Istanbul Publishing Fellowship 2027 offers tiered travel and accommodation support
Istanbul Publishing Fellowship 2027 offers tiered travel and accommodation support. The 12th Istanbul Publishing Fellowship 2027 is inviting applications from international publishing professionals interested in building global partnerships, exploring copyright opportunities and expanding the international reach of their books and publications.
Organised by the Turkish Press and Publishers Copyright & Licensing Society (TBYM), with support from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the programme will take place in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 23–25 March 2027.
The fellowship brings together publishing houses, editors, copyright agencies, literary professionals and publishing organisations from different countries. Participants will have opportunities to meet potential international partners, present their titles, negotiate translation and publishing rights, and develop professional relationships.
One of the programme’s main attractions is its three-tier support system. Successful applicants may receive the Golden, Silver or Bronze Support Package, depending on the evaluation committee’s decision.
The Golden Package includes a return economy-class flight ticket, four nights of accommodation, airport transfers, meals, access to seminars and business meetings, interpretation support and exemption from the participation fee.
Applications are free, and the published application period runs from 2 November to 31 December 2026. However, accepted international publishers are generally required to pay a €100 participation fee unless they qualify for an exemption.
Istanbul Publishing Fellowship 2027: overview
| Opportunity detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | 12th Istanbul Publishing Fellowship |
| Host country | Türkiye |
| Host city | Istanbul |
| Organiser | Turkish Press and Publishers Copyright & Licensing Society (TBYM) |
| Supporting institution | Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism |
| Programme dates | 23–25 March 2027 |
| Opportunity type | International publishing and copyright fellowship |
| Eligible participants | Publishing professionals and organisations |
| Support packages | Golden, Silver and Bronze |
| Maximum travel support | Return economy-class flight under Golden Package |
| Accommodation | Four nights under Golden and Silver Packages |
| Application fee | Free |
| Participation fee | €100 for accepted international publishers, subject to exemptions |
| Application period | 2 November–31 December 2026 |
| Evaluation period | 11–24 January 2027 |
| Results announcement | 25 January 2027 |
About the Istanbul Publishing Fellowship
Istanbul Publishing Fellowship 2027 offers tiered travel and accommodation support
The Istanbul Publishing Fellowship is an international copyright marketplace that connects publishing professionals from Türkiye and other countries.
The programme was launched in 2016 and has developed into a platform for international publishing cooperation, book promotion, copyright exchange and literary partnerships.
It is organised by the Turkish Press and Publishers Copyright & Licensing Society, also known as TBYM, with support from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The programme aims to help publishers introduce their books to international markets, discover new publishing opportunities and negotiate the rights needed to translate and distribute literary works in different languages.
Unlike traditional academic fellowships, the Istanbul Publishing Fellowship focuses on professional networking and business-to-business meetings. Participants can present their publications, discuss potential partnerships and explore opportunities to bring books from one market to another.
The 2027 edition will use a hybrid format, combining in-person activities in Istanbul with opportunities for online meetings.
What does the Istanbul Publishing Fellowship offer?
The 2027 programme provides three different support packages for accepted participants.
The package awarded depends on the evaluation committee’s assessment. Applicants should therefore understand that submitting an application does not guarantee the highest level of financial support.
1. Golden Support Package
<badge color=”success”>Highest support level</badge>
The Golden Package offers the most comprehensive support available under the fellowship.
Successful participants selected for this package receive:
- Return economy-class international flight ticket.
- Four nights of accommodation in Istanbul.
- Airport-to-hotel transfers.
- Breakfast and lunch throughout the programme.
- Access to all seminars and business meetings.
- Interpretation support during meetings.
- Waiver of the participation fee.
This package is particularly valuable for international publishers who would otherwise need to finance their travel and accommodation independently.
The Golden Package also exempts selected participants from the €100 participation fee.
2. Silver Support Package
The Silver Package provides accommodation and essential programme-related support but does not include an international flight ticket.
Benefits include:
- Four nights of accommodation.
- Airport-to-hotel transfers.
- Breakfast and lunch throughout the programme.
- Access to seminars and business meetings.
- Interpretation support during meetings.
Participants awarded the Silver Package should make their own arrangements and financial provision for international travel to Istanbul.
The package is useful for publishers who can finance their flights but would benefit from assistance with accommodation and other programme expenses.
3. Bronze Support Package
The Bronze Package provides a more limited level of assistance.
Its benefits include:
- Airport-to-hotel transfers.
- Discounted hotel accommodation.
- Lunch throughout the programme.
- Access to seminars and business meetings.
- Interpretation support.
Participants selected for the Bronze Package should expect to cover their own international flights and the cost of their discounted accommodation.
Comparison of the three support packages
| Benefit | Golden | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return international flight | Yes | No | No |
| Four nights’ accommodation | Yes | Yes | No |
| Discounted accommodation | Not specified | Not specified | Yes |
| Airport transfers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Breakfast | Yes | Yes | Not specified |
| Lunch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Seminars and business meetings | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Interpretation support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Participation fee exemption | Yes | No general exemption stated | No general exemption stated |
Important funding clarification: The fellowship does not guarantee that every accepted participant will receive an international flight or free accommodation. Support is allocated through three different packages. Applicants should wait for their individual award notification before making travel and accommodation arrangements.
