The following is a media release from the First Nations and POC Writers Count research team.
Research into the publication count of First Nations and People of Colour writers begins
In an Australian first, a team of First Nations and People of Colour (POC) writers have started statistical research into how many First Nations and POC writers were published in Australia in 2018.
The research will examine the publishing industry’s efforts to publish First Nations and POC voices and has begun collecting data related to around 3200 titles. The research process is estimated to take several months.
“There is a distinct lack of statistical research in this area,” says Dr Natalie Kon-yu, one of the academics behind the Count.
“This project would be the very first look at the representation of First Nations writers and writers of colour within the publishing industry,” she says.
“The first FNPOC count would confirm the number of books by First Nations and POC writers published in 2018.”
The team has both an Administrative Committee and an Executive Committee which have met several times to determine the best means of conducting the research. Members are a mix of writers, academics and industry experts of First Nations and POC backgrounds. More information about members can be found in the ‘Artists’ section here.
Emily Booth, a researcher and UTS doctoral candidate, has come on board as a researcher and has begun the analytical process. Ms Booth’s project on the 2018 publication data of own voices picture books by First Nations and POC authors was awarded the UTS Social Impact Grant.
The team thanks all those who contributed to the research costs, allowing them to raise $26,559 and will provide further updates once the data collection phase is complete.
About the author
Hella Ibrahim is the founder and editorial director of Djed Press.