As part of a publishing module at Bath Spa University, I collaborated directly with James Tookey (Co-Director, Peirene Press) to explore potential titles for publication. The project centred on identifying Romanian literature in translation that could align with Peirene’s distinctive editorial style.Through proactive networking, I also built strong connections with the Romanian Cultural Institute, deepening access to authors, translators, and cultural insight that enriched the project.
My contributions included:
- Research & Analysis – Conducted market and editorial research on Romanian authors, using databases such as LitHub’s Translation Database, WorldCat, and Publishers Marketplace -basically a deep dive into who’s writing what, and what might resonate in translation.
- SWOT Analysis – Applied SWOT to evaluate the strengths, risks, and market opportunities of specific books and authors.
- Publisher Collaboration – Worked closely with James Tookey to understand Peirene’s editorial criteria and adapted recommendations to their publishing identity.
- Cultural Networking – Liaised with the Romanian Cultural Institute to deepen cross-cultural engagement and explore collaboration opportunities.
- Editorial Familiarisation – Read across Peirene’s backlist to get under the skin of their brand: what makes a “Peirene book” tick in terms of theme, tone, and style.
Outcome:
The project received a First-Class mark, but more importantly it strengthened my expertise in independent publishing, cultural exchange, and market-fit analysis. It also showcased my ability to bridge cultures through literature by connecting Romanian writers with UK publishing opportunities.
This was my final submission 🙂
Maria Isabela 