Three thought-provoking panel discussions explore power, representation and diversity in publishing in Australia and the UK, hosted by the Wheeler Centre, Spread the Word and the Melbourne City of Literature Office
Like television, film and other media, the publishing industry is a window into our society at any given time. The choice of books published inform us about our world and, collectively, shape our cultural environment. So, who gets published? What forces and choices determine which stories make it into print? Who are the gatekeepers and what are the economic drivers behind publishing decisions?
These high-level enquiries and scrutiny of the structure of publishing itself form the basis of the ambitious and challenging series, The Stories We Tell Ourselves, proudly presented by the Wheeler Centre, Spread the Word and the Melbourne City of Literature Office, as part of the UK/Australia Season.
Bringing together a range of writers, publishers and academics from Britain and Australia, The Stories We Tell Ourselves provides a space for reflection and challenge by opening up the conversation on equity and social justice and the stories we get to hear.
New Narratives, New Structures: Fiction on Tuesday 30 November, 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Speakers: Valerie Brandes (Publisher, Jacaranda Books), Dr Anamik Saha (researcher, UK), Dr Radhiah Chowdhury (researcher, Australia), Maxine Beneba Clarke (author, Foreign Soil and How Decent Folks Behave) & Robert Watkins (Publisher Director, Ultimo Press) with host Joy Francis.
New Narratives, New Structures: Children’s and YA on Wednesday 1 December, 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Speakers: Cath Moore (author, Metal Fish, Falling Snow), Elle McNicol (author, A Kind of Spark), Aimée Felone (Managing Director, Knights Of), Dr Melanie Ramdarshan Bold (researcher, UK), Dr Denise Chapman (researcher, Australia) & Marisa Pintado (Publishing Director, Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing) with host Erin Wamala.
Representation, Voice and Agency on Thursday 2 December, 7.30pm – 8.30pm
Speakers: Crystal Mahey-Morgan (founder, Own it!), Emma Paterson (literary agent, Aitken Alexander Associates), Grace Heifetz (literary agent, Left Bank Literary) & Rachel Bin Salleh (publisher, Magabala Books) with host Joy Francis.
Three digital events are taking place between November 30 and December 2. They are open to everyone and there is no charge.