In today’s climate, it’s become increasingly common to see banned books make headlines. A growing number of titles are being pulled from school and public library shelves, challenged in classrooms, and targeted in political debates. And often, in response to this harmful trend, well-meaning allies and supporters will tell authors, "Congratulations! You’ve been banned. That means your book is important."
But censorship is not a compliment. Being banned is not a badge of honor. It’s an erasure, a restriction, a silencing of voices that are often already underrepresented. And for authors, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, the consequences of having their work removed from public spaces can be both emotionally and professionally devastating.
The Myth of the Book Ban Boost
One of the most persistent misconceptions about book banning is that it inevitably helps sales. While a handful of high-profile titles do experience a temporary sales bump thanks to media coverage and viral support, most banned books do not see a significant or sustained increase in purchases. In fact, for many authors, especially those who are newer to publishing, censorship does far more harm than good.
As author Malinda Lo pointed out in a recent social media post that quickly resonated across literary and advocacy circles, “A ban doesn’t help readers. It harms them. It means they can’t access your book, especially if they don’t have the money to buy it."
Lo, the author of the National Book Award-winning Last Night at the Telegraph Club, knows firsthand what it means to be affected by censorship. Her book has appeared on several banned and challenged book lists, not because it promotes anything harmful, but because it dares to tell the story of a queer Chinese American teen falling in love in 1950s San Francisco. For many young readers, this is a mirror they may not find anywhere else.
While Lo has the platform to speak out, many authors impacted by bans are not widely known. They may be debut writers, authors of niche genres, or creators working with small presses. Their books are often banned quietly, removed from collections without public challenges, and erased from discovery before they ever get a chance to build an audience.
The Financial and Professional Toll
Being included in a school or library collection is not just an honor for authors; it’s a critical piece of the publishing ecosystem. Libraries serve as hubs of access and discovery. A young reader who finds a book on the shelf might become a lifelong fan, recommend the book to others, or eventually purchase their own copy. Teachers and librarians often introduce students to books they would never come across on their own, creating essential word-of-mouth momentum that helps drive sales.
When a book is banned or challenged, this network of discovery is disrupted. For debut authors, this can mean the difference between continuing to publish and being dropped by a publisher for poor sales. For authors of color, LGBTQ+ authors, or others from marginalized backgrounds, it can reinforce systemic barriers that already limit their reach.
Contrary to popular belief, most authors don’t earn a living from book sales alone. Royalties are small, and advances are often modest. A book being banned in multiple districts or states may mean thousands of lost readers…and thousands of lost opportunities.
The Emotional Impact
Beyond financial consequences, there is a deep emotional toll that comes with having one’s work labeled as inappropriate or harmful. Writing a book, especially one that includes personal or culturally specific experiences, is an act of vulnerability. Authors often pour their identities, histories, and truths into their pages.
To then see that work rejected, vilified, and stripped from shelves can be a profoundly isolating experience. Many authors report feelings of frustration, despair, and helplessness in the face of censorship. Some are harassed online or threatened in real life. Others question whether they should write about certain topics again.
It is not a sign of success to be told that your story is unfit for young readers. It is not empowering to have your book treated as a threat. And it is not a compliment to be congratulated for being censored.
Harm to Readers Too
Of course, the damage extends beyond the authors themselves. When a book is banned, it is readers who lose the most. Those who might have seen themselves reflected in its pages—or who might have grown in empathy by reading about lives different from their own—are instead denied access.
Malinda Lo emphasized this in her post: "We need to stop congratulating writers for being banned and start asking how we can keep these books available to the readers who need them."
Books like Last Night at the Telegraph Club offer vital representation for young queer and Asian American readers. Banning them doesn’t just limit access; it sends a chilling message that these stories, and by extension, these identities, are not acceptable.
What We Can Do Instead
Rather than applauding authors for being banned, we must stand in solidarity with them. Here are ways readers, educators, and advocates can support banned books and their creators:
- Buy the book: If it’s within your means, purchase a copy directly from an independent bookstore.
- Request the book at your local library: If it’s not on the shelves, ask for it.
- Donate banned books: Give copies to Little Free Libraries, community centers, or school clubs.
- Leave a positive review: Counteract negative censorship-driven reviews on platforms like Goodreads, Amazon, and Common Sense Media.
- Invite the author to speak: Virtual or in-person author visits can help bring their work to new audiences.
- Share the book on social media: Spread the word using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter.
And perhaps most importantly, when talking to authors whose books have been banned, choose your words with care. Say, “I’m sorry this happened to your book. I support your work. I’m going to make sure others read it.”
Refusing to Normalize Censorship
We must reject the idea that censorship is a form of flattery. It's not a quirky rite of passage. It’s a form of suppression, and it is a threat to the freedom to read, write, and learn.
The authors who are being targeted are not seeking attention. They are writing stories that matter, stories that challenge, heal, reflect, and reveal. They deserve not only our praise, but our active support.
Let’s stop congratulating them for being banned. Let’s start fighting to keep their books in the hands of readers.