diversity in publishing – READING WITH KT

November 19, 2020January 31, 2024

19 Books by LGBTQIA+ Scottish Authors

As I began compiling resources for the #ScottishReadathon, I reached out to my Instagram followers to see what kind of recommendations they might be interested in seeing. One friend got in touch to ask for recommendations for books by LGBT writers, which gave me the inspiration to write this blog.

I’ve tried to feature each author only once, though many have more than one book published, so do check out the rest of their catalogue if something catches your eye.

As with all of my Scottish Readathon posts, here I’ve defined Scottish as those who are born or are a resident in Scotland. I’ve based all information on author bios and information found online but it is not my intention to misrepresent anybody so please do let me know if I’ve done so.

With that said, in this blog, you will find a wide range of stories from LGBTQIA+ Scottish authors. From historical fiction and folktales reimagined to non-fiction; there should be something for everyone!

July 31, 2020January 31, 2024

Transathon | Brilliant Books by Transgender, Non-binary and Genderqueer Authors

In July, I took part in a readathon called Transathon, which encouraged readers to seek out and celebrate books by transgender, non-binary and genderqueer authors.

In recent weeks, there has been a lot of hate speech directed at transgender people online. As part of the literary community, it seems to have been particularly rife.

I believe it is always important to seek out stories from people whose lives are or have been different to your own.

At this present time, as a cis woman, I think it’s especially important that I use this space to uplift the voices of transgender and non-binary people and that I make a conscious effort to champion and celebrate their written work.

July 29, 2020January 31, 2024

24 Books by Black Women in Translation

August is Women in Translation month; a month to celebrate women whose work has been translated from languages other than English, into the English language.

This year I wanted to take some time to celebrate work by women who are typically underrepresented in the translation field. According to fellow blogger, Translationista and poetry translator John Keene, that includes Black women.

In recent months we have seen a lens shone on the way Black authors are treated in the UK and US publishing industries, with such hashtags as #PublishingPaidMe revealing the stark disparities in advance payments, and many Black writers speaking out about the multiple layers of gatekeepers that they are faced with before they even broker a publishing deal.

In my eyes, this makes it all the more essential that Black writers work is consciously sought out in such months as Women in Translation month, and that their writings are approached with excitement and intrigue.

As Tasnim @reads.and.reveries says in her article On Black Authors and Buying Their Books:
“approach books written by Black authors in the same way you would approach any other book – with joy, enthusiasm and curiosity”

With that said, here are 24 book recommendations of books written by Black women in translation.

June 8, 2020January 31, 2024

Diversity in Publishing: How the Book Community Can Have Influence

I want to start by saying that I stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

I’m glad that a spotlight is being shone on both the blatant and structural racism that exists within our societies.

I also want to urge the book community to continue to speak out about the injustices inherent in our societies, and I would like to encourage each and every one of us to think about how we might use our platforms for good.