Apply to Frankfurt Book Fair Fellowship by April 30, 2016

Frankfurt Book Fair Fellows reception in the Business Club (Image: © Frankfurter Buchmesse / Bernd Hartung)

Now in its 19th year, the Frankfurt Book Fair Fellowship Program has brought together over 300 publishing professionals from 55 countries to learn about German publishing, form professional bonds, and be inspired by this growing community. Every year, a select number of Fellows are chosen from a pool of applicants and invited on a two-week trip across Germany and to the Frankfurt Book Fair.

The first week of the trip includes visits to German publishing companies and booksellers, as well as presentations, match-making events and networking opportunities. This is followed by participation in the Frankfurt Book Fair, with special receptions and events organized for the Fellows.

Applicantions are now being accepted for the 2016 Fellowship program, which will take place on October 9-23. The deadline to apply is April 30. Last year, the Frankfurt Book Fair received over 80 applications for the 16 slots in the program.

Teresa Tellechea, now Senior Children’s Books Editor of Spanish publisher Grupo SM, said of her experience in the 2011 program, “There was such a good connection between all the Fellows that we keep in touch regularly. We became friends, and now there are 16 people whom I trust in the business, and who can give me advice and tips—and vice versa.”

Cristóbal Pera, former Editorial Director at Random House Mondadori Mexico and now Director at The Wylie Agency España, was a Frankfurt Fellow in 1999. He recalled, “Taking part in the Frankfurt Fellowship Program in 1999, for me was a life changing experience. At the time I was teaching literature at the University, working part-time for a publisher and enrolled in a M.A. in Publishing. After the two weeks I spent in the company of the most enthusiastic young editors from all over the world, I decided to completely change the course of my career. Just after returning to Barcelona from the Fellowship Programme, I accepted a full time position as editor, leaving my academic career behind.”

To apply to the Frankfurt Book Fair Fellowship Program, submit a completed application form, three letters of recommendation from international business partners, and a letter of recommendation from your current employer.

Get more information and application instructions for the Frankfurt Book Fair Fellowship Program online.

About the Author

Hannah Johnson

Hannah Johnson is the publisher of international book industry magazine Publishing Perspectives, which provides daily information and news about book markets around the world. In addition to building partnerships with international cultural and trade organizations, she works with the Frankfurt Book Fair to organize and support a number of its overseas initiatives. Hannah has also worked as the managing editor for an online media company, The Hooch Life, focused on craft distillers and cocktail experts. Prior to that, she worked as a project manager for the Frankfurt Book Fair’s New York office, managing various business and marketing activities.