Background
“This moment feels like a thousand fireflies lighting up a single sky, brief, brilliant and utterly collective…”
These evocative words by Banu Mushtaq, winner of the International Booker Prize, 2025, set free a thousand dreams and ideas. Heart Lamp, her collection of short stories written in Kannada, translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi, shows us how ‘local’ can be utterly universal and that… “No story is ever small…” It has reinforced our belief that translation is the instrument that can produce the startling harmonies that speak to our common humanity.
In a world where loud voices speak of division and difference, it is the quiet power of feelings embedded in words that draws us together. As her stories and the stories of several others make their way into a million hearts, we are enthused to work towards building bridges and creating a climate of connection across borders. There is no better time than this to strengthen exchanges between publishers in the UK and India.
Independent publishers, such as Chanda Pustaka and Fly on the Wall Press, are taking the lead in discovering fresh voices from diverse backgrounds and expanding the global readership. Acting as cultural bridges, they are adventurous and painstaking and do not stint on editorial time to refine new works for their markets. Equipped with both literary acumen and professional expertise, they have played a key role in the recent slew of prizes being awarded for both original writing and translations.
Recognizing the significance of this moment in time, the India-UK Publishing Fellowship seeks to bring together independent publishers from both countries to spread the seeds of diversity and grow a harvest of plenty that enables dialogue and nurtures professional growth.
The British Council and the Jaipur BookMark, India’s premier platform for the publishing industry, nested in the Jaipur Literature Festival, invite independent publishers from the UK and India to apply for the India-UK Publishing Fellowship. In recent years, the British Council has supported exchange visits for publishers, one each from the UK and India, as part of the programme, and facilitated their participation at Jaipur BookMark.
About The Opportunity
Through an open-call application process, 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 (15th–19th January) and the London Book Fair 2026 (10th–12th March) for a curated programme of industry networking, exchange, and professional development.
The India-UK Publishing Fellowship aims to:
- Support international exchange between independent publishers in India and the UK.
- Strengthen the landscape for literature in translation.
- Build professional capacity through curated exposure and networking.
- Encourage innovative and inclusive publishing practices and diverse representation.
- Promote cross-cultural dialogue through public and industry engagement.
What our previous Fellows have to say:
Isabelle Kenyon, India-UK Fellow 2025
“My publishing fellowship at Jaipur BookMark was a vibrant and uplifting experience. It was brilliant to see how meaningful literature is to readers in Jaipur. I had great meetings with Indian publishers who deepened my understanding of the literary ecosystem and the importance of publishing in regional languages. These connections will no doubt lead to career-long conversations and partnerships for Fly on the Wall Press.“
Vasudhendra, India-UK Fellow 2025
“I was fortunate to receive the 2025 UK–India Fellowship from Jaipur Bookmark. This fellowship gave me the unique opportunity to participate in both the Jaipur Literature Festival and the London Book Fair. I took part in several publisher sessions and engaged with numerous Indian and international publishers, exploring their work and catalogues. As a desi publisher, it is rare to get such a platform to connect with the global publishing community. This experience has enriched me both personally and professionally, and I am deeply grateful to the Fellowship Committee for making it possible.“
What the Fellowship Offers
The two selected Fellows will receive:
- Return economy airfare from your home city to Jaipur and London.
- Visa fee reimbursement (on submission of receipts).
- 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)
- London Book Fair (bespoke meetings and industry seminars)
- Curated introductions, visibility opportunities, and potential participation in panel sessions.
Please note: Travel insurance, local airport transfers in their country of residence, and personal expenses must be covered by the Fellows. Visa and per diem expenses will be reimbursed upon submission of receipts.
At Jaipur BookMark
The Jaipur BookMark offers a curated programme of panel discussions, interviews with industry veterans, and roundtables that focus on various aspects of publishing across the globe. It provides a platform for networking with industry professionals, translators, booksellers, literary agents, and authors. Many publishers also explore the buying and selling of rights to their titles at the JBM.
As part of the Jaipur programme:
- Fellows will participate in a dedicated session at JBM highlighting cross-cultural publishing, translation, and potential areas of collaboration between India and the UK.
- Fellows are encouraged to connect and collaborate in advance of the Festival to identify common goals and areas for mutual learning.
- Fellows are expected to be available for press interactions, with coordination and support from the British Council and Jaipur BookMark.
