| By Jonathan Vereecke, Sr. Acquisitions Editor, Thorndike Press |
The latest U.S. Census data reveals people of color comprise 43% of the total population, up 9% from 2010 to 2020. Even as the country becomes more culturally and racially diverse, the publishing industry has lagged behind in expanding representation.
According to the latest Lee & Low survey, 72.5% of publishing employees are white. Although this majority has decreased steadily over the past few years, the industry still has strides to make to decrease the discrepancy between representation in publishing compared to our communities.
What does this mean for readers, authors, and even librarians? We’re lacking stories that showcase the experiences of almost half the population.
Diverse Communities Deserve Diverse Stories
For underserved populations, diversity in publishing creates a sense of belonging and drives connection through literature.
To dive deeper into why diversity and inclusion are so important in publishing, Thorndike Press spoke with the title advisors of our Diverse Voices standing order plans, librarians who represent AAPI, Indigenous, and Hispanic/Latinx communities.
“Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, there weren’t many books that allowed me to experience the Asian side of my heritage,” says Matthew Galloway, collection development librarian at Anythink Libraries. “I’m so glad to see the increasing opportunities for people of all ages to find those connections through literature today.”
Berdina Nieto, a rural services outreach specialist at New Mexico State Library, explained, “We have one foot in our culture, our family, the tribal values, and a complicated past, and a foot in a world that’s designed for a lifestyle that values an individualistic way of being and a future that is attractive and bright but also feels like we can get left behind and lost in. Seeing ourselves in authentic stories by own-voices authors validates our experiences, fosters a sense of belonging, and reinforces identity.”
Inclusive Reads Connect People of Varying Experiences
Expanded representation in your collection gives all members of your community opportunities to explore new cultures, grow their understanding, and learn to appreciate diverse experiences.
“Multicultural representation in publishing is important so readers can access diverse authors’ stories to better understand the human experience,” notes Sharon L. Sherman, bilingual patron experience associate at Jefferson County Public Library.
Our Diverse Voices standing order plan makes it easier for libraries to grow and maintain a diverse and inclusive selection. New titles are 25% off list price, delivered monthly, arrive shelf-ready, and come with a 100% guarantee on fulfillment and binding.
Sharing a mix of cultural perspectives, the Diverse Voices title advisors work together to bring libraries and readers diverse stories every month, choosing the latest highly acclaimed titles by consensus.
Meet the Diverse Voices Title Advisors
AAPI Advisors
Indigenous Advisors
Hispanic and Latinx Advisors
Want to build a more accessible and inclusive collection? Read this blog to learn more about how you can get expert-curated titles showcasing diverse authors and experiences every month with a large print standing order plan.
Meet the Author
Jonathan Vereecke is a senior acquisitions editor at Thorndike Press. Prior to his large print literature focus, Jon worked as a content developer supporting a range of encyclopedias featuring top academics in their respective fields for Gale. He’s the youngest of seven children (five sisters and one brother) and has two kids, two dogs, two cats, and one wife.