Black Market Review offers students professional experience

Edge Hill's journal, the Black Market Review (BMR) is produced solely by the University's Creative Writing students, providing them with vital experience to develop their professional skills and prepare them to enter today's competitive marketplace.

Covering fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, translation, art, photography, book reviews and interviews, the BMR was launched by Programme Leader Daniele Pantano and is published annually. "I wanted to create an opportunity for our students to gain vital editorial experience and develop a wide range of transferable skills within a professional environment," he explains.  

"Putting the journal together not only enhances our students' craft as writers, but also further develops their abilities as critical readers through editing each issue. Furthermore, it gives them a real insight into what happens when they submit work to a literary journal and provides opportunities to make important contacts with members of the literary world. Most students from other universities will be able to say they've worked on student journals, but the BMR offers Edge Hill University students the genuine experience working for a professional literary journal."  

One of the undergraduate students currently involved is third-year Wendy Gillett. "I feel a great sense of achievement and satisfaction knowing that I am helping other writers to get their work published. This not only influences my own writing but also provides me with real-life experience into the publishing side of things," she comments.  

Wendy began as Senior Poetry Editor in her first year, but now holds the title of Co-Editor in Chief. "Working on the BMR has given me the opportunity to broaden my skills and knowledge, which I will be able to use when applying for jobs in the future. Any additional learning experiences that help to set you apart from other graduates is always worthwhile and working on the BMR should definitely help me to do that."  

Wendy concludes, "Being involved with the BMR has been great fun. I've really enjoyed working on it and it has given me the chance to meet new people and see a side to writing that not many students get to experience. My attitude is ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained' and I've definitely gained a lot!"  

For further information about the Black Market Review, visit www.blackmarketreview.com or contact Daniele on 01695 650947 or by email at daniele.pantano@edgehill.ac.uk