The Influence of Literary Prizes and Awards

The podcast episode discusses the influence of literary prizes and awards on the publishing industry, particularly with regard to books about suffering written by authors who check certain demographic boxes. The conversation highlights the way these books are often framed to make it difficult for critics to go against the overwhelming praise they receive. It is noted that these books are typically praised by white critics, while critical reviews are often written by POC writers. The conversation also touches on the historical context of diverse literature and the pressure to conform to certain narratives. Overall, the episode explores the challenges faced by writers of color and the limitations imposed by the publishing industry.