15 Comments

I think this approach is completely wrong and violates the intention of the 14th amendment, which was written to endow disenfranchised persons with the same rights as privileged white men. Lit Journals and presses should have the unequivocal right to offer reduced fees or free submissions to any group they wish to see more submissions from; this in addition to having a fee scale, reduced fee, or free submissions based on ability to pay. The Supreme Court decisions was wrong for our country and is wrong for the literary world.

Expand full comment

Becky, this round-up shows again why Lit Mag News is the best inside line on the industry. Timely, thorough, efficient, and hilarious.

Expand full comment

Thanks so much, Max.

Expand full comment

Becky, this is my first time reading Lit Max News and I’m so impressed by not only the content but also the amount of time and effort you obviously put into what is a great resource for folks here. Thank you.

Expand full comment

Thanks Ben. Welcome to the community!

Expand full comment

I’ve hesitated to say this, but after waiting a couple of days, i would offer this. The language used in the FAIR letter is quite similar to the logic used here in Florida by the governor to redraw congressional districts to dilute the vote of people of color. The court has ordered the map redrawn. Be wary.

Expand full comment

* … the court has thrown out the governor’s map and ordered a new map be redrawn. “

Expand full comment

From Wikipedia: “The Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR) […] campaigns against diversity and inclusion programs, ethnic studies curricula, and antiracism initiatives that it calls critical race theory (CRT).”

If you’re anti-anti-racist, that means you’re…

Expand full comment

To be honest, I'm surprised Becky even gave this air.

Expand full comment

With regard to the FAIR letter, I understand the problem with "conflating economic need with race," but what about when a journal is offering no-fee submissions to Black writers and other writers of color as a way to make reparations? Is that intent being challenged as well?

Expand full comment

Yes, because FAIR is a right-wing grift group. Look at all the other things FAIR has been involved with.

Expand full comment

I'm suspicious of FAIR's agenda and personally have no problem with helping people who have been and still are disadvantaged. From another perspective here's the ugly reading fee issue with a twist. But I do wonder sometimes if by opening a separate lane we're not all saying 'well, you need all the help you can get' and further marginalizing the marginalized. I'm sure someone will "correct" me on that in 3...2... But yeah, I wouldn't sign the thing.

Expand full comment

What are your thoughts about paying for expedited responses? Do you think they are more likely to reject you?

Expand full comment

So “immutable traits” like race should be ignored, and everyone should be treated equally? Doesn’t that sort of destroy the entire racial agenda of the Democrats?

Expand full comment

This was quite the round up! Thank you!

Expand full comment