Book world debates

Radio 4 explores key debates in contemporary publishing

Diversity in sci fi
Clarke Award winner Laura Jean McKay and writer Stewart Hotston discuss representation
Popularity of the essay form
The rise of essays from poets and novelists
Who is the most appropriate translator?
The debate over who should translate US inauguration poet Amanda Gorman's work.
Sensitivity Readers
What is their role and what are the implications?
Gender split in who gets published
Is it harder for young male writers to get published, win prizes and make a splash now?
Can writers make a living today?
Chris Paling talks about his new book A Very Nice Rejection Letter.
Book reviews
How might the way books are reviewed be done differently?
Different generational attitides within publishing
What is the moral role of publishing houses and do older and younger publishers disagree?
Young Adult Fiction
25 years since his controversial novel Junk, Melvin Burgess on YA and identity politics