Building a Bigger, Better Bookshelf

A few of us had a really solid idea for a book.

We have a wide variety of experiences, come from diverse backgrounds, and collectively a lot of expertise. Also, it's a pandemic and some of us don't have sourdough starter!

We sent off a book proposal to a publisher. The immediate response was, "don't spend a lot of time on this" and asked for writing samples, table of contents, etc. So we responded that if it's a bad idea, no need to waste everyone's time.

Oh no, "it's right in line with what we publish" and then goes into outlining how arduous writing a book is and how you need a gifter writer with sufficient experience. So it's unlikely that we would be successful but that the door is slightly ajar for "surprising exceptions."

It's not the idea, it's us. Got it.

It might be true. We might not be great. (I'm certainly the weakest link in the bunch) And they publish some great stuff. I have read most of the books they've put out. Turns out all of them are white authors and predominantly men but no slouches among them.

The bigger issue is that we've closed the door most of the way on diverse voices and insights. When we share blogs or books, approaches or insights, the ones on the surface are the ones that publishers like to pick up. They're the people who are the well connected, experienced, "names" in the industry. Are those the only voices out there?

In 1975, Steve Sasson was 2 years out of grad school and all of 25 when he invented the digital camera when working in the basement at Kodak.

Nir Eyal was 34 when his book Hooked became a Wall Street Journal bestseller.

Aleyda Solis has forgotten more about SEO at 40 than most people will ever know.

So, we don't think so. We think there are other voices we need to hear.

We're going to put our own book project on the shelf for a hot second because we think it's time for us to get a bigger, better bookshelf, one that challenges us and enhances us. There's no need to take down the books you have but maybe there are some new names that will spark new ideas or new innovations for you.

But we need your help.

Who are the authors, bloggers, newsletter writers etc who are diversity enhancing to our sector? Post their work or tag them below.

Let's build a bigger, better bookshelf together!