Why Representation Matters: The Role of Books in Shaping Identity – A Call to All Writers
What Happens When You Never See Yourself?
Imagine growing up and never seeing a hero who looks like you. Never reading a story where someone with your background, culture, or struggles takes centre stage. Imagine flipping through books filled with adventure, brilliance, and success—but always reserved for someone else.
Now imagine the impact of that
As writers, we hold the power to shape narratives, influence perceptions, and redefine who gets to be seen. Every word we write either affirms someone’s existence or reinforces their erasure. This isn’t just about books—it’s about identity, confidence, and survival. It’s about the difference between a child believing they are destined for greatness or internalising the lie that their story doesn’t matter.
This is why representation in books isn’t a trend. It’s a responsibility.
Writers Build (or Break) Identity
Books are more than stories. They are blueprints for possibility. They show readers—especially young ones—who they can become.
When a child picks up a book and sees a character who reflects them, it’s not just a moment of connection—it’s validation. It’s proof that they exist, that they matter, that their dreams are worth chasing. But when those mirrors are missing? The damage is deep and long-lasting.
A child who never sees themselves in books absorbs a dangerous message: You are invisible. Your story isn’t worth telling. And if the only representation they ever see is filled with stereotypes or tragedy, it cements a distorted reality—one where they are confined to struggle, never triumph.
As writers, we have the power to either reinforce these limiting narratives or challenge them. We decide who gets to be the hero, who gets to be complex, who gets to love, who gets to lead, and who gets to win.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Representation in books isn’t just about diversity for diversity’s sake—it’s about rewriting power.
For centuries, literature has upheld the idea that certain people are the default protagonists, the thinkers, the visionaries. Everyone else? They are the sidekicks, the background characters, or the obstacles to be overcome.
This isn’t just exclusion. It’s erasure.
And it doesn’t stop in childhood. The lack of diverse stories in books feeds into real-world biases, hiring discrimination, and systemic inequalities. The stories we tell shape the world we live in.
As writers, we must ask ourselves: What kind of world are we helping to create?
The Publishing Industry Must Do Better—And So Must We
Yes, change is happening, but let’s be real—it’s still not enough. Writers from marginalised backgrounds still hear the same tired excuses from publishers: “Your story is too niche,” “There’s no audience for this,” or “We already have one book like this.” Meanwhile, the market is flooded with the same recycled narratives, often told from an outsider’s perspective.
This isn’t just a publishing issue—it’s a writing issue.
Writers, we must do better. If you’re crafting stories, ask yourself:
Who is missing from my narrative?
- Am I reinforcing stereotypes, or am I creating fully realised, complex characters?
- Am I writing with authenticity, or am I writing what I think diversity should look like?
- Am I amplifying underrepresented voices, or am I taking space that should belong to them?
Every writer—whether you’re a novelist, screenwriter, journalist, or poet—plays a role in either expanding or limiting the world’s imagination.
This Is About More Than Books—It’s About Power
Representation in literature isn’t just about fairness. It’s about who gets to exist without justification. It’s about giving people the right to dream, to be seen, and to be centred in their own stories.
Writers, we are the architects of imagination. We are the ones shaping the stories that future generations will grow up with. If we want a better world, it starts on the page.
Because when a reader picks up a book and sees themselves as the hero, it does more than inspire. It rewires what they believe is possible.
And that can change everything.
