Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

People Of Color Take Over Fantastic Stories. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Warren Lapine.

What do they have to say about the project?

Fantastic Stories is a top paying market that is open and looking for stories from underrepresented communities and cultures.

What caught your eye?

Well, first, we need to offer a complete and total nepotism / conflict of interest report: Nisi Shawl, who writes our SFFH column the Future Alternative Past, is the guest editor in question if this Kickstarter succeeds, so let us say this clearly and without reserve: you cannot trust our objectivity on this.

But still, are you kidding me? A complete POC take over issue is a fantastic idea, and good on Fantastic Stories of the Imagination (for those of you, like me, who were curious about the title's remarkable resemblence to ye olde classic Fantastic Stories, editor Warren Lapine tells the story here) for taking this important step. This is the kind of project we like funding. Also, Nisi explains it well in the video, so please do watch that.

Why should I back it?

Because there are people that actually complain about stuff like this. Did you know that? People who think its "politically correct" or "reverse-racist", or something equally idiotic, to focus a magazine on people of color. As Nisi says "there persists a perception that science fiction and fantasy is somehow a white field". Now, that's just stupid. In an article on the website, Nisi points out black people have been involved with the genre since the very beginning.

As fans, it's imperative to stand up and say that what we care about most is good stories, and the authors she's picked to highlight are certainly going to deliver on that front. Let's make sure they get the chance, yes?

How's the project doing?

They're just getting started, at 13% funded, and 32 days to go.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 48
• Funds pledged: $960
• Funds collected: $800
• Unsuccessful pledges: 2
• Fund balance: $80