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Powell's Books and Simon Fraser University joined together to offer the opportunity of a lifetime: to participate in the Book Publishing Immersion Workshop with complimentary tuition, lodging, and airfare to Vancouver, British Columbia.  Submit a 250-word essay on why you'd like to enter the publishing industry; include in the essay what you think you can contribute, where you see the industry heading, and any specific areas of interest. Sorry, this contest is over! And now, the winning essay... ÷ ÷ ÷ Like other bibliophiles before me, I learned from a very young age to view the world through the lens of literature. Stories were my keys to other cultures, other eras, other mindsets. It is this translatability of the human experience that I believe gives literature its ultimate power. There is nothing that would make me more fulfilled than contributing to that collective experience, and that is why I want to serve as a conduit for unpublished authors. What follows is one of my pet theories about the future of the publishing industry. I have read a few of Tom Friedman's books on globalization — most recently, The World is Flat. Although I do not agree with everything he states, I do believe that this new century brings a closeness between cultures and makes communication vastly easier than before. The growing awareness of different peoples and our daily interactions (Youtube, IT Helplines, blogs, etc.) will incite a lust for their stories. I dream of positioning myself as an international literary agent, bringing the stories of East Asia, Africa and especially the Middle East to American readers. I have worked for two renowned literary organizations. Last year, I completed an internship at Milkweed Editions. Milkweed Editions is one of the oldest and largest independent nonprofit presses in the United States. I helped promote Anosh Irani's The Song of Kahunsha at Milkweed. As I am sure you know, Irani is a renowned Vancouver writer. Before Milkweed Editions, I worked for the Loft Literary Center. There I worked closely with the other side of the publishing world — authors and unpublished writers. For years now, I have been committed to exploring and excelling in the publishing field. The challenge of breaking into that field has only strengthened my resolve. I fervently hope that through the SFU workshop, my goal will become reality. ÷ ÷ ÷ Congratulations to Marisa, and thanks to all who participated. 
The Simon Fraser University Summer Publishing Workshops program is the top professional development training center in Canada. The program comprises over 35 workshops in all areas of book and magazine publishing, editing, design, and production. In addition to the one- and two-week immersion workshops, we offer one-, two-, or three-day courses in software training and in topical issues in book and magazine publishing. Participants come from all across Canada and the U.S. to acquire and hone their skills in the most recent trends and initiatives in publishing. |
Please note: By submitting an entry, entrants release Powells.com from all liability for any claims, costs, injuries, losses, or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with the prize (including without limitation, claims, costs, injuries, and losses related to personal injuries, death, damage to or destruction of property, or rights of publicity or privacy). |
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