for 2 more books and the movie rights to FOX. This was her first work and she was only 23!
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