Episode: 299: Who Watches the Watchmen - Gatekeeping in Speculative Fiction

The dragons would never argue that discrimination in many varieties does not exist. Nor would they argue that it hasn't been an influence in publishing over previous decades. However, with the umbrella genre, YA, and various sci-fi and fantasy publishing houses leading the charge, just how bad is gatekeeping now? Is it possible that we are creating new gatekeepers who are rigorously excluding writers by accident? Is our 'BOLO' mentality when it comes to discrimination, now starting to taint ordinary if occasionally unpleasant human interaction? This week Jules and Madeleine talk about many aspects of the publishing industry, including why discrimination is not always the reason your book is not picked up by publishers. One for the writers hoping to be published soon this week. As always the dragons welcome comments and constructive criticism.

 

Title music: Ecstasy by Smiling Cynic