HarperCollins reveals new academy design strand

The HarperCollins Author Academy, which provides free training for writers from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds, has added a new design strand for the 2022/23 academic year.  

Now known as the HarperCollins Author & Design Academy, the new design strand will aim to provide a solid understanding of design for commercial publishing, with the opportunities to develop skills and connections to build a career within the industry. The course is for anyone aged 18 or over from an underrepresented ethnic background, with a dedicated interest in design for print. Students would be required to have a working knowledge and access to both Photoshop and InDesign. 

It is being spearheaded by art director Holly Macdonald and creative director Tiffany Leeson, with HarperNonFiction publishing director Rose Sandy continuing to drive and manage the overall project. As per the existing strands, the design course will run for six weeks. Over its first year it will offer 10 places over two strands — children’s and adult publishing — with five students per strand. 

Sandy said: “I am delighted that we will be opening up to applications for our fourth cohort very soon, and hugely exited to be launching our new design strand, which will help create a diverse and inclusive pool of designers which HarperCollins can commission or even employ.  

“We will now be able to help even more talented new writers and now designers find their way in the publishing world and help them develop their skills. Already we have seen some great people emerge from the first few cohorts, and there will be many more to follow! A number of our alumni have already had success securing commercial publishing contracts, won literary awards and are finding their way in the publishing environment.” 

Applications for the next intake, who will start the six-week course in September, open on 22nd June. Full details of the HarperCollins Author & Design Academy and how to apply can be found here.