Challenges and Ongoing Struggles

Despite significant progress, challenges remain. Diverse creators still face barriers including limited access to professional networks, unconscious bias in publishing decisions, and market pressures that favor established formulas. Economic precarity affects marginalized creators disproportionately, as BD creation requires significant time investment before potential returns.

Representation within stories has improved more quickly than representation among creators. Publishers sometimes prefer commissioning established creators to tell diverse stories rather than nurturing new voices. This dynamic raises questions about authenticity and ownership of narratives.

The internationalization of BD creates both opportunities and challenges for diverse voices. While global markets offer new audiences, pressure to create "universal" stories can discourage culturally specific narratives. Balancing local authenticity with broad appeal remains an ongoing negotiation.