Writer, Writer, Pants On Fire

Manuela Velasco of Tessera Editorial On Inclusivity & Diversity Throughout Publishing

Today’s guest is Manuela Velasco, the marketing and publicity director as well as an editor for Tessera Editorial which was founded on the idea that publishing can and should be an accessible industry to all people. Through myriad diverse voices in the profession, Tessera Editorial hopes to open the world of books to as many readers as possible. Manuela joined me today to talk about the services that Tessera offers, as well as why getting people of color into all aspects of publishing – not just authors – is important for true diversity and inclusivity in the industry. Also covered: what a sensitivity read is – and what it isn’t. And diversity as a hot topic in publishing – is it a double edged sword?

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Links for Tessera Editorial: 

Website: https://www.tesseraeditorial.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TesseraEdits

Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/tesseraeditorial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tesseraeditorial/

 

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Every Stolen Breath by Kimberley Gabriel

Our Year of Maybe by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Kelly Coon On Being Rejected 106 Times... Followed By A "Yes."

Today’s guest is Kelly Coon, author of the YA Fantasy Gravemaidens which recounts the tale of two sisters: Kammani, a 16-year-old healer's apprentice who wants to save the dying ruler of her city-state and Nanaea, Kammani’s little sister who will be buried alive as the ruler’s bride if he dies. Kelly joined me today to talk about how to make a fantasy stand out in the crowded YA market by making her female main character have understated strength. Also covered:how editing and being an ACT test prep writer helped Kelly in her fiction and marketing on your own, the constant hustle, and the benefits of having a street team.

  

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Links for Kelly:

Website: https://www.kellycoon.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KellyCoon106

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellycoon106

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellycoon106/

 

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The Library of Lost Things by Laura Taylor Namey.

Lexi McGill and the Teleportation Tournament by Kim Long.