The British Council International Publishing Fellowship connects talented individuals working in publishing in the UK and overseas to deepen understanding of international markets and forge lasting professional networks. It is developed in collaboration with industry leaders within the global marketplace.
Six industry professionals from the UK are paired with two counterparts from Georgia, Turkey and Ukraine each to participate in reciprocal study visits, work shadowing, sector networking events, and professional development training.
The fellows, who were selected in 2019 via an open-call application, all demonstrate a commitment to innovation and internationalism in publishing. They work across a range of genres including literary fiction, children and young adults, non-fiction and art and design, in roles including editorial, foreign rights, marketing, design and production, for large conglomerate publishers and boutique independent presses.
In Georgia, the programme is delivered in partnership with Georgian Publishers and Booksellers Association.
Mariam Bakuradze and Luka Limeri Grigolia, the two publishing professionals from Georgia were paired with counterparts in the UK. They visited the UK in February 2020. On their study visit, they had an opportunity to gain sector insight and forge professional connections.