Program turns over new page for publishing industry
![The program is set to revolutionise the publishing industry by amplifying the voice of writers with disability [Source: Shutterstock]](https://agedcareguide-assets.imgix.net/news/articles/Publishability.jpg?fm=pjpg)
Writers with disability will be supported in developing their work through a groundbreaking program.
Publishability, a two-year initiative launched by Writers Victoria and funded by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria’s Talent Matters program is set to revolutionise the publishing industry by amplifying the voice of writers with disability.
Two writers will be chosen each year to receive mentorship, editing, professional development opportunities and financial support.
Jax Jacki Brown, a writer with disability and coordinator of Publishability is looking forward to watching fellow writers flourish under the new program.
“This is a fabulous opportunity to showcase the new and emerging voices of talented writers in the disability community.”
“We look forward to challenging cultural perceptions of people with disability as part of this program.”
Publishing houses Allen & Unwin, Echo Publishing, Hachette, Penguin Random House and The Lifted Brow have joined the program.
Writers Victoria will also work to support inclusion within the publishing industry by partnering with Arts Access Victoria (AAV) to tailor AAV’s ‘Open Your Eyes’ disability awareness training program to publishers.
“While Publishability will support individual writers with disability, the project also aims to help create a more inclusive publishing environment,” Director of Writers Victoria, Angela Savage says.
“We are excited by the enthusiasm already shown by publishers towards this project.”
Publishability Fellows have been selected from the group of writers who had previously undertook Writers Victoria’s flagship program, Write-ability.
This year’s fellows include creative non-fiction writer Fiona Murphy and YA speculative fiction writer Mary Borsellino, with two more fellows to be appointed next year.
“I am VERY excited about the Publishability program,” Ms Murphy says.
“Here’s to cutting stigmatizing clichés like ‘fell on deaf ears’ outta books and championing own voices.”
For more information on disability support and services, please visit DisabilitySupportGuide.com.au