Who can apply for the Istanbul Publishing Fellowship 2027?
Istanbul Publishing Fellowship 2027 offers tiered travel and accommodation support
The programme is intended for professionals and organisations working in the publishing industry.
The official programme information identifies the following groups as eligible applicants:
1. Publishing house executives and representatives
Executives, directors and authorised representatives of publishing houses can apply.
This includes professionals responsible for managing publishing operations, developing international partnerships, negotiating rights and promoting books in domestic and international markets.
2. Editors
Editors working with publishing houses and other professional publishing organisations may apply.
The programme provides opportunities to connect with publishers in other countries, discuss literary works and explore potential international publishing collaborations.
3. Copyright agencies
Copyright agencies and literary rights representatives are encouraged to participate.
These organisations play an important role in negotiating translation rights, licensing agreements and international publishing arrangements.
4. Professional publishing organisations
Representatives of professional associations and organisations operating within the publishing sector may apply.
This includes organisations that support publishers, promote literary activities or facilitate international cooperation in the book industry.
5. Non-governmental publishing organisations
Representatives of relevant non-governmental and professional publishing organisations may also be considered.
6. Authors and literary professionals
The programme’s official FAQ also identifies authors among potential applicants.
Authors interested in international publishing partnerships should consult the application form and eligibility guidance to confirm whether their professional profile fits the programme’s selection criteria.
Can applicants from Zimbabwe and other African countries apply?
The Istanbul Publishing Fellowship is an international programme and does not publish a nationality-based restriction limited to a particular group of countries.
This means publishing professionals and eligible organisations from Zimbabwe and other African countries can explore the opportunity.
Potential applicants may include:
- Independent publishing houses.
- Book publishers.
- Editors and literary professionals.
- Copyright and licensing agencies.
- Professional publishing associations.
- Non-governmental organisations working in publishing.
- Authors seeking international publishing partnerships.
Zimbabwean applicants should be able to demonstrate a genuine professional connection to the publishing industry.
For example, a representative of a Zimbabwean publishing house could use the programme to introduce local books to international publishers and explore opportunities for translation and distribution.
Applicants should also consider whether their organisation has titles, authors or publishing rights that could be of interest to international partners.
What happens during the fellowship?
The three-day programme is designed to facilitate professional networking, copyright negotiations and international publishing cooperation.
1. Business-to-business meetings
One of the central activities is the organisation of individual meetings between participating publishers and publishing professionals.
Participants can use these meetings to:
- Present books and publishing catalogues.
- Introduce authors and literary works.
- Discuss translation rights.
- Explore international publishing agreements.
- Identify potential publishing partners.
- Develop long-term business relationships.
The programme provides a structured environment for participants to arrange meetings and discuss potential agreements.
2. Seminars and professional discussions
The fellowship includes seminars covering important issues affecting the publishing industry.
Past programme themes have included developments in publishing technology, artificial intelligence, contemporary literature, illustrated books and the international movement of literary works.
The 2027 edition will bring together speakers and professionals to discuss relevant developments in publishing and copyright markets.
3. International networking
Participants will meet publishing professionals from different countries and publishing markets.
These connections can help organisations discover new markets, establish partnerships and identify opportunities to introduce their books to readers in other parts of the world.
4. Translation and copyright opportunities
The fellowship is particularly focused on copyright exchange.
Publishers can introduce titles to international partners and discuss the possibility of translating and publishing works in other languages.
This can help authors and publishing houses reach wider audiences and expand the international circulation of their literary works.
5. Hybrid meetings
The 2027 programme will include both in-person and online meeting opportunities.
This hybrid format allows participants who cannot travel to Istanbul to engage with other attendees through virtual meetings.
Online participation is particularly useful for publishers and literary agents who want to explore international business opportunities without travelling.
Why should publishing professionals participate?
Istanbul Publishing Fellowship 2027 offers tiered travel and accommodation support
The Istanbul Publishing Fellowship offers several professional advantages beyond the travel and accommodation support.
International market access: Participants can introduce their books and publishing catalogues to professionals from other countries.
Copyright development: Publishers can explore translation and licensing arrangements that allow literary works to reach international markets.
Professional networking: The programme provides opportunities to connect with publishers, editors, literary agents and copyright organisations.
Industry knowledge: Seminars and professional discussions expose participants to developments and challenges affecting international publishing.
Business partnerships: Meetings can lead to future collaborations, publishing agreements and other professional relationships.
Promotion of local literature: Publishers can use the fellowship to introduce books and authors from their countries to a wider international audience.
How to apply for the Istanbul Publishing Fellowship 2027
Applications must be submitted through the official Istanbul Publishing Fellowship website.
The programme does not charge an application fee. However, accepted international publishers must pay the applicable participation fee unless they qualify for an exemption.
Follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Visit the official programme website
Review the information about the 12th Istanbul Publishing Fellowship and the available application process.
