The Publisher: Business Blooms Through British Council Award
Octavio Kulesz, a young publisher from Argentina, won the British Council International Young Publisher of the Year (IYPY) award in 2005. He describes how the award opened crucial opportunities for his business and inspired him to lead a busy international alumni network of fellow award finalists. The network operates in 26 countries. Its activities so far include a stand at the London Book Fair in 2008, as well as numerous seminars, meetings and events globally, topped by an attendance at the International Publishers’ Association meeting in Korea in 2008.
Touring the UK Publishing Industry
‘In 2005, I was working as director of a small independent publishing house, which was quite successful but not advanced technologically. I thought we should be using more technology, but did not really know how. I heard about the IYPY award and applied. It offered an opportunity to participate in the London Book Fair and tour the UK publishing industry, both of which presented a chance to make contacts and learn about new technologies.
I had not had any real contact with British culture previously. It showed me that ideas can be transformed into actions.
Turning Ideas Into Actions
My participation in the programme in 2006 was a very beneficial experience. I made a pitch at the London Book Fair for work published by my company and visited publishers in England and Scotland. It was a huge boost for me - a very encouraging and motivating experience for a young publisher. It led to many changes in my professional life and changed my way of thinking. This was my first visit to the UK. I had not had any real contact with British culture previously. It showed me that ideas can be transformed into actions. I learnt what networking really means. I got to see the most up-to-date technology and learnt more about e-books.
At the Forefront of Publishing with New Technologies
I returned to Argentina determined to apply what I had seen and learned in the UK. I realised that, to be effective, I needed to apply a new model of thinking and working. I continued with my original company, but 90% of my time became devoted to the new: I used technology to help universities distribute content; I produced e-books and books printed on demand.
An International Business Network
Thanks to the British Council and the Young Creative Entrepreneur scheme, I have met publishers from the UK and around the world. We have developed a network which enables us to share ideas and valuable experiences.’
