Indie Novella Aspiring Editors Programme
Supported by Arts Council England
Indie Novella has found a significant gap expressed repeatedly during our discussions with those in publishing or seeking to enter publishing, was how difficult it was for underrepresented graduates and graduates from lower income families to enter the publishing industry. Many found that gaining work experience was still a key barrier and even the rise of paid internships had made the requirement for work experience a perquisite to partake in such schemes. For those living outside London and from an underrepresented background, gaining access to work experience is incredibly challenging.
Therefore Indie Novella developed a remote based programme where we will provide experience and learning opportunities to 10 to 16 aspiring editors over 12 months to give them exposure and practical insight into publishing. We will organise 12 monthly talks with people in publishing, from agents to editors to publishers, plus we will invite participants to shadow Indie Novella editors on their work and set exercises which will build their skills, all over Zoom.
The programme is part of the Diversity in Publishing Partnership and offers individuals who are unable to access publishing opportunities the chance to receive monthly training from industry experts on how to develop their editorial skills and take manuscripts through the editorial and publishing process. Participants will gain the practical experience of working on live manuscripts and reviewing submissions. The Programme will run from August 2024 to July 2025, and has the flexibility to be managed outside a candidate’s full time job. The Programme is targeted at those who have obtained a degree in English Literature, Creative Writing or Publishing and are unable to find opportunities in publishing, or those actively seeking a role as an editor/publisher. The year long programme, with monthly training sessions outside standard office hours, is to provide practical experience of working with a publisher that will fit around another day job.
Trainings will be via Zoom and take place twice a month on Tuesday evenings after 6pm. Sessions will be with experienced editors and industry professionals who will share their insights and experience from publishing. You will also be invited to share your thoughts on our latest submissions and take on manuscripts to put into practice learning from the Programme.
Time Commitment: Two evenings per month but with flexibility if not all sessions can be made. Participants should also be prepared to dedicate time outside sessions for reading submissions and manuscripts.
By the end of the programme we hope participants will have a solid grasp of best practice in the editorial and publishing process and will be able to take forward that knowledge into a publishing career.
To apply please send us your CV and short cover letter telling us a bit more about yourself and why you are interested in the Programme to publicity@indienovella.co.uk by 15th August 2024. The cover letter should include answers to the following questions:
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1) What draws you to the programme and why you feel it is the right fit for you?
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2) What about editing/publishing interests you and what challenges have you found entering the industry?
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3) What steps have you already taken to become an editor?