Publishing and Literary Networks in the South West is the first publication to explore the flourishing literary scenes and publishing networks in the South West. Exeter City of Literature Executive Director Anna Cohn Orchard says, ‘This publication should be read by every literary professional, prospective university student, and booklover in the country. It’s remarkable to see the wealth of the South West’s literary industry and talent taking shape here and how much potential there is for more.’
Published in paperback and open access e-book,Publishing and Literary Networks in the South West is a full-colour publication entirely produced by University of Exeter students on the MA Publishing programme. Publishing student Catie Gilhooly says, ‘not only have I learned more about writing, editing, and production through this publication, but I have also learned about the power of connections and the literary community within the South West.’
The book includes eight interviews, six reviews, and seven feature articles. Highlights are a tour of the region’s independent bookshops, an interview with Barry Cunningham of Somerset-based publisher Chicken House and a detailed survey of the Cornish publishing industry which argues for the sector’s important role in the revival of Cornish as a minority language. The region’s literary activism is also championed, from a feature on Dorset’s The Bank of Dream and Nightmares, who facilitate creative workshops for children, to reviews of the Africa Writes – Exeter festival, and Plymouth’s Queer Out Loud, a performance night celebrating LGBTQIA+ creativity.
The publication will launch with a free event on Saturday 23 March at Exeter Central Library, 11am-4pm. The event aims to continue the important conversations around regional publishing through two panels. The first will discuss decentralising the publishing industry and features Billy Kahora, current writer-in-residence at Quay Words and Sophie Dickinson, Co-Chair of the Society of Young Publishers South West. The second will explore marginalised voices in publishing and features Suresh Ariaratnam, founder of Sprung Sultan Agency, Heather Marks, Creative Director of Word of Colour, and Mimi Jones, founder of Queer Out Loud. There will also be a workshop by Anne Le Brocq, author of The Art of Landscape Knitting published by award-winning Exeter-based publisher David & Charles. Tickets for the event can be reserved via this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/launch-of-publishing-and-literary-networks-in-the-south-west-tickets-848374239187?aff=oddtdtcreator
The book not only celebrates regional achievements but also highlights the integral role of local talent in shaping the global literary landscape. D-M Withers, Co-Director of the MA in Publishing states that ‘in making this publication we hope it will make visible the vibrancy of publishing industries in the South West. And nurture the possibilities for further growth.’
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