11/10/2023

The Residential Editorial Program will return to Sydney in 2024, taking place at the Q Station in Manly from Monday 29 April to Thursday 2 May 2024.

The APA’s 2024 Residential Editorial Program (REP) will run as an intensive 4-day program for fifteen mid-career editors to work with experienced mentors and speakers. Participants work on a draft manuscript of a book that hasn’t yet been published, provided in strict confidence by an Australian author and publisher. 

REP has become renowned in Australian publishing as a defining professional development opportunity for editors. Over 120 editors have graduated from the program since it was established in 1999, with many progressing to significant editorial roles in the Australian industry, as managing editors and publishers. 

Here’s some of the feedback from 2022 attendees:

’The 2022 REP program was amazing! So many fantastic insights from publishing professionals about working with FNPOC writers, structural editing, nonfiction editing and more. The program felt inclusive and expansive, informative yet accessible. I was incredibly impressed!’

‘The mentors and speakers were each insightful, inspiring and entertaining in their own ways. Each speaker offered really practical take-aways that I'll be able to put to use in my editing work. Our group discussions were so practical, insightful and reassuring – after many years working individually, it's really nice to hear from other editors how they carry out their craft and to learn about the different ways they've approached specific challenges their work has thrown up.’

‘Being able to spend so much time having deeper editorial and publishing conversations with peers at a similar level was so valuable – to affirm my own skills and knowledge and to broaden my views on best practice and approaches to my job.’

‘I think the opportunity to speak freely with other editors, knowing we were in a safe space and could be fairly open, was the most valuable aspect. That, and the luxury of having four days to workshop a manuscript - these are the two aspects that I feel are almost impossible to get in any other context.’

‘While the “formal” part of the program (workshops and guest speakers) was fantastic, the “incidental insights” that came about just by hanging out with other editors was hugely beneficial. It's also amazing to have a whole room full of editors discussing issues and worries common to all of us, and discover we're not alone. Such an affirming experience.’ 

Eligibility

The program is open to Australian-based adult, YA and children’s book editors. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, including people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability. Applications will also be welcomed from managing and commissioning editors seeking to refresh their skills. 

Scholarships

For REP 2024 there are two scholarship positions available for First Nations editors, and one scholarship position for a freelance editor who is a member of the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd). Scholarship applications are included as part of the REP application process.

Applications

Applications for the 2024 Residential Editorial Program (REP) are open until Monday 20 November 2023 at 17:00 (AEDT). 

Fifteen participants will be chosen by the organising committee on the basis of their applications. Successful applicants will be notified by 15 December.

Guidelines and application forms are available on the REP pages of the APA website with more information on the program available here.