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A new scheme developed between The Literary Consultancy (TLC) and the Publishing Training Centre (PTC), funded by novelist Jude Cook, is helping to train aspiring editors in a series of free workshops and events. Applications from "low-income and otherwise marginalised aspiring editors" are particularly encouraged and will be prioritised.
Following a pilot in 2018 – on which course a third of participants already worked in publishing in entry-level roles, but felt they lacked confidence and skills – TLC and the PTC have developed The Editing Skills Training Scheme to train up to 36 aspiring editors. The scheme builds on the pilot by offering additional support and training opportunities to help participants develop key skills and confidence in publishing industry work settings, whether inhouse or freelance.
The scheme comprises three free-to-attend intensive half-day workshops on core elements of the editing process. Participants will additionally be offered free access to a PTC e-learning module of their choice, as well as 50% off the flagship Introduction to Editorial Skills course. A Working with Publishers event will also be held at TLC’s base, Free Word, in Spring 2020.
Applications from those who are "low-income and otherwise marginalised" will be prioritised, and six travel and access bursaries are to be made available to participants coming from outside of London and/or with mobility issues.
Applicants may be interested in working in publishing, already working in junior publishing roles but keen to access skills training, or interested in any other aspect of editorial work. There is no age limit, enabling those considering a career change to also apply.
Head of the PTC, Petra Green, said: "We are delighted to partner with the TLC again on this scheme to help under-represented and inexperienced editors develop their skills. At a time when training budgets are being cut and publishing is changing fast, it’s more important than ever to encourage learning and personal development."
TLC director, Aki Schilz, said: "It is a joy to once more partner with the PTC to support aspiring editors. We were interested to find that around a third of applicants for our pilot initiative were already working in publishing, but felt that they lacked confidence and skills. This supports research into the lack of diversity within the editorial workforce. Our aim is longterm impact, and we look forward to developing this offer further."
Applications open on Monday 4th November, with details to be available on the TLC website in due course. Those looking to apply can register their interest now by emailing info@literaryconsultancy.co.uk with the subject header "Editing Skills Training".