Publishing Ireland Announces The Breakthrough Award (2024–2025)
The Breakthrough Award
Are you interested in working in the publishing industry in Ireland? Finding it hard to get your foot in the door?
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.
There are two criteria for participation:
- Applicants must self-identify as coming from a background or community currently underrepresented in Irish publishing. This may include those facing systemic barriers to inclusion due to race or cultural background, membership of the Travelling Community, disability, gender identity or expression, sexuality, age, caring responsibilities, low income or socio-economic background. This is not an exhaustive list – if you feel that your voice isn’t being heard in publishing, we want to hear from you.
- Applicants must be living in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland for the duration of the award.
No prior experience in the industry is required, only a passion for publishing and books.
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).
How to Apply:
- To apply to be considered for The Breakthrough Award (2024–2025) please send a personal statement: please tell us in your own words (500 words max) why you are applying for the award and how this award could benefit you. Alternatively, you can send a short video or voice recording (no longer than 3 minutes) explaining why you are applying for the award and how this award could benefit you.
- Please send your application to info@publishingireland.com
Application process timeline:
- Publishing Ireland will be open for applications for this award from 14th August to 2nd September.
- You will receive an automatic response confirming that your application has been received.
- A large panel of individuals with varying backgrounds and perspectives will select a shortlist by 11th September.
- Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by a small panel over Zoom. This panel will be made up of members of the Board of Publishing Ireland and arts sector stakeholders with experience in Equality Diversity and Inclusion strategy. This will be a casual meeting to gauge interest in publishing.
- The winner of The Breakthrough Award will be announced 18th September.
This award is supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon.
