We're Raising $$$ to Fund Emerging BIPOC Authors and Creators

Note: Your gift is 100% tax-deductible.

Thankfully, the landscape of publishing is becoming more diverse. Still, the reality is that Black and brown authors make up a tiny percentage of those receiving book contracts or making decisions on which books get published. And there is a noticeable inequity in the number of opportunities in other media.

Roughly 80% of publishing—authors and illustrators, editors, executives, marketers, and reviewers—is white. Even as the number of diverse books increases substantially, the number of books written by people of color still has not kept pace. In 2017, Black, Latinx, and Native authors combined wrote just 7% of new children's books published.

We're asking you to help us change that by joining our #BrownBooksAreLit campaign.

Two of Row House’s and Wheat Penny Press's five core commitments are [1] supporting and nurturing emerging authors, artists, and other creative voices based on their talent, not the size of their platform, and [2] publishing books featuring diverse characters written by authors with diverse identities.

In keeping with those commitments, we have created the #BrownBooksAreLit campaign to acquire and fully fund the publication of books and other media (animation, 'zines, etc.) by emerging BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) authors and creatives, and to support free community-facing events in neighborhoods with under-resourced schools. But we need your help to make that happen.

Why is this fund necessary?

Emerging creatives don't necessarily have the platforms, networks, or funds to get noticed. So, through your generosity and the gifts of other donors, we'll hold open submissions (no agents necessary!) and give authors and creators of color a chance to make their dreams come true.

This campaign is about so much more than publishing exciting work. This is an opportunity for a marginalized creator to launch their career and receive mentoring from industry professionals. In addition to having their books and projects produced, each creator will receive the help of professional editors, illustrators, coaches for marketing and platform building, and other professionals who will advance their efforts.

Your contribution will also fund fun and educational community events where families and children will have access to authors, free books and resources, workshops, and more tools to promote literacy and learning.

And there are more benefits to giving.

100% of your donation to our funding body, the WPP Little Readers Big Change Initiative, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity, is 100% tax-deductible. So you can give with confidence.