Jaipur BookMark (JBM), the B2B segment of the Jaipur Literature Festival and India’s premier publishing industry platform, and the British Council, have announced that applications have opened for the India–UK Publishing Fellowship 2026, a far-sighted and landmark initiative to strengthen exchanges and build networks between independent publishers in the UK and India.
The India–UK Publishing Fellowship is a joint endeavor to foster dialogue, business expansion, and international opportunities, that involves participation from independent publishers from both countries. In 2025, the program supported reciprocal visits and facilitated publisher participation at Jaipur BookMark and the London Book Fair respectively.
For the 2026 edition once again, two independent publishers—one from India and one from the UK—will be selected from the applications received after the open call. The chosen Fellows will participate in fully-funded curated programs at Jaipur BookMark 2026 (15–19 January 2026), alongside the Jaipur Literature Festival) and at the London Book Fair 2026 (10–12 March 2026).
The Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for international collaboration, professional development, and cultural exchange, with full support including airfare, accommodation, festival passes, per diems at the London visit, and networking opportunities. The Fellowship is open to passionate, independent publishers from India and the UK who meet the following criteria: Independent publishers from India or the UK with at least five years of professional experience, working in English and/or Indian languages, and affiliated with independent publishing houses are eligible.
Applicants should focus on publishing translations or new voices, be able to commission new titles, and demonstrate strong editorial vision, innovation, and an understanding of their readership. The Fellowship especially welcomes those keen to strengthen India–UK publishing ties, engage at Jaipur BookMark and the London Book Fair, and publishers from underrepresented languages, diverse or marginalized communities, or new to international fellowships.
Selection process
The Fellows will be selected by a panel comprising representatives from Jaipur BookMark and the British Council, based on – Relevance and strength of their publishing list; Demonstrated interest in UK–India collaboration and translation; Commitment to publishing new work in translation; The capacity to benefit professionally from the experience; and Alignment with the aims of the program.
Preference for publishers without prior similar international opportunities.
Sharing her views, Manisha Chaudhry, director, Jaipur BookMark, said, “The India-UK Publishing Fellowship builds bridges and bonds between publishing professionals of India and the UK. It creates a generous space for indies to interact and grow their networks in a manner that fosters genuine cultural exchange.
Reflecting on their experiences, Isabelle Kenyon, a 2025 Fellow says, “My publishing fellowship at Jaipur BookMark was a vibrant and uplifting experience. It was brilliant to see how meaningful literature is to readers in Jaipur. I had great meetings with Indian publishers who deepened my understanding of the literary ecosystem and the importance of publishing in regional languages. These connections will no doubt lead to career-long conversations and partnerships for Fly on the Wall Press.”
Vasudhendra, India-UK Fellow 2025 feels, “I was fortunate to receive the 2025 UK–India Fellowship from Jaipur Bookmark. This fellowship gave me the unique opportunity to participate in both the Jaipur Literature Festival and the London Book Fair. I took part in several publisher sessions and engaged with numerous Indian and international publishers, exploring their work and catalogs. As a desi publisher, it is rare to get such a platform to connect with the global publishing community. This experience has enriched me both personally and professionally, and I am deeply grateful to the Fellowship Committee for making it possible.”
Hema Singh Rance, arts director India, British Council, “The India-UK Publishing Fellowship is more than just an exchange. It is an investment in creative ideas, compelling stories, and distinct voices that shape our shared future. By supporting independent publishers, we are not only opening new avenues for dialogue and translation but also providing a global stage for collaboration and growth. At the British Council, we are proud to partner with Jaipur BookMark to strengthen cultural and professional bonds between India and the UK, and to open doors for next generation of publishers whose work can inspire readers across both nations and beyond, this fellowship also reflects our broader commitment to nurturing the creative industries – supporting the talent, innovation and cultural exchange that drives them forward. She further added, “Literature and publishing have always been central to our cultural relations work, and initiatives like this fellowship reaffirm our belief in the power of books and ideas to connect people and communities across borders.”
Applicants will be shortlisted based on their Application Form. This may be followed by an online or phone interview. Applications open on 20 August 2025 and will close on 31 October 2025, with the selected Fellows announced on 20 November 2025.
