Why We Need More Diversity in Publishing: Lucy Caldwell & Paul McVeigh

In this conversation two of our leading authors who have championed working-class writers discuss the challenges faced by people from less affluent backgrounds in getting into print and how they can be overcome. They will discuss the lack of diversity in publishing and the importance of promoting a wider range of voices in literature. The event will consider why the books industry is still so white, middle-class and male and what steps can we take to make publishing more inclusive.

This event will also include the launch of The 32: An Anthology of Working-Class Voices

The 32 Launch

Introduced by Paul McVeigh with short readings from the Northern Irish contributors Riley Johnston, Dr Michael Pierse and Marc Gregg. The 32 is the Irish version of ‘Common People’ anthology edited by Kit de Waal. It has 16 established Irish working-class voices including Roddy Doyle, Kevin Barry, Lisa McInerney and Daniel McLaughlin, as well as, 16 new writers from across the island of Ireland. The anthology aims to go some away towards highlighting the lack of access working-class writers have in the publishing industry.

Following the launch, join Lucy Caldwell and Paul McVeigh as they discuss Why We Need More Diversity in Publishing. They will answer all your questions about how to get started in the publishing industry.

This event will also include a free wine reception and refreshments

Lucy Caldwell is the award-winning author of three novels, several stage plays and radio dramas, two collections of short stories: Multitudes (Faber, 2016) and Intimacies (Faber, 2021). Her most recent novel, These Days is published by Faber in March 2022. She is also the editor of Being Various: New Irish Short Stories (Faber, 2019).

Paul McVeigh is a writer, author and performer. His novel, The Good Son, won The Polari First Novel Award and the McCrea Literary Award. He is the Editor of three anthologies, including, 32: An Anthology of Irish Working-Class Voices, (Unbound), published in 2021. https://paulmcveighwriter.com

Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics 2022 is a unique festival is designed to promote discussion and debate on the big issues of our times. With over 160 events in its 8th annual programme, the festival is one of the largest on these islands and with events ranging from comedy to poetry, from film to hard-hitting debates, there’s something for everyone in its mostly free offering. Check out all events at