After an influx of donations, the nonprofit organization We Need Diverse Books announced that part of the money would be put to use organizing publishing internships for “job-seekers from diverse backgrounds.” The organization announced on April 14 that it will partner with the Children’s Book Council in order to offer educational programming to assist job-seekers in entering the publishing industry.
Part of the effort will include offerings from the CBC to WNDB publishing interns including a luncheon with children’s book editors and publicists at top houses, inclusion in its Early Career Committee summer event, invitation to a CBC forum and diversity panel, and access to materials including tip sheets for securing jobs in the industry, newsletters that include information on news, job moves, invitations, and opportunities.
The partnership between the organizations will help to lay the groundwork for more diverse candidates to gain access to publishing jobs. CBC executive director Jon Colman said in a release, “We are excited to team up with WNDB to further the work of creating an inclusive and representative children’s book publishing industry.” The impetus for the program is to increase diversity in publishing from the ground up. WNDB president Ellen Oh added: “Not only do we need diverse books, but a diverse and dedicated workforce.”
