We are not accepting applications for the July-December 2023 cycle. Please check back for an update on when Rep Matters will reopen to applications. Thanks for your interest, and be well.



Our Mission



Why we created this program:

Representation matters. According to Lee and Low’s 2019 Diversity Baseline Survey, only 24% of publishing staff describe themselves as Asian/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (7 percent); Hispanic/Latino/Mexican (6 percent); Black/African American (5 percent); and biracial/multiracial (3 percent); American Indian/Alaskan Native/First Nations/Native American (<1 percent); Middle Easterner (<1 percent); and other (1 percent). And in Publisher’s Weekly’s 2018 Publishing Industry Salary Survey, just 14% of respondents identified as people of color.

Guiding Principles:

An industry that contributes to the cultural conversation, and often creates it, should reflect the culture.  An industry that is in service to artists and cultural consumers should strive to offer opportunities for all.  It’s not just about being fair; it’s about keeping the publishing industry relevant, viable, and the source of the best possible books.

Who we are:

A small, all-volunteer group of editors at Big Five and independent publishing houses who feel strongly about making a difference in this aspect of the publishing industry.


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