Hay House UK launches 'Diverse Wisdom' programme

Hay House UK is launching an initiative promoting diversity in the personal development, holistic health and spirituality space.

The publisher is running a free-to-attend panel event and funding three bursary places for writers of colour to access expert advice.

Launching the "Diverse Wisdom" programme, Hay House UK is hosting Jessica Huie, author of Purpose, Vex King, the British Indian Instagram influencer and author of Good Vibes, Good Life, and Michelle Pilley, the managing director and publisher of Hay House UK at the British Library on 2nd October at 7.30pm.

The content of the session, aimed at writers of colour, will focus on how to put together a proposal, find an agent, attract a publisher, write your book and get your message out into the world. 

King, a panelist during the event, said he wanted to help underrepresented writers find their voice: "As a British-born Indian, I have broken the stereotype that is often attached to my culture by sharing my story. By being vulnerable, brave and bold enough to speak about my life and struggles as a young Indian man, whilst avoiding societal norms, I am managing to inspire thousands of people worldwide. We need to hear from other voices and backgrounds too, as everyone has a story to tell which will inspire others and set them on the path to self-healing."

Huie added: "Our personal development and evolution as one people is, in my opinion, our biggest priority as a human race. Through a better understanding and exploration of ourselves, we unlock our latent potential and are happier and more effective players in the world we occupy. As with all industries, diverse representation is critical to engaging with the masses. We need visible examples of individuals with whom we share rhetoric, backgrounds and experiences in order to engage."

Louise Hay and Hay House c.e.o. Reid Tracy said they see the programme as an opportunity to strengthen its long-standing commitment to publishing diverse voices and expand its community.

As such, the British Library panel event will be followed up with what Hay House said it hopes will become an annual initiative - the awarding of three free bursary places for writers of colour at its Hay House Writer’s Workshop (this year running 13–14th October in Bristol). The three aspiring authors will also be invited to join an author-to-author mentoring programme, in which successful Hay House authors will donate their time and offer strategic advice on the best way to get their message out.

In addition to this, in 2019, Hay House will be offering a "building your platform" training day led by leading authors and online marketing experts.