The Breakthrough Award

Publishing Ireland is delighted to announce the shortlisted candidates for The Breakthrough Award (2024–2025).

The Breakthrough Award is a new open application award from Publishing Ireland intended to offer an entry-point to the world of publishing for an applicant who has experienced economic, social or cultural barriers to participation. It’s designed to support an individual who has potential to blaze a trail in publishing, speaking from a perspective that has yet to be heard within the industry and enriching our field through their unique creative voice.

The Breakthrough Award Shortlist (2024–2025):

• Débora Adachi
• Isabella Gabrovsky Uí Dhubhghaill
• Queen Madunwe
• Róisín Ní Neachtain

Outline of the award:

• Free access to all Publishing Ireland events and training (including the Annual Irish Publishers Conference in November 2024) for 12 months from beginning of award (September 2024 to August 2025).
• Two morning visits to Irish publishing companies to learn how they work, meet the team and get a feel for how different publishing companies work.
• Work placement over a number of days with various Irish publishers of different sizes and specialities, paid at the Irish Living Wage rate of €14.80 per hour. Location, duration and schedule to be decided in collaboration with the successful applicant, with assistance toward any substantial travel costs to be provided. Minimum of 50 hours. A mix of both remote and in-person working is possible depending on applicant’s location.
• Buddy system with publishing professionals for launches and other events in autumn 2024.
• London Book Fair day trip – giving an opportunity to sit in on publisher rights meetings and attend Book Fair events (travel costs covered).

The winner of The Breakthrough Award will be announced 18^th September.

This award is supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon.