Los Angeles Review of Books

This article highlights the issue of "comping white" in the publishing industry, which refers to the practice of using white authors' book covers to promote books by authors of color. The author discusses the impact of cover design on book sales and argues that this practice perpetuates a biased marketing strategy that privileges white authors and their stories. By using examples and personal experiences, the article sheds light on the racial disparities within the publishing industry and calls for more diverse representation in cover designs. It challenges the industry's tendency to prioritize marketability over representing the content and author accurately, urging for a more inclusive approach to cover design.