Fellows in Literary Publishing
WHERE:
Dalkey Archive Press
ph 217.244.5700
fax 217.244.9142
http://www.dalkeyarchive.com/
University of Illinois
1805 S. Wright Street, MC-011
Champaign, IL 61820
DESCRIPTION:
Beginning in the summer of 2009, Dalkey Archive Press at the University of Illinois will be offering an opportunity to young people to gain full-time experience in literary publishing by working at Dalkey Archive Press. The expectation is that, at the end of a year, fellows will be qualified for a position at either Dalkey Archive or at another literary publisher.
During the fellowship year, fellows will be challenged to:
- Achieve advanced copyediting and proofreading abilities
- Help to identify books that Dalkey should consider for publication, and write reader reports on these books
- Work closely with the publisher and editors to develop high-level publishing skills
- Gain experience in both marketing and fundraising
- Learn how to work with translators, authors, agents, and other publishers
- Read unsolicited manuscript submissions
Fellows will learn about publishing from the ground up and will be called upon to perform a wide range of duties, from the menial to the advanced; they will be expected to bring work home with them at night, and regularly prove their commitment to publishing and desire to take on more and more work. In turn, Dalkey Archive hopes to identify people who will have a career at the Press.
The difference between this fellowship and an entry-level position is that the Press assumes that this will be a learning experience on the part of the fellows and therefore provides the time and opportunity to learn before becoming fully responsible employees. At the same time, the Press also assumes that the fellows will learn quickly and be highly motivated and ambitious.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Those interested in applying should submit the following by March 31, 2009, though early applications are welcome (the Press expects to appoint a maximum of two fellows):
- A letter explaining interest in the fellowship, career plans, and a detailed description of literary background (areas of interest, favorite authors, aesthetic interests, and familiarity with works published by Dalkey Archive Press)
- A complete resume, including all relevant experience
- 3 references
Applications should be submitted by e-mail to: John O’Brien, Publisher of Dalkey Archive Press, at obrien@dalkeyarchive.com.
Preference will be given to applicants who have one or more of the following: a wide reading knowledge of Dalkey Archive titles and authors; reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages; advanced computer skills and knowledge of web development; previous office experience; business skills that can be applied to publishing.
Awards will be announced in April, 2009. Fellows receive an $18,000 stipend and medical benefits.