UnheardWords Editorial 19^th Nov 2004

I wanted to create a site where new writers of colour hung out. A space where writers would share their thoughts and feelings and work.

An unheardwords site that becomes an online focal point for writers (& interested readers) who want to hear what other writers think, who seek a behind the scenes look at writing, who want to create a sum from many individual parts. A creative collective.

But, I discovered I had to answer one key question and spend some time pondering one potential obstacle to this collective ambition.

Q. Who are the writers of colour? And,
Q. What are the challenges facing these writers of colour?

These are open questions and you are free (and very welcome) to contribute to answering them.

My editorial will comprise my answers (& hopefully key contributions from you) to these questions as I cast my net and trawl the virtual literal seas, over time.

We’ve touched on the subject of writers of colour already . It’s got something to do with identify that much seems true. As a black man, born in the UK (London) - for me - people of colour means people like myself. And it’s in this sense that I can begin to answer the question about the challenges facing black British writers. Here’s an initial list:

    Challenges facing Black Writers in the UK

Mainstream publishers lack black representation on their boards and amongst their acquirers of new works.

Industries tend to operate around social networks - the networks of UK publishing are historical - it’s difficult to break in as a relative new comer without the class and race background.

There is a lack of knowledge amongst black writers of how the publishing system works, due to a lack of exposure to the system.

The UK publishing industry doesn’t consider there to be much of a market for black fiction.

There isn’t a lot of black fiction available in the market. Few of the books on the best seller list tend to have been written by black authors.

The black publishing houses are few. The number of black literary agents are few.

Where ‘Black’ fiction is considered it is seen as a genre of writing. And, so the writer would be expected to overtly address the racial perceptions of the publisher in terms of black people (this is also seen in theatre, film and television): is the piece about crime preferably drugs, prison, gangs preferably with guns, racism or racists, small business - hairdressing, barbers, dumpling shops, a record store Or best of all comedy; a series of sketches featuring black people as stereo-types or in highly unlikely settings - successful & professional perhaps (LOL).

Or am I being too harsh? Do let me know. Meanwhile the exploration to find answers to the questions posed earlier continues.

editor, 2004

Comment, Answers, Feedback WriteIn or email editor@unheardwords.com

  Back to Top,   Return Home,   Current editorial,      Visit Feedback page...