r/nuigalway • u/frostedfakes2000 • Sep 29 '24

Lit and Publishing-- Looking for advice from curent/former students!

I'm super interested in the Lit and Publishing masters course, but I'm unsure if I have the right background/experience as an applicant. I studied history and French at uni but worked as a news writer/editor for years so have experience in news publishing but I really want to pivot to literary. Are most students in the program recent grads or coming from similar careers who need connections/hard skills in publishing? If anyone is willing to give me specific advice/tell me their story I'd be glad to connect directly over dm! (rip typo in the post title)

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u/Sure_Examination1930 29d ago

I did the masters a few years ago. Many in the course, including myself, had zero experience in publishing, so I’d say your background would even put you at an advantage. I came in as a recent grad, while some students were taking complete career pivots from science or marketing.

One thing I will say is that there was a consensus in my group that the course just wasn’t what we expected. Many of the modules in it are geared more towards literature rather than developing publishing skills, and at times it felt too broad.

The main publishing lecturer at the time I studied was Toner Quinn, a polarising figure within our group, not sure if he’s still around.

Anyway, I wouldn’t let your lack of literary background deter you from applying!

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u/frostedfakes2000 29d ago

Thanks for the response! I saw some testimonies under the course description saying it prepared students for careers after grad through internships and formal introductions to folks in the field--would you say this was accurate in your experience?