Yale Publishing Course to focus on the print-to-digital (r)evolution

Publishing professionals from around the world will gather at Yale in July for five days of lectures and interactive discussions at the Yale Publishing Course (YPC). 

Now in its 7th year, YPC offers two programs for mid-to senior-level professionals: “Leadership Strategies in Magazine Media” (July 24-29) and “Leadership Strategies in Book Publishing” (July 31-Aug. 5). More than 600 participants from over 50 countries have traveled to Yale for professional enrichment since YPC’s launch in 2010. 

“Recognizing how much publishing has evolved into a multi-platform industry, YPC’s curriculum will include new sessions slated to focus more deeply on the challenges and opportunities publishers are facing in today’s digitalized world, including ways to develop new revenue streams and improve management techniques,” says Tina Weiner, YPC’s director. “Participants can expect to build new skill sets that will empower them to prepare for a more digitally-driven future that harnesses the power data analytics and the increased use of mobile devices.” 

YPC speakers, considered industry thought leaders and innovators, are carefully selected for their expertise and teaching skills, and represent both large and small publishers. This year’s roster will include: Michael Clinton, president of marketing and publishing director, Hearst Magazines; Kim Kelleher, publisher and chief revenue officer, WIRED and Ars Technica; Martha Nelson, senior vice president and global editor-in-chief, Yahoo! Inc.; Nihar Malaviya, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Penguin Random House USA; Neil De Young, executive director of digital media, Hachette Digital Inc.; and Kirsty Melville, president and publisher, Andrews McMeel Universal. 

Previous sessions have included “Building a Global Print Business While Pivoting to a More Digital Future,” “Financial Realities in Print and Digital Publishing,” and “Managing Publishing Legal Risk in the Digital Age,” among others. 

One of the distinctive features of YPC is the accessibility participants have to engage directly with speakers, including opportunities to spend one-on-one time discussing the most pressing industry issues. YPC’s small class sizes enable participants to share experiences and learn from each other, both in the classroom, and during the many breaks, receptions, and meals that take place over the five days. 

Participants of the 2015 program praised the depth and breadth of the candid discussions and felt confident that they left Yale inspired and armed with a myriad of innovative and practical takeaways. “Every single session provided something of value to consider in the course of my daily activities as a publisher. I head back to my company with renewed enthusiasm for what I do and with many ideas on how to best tackle the various facets of my profession,” said Andrea Nattrass, publisher at Pan Macmillan South Africa. 

Ann Taylor Pittman, executive editor of food at Cooking Light, echoed that sentiment, saying, “What an incredible, truly immersive experience. In those five days, I got a career’s worth of excellent insight, advice, and amazing connections.” 

Applications are now being accepted for the 2016 programs. Admission is on a rolling basis and space is limited. For information on how to apply and to read more about the successes of YPC alumni, visit the website.