Women in Publishing

Women in Publishing (WiP) is a London-based group, established in 1979, that works to promote the status of women working in the publishing industry^[1] and related trades by helping women to develop their careers.^[2] Their founding aims – "to encourage networking, to provide opportunities for sharing information and ideas and to offer training for career and personal development – still stand in the so-called ‘post-feminist’ era, where women dominate the publishing industry by sheer numbers, but have barely broken through the glass ceiling."^[2]

History

Women in Publishing was started in 1979. In December that year, an open meeting was held in an upstairs room at the Globe pub, opposite Baker Street tube station.^[2] Attended by some 100 women, the meeting was chaired by Anne McDermid, with the discussion being led by Liz Calder and Ursula Owen (co-founder with Carmen Callil of the publishing company Virago).^[2]

Aims

The stated aims of WiP, which holds meetings on the second Wednesday of each month, are:^[2]

• To provide a forum for the discussion of ideas, trends and subjects of interest to women in the publishing trades
• To encourage networking and mutual support among women
• To provide opportunities for sharing information and expertise
• To support and publicize women's achievements and successes
• To promote the status of women within publishing.

Awards

WiP presents annual awards, chosen by nomination, in two categories:^[3]

• The Pandora Award, presented since 1981^[4] for significant and sustained contribution to the publishing industry. Winners have included Carole Blake (2013),^[5] Marjorie Scardino (2012),^[6] Suzanne Collier (2011),^[7] WILDE Network (2010),^[8] Mslexia (2009),^[9] Zed Books (2008),^[10] Judy Piatkus (2005),^[11] Persephone Books (2002),^[12] Honno (2001), Fay Weldon (1997)^[13] the Feminist Library (1995),^[14] Anita Miller (1996),^[15] Margaret Busby (1993),^[16] Ros de Lanerolle (1992),^[17] Silver Moon Bookshop (1989) and Hazel Cushion.^[18]
• The New Venture Award, for pioneering work on behalf of under-represented groups in society.