In response to persistent racial disparities in the publishing industry, Cassava Republic Press has launched the second year of its groundbreaking Being Black in Publishing Programme, addressing a critical need highlighted by recent industry studies and reports.
A recent report from Inclusive Books for Children (IBC) underscores these disparities, revealing that over half of UK children’s books featuring Black main characters were authored by white writers.
The Excluded Voices report, published last month, analysed 568 children’s books in the UK from 2014 to 2023. It found that 78.3% of stories featuring Black or ambiguously Black main characters were written by white authors and illustrators. Jeffrey Boakye, an author and commentator, noted that these statistics reflect the limitations of a “white, mainstream gaze” and an industry that uses Black characters as symbols of diversity without authentically embracing Black voices.
These disparities are further mirrored in the bestseller lists, where only 23 Black authors made it into the UK’s top 1000 in recent years, according to data cited by The Guardian.
The timing of this programme is particularly relevant as recent data from the Booksellers Association indicates that sales figures for Black authors continue to lag behind industry averages, despite broader diversity and inclusion efforts.
Fleur Sinclair, president of the Booksellers Association, acknowledged the lacklustre sales figures for Black authors, calling it a pressing concern despite increased efforts toward diversity.
Cassava Republic, an independent publishing house known for championing African stories, has taken decisive steps to address these imbalances. It aims to demystify the publishing industry and provide pathways for young Black professionals to thrive.
The month-long initiative, launched on November 15 as part of UK Publishing Week, offers a series of panel discussions featuring industry leaders like Charlotte Abrams-Simpson (Orion Fiction), Nkanyezi Tshabalala (Pan Macmillan South Africa), and Nancy Adimora (Afreada). Topics include editorial processes, publishing design and marketing, providing participants with a comprehensive view of the industry.
Cassava Republic also plans to expand its impact globally. A three-month internship programme has been introduced, with opportunities for aspiring publishers in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. The programme promises hands-on experience, mentorship and training, aiming to equip interns with the skills needed to reshape the publishing landscape.
Through this comprehensive approach, Cassava Republic aims to address not just representation in published works, but also the structural barriers within the industry itself. The programme seeks to create a more equitable publishing ecosystem where Black professionals can develop and thrive globally.
The initiative represents a significant step toward addressing what many industry observers see as a fundamental disconnect: while Black stories have proven marketable, Black voices and experiences often struggle to find equal footing in the publishing world. By focusing on both education and practical experience, the Being Black in Publishing Programme aims to create lasting change in an industry where representation across various aspects – from agents to editors, sales and marketing – continues to show significant disparities.
For young Black professionals eyeing a future in publishing, Cassava Republic offers a lifeline. The internship applications opening this December could be a game-changer, allowing more individuals to contribute to and reshape the industry.
As industry leaders and aspiring publishers gather to participate in the programme, one thing is clear: the fight for equitable representation in publishing is far from over. Cassava Republic’s initiative, however, offers a promising start, proving that with the right efforts, systemic barriers can be dismantled and a richer, more inclusive literary future can emerge.
For those interested in participating in the programme or learning more about these initiatives, Cassava Republic has opened registration for their panel discussions here.
