New Masterclass

THE BELFAST REVIEW 14 August, 2025

We’re taking the mystery out of journal publishing with an all-new masterclass.

The Belfast Review is now offering a one-to-one masterclass in Journal Publishing for those curious about the behind the scenes of starting, running, and distributing a literary journal.

The format takes you through the stages – from concept to launch – of creating your own publication. Whether or not you launch a journal, this class is designed to help you get a handle on the realities of being an editor and publisher, using practical, step-by-step guidance.

Publishing is about more than just creating and designing a product; it's about managing a creative team, and building a community.

We cover the basics of branding, marketing, and design; administrative operations, team management, and publishing best practices; printing and distribution options. There is also an option to add extra tutorials in website and journal design software and templates.

WHY WE’RE DOING IT

We believe that a robust literary and arts scene should include diverse voices across the spectrum, especially working class and other marginalised voices. Today’s technology and social media platforms allow for a wider playing field in independent publishing. The trouble is the lack of knowledge about the process, how to get started, or where to find resources or support.

It seems a waste of time if everyone has to start from scratch, only to find out they weren’t really prepared for the realities of publishing. Our masterclass is designed to save you months of trial and error, prepare you for what’s involved before you launch, and guide you through the initial start up stage.

There are plenty of creative writing programs to help writers, but few courses and opportunities to help aspiring editors and would-be publishers.

We’re excited to share our expertise, help bring your ideas into reality, and to support you as part of our creative community.

THE DETAILS

This is an online, one-to-one mentoring masterclass, with a 6-week or 8-week option (the 8-week includes design and software tutorials). Receive lessons and assignments each week, complete on your own time, and meet online with your instructor at the end of each week to chat through the details and receive expert guidance.

We’ll help you gain confidence from knowing the ins and outs of the process, prepare you to lead a team, and understand how to build trust with readers and contributors.

WHO IS IT FOR

Whether you are a new or experienced editor (age 18+), this masterclass can be tailored to suit your needs. For example, you can (1) get help to start your journal right away, or (2) explore what’s involved before you take the plunge, or (3) get an immersive behind the scenes look at publishing to give you the edge in starting a career. there’s something for everyone – and you can discuss with your instructor how to better tailor the course to suit your goals.

Focus on literary, sci fi, fantasy, or horror genres - or combine a little of each.

Take the class solo, with a buddy, or as a team of up to 4 people.

Note: The class is best suited for editors from Ireland and UK. Editors from other regions are welcome to apply, but this course may not cover the publishing regularions or other cultural specifics of their region.

It’s recommended you or your team have basic technological know-how, as the course includes online remote-working platforms, social media management, and optional website and journal design software.

WHEN DOES IT START

We are now open for applications. There are a limited number of places available, starting August-September. As places fill up, we'll offer a waitlist for classes starting in March, 2026.

See 'How to Apply' and 'Pricing' below. 

BONUS FEATURES

We offer flexible scheduling, suitable for the working creative. You can complete assignments every week and chat to your instructor in weekly online meetups (30-40 min), or you can work at your own pace, every other week, and take up to 3 months to complete.

PRICING

6 Weeks - On Sale: £340 / Full Price: £420

(Concession £300)

Teams of up to 4 people, add £80 per additional person.

8 Weeks - On Sale: £420 / Full Price: £500

(Concession £380)

Teams of up to 4 people, add £80 per additional person.

Concession prices are available for current students, recent graduates, working class, low income, age 55 and over, and can be enquired about at thebelfastreview@gmail.com. Applying for a concession price is simple and non-invasive.

COURSE DETAILS

6 WEEKS includes step-by-step practical tutorials on:

• branding and marketing tailored to your journal

• copywriting guidance and website building how-to’s

• remote working, team management, organisational workflow

• the role of an editor, publishing best practices and author care

• social media how-to’s and communication best practices

• printing and distribution basics

Plus x6 30-minute online meetups for feedback and in-depth discussion

8 WEEKS includes all of the above plus:

• practical graphic design and software tutorial

• practical website design and software tutorial

• cover design and magazine templates

Plus x6 40-minute online meetups for feedback and in-depth discussion

For Teams: assignments can be completed individually or as a group, and written feedback can provided to individual team members. But online meet ups need to be taken as a group.

Taught by our Editor in Chief, Hanna Nielson – with over ten years experience in publishing, online business, marketing and graphic design.

HOW TO APPLY

It’s free to apply! Send the following materials in a single .DOC or .PDF attachment to our email thebelfastreview@gmail.com

• Cover Letter (1 pg), introducing yourself, where you are based, social media or website links, links to your published works (if any), plus any relevant education/skills/experience that demonstrate you would benefit from our course. (Introduce you team, if applicable.)

• Statement of Purpose (1 pg), including your reasons for taking the course, particular areas you wish to focus on, and your professional or further education goals.

• Idea for a Journal (Optional, 1 pg), describing the specifics of your would-be journal, including genre, target audience, region, and format (online, print, both). List up to 3 comparable journals. (Do not include any images or moodboards at this stage.)

We aim to respond to all applications within three weeks. If places fill up, we will consider applications for the next available sessions in January, 2026.

Apply today!

We’re happy to keep in touch with all of our former students and help them promote their new ventures. If we can offer any further encouragement or advice after you've completed a course with us, please let us know.

THANK YOU FROM THE BELFAST REVIEW