Hay House UK launches initiative to attract more writers of colour
Inspired by the work of their author, the entrepreneur and influencer Jessica Huie, and excited by other diversity initiatives in the publishing industry, Hay House UK has launched an initiative to attract more writers of colour.
‘Diverse Wisdom’ will roll out a programme of events and opportunities, starting with a competition for aspiring authors of colour writing about personal development, wellness or spirituality.
Three aspiring authors have the chance to win a package that includes:
- a free place at the Bristol Writer’s Workshop on 13th and 14th October 2018 OR access to the Online Writer’s Workshop worth $1,199
- travel expenses and accommodation costs covered, up to £200 per person
- access to Hay House’s platform- and brand-building masterclass in 2019
- an author-to-author mentorship in which successful Hay House authors will donate their time and offer strategic advice on the best way to get your message out
The first event in the Diverse Wisdom programme will be a free-to-attend panel event at the British Library. On the panel will be Jessica Huie, author of Purpose, Vex King, the British Indian Instagram influencer and author of Good Vibes, Good Life, and Michelle Pilley, the Managing Director and Publisher of Hay House UK.
This event is aimed at writers of colour and will focus on how to put together a proposal, find an agent, attract a publisher, write a book and get your message out into the world.
Personal development
Vex is really keen to help others to share their voices:
‘As a British-born Indian, I have broken the stereotype that is often attached to my culture by sharing my story. By being vulnerable, brave and bold enough to speak about my life and struggles as a young Indian man, whilst avoiding societal norms, I am managing to inspire thousands of people worldwide. We need to hear from other voices and backgrounds too, as everyone has a story to tell which will inspire others and set them on the path to self-healing.’
Louise Hay and Hay House CEO Reid Tracy have a long-standing commitment to publishing diverse voices, and they see this programme as an opportunity to strengthen this legacy and expand their community. As Jessica Huie puts it:
‘Our personal development and evolution as one people is, in my opinion, our biggest priority as a human race. Through a better understanding and exploration of ourselves, we unlock our latent potential and are happier and more effective players in the world we occupy. As with all industries, diverse representation is critical to engaging with the masses. We need visible examples of individuals with whom we share rhetoric, backgrounds and experiences in order to engage.’
To enter the competition, email a covering letter sharing what you want to write about and why, and between 1,500 and 3,000 words of your writing, to: diversewisdom@hayhouse.co.uk .
The application deadline is 14th September 2018.
Winners will be announced and contacted on 28th September 2018.