Highlights
- Fellows will experience the world-renowned Jaipur Literature Festival, gaining full access to JBM sessions, roundtables, and networking opportunities.
- As speakers, they will enjoy access to the Speaker’s Lounge, the Music Stage, and exclusive cultural evenings held during the Festival.
- For the latest programme updates, please visit the Jaipur BookMark and the Jaipur Literature Festival websites.
At London Book Fair
The UK leg of the programme includes a curated visit to the London Book Fair, a global marketplace for the sale and distribution of print, audio, television, film, and digital content. As a B2B fair, it is one of the most important platforms for the international publishing industry to do business and network, and welcomes 25,000 visitors each year.
As part of the London programme:
- Fellows will participate in curated meetings, industry networking events, and seminars relevant to their publishing interests.
- There may be an opportunity to join a panel discussion (details to be confirmed closer to the Fair).
- Fellows are expected to pursue additional professional connections aligned with their interests or on behalf of their publishing house.
Highlights
- Experience the London Book Fair, one of the world’s leading trade events for global publishing and rights exchange.
- Explore London’s vibrant publishing ecosystem and engage with a diverse community of global literary professionals.
Who can apply?
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.
We especially encourage applications from:
- Publishers working in underrepresented languages or regions.
- Publishers who have not previously participated in international fellowships.
- Publishers from diverse or marginalised communities.
Selection Process and Criteria:
The Fellows will be selected by a panel from Jaipur BookMark and the British Council, based on:
- Relevance and strength of their publishing list.
- Demonstrated interest in India-UK collaboration and translation.
- Commitment to publishing new work in translation.
- The capacity to benefit professionally from the experience
- Alignment with the aims of the programme.
- Preference for publishers without prior similar international opportunities.
Applicants will be shortlisted based on their Application Form. This may be followed by an online or phone interview. Final selections will be confirmed via email by 20th November 2025.
Selected Fellows are expected to:
- Actively engage with both legs of the programme, including curated meetings, sessions, and networking opportunities.
- Participate in a dedicated session at Jaipur BookMark and the London Book Fair, and contribute to discussions around international publishing and translation.
- Build a collaborative relationship with their co-Fellow and explore future opportunities for exchange.
- Be available for press interviews, social media engagement, and promotional content, as coordinated by Jaipur BookMark and the British Council.
- Submit a short reflective report or blog post within one month of completing the fellowship, sharing key learnings, insights, and ideas for future collaboration.
- Be open to contributing to future peer learning initiatives and opportunities for ongoing exchange beyond the two festivals.
Timeline
| Date |
Activity |
| Applications open |
20th August 2025 |
| Deadline to apply |
31st October 2025 |
| Fellows announced |
20th November 2025 |
| Contracting and travel arrangements |
December 2025 |
| Jaipur BookMark |
15th–19th January 2026 |
| London Book Fair |
10th–12th March 2026 |
| Post-fellowship reporting |
April 2026 |
Submit Your Application Now
FAQs
We are defining independent publishers as publishers and imprints that are not part of large conglomerates or multinational corporations. We would encourage applications from indies that are developing eclectic lists in different languages and experimenting with form and content.
In this case, publishing professionals include editorial, marketing, and rights professionals working within independent publishing houses. We are not accepting applications from literary agents, scouts, booksellers, designers, or translators for this call.
Freelancers may apply for this opportunity if they do a large amount of work in an editorial, marketing, or rights role with an independent publisher. Please be sure to give details of this work and the nature of your relationship with the independent publisher clearly in your application. Freelancers with a broader portfolio of work would not be eligible for this call, as we are looking to build the capacity of independent publishers.
Working knowledge of English is preferable. Participation in both the Jaipur and London programmes, including meetings and public discussions will require a basic knowledge of English. However, we will do our best to provide assistance through on the spot translation for candidates as needed.
Yes, but only one Fellow per country will be selected. If multiple individuals from one organisation apply, only one may be shortlisted.
You don’t need a valid passport to apply, but you must be able to secure one (and the necessary visas) within the timeframe if selected.
Visa application support letters will be provided, and visa fees will be reimbursed upon submission of receipts.
There is no formal age restriction, but applicants should have between 5 or more years of professional experience in publishing.
Fellows must cover their travel insurance, personal expenses, and local transport to and from the airport in their home country. All other major costs (airfare, visa, accommodation, access passes, etc.) are covered.
