The Bookseller to publish issue dedicated to disability

The Bookseller will publish an issue dedicated to disability as part of its series of focuses on underrepresented authors and books.

The issue, to be published on 24th September, will be curated by writer Claire Wade, and follows The Black Issue, published on 9th April, and the LGBTQ+ Special on 30th April.

The Disability Issue will focus on authors with disabilities and chronic illnesses. It will also highlight what needs to be done to ensure the publishing industry is accessible to this underrepresented group. A preview of books, dedicated to authors with disabilities as well as books exploring issues around disability and chronic illness will also be published in the same issue. Book submissions should be sent to The Bookseller by 30th July 2021 (see below).

Wade, winner of the Good Housekeeping First Novel Competition 2018 and the East Anglian Book Award 2020 for Fiction, is author of The Choice (Orion). She is also co-founding member of the Authors with Disabilities & Chronic Illnesses group for the Society of Authors.

She said: "Fifteen percent of the world’s population are disabled, but at a time when there is a focus on inclusion, their stories are noticeably absent. Authors with disabilities and chronic illnesses have a unique perspective on the world, and their work gives insights that are often missed by those who don't live with the same physical struggles. The Disability Issue of The Bookseller is a chance to raise up their voices and also address the issues that have kept many talented writers from finding their place within the publishing industry." Pitches for the editorial sections, including comment pieces, may be sent to disabledauthors@gmail.com.

Editor of The Bookseller Philip Jones added: "We are dedicated to platforming authors and books from underrepresented areas, as well as surfacing their concerns and ideas about the sector, and I am delighted to be working with Claire and the Society of Authors' ADCI group for this edition of The Bookseller. As with The Black Issue and the LGBTQ+ Special the intention is to use these focuses as a starting point to broaden our output throughout the year, as well as across these particular magazines."

The preview will cover books from October 2021 to September 2022. Printed books for the preview may be sent, with an AI, by 30th July, to Sasha McMullin at 28 Eastview Avenue, London SE18 2HT, or an electronic AI may be sent to Tamsin.Hackett@thebookseller.com. For advertising opportunities, please contact Emma.Lowe@thebookseller.com.