According to The Guardian, there was a significant issue highlighted within the UK children’s book industry: the majority of books featuring Black main characters were written by white authors. Notably, only 23 Black authors made it onto the list of the top 1,000 bestselling books. This trend suggests that while stories centered on Black experiences are commercially viable, authentic Black voices are often underrepresented. The lack of diversity extends beyond authorship; representation in publishing roles—such as agents, editors, and marketing professionals—remains insufficient.
This disparity has serious implications in the BIPOC. It creates an environment where Black professionals face barriers to achieving the same level of success as their counterparts, leading to a narrower range of perspectives available to readers. In response to this imbalance, according to Cassava Republic Press “Being Black in Publishing” program aims to address these challenges directly.
As Publishing Week in the UK approaches, they are eager to showcase their efforts to promote inclusivity within the industry. The second edition of their month-long “Being Black in Publishing” initiative will provide young individuals interested in the publishing field with essential insights through a series of panel discussions covering various topics, including editorial work, publishing design, and marketing. Their lineup features industry experts such as Charlotte Abrams-Simpson (Orion Fiction), Nkanyezi Tshabalala (Pan Macmillan South Africa), Nancy Adimora (Afreada), and Bunmi Ishola (Penguin Random House). The program will kick off on November 15th with an Editorial Panel discussion scheduled for 12 PM EST | 4 PM GMT | 5 PM WAT | 6 PM SAST.
Additionally, they are excited to introduce a three-month internship program that has expanded its partnerships across Africa, including Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. This initiative aims to create more opportunities for young people in publishing, offering participants hands-on experience, mentorship, and training designed to support their career development in the field. Applications for the internship will open in December.
Through the “Being Black in Publishing” program, they are dedicated to demystifying the publishing industry and fostering an environment where Black talent can flourish globally.
They encourage anyone interested to take advantage of this opportunity! For more information and to register, please visit our website, and feel free to share the link with others who may benefit.
