MA in Publishing
MA in Publishing
Posted by oh355
21 April 2024by Olivia Hargood
A few weeks ago, we held the launch for our publication. It was an amazing day and felt very satisfying after the many months working on it. As part of the launch event for the MA publication, like-minded publishing hopefuls and veterans came together to discuss pressing topics and issues facing the current publishing industry. For those of you unable to make it to the launch, you can still absorb the knowledge of the panellists through this article (hopefully!). An audio recording of the first panel will be available on this website as well, which will be linked below.
Before we get into the panels, a short thanks to everyone involved with the publication and the event! The MA Publishing cohort worked tirelessly from start to beginning to see this publication become a physical product; we’re so happy it’s finally released to the world. The events team also did an amazing job organising such a fun launch. Held in Exeter Library on 23rd March, the launch was vibrant and showcased the talent in publishing and the arts in the South West. We’d like to thank everyone that hosted workshops or was a panel member for their insights, as well as everyone that came to the launch for supporting the community we hope to create.
The first panel discussed the decentralisation of publishing with a focus on publishing in the South West. This is THE theme of our publication- showcasing that things do go on outside of London (shock!). The panel was one I was personally excited about as someone who lives in the South West. When asked about what they thought decentralisation entailed, the panellists all had something different to say. Billy Kahora, lecturer and writer based in Bristol, highlighted that it should centre on promotion of local cultures, whereas Sophie Dickinson, member of the Society of Young Publishers’ South West group, stressed the need for more jobs and opportunities in the South West- we’re looking at you London-based publishers. Ray Chubb, Cornish-language publisher, mentioned how he believed smaller publishers needed to create better networks to strengthen publishing outside of London. All of the panellists felt strongly on this topic. One interesting idea that was brought up was the underestimation of talent in the South West from outsiders. Both Chubb and Dickinson agreed that publishers based in London underestimate both the talent in the area and the interest in local topics by a wider audience. A fresh outlook is needed from these publishers so they can fully tap into the full potential of the South West. Kahora had a unique outlook; he believed that academic communities are important in creating and sustaining networks, highlighting courses he teaches at the University of Bristol as well as the MA at Exeter.
The topic of digital access was also an important one discussed. Hybrid working and virtual events were seen as the top ways the South West can be included in wider publishing conversations and networks. You would think after COVID that national virtual events would be the norm, but unfortunately even those are still London-focused. All in all, it was an important topic to focus on and we hope to see some changes made in the publishing industry very soon!
The second panel touched on topics of diversity and inclusion in the arts and publishing industries. Suresh Ariaratnam and Mimi Webb debated the work that the publishing industry needs to do (there’s a lot to do). While Ariaratnam works around the area of financial equity as a way of opening up the publishing industry, Webb calls on the publishing industry to be more transparent so as to demystify the sector. They both agreed that writing and storytelling is essential for change- with diverse voices missing in both writing and editing, the industry inadvertently excludes a wide range of people that are so desperately needed. Webb highlighted their queer poetry collective, which is a great example of how representation can create big changes. But not all changes need to be big, which is what the panellists moved on to talk about. Changes can be small and still make a real difference to someone.
At the end of the panel, a question was asked of the panellists for advice regarding those unsure that they are good enough for the publishing industry. Ariaratnam felt strongly about this question, emphasising how you should be yourself to bring diversity to publishing- after all it should be about individual talent rather than a CV or who you know. Trust in your abilities and this will bring you far. Webb also had some advice to find communities of support, because not everyone is some hotshot London-based editing professional. There are real people out there who face the same problems, and having people to talk to is so important. They also wanted to tell people to listen to themselves, and not force themselves into bad situations for the sake of a career. You should always evaluate how you feel above everything else. These words were very inspiring for many in the room who indeed find themselves coming up against the very tall barriers that surround the publishing industry.
The panellists provided advice I am very grateful for, and I’m sure others felt the same way. Publishing is a fun and dynamic industry, and don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot be part of it. And a shameless plug next- remember, you can read the eBook for free if you are interested in any of these topics. Just follow the link below! There will also be a link to the webpage where you can listen to the first panel for free.