The Scotland branch of the Society of Young Publishers (SYP) and the Edinburgh International Book Festival have collaborated to organise a panel discussion on 19th August 2021 to discuss Rethinking ‘Diversity’: Lasting Change, followed by a post-event discussion and networking session.

The panel discussion is inspired by the “Rethinking ‘Diversity’ in Publishing” report (2020), the first academic study in the UK that questioned how cultural production itself might disadvantage writers of colour. This report was led by Dr Anamik Saha and Dr Sandra van Lente in partnership with Goldsmiths, University of London, Spread the Word and The Bookseller. 

Report author Dr Anamik Saha will join the panel, chaired by Ellah P. Wakatama OBE (Editor-at-Large at Canongate), alongside Margaret Busby CBE, Hon. FRSL; Crystal Mahey-Morgan (Publisher and Literary Agent); Samantha Williams (Founder of BookLove).

SYP Scotland co-chairs, Sonali Misra and Grace Balfour-Harle will introduce the panel and lead the post-event discussion.

Sonali and Grace said:

“It has been a top priority to organise thought-provoking events on representation and accessibility in the UK publishing industry. We look forward to hearing the ideas and concerns that the panellists will share, as they discuss where the industry stands today and what still needs to change.” 

It is key for the Edinburgh International Book Festival and SYP Scotland that these events should minimise barriers to access, so both the panel discussion and the post-event discussion are free but ticketed. The events are open to publishing professionals, aspiring publishers and anyone interested in industry.

Tickets to the Rethinking ‘Diversity’: Lasting Change panel discussion can be booked here and tickets to the post-event discussion and networking session can be booked here (limited spots).

The Festival is also organising other “Business of Books” events, which can be found here.

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