#Ownvoices, Disruptive Platforms, and Reader Reception in Young Adult Publishing

Abstract The concept of #ownvoices writing has gained traction in contemporary publishing as both a genre reader interest and focus for debates about authors’ rights to write cross-culturally. This paper examines tensions the movement reveals between commissioning, publishing, critical reception book, using debate Craig Silvey’s Honeybee , an Australian novel focalized through young trans protagonist but written by straight male author. Drawing on theory recognition, it analyzes author publisher media interviews, social media, literary reviews mainstream publications, which are given context with selected interviews publishers. Misrepresentation appropriation concerns many readers, while judgements aesthetic quality vary. Structures within book industries limit economic representation diverse creators which, turn, implications diversity experience represented adult fiction its quality.