Mission
At Eight Magpies Publishing we believe the, “ The pen is truly mightier than the sword,” because in the most basic of terms, words never die.
So, here at Eight Magpies, armed with our pens, we are on a creative mission painting magical pictures, by using words for the advantage of everyone’s entertainment, and inspiration.
For what are books without enjoyment?
Paper & ink, that’s what. And Eight Magpies, being passionate about books, love a great read like everyone else.
Which is why, having noticed the large empty space for certain genres; Cultural, Diversity and Disability, Eight Magpies are making it our mission to publish these subject matters.
But make no mistake, our words have been penned with all readers in mind. Because, being actively “Pro-black in addition to demonstrating those with Disabilities have much to offer,” shouldn’t reflect on Eight Magpies books as, an, “Anti-white, (or anti any group), stance, for this would be incorrect. We love all books.
The broad difference is, here stories are written by artists within these groups, whose backgrounds qualify them to write with greater authority on such topics.
In offering such literature, Eight Magpies aims are unlocking exciting, new worlds, and also encourage more children to read.
For if we allow books to forget us, who will remember what we did when we were here, or know that we even existed?
Goals
You want choice? Well, Eight Magpies are here to give you plenty, including some memorable and engrossing adventures too. We won’t limit your dreams, so be prepared to see them fulfilled, and wanting more.
Three of our key goals are firstly, transforming reality into enjoyable narrative. Secondly, moving away from unflattering stereotypical images, pertaining to Eight Magpies chosen groups. And finally, Heaps of fun.
Neither dull or boring, we flipped the script, whilst focusing on Ethnicity and Disability.
Eight Magpies will introduce brilliant writing, imaginative story-lines, in addition to strong, positive and exciting characters.
“If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it.”
TONI MORRISON | AUTHOR
History
Eight Magpies is a new and enterprising Publishing House, started because all men are equal. That being said, there is a distinct lack of books on shelves with main protagonist from Ethnic and Disability backgrounds. Groups that are under-represented, and when noted, frequently misrepresented.
However, it should be noted, publishers can only progress manuscripts submitted to them. And Eight Magpies has been created for such specific purposes, and is dedicated to writers falling into the above categories, who may feel overwhelmed by collaborating with alternative publishing houses
Other groups in society also qualify for inclusion on this list, but we have to begin somewhere, and these will be our two starting points.
Heading our range is Children’s books.
The foundation of every society, who shouldn’t remain mentally disadvantaged without representation in literature. As tangible insights have proven, how exclusion adversely impacts the minds of our future generations.
As far back as 1990 Rudine Sims Bishop is quoted as writing, “…When children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images they see are distorted, negative, or laughable, they learn a powerful lesson about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part…".
Yet, in 2020 little had been accomplished to rectify a situation, where, “More than 33% of students at UK schools are from black and Minority ethnic backgrounds, but only 4% of the protagonist’s children’s books in the UK are BAME.” Source: The Guardian October 2019.
The late American children’s author Walter Dean Myers also wrote, “Books transmit values. They explore our common humanity. What is the message when some children are not represented in those books? … Where are black children going to get a sense of who they are and what they can be?”
The continued absence of stories written by authors representing Culture, Diversity and Disability need not be ignored any longer, because Eight Magpies will open those possibilities.
Why limit the range of books available to readers, when there is not only room on the shelves, but a need and a growing appetite for more.
The same can be said on the subject of disability, for 8% of children in the UK have a disability, (source: SCOPE), a figure in excess of 1,280,000.
Where are the books for this group?
Eight Magpies Publishing plan on rectifying both dire situations, though writers from these sectors need to play their part.