Diversity Penguin Random House published their 2020 Social Impact Report, evaluating their “social impact commitment areas” of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Environment & Sustainability; and Free Expression & Joy of Reading. CEO Markus Dohle acknowledges in the introduction, “In some areas, we have a long way to go. Change is overdue when it comes to building a publishing industry that’s truly diverse and equitable—from the authors we publish to the employees we hire. We cannot erase the past, but we can—and will—do everything within our power to help build a more equitable and just world through the power of books […]
Diversity
Reese’s Book Club Is Now An App, Adds “Pay It Forward” Platform
Reese Witherspoon’s book club launched an app and a dedicated site, which serves up her monthly recommendations alongside merchandise, community features, contests and more. With it comes a pledge, through an initiative called The Readership, to “champion diverse writers” and “support book retailers, especially our favorite indie bookstores.” That marks a significant and welcome change, since much of the club’s market-moving impact had flowed to Audible, which Witherspoon’s company Hello Sunshine prominently partnered with in 2018. Though no formal announcement was made, Reese’s Book Club vp Cynthia Rupeka told PL that “our partnership with Audible has ended.” For the first […]
Hachette Book Group Updates on Diversity and Inclusion Programs
Hachette Book Group USA ceo Michael Pietsch updated staff last week on the company’s ongoing diversity and inclusion efforts: “This is an incredibly important conversation, about a large number of significant goals. Some we can accomplish quickly, others will take concentrated efforts over years.” As Pietsch admitted in a companywide meeting at the end of June, “We don’t have nearly sufficient diversity at HBG.” The company had reported internally that its workforce is 69 percent white; 4 percent Black; 18 percent Hispanic; 7 percent Asian; and 2 percent bi-multiracial. Senior management is 80 percent white. Among new hires in 2019 […]
Penguin Random House US Releases Demographic Data, Pledges to “Make Meaningful, Positive Change”
Penguin Random House US ceo Madeline McIntosh shared with the company results of their employee demographic analysis, which paints a stark picture: “I don’t think any of us is likely to be surprised by the data, which show that our company, like our industry, is far too homogeneous. But seeing what we generally know to be true documented this way is hard: the distance we have to travel to become a truly diverse company feels all the more daunting when you look at the numbers. “But, rather than feeling discouraged, I hope that you will instead join the commitment the […]
People, Etc.
Andy Bird will take over as ceo of Pearson, starting October 19. At that point, current ceo John Fallon will continue in the position until then, when he will step down from the board and remain as an advisor through the end of the year. Bird had been chairman of Walt Disney International most recently, and joined Pearson’s board in May. Board chair Sidney Taurel said, “Andy brings a wealth of international consumer experience, as well as significant expertise in building brands, transformational change and driving digital innovation. He is an inspirational and dynamic leader with an excellent track record […]
“What It’s Like to Be Black in Publishing”
The NYT interviewed eight people from across publishing, who “told us what they are seeing now and what they’ve seen before, how being Black has affected their careers, and what they hope the future will bring.” Editorial director at Amistad, Tracy Sherrod: “There’s only like seven of us Black editors who have some authority, real authority and power — and it’s not full authority and power. Given my sales history, I think if I weren’t a Black woman, I would probably have a higher title….” “I don’t feel comfortable overpaying for a book as an editor of color. I feel […]