Campaign to open up access and representation within publishing
More details: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/access-to-publishing
The publishing industry is failing many people from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds, locked into stereotyping and bias against groups who do not fit in with white, upper or middle class pigeon-holing.
- Only 6% of children’s authors and illustrators were people of colour. (BookTrust report, 2019)
- Only 8% of those working in the publishing industry identified as having a disability (BookTrust report, 2019/Alaina Leary, 2018)
- Half of all authors, writers and translators in the UK come from higher professional and managerial households (Dave O’Brien, 2019)
These are just some of the inequalities and disparities that pepper the publishing industry.
What is more, the small, independent publishers that actively challenge this elitist model are under great threat due to the challenges posed by COVID-19.
As a UK registered charity based in Bristol and Glasgow, the Arkbound Foundation is dedicated to empowering people through writing, through sponsored book publishing, workshops and mentoring. This crowdfunding campaign will support our work and that of other small, inclusive publishers across the UK.
If you believe that everyone deserves a fair chance to convey their story – that representation, diversity and accessibility matter – then you can help the campaign by a small donation or by mentioning it to anyone else.
Throughout the campaign we will be showcasing some amazing stories of people who would have otherwise gone unheard, uncovering narratives that cover important social and environmental themes.
