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The Bookseller’s Working Class survey, an analysis of class in the publishing business, has been named Content Piece of the Year at the PPA's Independent Publisher Awards.
The judges described the report as “an especially strong, thoroughly researched, and well-written piece of content . . . that will push this conversation further on a very important topic”.
The article, written by The Bookseller’s senior reporter Heloise Wood, was published on 22nd February: based on a survey of almost 1,200 people, it found that close to 80% of people in the publishing industry who see themselves as working class felt that their background has adversely affected their career.
Penguin Random House, Bonnier Books UK, Pan Macmillan, Hachette and HarperCollins all responded to the findings by outlining the various initiatives used to ensure class was not a barrier to working and getting on in the trade.
Described as a wake-up call by commentators, Perminder Mann, chief executive of Bonnier Books, said of the results: "If we’re serious about change, we need to recognise the value these differences can bring to our business. Let’s focus not on what we lack; but what we stand to gain."
The Content Piece was selected from a shortlist that included Broadcast At 60, DataIQ 100, #Influencetakes10, and Medicines Animations from the British Heart Foundation.
Nigel Roby, chief executive of Bookseller Media, said: "We are very proud of this win. Heloise's work and that of her colleagues made an important contribution to a crucial debate. It's exactly what The Bookseller strives to do and it is extremely gratifying to have this work recognised by our peers."
The full survey and results can be read here.