Publishing in Turmoil: Pro-Trump Post Sparks Major Backlash

In a time where emotions run high and opinions spark heated debates, the world of children’s literature is navigating choppy waters. This wave began on November 6 when Mariel Dawson, the VP of marketing at Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, expressed her support for president-elect Donald Trump through a bold graphic on her personal Facebook page.

The Graphic That Started It All

The graphic in question featured a smiling Trump alongside tech mogul Elon Musk against an American flag backdrop, with the words “It’s a Great Day to be an American” emblazoned across it. While some might have intended this post as innocent support, others within the book industry saw it differently, sparking significant concerns over the political climate and its ramifications for children’s publishing.

Reactions From the Literary Community

It didn’t take long for fellow authors and publishing veterans to voice their discontent. Among those reacting was children’s author Martha Brockenbrough, who received screenshotted copies of Dawson’s post. Brockenbrough commented on the situation, sharing her thoughts with Publishers Weekly, stating that the exuberant support for an administration perceived as detrimental to children’s publishing was alarming.

“If they succeed in defunding education and libraries,” she posed, “does she think there will continue to be a children’s book industry?” Her comments reflected broader concerns within the community regarding the potential impact of political decisions on future generations. The post was eventually taken down, but the damage had been done. Brockenbrough reposted the image on various platforms, leading to it being shared widely, including on the publishing gossip account xoxopublishinggg.

Voices of Dissent

Other Macmillan authors also chimed in, discussing the implications of Dawson’s post. Notable mentions included Dhonielle Clayton, the chair of We Need Diverse Books; Katherine Applegate, author of Wishtree; and Nick Bruel, the creator of the Bad Kitty series. They expressed feelings of betrayal, particularly regarding Macmillan’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Many shared their doubts about their future with the publisher, suggesting that trust had been eroded.

Anonymous comments circulated on platforms, revealing sentiments like “I now understand why LGBTQ+ YA books I’ve done with Macmillan didn’t get any marketing attention.” This illustrates how Dawson’s post amplified existing concerns about the treatment of marginalized voices in the publishing world.

Macmillan’s Response

Facing rising backlash, MCPG President Jen Besser felt it necessary to address the situation head-on. In a thoughtful Instagram post, she laid out Macmillan’s core values and emphasized that Dawson’s post was made in a personal capacity. She reassured the community that the company’s decision-making process is collaborative and aims to connect every title with as many readers as possible.

“We are living in a divisive time,” Besser wrote. “Books provide information, context, escape, and hope, and we are proud to publish and champion an extraordinary, diverse list of authors whose work has the potential to change the world.”

Concerns Continue

Despite Besser’s statements, the author Aiden Thomas, known for titles like Cemetery Boys, found the response inadequate. He emphasized that Macmillan would need to directly engage with its authors regarding their concerns over how Dawson’s political stance affects her role in marketing.

In a nutshell, while individuals in workplaces can hold differing political beliefs, Dawson’s post has pulled back the curtain on the real tensions in the industry. “We have a big tent, but we don’t want to let a grenade in,” Brockenbrough summarized, encapsulating the struggle between personal expression and the values that publishers claim to uphold.

As the dust settles, authors, readers, and the larger community are left questioning the future of children’s publishing amid looming political challenges. Will Macmillan regain the trust of its authors and readers? Only time will tell.