University makes groundbreaking Publisher in Residence appointment
Edinburgh Napier is proud to announce the appointment of Rosie Howie, Publisher at Hodder Gibson, as its new Publisher in Residence.
Hodder Gibson is part of the Hachette Group. Hachette UK is the second-largest British publishing group, and the market leader in ebooks. A global publishing group, Hachette is made up of ten autonomous publishing divisions and over fifty imprints with a rich and diverse history.
The appointment and resulting collaboration will facilitate industry-specific learning opportunities for MSc Publishing students, allowing them to develop concepts and research into business critical opportunities which will have commercial impact.
The newly-appointed Publisher in Residence will be intricately involved in the MSc Publishing programme, delivering bespoke masterclasses, assisting with placement and research opportunities, sharing their experiences and, critically, helping to mentor, inspire and support students and academics.
Rosie Howie is an alumna of MSc Publishing. Since graduating in 2012, she has carved a stellar career in the industry, predominantly in Educational Publishing, where she has particular expertise. During her remarkable trajectory, Rosie worked at Edinburgh University Press, Waterstones and Bright Red Publishing before moving to Hodder Gibson. In addition, Rosie was instrumental in the rejuvenation of the Society of Young Publishers, Scotland branch – an organisation which exists to support, motivate and mentor young people interested in a career in Publishing.
Rosie, pictured, said: “A decade after graduating from the MSc Publishing course at Edinburgh Napier University, it is a privilege and delight to take up this exciting opportunity to be their Publisher in Residence. It feels like I have come full circle. It is an honour to give back to the course, and to work with such a dedicated team of staff and inspiring group of students. I hope to provide useful insight into the industry and offer training in a range of publishing skills.
“I am also looking forward to learning from the staff and students at the university, especially through research collaboration opportunities. Speaking with the students over the course of the last few months has given me real hope for the future leadership of the publishing industry in Scotland and internationally.”
This is an imaginative initiative – no other university in the UK has a Publisher in Residence. MSc Publishing has an unparalleled reputation for innovation and vision, and this appointment speaks to the progressive nature of Publishing education at Edinburgh Napier.
Edinburgh Napier’s Avril Gray, Associate Professor in Publishing, Programme Leader of MSc Publishing and Director of Merchiston Publishing, said: “Rosie will bring invaluable insight and experience, to the benefit of our staff and students.
“We are excited to work alongside such a respected publishing professional, someone who has demonstrated she cares for the opportunities of young people entering the industry. I personally look forward to a collaboration which will forge even closer connections with industry to the benefit of our very vocational – and successful – Publishing Masters programme.
“Rosie’s knowledge and experience will not only energise and inspire activity across the programme but also help enhance the critical commercial practices that underpin our teaching. We have very strong links to industry and an incredible network of alumni, so to be able to work with Rosie will be inspirational for our students and hugely enriching on so many levels.”
Dr Diane Maclean, Dean of the School of Arts & Creative Industries at Edinburgh Napier, said: “I’m delighted that this new position, the first of its kind in the UK, has been announced. Our Publishing team continually spearheads new developments to ensure that Edinburgh Napier remains the place to come and study Publishing. I have no doubt that our new Publisher in Residence will be an exciting addition to the team.”