Each year, the University of Exeter’s MA Publishing programme commission, edit, format, design, and then publish a book. This year, this book adopted the title Publishing and Literary Networks in the South West, and includes a selection of relevant articles, reviews, and interviews, each providing insight into the South West’s involvement in the literary sphere. For anyone bookish, keen on exploring their local literary environments, or interested in hearing from people in the industry, this publication brings together a range of exciting elements.
The MA course itself sets out to involve students in the publishing process by giving them hands-on experience. Co-directed by Dr Kate Wallis, who has accrued over 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, and Dr D-M Withers, whose research has largely focused on feminist and queer publishing, the programme provides insight into a complex, fascinating, and historical industry.
The 2024 publication, led by the co-directors, involved work by everyone on the programme. Students led interviews with artists such as Becky Bettesworth and booksellers such as Charlie Richards, co-owner of Exeter’s only independent bookshop Bookbag; wrote and/or edited articles on archives, sustainability, and festivals; and gave reviews of events such as Queer Out Loud and Wells Festival of Literature. Through these pieces, readers can attain a thorough impression of the diverse literary offerings of the South West, all in one publication.
Readers can attain a thorough impression of the diverse literary offerings of the South West
Sporting a colourful design both inside and out, and featuring artwork from local South West artist Woon Bing on its cover, this book is engaging both in appearance and contents. As a part of the cohort myself, watching this project come to fruition has been a wonderful and rewarding experience, and working alongside other MA publishing students has been an absolute joy.
Publishing and Literary Networks in the South West will be launched 23/03/2024 in paperback, and is available as a free e-book. More information can be found at the MA Publishing website, on LinkedIn at MA Publishing Exeter, or on Instagram @uoepublishing.
