Author diversity at major publishing houses has increased in recent years, but white writers still dominate, accounting for 95% of published fiction since 1950.1 The continuity of Black literature depends on a society that values Black narratives. Hurston/Wright works to build a supportive literary community through author talks, literary salons, and writing classes. With the goal of offering the support and resources to expand the presence of aspiring Black authors, the Hurston/Wright Writers Week Retreat at Rutgers University, co-presented by Hachette Book Group is a seven-day summer writing workshop which will include writing instruction, workshopping, networking, and craft talks hosted by industry leaders. Two Hachette Fellows will be able to meet with publishing teams throughout HBG for consultation and mentoring and they will receive instruction and advisement from both Hurston/Wright authors and HBG employees.
“We are appreciative of this partnership with Hachette, hoping to continue to bridge gaps and create meaningful experiences for Black writers,” says Khadijah Ali-Coleman, Hurston/Wright Foundation’s executive director. “As Hurston/Wright continues to provide the necessary services, supports and opportunities for Black writers, we applaud partners like Hachette who use their platform to create diverse and equitable spaces.”
The Hurston/Wright Writers Week Workshop retreat at Rutgers University takes place June 26-July 1, 2022. This workshop retreat is taught by multi-genre writer Destiny Birdsong and is a multi-genre workshop as well. Tuition for this workshop includes the cost for on-campus housing. Two applicants to this workshop facilated by Destiny Birdsong will be selected to become Hachette Fellows. A Hachette Fellow will be offered free tuition to the workshop and the opportunity to receive mentorship from editors from Hachette Book Group. Applicants to the workshop who are selected to be Hachette Fellows will be notified in May. Deadline to apply for this workshop is April 23, 2022. Apply here.