People in Publishing:
Diversity, Leadership and
Publishing’s Futures
Monday 29th June 2026
University of Reading, UK
Call for Participation
This symposium aims to critically examine the structural and cultural barriers to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the publishing industry, while highlighting innovative strategies for nurturing and retaining diverse talent. Discussions will explore how inclusive editorial policies, equitable recruitment pathways, and culturally responsive publishing models can reshape the industry to better reflect the richness of contemporary society.
The event is organised by the Centre for Book Cultures and Publishing (CBCP) an interdisciplinary research centre at the University of Reading. The CBCP promotes global, multilingual, and cross-sectoral research into book cultures and publishing, drawing on the University’s extensive Special Collections and archival holdings. The symposium is co-hosted with the British Academy of Management’s Creative Industries Special Interest Group and Human Resource Management Special Interest Group. These partnerships reflect the event’s commitment to integrating historical, cultural, strategic, and people-management perspectives in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the publishing sector.
By bringing together scholars across arts, humanities and management, industry professionals, and cultural stakeholders, this symposium aims to generate dialogue and foster networking that encourages the development of interdisciplinary research.
Discussions will focus on how academic research can be translated into actionable strategies, frameworks, and recommendations that drive innovation in the publishing industry.
Keynote Speakers:
Dr Joanna Abeyie MBE – Founder Blue Moon & Partners EDI Consultancy; Former Head of Creative Diversity of the BBC; University of Reading Alumna of the Year 2019
Professor Katy Shaw – Director of the UKRI/AHRC Creative Communities Programme; Professor of Publishing & Writing Northumbria University
We welcome presentations that engage with topics including, but not limited to:
- Inclusive editorial and acquisitions practices
- The role of leadership in driving change
- AI and its impact on DEI in the publishing industry
- Colonial legacies and decolonising of publishing
- The construction of publishing norms
- Power dynamics in authorship, translation and distribution
- Amplified and marginalised voices
- The responsibility of gatekeepers
- Equitable career development and recruitment in publishing
- Culturally responsive publishing models
- The role of academic research in informing industry practices
- Intersectional approaches to representation and authorship
- Hiring practices and skills building for graduate positions in publishing
We encourage presenters to participate in-person. Some sessions will be available for delegates to attend online. Please submit an abstract of up to 250 words for a lightning paper (10 mins) or a 20 min talk, with bio and contact details, by Friday 6th Feb 2026 to cbcp@reading.ac.uk.
We will charge minimal costs to cover a sandwich lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments (£10).
Organising committee:
Dr Marrisa Joseph (Henley Business School, CBCP)
Lawrence Jones (English Literature, CBCP)
Dr Sophie Heywood (Languages & Cultures, CBCP)
Professor Nicola Wilson (English Literature, CBCP)