Authors Against Book Bans, a coalition of writers and creative workers who are united against the unconstitutional movement to limit the freedom to read, have released an open letter urging publishers to prepare for the upcoming Trump administration.
The AABB organized open forums with authors to gather their concerns and demands for the future. The letter, shared on social media, expresses collective worries about the threats posed by the Trump administration and calls on publishers to take action to counter these dangers.
The letter outlines what authors expect from book publishers in the face of a potentially censorship-friendly administration and emphasizes the importance of corporate support in defending freedom of expression.
Some of the demands put forward by the organization include unequivocal support for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC authors, a more aggressive stance against book bans and censorship, and a refusal to provide excessive book ratings beyond industry standards.
While the list of demands is not exhaustive, the letter marks the beginning of an essential conversation as authors and publishers prepare for the challenges ahead.
The display of solidarity and collective action by groups like Authors Against Book Bans is crucial in the upcoming battles, and the letter serves as a call to action for publishers to stand with authors in defending their rights and freedoms.
Below is the full text of the open letter from Authors Against Book Bans:
An Open Letter to Our Publishers from Authors Against Book Bans:
Following the election of the Trump administration and the policies outlined in Project 2025, authors are deeply concerned about how publishers will advocate for and protect authors in the face of potential censorship and book banning. The agenda of the Trump administration poses a threat to the freedom to write and read, and it is imperative that publishers take a strong stance against these threats.
Authors need publishers to continue supporting LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices without compromise, guaranteeing the safety and confidentiality of personal information, resisting censorship, and providing legal aid and security to authors under threat. It is essential that publishers uphold the freedom of every author to express themselves without fear of retribution or censorship.
Assurez-vous de continuer à soutenir les auteurs LGBTQIA+ et BIPOC en les envoyant dans les écoles, les bibliothèques et les festivals financés en tout ou en partie par des subventions fédérales.
Formation sur la sécurité des auteurs et contacts d’urgence en cas de situation où un auteur se sent en danger.
Lutter de manière plus agressive et publique contre les interdictions de livres et la censure au niveau local, étatique et national.
Il est impératif que les éditeurs, comme les auteurs, ne se plient pas d’avance. Nous devons être alignés contre les politiques qui promeuvent la censure, les interdictions de livres et la criminalisation de la narration.
Nous attendons avec impatience de travailler ensemble avec vous et toutes les autres organisations luttant pour nos libertés fondamentales de lire et d’écrire.
