From Editors Victoria
Editors Victoria’s event on “Diversity in the Australian publishing industry and how can we support under-represented editors” with Dr Radhiah Chowdhury and Susannah Bowen took place on 19 November.
The discussion addressed the factors that may have contributed to high levels of Eurocentrism and low levels of diverse representation in the Australian publishing industry. It touched on the importance of launching children’s authors from diverse backgrounds, the need for in-house publishing professionals to understand cultural and racial nuances in light of Jamie Oliver’s new book, and structures the industry can develop to support and publish more First Nations’ stories. The discussion also addressed the vital aspect of the perception of diversity in the industry, as well as the additional cognitive load that First Nations and people of colour face with having to code-switch, tone-police, and navigate unconscious bias and microaggressions.
The two speakers spoke of the need for stronger structural changes to recruit and retain First Nations and people of colour, especially at senior levels, as well as the importance of creating a safe space for these staff to provide recommendations. Another common thread within the discussion was the existence of unconscious bias towards staff, authors and the readership. The speakers addressed the potential limited imagination that exists within the industry as to what kinds of stories can be published and thrive in the market, as well as the difference in expectations for authors based on their cultural identity.
The discussion drew upon the speakers’ research projects:
- 2019–2020 Beatrice Davis Editorial Fellow Radhiah Chowdhury’s report for the Australian Publishers Association (APA), “It’s hard to be what you can’t see: diversity within Australian publishing”
- Susannah Bowen and Beth Driscoll’s Australian Publishing Industry Workforce Survey on Diversity and Inclusion 2022 on behalf of the University of Melbourne, in partnership with the APA.
The conversation was moderated by Editors Victoria’s inclusion and access advisor, Thirangie Jayatilake.
A recording of this presentation will be available to purchase and view soon.