People of Color in Publishing Addresses Book Biz Burnout
In a panel held on May 20th, the organization People of Color in Publishing hosted a discussion about burnout among publishing professionals. The panel took place over Zoom and was moderated by Leila Siddiqui, senior manager of digital strategy at DQ. The speakers on the panel were Faye Bi, director of publicity at Bloomsbury Children’s Books; Shelly Romero, lead editor at the book packager Cake Creative; and Ely Mellet, designer at Lee and Low. Bi called burnout a “structural problem,” and Siddiqui noted that burnout was an issue “especially for marginalized people in publishing.” Bi also noted that she felt frustrated hearing about publishers’ recent “record profits and seven-figure advances” while many publishing employees are struggle to earn a living wage. “Everyone’s jobs are connected,” Romero added. “We all rely on each other to make a book successful.”
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé Reveals One Year Anniversary Edition of Ace of Spades
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé announced on Twitter that there will be an Ace of Spades one year anniversary summer edition. This edition will have a brand new exclusive cover, a short story set during Pride, and more. This limited printing comes out on June 9th, and you can preorder it here!
Idina Menzel Says She’s Open to Appearing in Wicked Film Adaptation
Idina Menzel, who originated the role of Elphaba in the Broadway version of Wicked, told PEOPLE that she wouldn’t be opposed to a return to Oz. “If they asked me to do it at the age of 51, I would say, sure — just put a little Vaseline on the lens, throw some green makeup on me, use a little CGI and I’ll look gorgeous,” Menzel said with a laugh. However, she went on to say “that ship has sailed,” so Wicked fans, don’t hold your breath.
Pride is Nearly Here: New LGBTQ+ Picture Books
New LGBTQ+ picture books to put on your shelves, because it’s essential to show children various ways to be happy and true to themselves.