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There& #39;s a lot I think I can do differently to support #BlackLivesMatter 
https://abs.twimg.com/hashflags... draggable="false" alt=""> in publishing, so I& #39;ve drawn up an action plan. I& #39;ve spoken to lots of white authors who don& #39;t know how to help, and there might be something in this that resonates.
This is not an explanation of why black lives matter: that isn’t something that should need explaining. It isn’t a quick fix, or a magic wand, or the sort of major, systemic overhaul the industry needs in order to amplify black voices.
It& #39;s a personal action plan, because activism often needs to start at home. My intention is not to preach or to patronise, and if you& #39;re already doing a lot to amplify black voices in publishing then that& #39;s terrific - you can ignore the rest of this thread.
I& #39;m sharing it because I& #39;ve been floundering for a couple of weeks, wondering what difference I can make, and perhaps you& #39;re floundering too. Sharing publicly also makes me accountable, so feel free to ask me how I& #39;m doing on this in a few months& #39; time.
1. I want to be represented by a literary agency that recognises diverse talent. I will ask my agency what they’re doing to seek out marginalised voices. I will ask what development schemes they have to support black people in the industry.
As part of these internal development schemes, I will be happy for my meetings to be shadowed by individuals who would benefit from the experience.
2. If I am invited to an industry event that enables me to take a guest, I will not always look to friends & family. I will think about how that opportunity might be welcomed by an emerging black writer, or someone in the wider team at my publishing house or literary agency.
3. I want to be published by an organisation that recognises diverse talent. I will ask my publisher what they’re doing to seek out marginalised voices. I will ask how many books they have published from black authors. I will ask how they are supporting black staff.
4. When I am invited to take part in a literary festival, panel discussion or online event, I will look at the programme and assess its inclusivity. I will ask to see the organisation’s diversity policy.
5. I will broaden my own reading. If my reading comes mainly from advance copies sent by publishers, and those books include few – or no – authors of colour, I will take proactive steps to seek them out.
6. I will never be disingenuous about what books I like or dislike, but if I’m invited to write a list of recommended books for a media platform I will make a conscious choice to include authors from diverse backgrounds.
7. I will mentor emerging black authors on an ongoing, professional basis.
8. I will include characters in my own books that reflect society. I will not make race the defining characteristic of any character, but I will not use it as a token offering either. I will not fall back on stereotype.
9. I will follow more black authors and voices from communities other than my own on social media. I will listen and learn, and adapt my action plan in response to what I hear.
