HQ this week announced the launch of a new imprint - the HQ Creative Inclusion Lab (HQ CIL) - led by June Sarpong OBE who is also Director or Creative Diversity at the BBC. 

Created to increase representation and inclusivity, HQ CIL will discover debut authors from underrepresented communities. The Lab will provide a platform for voices often ignored, overlooked, or unheard and is proud to publish writing with a universal appeal from a wide range of new voices. 

June's callout asked those with a story to tell, to get in touch. In particular they are asking for writers from diverse backgrounds, those from ethnic communities, disabled communities and working class voices.

Throughout the announcement the words of Sarpong rang out as we remember her 2017 debut book Diversify.

And the words of our expert Joanne Owen: "a powerful – and empowering – manifesto for transforming the world through integration."

The poignant words of murdered MP Jo Cox are quoted in the book, and provide a powerful echo throughout - “We have far more in common than that which divides us” – and Sarpong duly demonstrates how division and lack of inclusivity is detrimental to our entire society. 

To find out more about this imprint, the criteria for submission, understand the submission process and a see a personal message from Sarpong, take a look at the Harper Collins website.