I attended the Gothic Networking Day at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Centre for Gothic Studies on Saturday 12th July. Funded by the Higher Education Academy, the aim of the event was to give postgraduate students and those working in the gothic a unique opportunity to learn about Gothic Studies from some of its major figures ranging from journal editors to the Co-President of the International Gothic Association.
I gave a talk on publishing in the Gothic and a guide about how to present a book proposal for UWP’s Gothic Literary Studies and Gothic Authors series, within the context of academic publishing, the REF and Open Access. It was clear that being an academic in the twenty first century is a complex endeavor, requiring building a profile through social media and public engagement, in addition to publishing research.
Fortunately, the wonderful and weird world of the Gothic provides plenty of opportunities for these with Gothic Communities and networks, and public events such as the Grimmfest Horror Festival and Twisted Tales symposia.
Many thanks to Dr. Linnie Blake and Dr. Xavier Aldana Reyes for ensuring that the day was informative, but also very enjoyable and fun; I really did have a good day, and always enjoy the good humour and company of the Gothic academy.
I’d love to hear from aspiring Gothic authors, so please do get in touch if you’d like to discuss a book proposal for the UWP series.
Sarah Lewis, Head of Commissioning