Women in Publishing
Women in Publishing (WiP) is a London-based group, established in 1979, that works to promote the status of women working in the publishing industry[1] and related trades by helping women to develop their careers.[2] Their founding aims – "to encourage networking, to provide opportunities for sharing information and ideas and to offer training for career and personal development – still stand in the so-called ‘post-feminist’ era, where women dominate the publishing industry by sheer numbers, but have barely broken through the glass ceiling."[2]
History
Women in Publishing was started in 1979. In December that year an open meeting was held in an upstairs room at the Globe pub, opposite Baker Street tube station.[2] Attended by some 100 women, the meeting was chaired by Anne McDermid, with the discussion being led by Liz Calder and Ursula Owen (co-founder with Carmen Callil of the publishing company Virago).[2]
Aims
The stated aims of WiP, which holds meetings on the second Wednesday of each month, are:[2]
- To provide a forum for the discussion of ideas, trends and subjects of interest to women in the publishing trades
- To encourage networking and mutual support among women
- To provide opportunities for sharing information and expertise
- To support and publicise women’s achievements and successes
- To promote the status of women within publishing.
Awards
WiP presents annual awards, chosen by nomination, in two categories:[3]
- The Pandora Award, presented since 1981[4] for significant and sustained contribution to the publishing industry. Winners have included Carole Blake (2013),[5] Marjorie Scardino (2012),[6] Suzanne Collier (2011),[7] WILDE Network (2010),[8] Mslexia (2009),[9] Zed Books (2008),[10] Judy Piatkus (2005),[11] Persephone Books (2002),[12] Honno (2001), Fay Weldon (1997)[13] the Feminist Library (1995),[14] Anita Miller (1996),[15] Margaret Busby (1993),[16] Ros de Lanerolle (1992),[17] Silver Moon Bookshop (1989) and Hazel Cushion.[18]
- The New Venture Award, for pioneering work on behalf of under-represented groups in society.
References
- "How do I get a job in publishing?" The Society of Young Publishers.
- "About Us", Women in Publishing website.
- "Awards", Women in Publishing website.
- "Jen Hamilton-Emery shortlisted in the 2008 Pandora Award", Salted.
- "Carole Blake wins Pandora Award", Blake Friedmann, 11 December 2013.
- Charlotte Williams, "Scardino given Pandora Award", The Bookseller, 12 December 2012.
- "Suzanne Collier wins the Pandora Award", Bookcareers.com.
- Leonnie Turner-Bruce, "WILDE Network - Winners of Women in Publishing Pandora Award 2010", We Are the City, 16 March 2012.
- "Mslexia celebrates first decade by winning Women in Publishing’s 2009 Pandora Award", News from New Writing North: 8 January 2010.
- "Zed Books wins the Pandora Award for 2008", UK Worker Co-operatives, 22 December 2008.
- "The Literator", The Independent, 6 January 2006.
- Persephone Press Newsletter, Spring 2003.
- Franklin Birkinshaw, "Fay Weldon Analysis", ENotes.
- "Feminist Library may be forced close", LondonSE1, 30 March 2004.
- Wukas, Mark (December 22, 1996). "Chicago Woman Wins Award". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 11, 2018.
- "Black Power: Photographs by Donald MacLellan. 13 February – 14 June, 1998", National Portrait Gallery press release.
- Cheryl Law, "De Lanerolle, Ros", Women, A Modern Political Dictionary, I.B. Tauris, 2000, p. 202.
- "Press Release: Prizes and Awards - Mslexia Celebrates Their First Decade By Winning Women In Publishing's 2009 Pandora Award!" Book2book, 21 December 2009.