Titled the ‘Seagull School of Publishing’, it aims at creating a global academy for publishing, editing, marketing and distribution of books based in Kolkata.
“We are delighted to launch this new school as we see a great potential in India in literature and publishing industry. This school will provide a platform to those who wish to pursue publishing as a career and will hone their entrepreneurship skills,” says Ms Ann Ollestad, Norwegian Ambassador to India.
“Norway aims at cooperating with Indian partners in long term projects. India is one of the fastest growing markets in the world and this includes the potential growth foreseen in the Indian publishing industry. Through this school, we hope to increase the capacity of Indian publishing and distribution and provide good partnership for Norwegian – Indian literature and publishing,” ambassador Ollestad explained.
The curriculum at the school will be challenging and intensive. Experienced publishers, editors, designers and faculty will provide insights in the ways in which the publishing industry works. The course will involve lectures, seminars, workshops, weekend master-classes, regular field visits to publishing houses and printing presses. All students will be judged through professionally evaluated assignments and hopefully they will gain tremendous knowledge about the industry by the end of the four-month program.
The best part about this program is that it attracts all those with an interest in the printed word. By not restricting admissions to age or professions, this program wishes to open the world of books to everyone.
The Seagull School will have two sessions every year: Spring (January¬-April) and Autumn (June¬-September). In the inaugural year (2012), only one course from April to July will be held.
Further information about the course, admission procedures etc can be obtained here.