A Question of Labels: On Calling My Work "African-American" Fiction

I was reading Lori Tharps's blog post today and it got me thinking: What if I don't call my fiction "African-American"? What if I don't label myself? Will others yet label me?

Like so many black authors who (of course) know readers of every color and ethnicity, I've struggled with the genre label for many reasons. For one thing, we're the only group who has this (little) section devoted to our work in some bookstores and libraries. I've never seen a section of my library that reads "Asian-American Fiction" or a little sticker on a book to let all Hispanic readers know that the book was written by one of their "own kind." (Okay, that was my first and last Shirley Sherrod joke, promise.)

Maybe it's a lofty thought, but I think my writing appeals not only to black readers, but to readers who like a specific genre, mainly thriller and suspense--twists with believable characters and great backstories (think Lisa Scottoline, Linda Howard). I don't like to feel wedged into some space, a space that I feel is tight and rigid and surmises that just because I'm brown, only brown people will enjoy reading my work. I think it's unfortunate that the publishing world is still so segregated, and that, for the most part, it's a very tolerated practice. As long as there's logic behind it, right? (At least that's what the apathetic response seems to be.)

Of course I want black and brown people to read my work. But I want white people, Asians and every other color in between to give it a try too. So, that's why, even though others may still perpetuate this primary "genre," I'm no longer labeling myself. What do you think? Is there an upside? Downside?

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Comment by Dasaya Cates on August 1, 2010 at 12:21pm: Thanks, Persia! Good information.

Comment by Persia Walker on July 31, 2010 at 5:44pm: Happy to "meet" another female Af Am mystery/thriller writer. Whenever I meet white readers, they're shocked and intrigued to realize that there are black female mystery writers. They seem to have no idea that we exist. Now, part of that might be the bookstores' fault, but I have to admit that we sometimes keep ourselves under the radar. I rarely see other Af Am writers at conventions dedicated to the genre. Austin Comacho and Gary Phillips might be there, but that's usually it. (Walter Moseley's going to make a rare appearance at this year's Bouchercon, I think.) Anyway, I'd urge you to attend this year's Bouchercon. It'll be right there in San Fran. Go there and make direct contact with readers, other authors, booksellers and writers. And attend other mystery conventions. It really does help.

Comment by Carleen on July 22, 2010 at 10:56am: Unless things change greatly, your work will carry the Af Am fiction label. But that's not always a bad thing. It puts some people off and attracts others. Labels do help publishers and booksellers in a way. My beef is that when buyers (at publishing houses & bookstores) see Af Am, they automatically think ONLY Af Am readers. That may be the primary audience, but it's short-sighted to think of it as the only audience.

Comment by Britni Danielle on July 22, 2010 at 10:51am: I agree with Lori, it's not what we label ourselves, it's what THEY (book sellers/publishers) label your work. They, not we, determine how it is marketed and sold. All you can do (and this is big) is network, meet lots of different people and get the word out about your book.

Comment by Lori L. Tharps on July 22, 2010 at 10:33am: I don't think it's what we call ourselves, i think it's other people's labels that is the problem. In general i think labels are bad. I'm not a thriller person, but I will def. check out your book. It sounds intriguing.