Allyship in Action: Lee Wind on Championing Inclusivity and Community in Publishing
On a recent episode of the podcast “All Things Book Marketing,” host Corinne Moulder, Vice President of Business Development at Smith Publicity sat down with Lee Wind, the Chief Content Officer for the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and an esteemed author and advocate. Wind shared insights into his ongoing projects, including a groundbreaking program, “We Are Stronger Than Censorship.”
A Bold Stand Against Book Challenges
Lee Wind’s latest initiative, “We Are Stronger Than Censorship,” addresses a critical issue: book banning. As a co-founder of this program, Wind works to counteract book challenges by purchasing and donating two books for every book that faces a ban. During his journey, Wind discovered that a surprising few individuals are responsible for the majority of book challenges in the U.S., prompting him to find a proactive solution.
Wind’s program highlights the vital role independent publishers play in promoting diversity. With over 50 industry partners, the initiative aims to increase the number of books accessible to those affected by book bans, creating a united front against censorship.
Understanding the Broader Impact of Book Banning
Throughout the interview, Wind emphasized that book banning transcends the books themselves. It creates a chilling effect, instilling fear in librarians, educators, and booksellers. This climate of fear prevents them from providing access to books essential for representation and understanding. Wind shared compelling anecdotes from teens who feel validated and less isolated through reading diverse narratives.
Taking Action: How to Support and Advocate
For those seeking to support Wind’s efforts, he outlined several ways to get involved. From buying merchandise that funds book donations to spreading awareness of the program, everyone can contribute to the cause. Wind encourages collaboration with publishers and booksellers and welcomes independent publishers to submit their books for future rounds of the initiative. Together, these steps aim to make a long-lasting impact on combating book censorship.
Lessons in Allyship and Empowerment
Wind’s newest book, Like That, Eleanor: The Amazing Power of Being an Ally, draws inspiration from historical figures like Eleanor Roosevelt, who exemplified allyship in her time. Through engaging storytelling, Wind emphasizes the importance of teaching children how to become allies, drawing from the lessons of history to inspire action in today’s youth.
Tips for Effective Book Marketing
In sharing his marketing wisdom, Wind provided three key strategies:
- Focus on Passion, Not Self-Promotion: By sharing the underlying excitement and purpose behind your book, you can connect with others without the discomfort of self-promotion.
- Build Your Network Gradually: Recognize the importance of establishing connections within your community before attempting to expand your reach.
- Prioritize Email Lists: Email lists offer a stable, direct line of communication, surpassing the unpredictability and transient nature of social media platforms.
Final Thoughts
Lee Wind’s insight on book marketing and advocacy leaves a lasting impression. His commitment to advocating for freedom of expression, uplifting marginalized voices, and empowering future generations through reading resonates profoundly. For more information on how to get involved, visit “We Are Stronger Than Censorship” at wearestrongthancensorship.org. To learn more about Lee Wind’s books, head to leewind.org. Through united efforts, we can make significant strides in promoting diversity and challenging censorship in literature.
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