Featured Publishing Professional: Tyra Douyon
As sent to Elizabeth Agyemang
Why book publishing?
Being an educator inspired me to pursue a career in publishing. When I was teaching in the classroom, I was always on the hunt for novels that were culturally relevant as well as being interesting and educational for my students. I decided to pursue book publishing because I want to help diversify the industry and get more books published by people of color who write perspectives from underrepresented communities. Being in publishing allows me the opportunity to work on novels that not only my students can read and enjoy, but children from around the world.
Can you tell us a little bit about what you do as a writer/editor?
Currently in my position as a Writer/Editor, I write social studies curriculum and supplemental materials for students in grades K-8 and edit children’s and middle grades novels. I conduct a lot of research on a daily basis to ensure that the content I write is historically accurate and includes the perspectives of people of color since those voices are often missing in the educational space. I also read a lot of children’s books and try to keep up to date on publishing trends and deals as well as what is happening in education.
You also have a freelance business called Write House Books LLC. Can you tell us more about that and the work you do?
Write House Books was established in 2019 after realizing I wanted to leave my career as an educator and start my own editing company. My experience as an educator made me realize that there were not enough diverse and inclusive novels being taught in classrooms in the U.S., so I focused on diversifying my literary canon and doing what I could to spotlight diverse narratives and promote positive representations for my students and in my school community. Write House Books specializes in working with authors that feature diverse characters and communities in their writing. I also have an imprint called Write House Education, where I offer culturally relevant lesson/unit plans for teachers that have a YA book as an anchor text.
What challenges have you faced in your career and how have you overcome them?
It’s been challenging to make meaningful connections in this industry with BIPOC creators (writers, agents, editors, illustrators etc). In many spaces (including in education), I was often the only BIPOC in the room or the workshop and I really want that to change this year and broaden my community.
Also, this is one not too many people are concerned with, but it’s a biggie! There is a major lack of opportunities in publishing for people who do not live in New York. When I began to express to people that I wanted to establish a career in this industry, everyone said I had to move immediately and that wasn’t an option. Opportunities in publishing (this includes paid positions and internships, courses, and workshops) are extremely limited in other U.S. states, but I hope to change that for Atlanta as Write House Books continues to grow. There are so many amazing creators who live in the South, the Midwest, and other areas that want to establish their careers and make positive impacts in publishing.
What have been your favorite books of year/month so far?
I have really enjoyed reading Every Body Looking by Candice Iloh, Queenie by Candice Carty-William (the audio version is great), Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, Owed by Joshua Bennett, and Just Us: An American Conversation by Claudia Rankine. I’m also trying to get into graphic novels more this year and am looking forward to reading Himawari House by Harmony Becker.
From your perspective as a writer, editor, and freelancer, what would you love to see more of in publishing?
I would love to see more publishing of books that have diverse characters where their diversity is not their defining characterization or a major issue they must “overcome” or reckon with in the plot. Rather, their identity is treated as just another part of who they are and fits more seamlessly into the story.
Tyra Douyon is an Atlanta-based writer, editor, and educator. She earned her B.A. in English Education and is pursuing her M.A. in Professional Writing from Kennesaw State University. She is the founder of Write House Books, a company that offers editing services to authors that focus on underrepresented communities, and is a Writer/Editor for Gallopade International and The Headlight Review. She writes poetry and fiction that highlight the effects of mental health and the intersection of Afro-Caribbean and American identity. She was accepted into the TinHouse YA Workshop ‘22 and is currently writing her debut YA novel. Find her on Instagram for @WriteHouseBooks on Twitter @TyraAliWrites and on her website– tyradouyon.com.