Upskilling for Inclusive Publishing Opportunities – Black History Month Spotlight Upskilling for Inclusive Publishing Opportunities – Black History Month Spotlight
By Natasha Charles, Carrie-Anne Beale, Ciara Corr and Clara Burns By Natasha Charles, Carrie-Anne Beale, Ciara Corr and Clara Burns
Publishing has the power to shape perspectives, amplify underrepresented voices and reflect the diverse world we live in. However, despite progress towards greater representation, barriers to entry and career progression continue to affect many aspiring publishing professionals from underrepresented backgrounds. For Black History Month 2026, The Publishing Post is spotlighting the importance of upskilling as a way to create more inclusive opportunities across the industry. From developing practical skills and gaining industry knowledge to accessing mentorship and professional networks, upskilling can help individuals build the confidence and experience needed to pursue a career in publishing. This spotlight aims to highlight how upskilling can support greater diversity, open doors for emerging talent and contribute to a publishing industry where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Inclusion in the Publishing Industry
In the publishing industry, there is an issue with representation reflected both within the workforce and in the stories that are being published.
The Publishers Association’s UK Publishing Workforce: Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging in 2024 report found that ethnic minority representation in the UK publishing industry had reduced by two percentage points. Other conversations in the industry centre around inequalities in children’s books. Research shows that in 2025 only 47 of 2,189 books published for children under ten featured a Black main character.
How Are Publishers Tackling This Lack of Inclusion?
Many publishers offer internships, traineeships or mentorship programmes to include people from underrepresented backgrounds, working to dismantle barriers for entry into the publishing industry. There are mentorships for emerging writers, helping to change the future of publishing so that stories represent the diversity of communities in the UK. One such scheme is the Bloomsbury Mentorship Programme. Publishing houses like Storymix create stories for children and teenagers that put children of colour at the centre of high concept narratives. They work with writers and illustrators from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds to create opportunities for underrepresented talent.
Publishers have been making a concerted effort to address issues with diversity and representation for ethnic minorities. By familiarising yourself with publishing practices working towards inclusivity, you will be better prepared to enter the industry and contribute towards positive change.
Editorial Skills for Books Centring POC Characters
Oftentimes, while working in editorial, you will have to work with an author's POC characters. It is highly important not to stereotype them or add in quirks of your own which were not originally included in the author's work (in this case, they are from similar racial backgrounds).
Here are some key aspects to watch out for when you're in a similar situation:
1. Be Descriptive
Sometimes, a white character gets an in-depth description of their physical traits while the same treatment is not given to Black characters, reducing them to stereotypical language rather than actually bringing out their appearance. Harleston, in its article, especially emphasises free writing (and then trim) to avoid this.
2. Research Thoroughly
While it may be useful to use real people as a reference while describing a Black (or other racial minority) character, it is important to fully research the person you're writing/editing. Reading books written by POC authors and consisting of POC characters will always enrich your own writing!
3. Only Necessary Changes
If you are a white person and you are editing a Black author's work, always remember to retain the author's original voice and do not make any changes which are not necessary. Handle the work with sensitivity and care; try not to let personal biases influence your edits.
Publishing Opportunities for Minority Communities
There are many publishing opportunities for minority communities available. More than ever, the industry is aware that inclusion is vital when helping people break into publishing. With the internships and positions available, greater diversity can be achieved in the workplace.
One of the excellent opportunities is the Penguin Random House position called ‘The Scheme’, which is an annual paid traineeship designed for underrepresented groups. As part of this, the candidate can learn about all areas of publishing, from editorial to marketing. They take the trainees to events such as The London Book Fair, helping them to develop their skills and network. This is just one of their many inclusive schemes; they also have targeted initiatives such as ‘Write Now’, which has helped many minority authors to get published.
Creative Access is an excellent platform to get a publishing opportunity as someone in a minority group. They also host the Hachette traineeship, which offers hands on experience. They take trainees on an immersive journey through the full lifecycle of the book. You will also get a chance to see the bigger picture of their publishing and the wider market though working with other publishers such as Curtis Brown.
These opportunities are great to get ahead in the industry, helping everyone to thrive equally.
