SEEN Network for Publishing has arrived

[fromorbit]

Another much needed SEEN network. Especially given that books fighting sexism seem widely popular,

Who we are - SEEN in Publishing is a network of publishing professionals, authors and creatives concerned about the impact of gender identity theory on our sector and wider society.
What we believe – SEEN in Publishing members believe in the material reality of sex. We value diversity of thought and freedom of expression. We believe that everyone in publishing should be able to express legally held views on sex and gender, including where these views relate to publishing-sector decisions, free from fear, harassment, discrimination, and negative career repercussions.
https://seeninpublishing.substack.com/

They have already weighed in on the massively sexist attempt to regender the Brontes.

Yay! Well done SEEN in publishing. Much needed given the dire state of publishing in terms of free speech

Excellent. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks

This is a welcome sight. Great news!

Coverage in the Bookseller the most important magazine in UK publishing:

www.thebookseller.com/news/news/publishing-network-launches-for-those-concerned-about-the-impact-of-gender-ideology?

Excellent news. I also think that publishers are realising that Terfy women write and buy an awful lot more books than TRAs do.

SEEN for publishing couldn’t come at a better time:

https://andrewgoldheretics.substack.com/p/cancelled

The Bookseller posted about it on their twitter yesterday and a shitstorm ensued. The thing is though, that it's had enormous engagement compared to most of their other posts, 879 likes at the moment when most of their posts get likes in single digits. On the other hand some of the comments criticising The Bookseller for posting about SEEN, also have likes in the high hundreds, so it points to a large split. There are also lots of publishing industry people posting their support for trans/non-binary people since yesterday in a way that doesn't specifically mention The Bookseller but is clearly in reaction to the post. So it's fantastic that SEEN now exists but it's going to be a long, long battle to achieve actual free-speech and acceptance of different ideas in this industry that should very squarely stand for these things.

That sounds really interesting - ta for the info 👍

I wish the editors in the QTs showed half as much vim in defending / promoting writers from under-represented backgrounds like working-class / traveller / disabled / carer writers etc.

Does anyone know if there is a way to connect with/join this? Am a PhD student (creative writing), writing a novel/thesis on a feminist topic but have had to keep schtum throughout my MA and PhD to date. Would be nice to talk literature/publishing, find a tribe that won’t hold my GCness against me.

@BusyMummy001 they have a substack and their welcome post is about how to join.

Thanks @Justme56

will go check them out.

https://www.thebookseller.com/news/publishers-pride-networks-release-joint-statement-in-response-to-seen-in-publishing-launch

'Pride networks from Pan Macmillan, Penguin Random House UK and Hachette UK released a joint statement to express their solidarity for trans and non-binary publishing professionals.
The group stated: “We are disappointed to see the announcement of the SEEN in Publishing group earlier this week. We are concerned that the anonymous nature of this group could negatively impact the work environment and undermine individual safety, affecting some of the most marginalised in our communities."
It added: “We feel strongly that publishing should be a safe and inclusive space for all, including our trans and non-binary authors and colleagues. We stand in support of any LGBTQ+ colleagues that have been negatively impacted by this news and are here to assist those impacted by the announcement.”
In a statement, the SEEN in Publishing network said: "We founded this network because we believe our industry should be a safe and inclusive space for everyone, including for those with gender critical views. Our dearest wish is to foster a culture within publishing where everyone’s views are listened to without fear or favour."

Responses from publishing demonstrate exactly the need for SEEN in publishing:

https://x.com/CV_Dalcher/status/1806027159628140855

Yes! This is my industry and I'm too scared to say anything. Yay