Summer Work Experience - VIRTUAL (21st-25th July 2025)

This Summer our programme runs from 21st-25th July 2025 from 10am-5pm each day and will be accessible via Microsoft Teams. This programme is open to students aged 15-17. The Blair Partnership is a literary and entertainment agency. Pottermore Publishing is the global, digital publisher of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series. Our Pioneering Work Experience Programme Step Into The Shoes Of a Publishing Agent! Our Work Experience Programme Gives Students The Chance To Gain An In-depth Understanding Of The Publishing Industry Over The Course Of a Week. Here’s What You Can Expect Day 1: Team Formation & Book Selection Students are split into groups and given three book submissions to choose from. Each team will select one to represent and develop a publishing plan for. Days 2-4: Expert Sessions & Collaborative Work Throughout the week, students will attend webinars led by experts in key areas of publishing, including:

• Agency
• International Rights
• Legal & Contracts
• Royalties
• Marketing
• Product Development
• Digital Publishing

In addition to these expert-led sessions, students will work together in their groups to make key decisions for their chosen book’s publishing strategy, from editorial direction to marketing and beyond. Day 5: Final Presentations & Panel Review On the final day, teams will present their publishing plans to a panel of judges. This is their chance to showcase their strategic thinking, creativity, and teamwork. Mentorship & Guidance Throughout the programme, each team is paired with two staff mentors who provide ongoing support, answer questions, and serve as a practice audience for presentations, ensuring teams are well-prepared for the big day. Key Learning Outcomes Over the course of the week, students will gain valuable insights into:

• How to spot a great story and pitch it to a publisher
• The contracts that need to be in place for successful publishing
• How authors get paid through royalties and advances
• Building and growing an author’s brand beyond books
• Effective marketing strategies for books
• Expanding into digital publishing channels
• And so much more!

This programme is a fantastic introduction to the world of publishing, giving students practical experience and a well-rounded understanding of the industry. It’s an exciting opportunity to develop skills that will be invaluable, whether they go on to work in publishing or other creative industries. This Summer our programme runs from 21st-25th July 2025 from 10am-5pm each day and will be accessible via Microsoft Teams.