Our Commitment to Diverse Voices
Staten House believes that diverse perspectives enrich literature and strengthen our global community. As a self-service publishing platform, we are uniquely positioned to democratize publishing by removing traditional barriers that have historically limited access to publication opportunities. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond simply welcoming all authors—we actively work to create an environment where every voice can be heard and valued.
We recognize that the publishing industry has long faced challenges in representing the full spectrum of human experience. Through our platform, we aim to be part of the solution by providing equal access to publishing tools and resources regardless of an author's background, identity, or circumstances.
Our Vision
Publishing should reflect the rich diversity of human experience, and every author deserves the opportunity to share their story with the world. We envision a literary landscape where readers can discover authentic voices from all communities, cultures, and perspectives, fostering greater understanding and connection across differences.
Core Values
Our diversity and inclusion efforts are guided by fundamental principles that shape every aspect of our platform and operations. We believe in creating genuine opportunities rather than superficial gestures, and our policies reflect this commitment to meaningful change.
Equity and Access We strive to eliminate barriers that prevent talented authors from reaching their audiences. This means ensuring our platform is accessible, affordable, and welcoming to authors from all backgrounds and circumstances.
Authentic Representation We encourage authors to tell their own stories and share their authentic experiences. We believe that genuine representation comes from lived experience rather than assumption or appropriation.
Cultural Respect We promote respectful engagement with different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. Authors are encouraged to write authentically while being mindful of cultural sensitivity and avoiding harmful stereotypes.
Inclusive Excellence We maintain high standards for all content while recognizing that excellence takes many forms. Quality literature can emerge from any community, culture, or perspective.
Platform Accessibility
As a self-service platform, we are committed to ensuring that our publishing tools and resources are accessible to authors with diverse needs and circumstances. Technology should enable creativity, not limit it.
Our accessibility initiatives include:
- Language support: Platform interface available in multiple languages with ongoing expansion
- Assistive technology compatibility: Full compatibility with screen readers and other accessibility tools
- Flexible formatting options: Multiple layout and design templates to accommodate different content types
- Mobile accessibility: Full platform functionality available on mobile devices for authors without desktop access
- Economic accessibility: Transparent, affordable pricing with no hidden fees or exclusive premium tiers
- Technical support: Comprehensive help resources and responsive customer service in multiple languages
Supporting Underrepresented Authors
We recognize that authors from marginalized communities often face additional challenges in bringing their work to publication. While we treat all authors equally on our platform, we also understand that true equity sometimes requires additional support and resources.
Our support initiatives include:
- Educational resources: Comprehensive guides on publishing, marketing, and author platform development
- Community connections: Facilitating connections between authors with shared experiences or goals
- Promotional opportunities: Highlighting diverse voices through our marketing channels and author spotlights
- Mentorship programs: Connecting emerging authors with experienced writers and industry professionals
- Technical assistance: Additional support for authors who may be less familiar with digital publishing tools
- Translation resources: Information and tools to help authors reach multilingual audiences
Content and Cultural Sensitivity
We encourage authors to explore diverse themes and perspectives while maintaining respect for the communities and cultures they portray. Our platform welcomes stories from all backgrounds, but we also recognize the importance of responsible storytelling.
Guidelines for cultural sensitivity include:
- Authentic perspective: Authors are encouraged to write from their own experiences and knowledge
- Research responsibility: When writing outside one's direct experience, thorough research and consultation with community members is essential
- Stereotype avoidance: Rejection of harmful stereotypes and oversimplified representations
- Community consultation: Seeking input from relevant communities when appropriate
- Ongoing education: Commitment to learning about different cultures and perspectives
- Respectful dialogue: Engaging constructively with feedback and criticism from readers and communities
Workplace Diversity
Our commitment to diversity extends to our own team and operations. We strive to create an inclusive workplace where all employees can contribute their best work and feel valued for their unique perspectives and experiences.
Our workplace initiatives include:
- Inclusive hiring: Recruiting from diverse talent pools and eliminating bias from our selection processes
- Equal opportunity: Ensuring all employees have equal access to advancement opportunities and professional development
- Cultural competency: Regular training on diversity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity for all team members
- Safe environment: Zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, or exclusionary behavior
- Flexible arrangements: Accommodating different needs and circumstances to support all employees
- Community involvement: Supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives within the broader publishing industry
Community Building
We believe that diverse communities are stronger communities. Our platform serves not just as a publishing tool but as a space where authors from different backgrounds can connect, collaborate, and support each other's success.
Community building efforts include:
- Author forums: Moderated spaces for authors to share experiences, advice, and encouragement
- Genre communities: Specialized groups for authors working in specific genres or formats
- Cultural groups: Communities organized around shared cultural experiences or interests
- Skill-sharing: Opportunities for authors to teach and learn from each other
- Collaborative projects: Facilitating partnerships between authors with complementary skills or interests
- Reading communities: Connecting authors with readers who are interested in diverse perspectives
Addressing Bias and Discrimination
We are committed to creating an environment free from discrimination and bias. This includes both proactive measures to prevent problems and responsive actions when issues arise.
Our anti-discrimination measures include:
- Clear policies: Comprehensive guidelines prohibiting discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or other protected characteristics
- Reporting mechanisms: Multiple channels for reporting discrimination or bias, including anonymous options
- Swift response: Prompt investigation and appropriate action when discrimination is reported
- Education and training: Ongoing education about bias recognition and prevention
- Policy enforcement: Consistent application of our anti-discrimination policies across all platform users
- Community standards: Clear expectations for respectful interaction among all platform users
Measuring Progress
We believe in accountability and continuous improvement in our diversity and inclusion efforts. Regular assessment helps us understand our impact and identify areas for growth.
Our measurement approaches include:
- Platform demographics: Tracking diversity metrics while respecting author privacy
- Community feedback: Regular surveys and feedback sessions with authors from diverse backgrounds
- Content analysis: Studying the range of perspectives and experiences represented on our platform
- Accessibility audits: Regular evaluation of platform accessibility and usability
- Industry benchmarking: Comparing our progress against industry standards and best practices
- Goal setting: Establishing specific, measurable objectives for diversity and inclusion improvements
Partnerships and Collaboration
We recognize that meaningful change requires collaboration across the publishing ecosystem. We actively seek partnerships with organizations and initiatives that share our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Our collaborative efforts include:
- Literary organizations: Partnerships with groups supporting underrepresented authors
- Educational institutions: Collaboration with schools and universities to support emerging diverse voices
- Community organizations: Working with local and cultural organizations to reach new authors
- Industry initiatives: Participation in broader publishing industry diversity efforts
- International connections: Building relationships with diverse publishing communities globally
- Resource sharing: Contributing to and benefiting from shared diversity and inclusion resources
Ongoing Commitment
Diversity and inclusion are not destinations but ongoing journeys that require constant attention and effort. We are committed to evolving our practices, learning from our mistakes, and continuously improving our support for all authors.
This commitment includes:
- Regular policy review: Annual assessment and updating of our diversity and inclusion policies
- Community input: Ongoing consultation with authors and communities about our efforts
- Industry engagement: Active participation in diversity and inclusion discussions within publishing
- Transparency: Regular reporting on our progress and challenges
- Investment: Continued allocation of resources to diversity and inclusion initiatives
- Leadership: Taking responsibility for positive change within our sphere of influence
Contact and Feedback
We welcome feedback, suggestions, and questions about our diversity and inclusion efforts. Your input helps us improve and ensures that our platform truly serves all authors effectively. Please contact us through our contact form.