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Opportunities > India-UK Publishing Fellowship 2026

deadline

31 Oct 2025

India-UK Publishing Fellowship 2026

The India–UK Publishing Fellowship is an opportunity for two independent publishers (one from India and one from the UK) to build long-term connections across borders, strengthen international publishing collaborations, and champion literature in translation.

A joint initiative by Jaipur BookMark (JBM) and the British Council, this fellowship will bring two selected Fellows to the Jaipur BookMark 2026 (15–19 January 2026) and the London Book Fair 2026 (10–12 March 2026) for a curated programme of industry networking, exchange, and professional development.

Eligibility 

The India-UK Publishing Fellowship welcomes applications from independent publishers in India and the UK who: 

  • Are working in English and/or Indian language(s).
  • Have 5 or more years of experience as a publishing professional.
  • Are employed by or closely affiliated (as freelancers in key roles) with independent publishing houses (not literary agents, booksellers, translators, or conglomerates).
  • Focus on publishing translations and new voices.
  • Demonstrate a desire to build connections between publishing in the UK and India and in literature in translation.
  • Demonstrate an interest in meeting a range of publishers who attend the Jaipur BookMark and London Book Fair.
  • Can commission new titles within their publishing house.
  • Are comfortable engaging with new people and networks.
  • Demonstrate a clear editorial vision and a passion for publishing meaningful work.
  • Have an openness to innovation, including through technology, and a strong understanding of their target readership and market.

Support

  • Return economy airfare to Jaipur and London
  • Visa fee reimbursement 
  • Accommodation for 4–5 nights in each city
  • Per diem (London); on-site meals at Jaipur BookMark
  • Access passes to: Jaipur BookMark and Jaipur Literature Festival (including cultural evenings, sessions, and networking); and London Book Fair (bespoke meetings and industry seminars)
  • Curated introductions, visibility opportunities, and potential participation in panel sessions

India-UK Publishing Fellowship 2026 application guidelines 

Deadline: 31 October 2025