The Publishing Industry’s Shameful Betrayal of Kate Clanchy
Four years ago, author Kate Clanchy faced swift cancellation. Her book, Some Kids I Taught and What They Taught Me, published two years prior, was criticized by authors and social media users who labeled it racist and even eugenicist due to its portrayals of ethnic-minority and disabled characters.
Her publisher, Picador, quickly issued an apology for the offense caused and promised to revise the text. Soon after, Clanchy and Picador ended their partnership.
Recently, Pan Macmillan, the parent company of Picador, reversed its stance and apologized to Clanchy. CEO Joanna Prior said,
“I’m sorry for the hurt that was caused to Kate Clanchy,”
describing the incident as part of “a regrettable series of events in Pan Macmillan’s past.”
This description understates the severity. Clanchy, an Orwell Prize-winning author with nearly thirty years of teaching experience, was subjected to a deeply unjust campaign. Her book reflects her teaching experiences and was initially well received by critics and readers.
However, in 2021, certain activists revisited the book amid the Black Lives Matter movement's heightened tensions, igniting controversy.
Summary
Kate Clanchy’s unjust treatment and her publisher’s initial capitulation to criticism highlight a troubling moment in the publishing world, now acknowledged with a formal apology.
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