On Nov 12, 2020, at 5:00 PM, John Copenhaver via groups.io <johncope@...> wrote:

Hi, all,

In general, I'm suspicious of publicists who ask you to pay for advice—and Dana does a lot of that sort of thing. You should be paying for access to the connections they’ve built. Not advice for how to post on Instagram or interview tips. A big part of equity is about access to resources. The resources publicists provide is who they know—ye olde rolodex. I like that Dana wants to provide a discount to create equity, but you have to scrutinize what they are providing—and if it’s not, in fact, a marketing ploy. Mia, you may have had/are having a fabulous experience with her and that may not be the case here at all, but I felt some obligation to be concerned. I just don’t want our desire to be supported taken advantage of, even if it’s unintentional. Her response to Dharma worried me, I guess, especially because she tried to sell her on another program.

I still dream of a fellowship—or something of that sort—which would provide $$ for queer and/or BIPOC folks to hire a publicist. 

Not my intention to be a Debbie Downer, but perhaps this will spark conversation!

Best,

-John

On Nov 12, 2020, at 4:46 PM, Dharma Kelleher <dharma.kelleher@...> wrote:

I got a response back from Dana. 

“While we don't recommend full-service campaigns for indie authors, based on what you've shared, you would be a great candidate for my paid membership community, Your Breakout Book.”

So I guess the Equality offer only applies to traditionally pubbed authors. 

Which struck me as odd. I walked away from traditional publishers because of their lack of interest in diverse voices. 

I tried her paid membership a year or so ago, but didn’t find it offered anything I couldn’t get from a lot of podcasts. 

But her business. Her decision. I respect it. 

Peace out,

Dharma Kelleher

Gritty Crime Fiction with a Feminist Kick

https://dharmakelleher.com

On Nov 12, 2020, at 10:01 AM, Eliot <eliotp@...> wrote:



Hi, all!

This is wonderful news! Thanks for sharing.

Hope you all are well and staying safe!

Eliot

---

From: main@queercrimewriters.groups.io <main@queercrimewriters.groups.io> on behalf of Leslie Karst <ljkarst@...>
Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2020 11:52 AM
To: main@queercrimewriters.groups.io <main@queercrimewriters.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [Queercrimewriters] Kaye Publicity's Equity in Publishing Program

 

Good for Dana; what a generous offer. And thanks for letting us know, Mia!

Leslie Karst

--

Lefty Award-nominated author of the Sally Solari Mystery Series

     website: lesliekarstauthor.com

     blogs at: chicksonthecase and mysteryloverskitchen

John Copenhaver
Fiction Writer
Lambda Literary Columnist
www.jcopenhaver.com
Twitter: johncopenhaver
Instagram: johncope74
he/him/his

Author of the Macavity Award-winning novel DODGING AND BURNING. Available now from Pegasus Books.

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