Network launched to promote diversity in publishing

British publishing is, to put it baldly, the whitest creative industry around
Hari Kunzru

Next week sees the launch of a new network to promote diversity within the publishing world. The Diversity in Publishing Network (DipNet) has been established in response to the issues raised in 2004 when the Arts Council England and The Bookseller conducted a survey into cultural diversity in publishing.

The first ever survey of its kind, In Full Colour found that nearly half the people working within publishing who were surveyed felt that they were working in a hite, middle-class ghetto In Full Colour also found that management levels were almost exclusively white and that representation in other areas was poor.

DipNet aims to promote the status and contribution of people from diverse ethnic groups in all areas of publishing, as well as to provide a forum for discussion. The network will encourage debate on all areas within the publishing process by programming a series of events throughout the year. These will cover topics relating to editorial, sales and marketing through to issues affecting authors, illustrators, booksellers and the end users bookbuyers. Support for people working within publishing, as well as those seeking to enter publishing, is also part of its remit.

Alison Morrison and Elise Dillsworth, who have a combined experience of 26 years in the publishing industry, are the co-chairs and established the organisation. They both feel that there is an urgent commercial and cultural need for a forum to tackle these issues and promote changes within the industry. They recognise that the network can only help to highlight issues, and that real change needs to happen from within publishing houses themselves.

Alison Morrison says
'The Diversity in Publishing Network will encourage discussion and debate around the publishing industry, and we are confident that this will lead to greater opportunities for all. From the publishing workforce through to authors, illustrators and the book-buying public, the potential for positive change in all areas is unlimited.'

Elise Dillsworth comments
he Diversity in Publishing Network is designed to encourage people from diverse cultural backgrounds to enter publishing by providing opportunity and support through various initiatives. I believe that the industry should be less of an exclusive club. The more open it is, the richer an environment it will be to work in - and as such, will ultimately benefit publishing and the book world as a whole.

September 2004
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