‘Writing and Publishing Trade History’, with Yale University Press – 10 October 2023
Listen to this panel discussion
‘Writing and Publishing Trade History’ (10 October 2023) was jointly hosted by Yale University Press and the Royal Historical Society. It brought together publishers, editors, authors and literary agents to discuss trade publishing in History. At this event, panellists discussed their experience of writing for and publishing trade history and provided guidance for those considering working with a trade publisher for their next book.
Topics covered included: What is trade publishing; how does it differ from an academic monograph? Why publish a trade book? How do you propose and pitch to a publisher of trade History? What does an editor wish to see? What are authors’ experience of writing a trade book? Who are your readers? What’s the future for History trade books, and how do publishers seek to ensure diversity and inclusion in History trade publishing?
Speakers at this event
- Rebecca Clifford, Professor of Transnational and European History at Durham University. Rebecca’s publications include her 2020 book Survivors: Children’s Lives After the Holocaust (Yale University Press).
- Robert Gildea, Professor of History at Oxford University. Robert’s most recent book is Backbone of the Nation. Mining Communities and the Great Strike of 1984-85 (2023, Yale University Press)
- Heather McCallum, Managing Director of Yale University Press London with responsibility for commissioning medieval, early modern and modern history
- James Pullen, literary agent at the Wylie Agency
- Simon Winder, Publishing Director at Penguin Books
‘Writing and Publishing Trade History’ was introduced by Emma Griffin, President of the Royal Historical Society and Professor of Modern British History at Queen Mary, University of London.
The event was held to mark ‘Yale 50’, celebrating 50 years of Yale University Press publishing in London.