Step 2: Access the application platform
Use the registration or application link provided on the official website.
The programme uses an online platform to collect applicant and organisation information.
Step 3: Complete the application form
Provide accurate information about yourself and your organisation.
Applicants should be prepared to describe their publishing activities, professional responsibilities and areas of interest.
Step 4: Provide information about your publications
Publishing professionals should prepare relevant information about their catalogues, titles and publishing activities.
This information can help the evaluation committee and other participants understand the applicant’s organisation and potential for international collaboration.
Step 5: Submit the application before the deadline
The published application period runs from 2 November to 31 December 2026.
Applicants should complete the online application before the closing date and ensure that the information provided is accurate.
Step 6: Wait for the evaluation results
Applications will be assessed by the board of the Turkish Press and Publishers Copyright & Licensing Society.
The evaluation period is scheduled for 11–24 January 2027.
Successful applicants will be informed of their acceptance and the support package awarded.
Step 7: Confirm participation and make arrangements
Istanbul Publishing Fellowship 2027 offers tiered travel and accommodation support
Accepted participants should carefully review their confirmation email.
The email will provide information about the applicable participation fee and the support package awarded.
Participants should confirm their attendance and follow the organiser’s instructions concerning meetings, travel and accommodation.
Application timeline
The official programme brochure provides the following schedule:
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 2 November 2026 |
| Application deadline | 31 December 2026 |
| Evaluation of applications | 11–24 January 2027 |
| Announcement of participants | 25 January 2027 |
| Appointment system opens | 22 February 2027 |
| Fellowship programme | 23–25 March 2027 |
Applicants should monitor the official website and their email accounts for announcements and any changes to the schedule.
Is the Istanbul Publishing Fellowship free?
Istanbul Publishing Fellowship 2027 offers tiered travel and accommodation support
The initial online application is free of charge.
However, accepted international publishers are generally required to pay a €100 participation fee.
There are two important exemptions specified in the official programme brochure:
- Participants awarded the Golden Support Package are exempt.
- Participants from the designated Focus Country are exempt.
The Bronze and Silver packages do not automatically provide a participation fee exemption under the published terms.
Applicants should therefore check the participation fee conditions in their acceptance notification before confirming their attendance.
Is the Istanbul Publishing Fellowship fully funded?
No. It is not accurate to describe the programme as fully funded for every participant.
The level of financial assistance depends on the support package awarded.
The Golden Package provides the most extensive assistance, including international return flights, four nights of accommodation and other programme benefits.
The Silver Package provides four nights of accommodation but does not cover international flights.
The Bronze Package provides airport transfers and discounted accommodation, with participants responsible for additional costs.
All applicants should budget for any expenses not explicitly included in their package.
Frequently asked questions
When will the Istanbul Publishing Fellowship 2027 take place?
The 12th Istanbul Publishing Fellowship will take place from 23–25 March 2027 in Istanbul, Türkiye.
What is the application deadline?
The official programme brochure gives 31 December 2026 as the application deadline.
Who can apply?
Publishing house executives and representatives, editors, copyright agencies, professional publishing organisations, relevant non-governmental organisations and authors may apply, subject to the programme’s eligibility assessment.
Can applicants from Zimbabwe apply?
The programme is international and does not publish a nationality-based restriction excluding Zimbabwe. Eligible Zimbabwean publishing professionals and organisations can therefore explore the opportunity.
Does the fellowship provide free flights?
Return economy-class international flights are included in the Golden Support Package only.
Silver and Bronze participants should arrange and finance their own international travel.
Does the fellowship provide accommodation?
Istanbul Publishing Fellowship 2027 offers tiered travel and accommodation support
Golden and Silver participants receive four nights of accommodation. Bronze participants receive access to discounted hotel accommodation.
Is the application free?
Yes. Submitting the initial application is free.
Is there a participation fee?
Accepted international publishers are generally required to pay €100. Golden Package participants and participants from the designated Focus Country are exempt.
Can independent publishers apply?
The programme is intended for professionals and organisations operating in the publishing industry. Independent publishers should use the official application process and provide information demonstrating their publishing activities.
Can participants attend online?
Yes. The 2027 programme uses a hybrid format that combines in-person and virtual meeting opportunities.
When will successful applicants be announced?
The published schedule gives 25 January 2027 as the date for announcing accepted participants.
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Final thoughts
Istanbul Publishing Fellowship 2027 offers tiered travel and accommodation support
Istanbul Publishing Fellowship 2027 offers tiered travel and accommodation support. The Istanbul Publishing Fellowship 2027 provides a valuable international networking and professional development opportunity for publishing houses, editors, copyright agencies and other professionals working in the book industry.
Its three-tier support system makes the programme particularly interesting for international applicants. Depending on the package awarded, participants may receive international flights, accommodation, airport transfers, meals, interpretation services and access to professional business meetings.
For Zimbabwean and other African publishing professionals, the fellowship offers an opportunity to introduce local literature to international markets, develop relationships with overseas publishers and explore translation and copyright partnerships.
Interested applicants should prepare their organisation information, review the support package conditions and submit their applications before 31 December 2026.
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