The Writer’s Digest Podcast, Episode 5: Children’s Literature and Diversity in Publishing — Interview with Patrice Caldwell




The Writer's Digest Podcast show

Summary: <br> <br> Welcome, welcome, writers! From fiction to nonfiction, whatever your genre persuasion or literary interest, I am so thrilled to have you here. Welcome to the fifth episode of the Writer’s Digest podcast!<br> Today I have the pleasure of interviewing author, editor, and founder of People of Color in Publishing Patrice Caldwell on the show!<br> You’ve likely already noticed a slight change of pace and change of tone with this interview. This is because the topic Patrice and I will be discussing today is one that I believe is deeply important, one that merits a certain level of depth and heft brought to the conversation. Today Patrice and I will be talking about <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/online-exclusives/roar-writers-digest-turns-volume-underrepresented-voices-writing-world" target="_blank" rel="noopener">diversity in publishing</a>.<br> Patrice Caldwell is the founder and Fundraising Chair of People of Color in Publishing. This is a grassroots organization created by book publishing professionals, and that helps support, empower, and uplift racially and ethnically marginalized members of the industry.<br> Patrice is also an Associate Editor at Disney-Hyperion, and a writer of Young Adult fiction. So when it comes to writing and publishing books for young people, Patrice knows all about that.<br> Now, while Patrice and I do dig into many topics within the issue of diversity in publishing, it’s impossible to cover every nuance of this complex issue in just one interview. My hope is for this episode to help spark a longer conversation, where we can continue to discuss the many ways that we can help improve our industry and literary community.<br> Listen in as Patrice and I engage in an honest discussion about the need and importance of diversity in publishing, so that all kids and teens can see themselves represented on the pages of the books they read.<br> This episode of the Writer’s Digest Podcast is brought to you by Writer’s Digest Annual Conference. For more info about the Writer’s Digest Conference this summer check out <a href="http://writersdigestconference.com/">writersdigestconference.com</a>. And don’t forget to use the coupon code mentioned in the episode to get $25 off your registration!<br> In this episode Patrice shares:<br> <br> An inside look into People of Color in Publishing, what it is and how it works.<br> The mirrors and windows concept, and its importance in literature.<br> What questions we should be asking about diversity in publishing.<br> Why people of color leave the publishing industry and how to retain them.<br> What you can do right now to make our industry better.<br> <br> Listen in to hear Patrice talk about all these things… and more!<br>  <br> <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-podcast">Return to the WD Podcast homepage.</a><br> <br> About Patrice Caldwell<br> Patrice Caldwell is the founder and Fundraising Chair of <a href="http://www.pocinpublishing.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People of Color in Publishing</a>—a grassroots organization created by book publishing professionals dedicated to supporting, empowering, and uplifting racially and ethnically marginalized members of the industry.<br> She is also an Associate Editor at Disney-Hyperion, a contributor to Publishing Crawl, Bustle, and Autostraddle, as well as a writer of Young Adult fiction. Her writing is represented by Peter Knapp at Park Literary &amp; Media.<br> Links and resources<br> Connect with Patrice and learn more about her work at <a href="http://www.patricecaldwell.com">www.patricecaldwell.com</a>, and visit her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/whimsicallyours">@whimsicallyours</a> and Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/whimsicalaquarian/">@whimsicalaquarian</a>.<br> Visit this link to learn more about <a href="http://www.pocinpublishing.com">People of Color in Publishing</a> and see the exciting work t...