By Amy Joan Sayner and Georgia Appleyard
Every year, HarperCollins publishes approximately 10,000 new books, making it the second largest consumer book publisher in the world. With over 200 years of history, the publishing house now has operations in seventeen countries and boasts more than 120 unique imprints. Their authors include winners of the Nobel Prize, the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the Newbery and Caldecott Medals, and the Man Booker Prize. On top of an impressive history, HarperCollins is now working towards creating a more dynamic culture for the future.
Over the past two years, diligent and passionate members of the HarperCollins UK division have steadily grown its LGBTQ+ employee network, Pride at HC. The network was created to ensure that employees feel comfortable openly being themselves in the workplace, whatever their sexuality or gender identity. It strives to provide a closed, safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to connect, share, and discuss their experiences confidentially through regular monthly meetings and informal social activities. Internal activity has included regular network meetings, book clubs, socials, and giveaways, as well as sending out company-wide newsletters for LGBTQ+ History Month and Pride Month. In 2023, Pride at HC gained wider recognition across the publishing industry by participating in London’s pride march for the very first time, and by collaborating with fellow LGBTQIA+ networks on a major cross-publisher industry event.
Pride at HC has achieved a lot in such a short time frame, and it will only continue to grow and spread its message in 2024. On 11 January, the network launched its first ever social media account on Instagram (@PrideatHC). The account will focus on sharing the network's activity, promoting inclusivity and diversity in publishing, and highlighting key LGBTQIA+ titles published by the various divisions of HarperCollins. Click here to see their post detailing ten recommended LGBTQIA+ books set to be released in 2024.
Rory Codd and Lexi Bickell, Co-Chairs of Pride at HC, said, “We are delighted with the response to Pride at HC so far, both from our colleagues internally and our peers across the wider publishing industry. In 2024, we want to continue working towards creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace, while also promoting the diversity at the heart of our publishing. Our hope is that building a social media presence will allow the network to share HarperCollins’ LGBTQ+ books as widely as possible.”
You can keep up with all things Pride at HC now on Instagram at @prideathc.