‘‘
It is very difficult for anybody, whatever their background, to break into the competitive world of book publishing.
The Dinoteks, Giants Awake! (Dinosaur Books Ltd).
I had no connections, financial backing, cache or industry pedigree – only a previous career as a BBC producer and a love of good books.
So what has this got to do with inclusion?
It is very difficult for anybody, whatever their background, to break into the competitive world of book publishing. But it is a lot harder for some than others. If you have useful connections, social capital, financial resources, have previously been in a senior position in publishing – then clearly you’ll find it less difficult. It will still not be easy and I applaud anyone that sets out to set up a publishing house but, with some or all of those advantages, it will be easier.
Autumn-Winter 2019
The Fantastic Electric Mash-Up Machines (Dinosaur Books Ltd).
And the point is that those from disadvantaged and BAME backgrounds are much less likely to have them. Many BAME creatives are doing excellent work and for reasons previously described, often on a relatively small scale, for example, the BareLit Festival. These businesses generally attract less industry attention.
Dhonielle Clayton, chief operating officer of the influential US charity, We Need Diverse Books, spoke recently at a meeting to set up a UK version of the charity. Dhonielle confirmed that in setting up a database of diverse titles for eductators and librarians in the US, the charity looked first to small and community publishers. Then, they got the big publishers on board – she was
clear that having the two elements as part of the push to diversify is important. Librarians and educators (and their industry organisations) can make a huge difference, by using their influence to support creative and talented smaller businesses where there is a wealth of high-quality, diverse children’s titles. Most high street booksellers are under financial pressure so I can understand that it can be more difficult for them to find the time to build a relationship with unfamiliar publishers.
This is why I am so hopeful that Pen&Inc could make an impact in helping to champion small presses and businesses – such as ourselves – where BAME creatives are running the programme. PEN&INC. l
www.dinosaurbooks.co.uk
PEN&INC. 29
Sonya McGilchrist pp.??-??.indd 3
09/10/2019 16:27
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