Transcultural Writing and the Publishing Industry
Module code: EN3192
Are you interested in working in publishing or another area of the creative industries after graduation? If so, this module will enable you to gain valuable experience while learning more about these industries. It combines the study of literary texts and the circumstances of their production with hands-on involvement in the work of independent publishers and literary organisations. You will have an opportunity to glimpse the book trade from the inside by means of an e-placement. In the past, students have worked with the following publishers:
- Peepal Tree Press
- Commonword
- Flipped Eye Publishing
- Ayebia
- Hansib Publications
- Sable Litmag
- Renaissance One
- Dahlia Publishing
- Halban Publishers
- Kube Publishing
On this module you will work with an independent publisher on a project set by that publisher. No previous work experience in publishing is required. Prior to the module, descriptions of all the e-placements will be circulated, and you will submit a form placing them in order of preference along with a statement about your own expectations. The nature of the projects will depend on the needs of each publisher, but are likely to focus on editorial work, publicity, and online marketing. The e-placement will take place over the course of the semester and you will spend a set number of hours on it each week. You will agree on specific goals for your placement with the publisher.
During the course of the e-placement, your progress will be monitored by the publisher and you will also keep an unassessed activity log of the time spent and work done on the e-placement project. The e-placement will offer you a chance to learn more about the mission and activities of a particular publisher as you develop skills relevant to the workplace. You will gain an insight into some of the challenges faced by independent presses in the twenty-first century as they compete with the expanding commercial sector and respond to new technologies.