Since 2010, the NYU MS in Publishing: Digital and Print Media program has been proud to welcome students each fall from a sister graduate degree in France, the publishing program at Université Paris XIII. Through a special arrangement, and with the support of the French program’s director, Bertrand Legendre, two French students spend a semester at NYUSPS, taking publishing courses that complement their studies in Paris. In addition to their classwork, the students often intern at New York publishing companies and relish the opportunity to experience everything the city has to offer. We recently asked some of the French students to share their experiences and provide insights into everything from differences between French and American publishing to hot spots in New York.
February 7, 2019
The French Connection: Paris, Publishing, and NYU
Marine Alata, Attended Fall 2013
Right after I finished my semester at NYU, I was hired as an editorial assistant at Éditions Robert Laffont, an important French book publishing company. Two years ago, I was promoted to an editor, working in foreign literature and particularly for an imprint called Pavillons Poche, which publishes high quality literary fiction and memoirs, including the works of Graham Greene, Margaret Atwood, J. D. Salinger, and many other wonderful authors.
Why did you want to attend the NYU MS in Publishing: Digital and Print Media program?
I’ve always looked to expand my horizons by traveling and studying. Before my master’s in publishing in Paris, I had completed two bachelor’s degrees, one in English and the other one in French literature. As I turned toward publishing, it was important for me to learn about the book industry supporting American literature, my favorite.
Did you have a favorite course? How did it help you?
I particularly enjoyed the marketing course, during which the teacher asked us to consider the future, how communication tools not even imagined yet are bound to become as necessary as our phones are today—and how these tools could redefine publishing one day. The course helped me envision a market that may have seemed endangered by new technologies at one point, but could as well be reinvented yet again–and why not by us?
What are the differences between French and US book publishing practices that you observed while in the US?
The book industry is more protected by the law in France, where booksellers, including Amazon, cannot drastically lower the publishers’ prices to attract clients. That allows small bookshops to survive, as well as ensures that print books will not be underpriced. Print was never endangered by digital titles in France since the latter always cost nearly as much as print. That was very surprising for the American students.
What was your favorite cultural, culinary, sports, or other leisure time experience in NY?
My two favorites were the nightlife–rooftop bars and clubs, making you feel on top of the world–and brunches the day after.
Did you read some American books while you were here? If so, what was your favorite?
I interned at Grove Atlantic during my semester at NYU and continued reading manuscripts for a French publishing house, so I did not have much time to read for myself. For my internship, I read a magnificent book Grove has since published, entitled The Man Who Spoke Snakish by the Estonian author Andrus Kivirähk. So, it wasn’t American, but it is the best manuscript I’ve ever had the chance to read and help get published.
What advice do you have for the incoming French visiting students in Fall 2019?
I was very excited to study in New York, as it would also allow me to get an internship and learn about the American publishing industry from both classwork and practice. My advice would be to get an internship and limit it to one to two days a week in order to appreciate the full experience: the city, the classes, and the internship.
Pascale Charpenet, Attended Fall 2017
I first studied political science before seeking a publishing degree from Paris XIII. When I returned to Paris from my time at NYU, I worked for a bookshop. I am now a foreign rights manager at Éditions du Seuil / De La Martinière Jeunesse.
Why did you want to attend the NYU MS in Publishing: Digital and Print Media program?
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Having the chance to study in such a famous university, to learn about the American publishing market, and to live in New York City was a dream for me.
Did you have a favorite course? How did it help you?
I really liked the Advanced Social Media Marketing class because I never had a class on such a topic; today, knowing how to use social media is necessary in any job.
What are the differences between French and US book publishing practices that you observed while being in the US?
There are many differences! The one that struck me most was the use of literary agents. We do not have many agents in France; authors deal directly with publishers.
Name one memorable and fun experience you had while in New York.
I went to see a basketball game at the Barclays Center (Brooklyn Nets vs Denver Nuggets), and it was so much fun!
Emmanuel Clerc, Attended Fall 2011
After finishing my studies at NYU, I held several jobs in publishing. In 2016, I was recruited as a non-fiction editor and editorial coordinator at L’Observatoire, a newly founded trade publisher in Paris. One of the very first books published by L’Observatoire was Politique et société by Pope Francis. We will soon be publishing approximately 60 titles a year.
Why did you want to attend the NYU MS in Publishing: Digital and Print Media program?
For anyone willing to work in our book world, I believe that American publishers never cease to innovate and adapt to new technologies and new reading habits. I am confident that a skilled editor, maybe even more than in any other profession, has the duty to consider how his or her field is constantly changing.
What was the most valuable aspect of being with us for one semester?
Having the opportunity to meet and to be taught by the outstanding, experienced, and well-known professors and professionals was one of the most valuable aspects of this program. There is not a day that goes by when I do not think about NYU courses, particularly Jonathan Burnham’s [President and Publisher, HarperCollins] insights into publishing.
Did you have a favorite course? How did it help you?
If I had to pick one, it would be Jane Grenier’s marketing and branding class, as she taught me how to apply and adapt marketing strategies to each editorial project. Professor Grenier invited her students to think about communities of interest, which must always be your priority, whatever your function is in publishing. In her class, we understood that marketing strategies should be involved in any decision you make, from editing to launching a book.
What are the differences between French and US book publishing practices that you observed while being in the US?
For my master’s thesis in Paris, I analyzed the way publishers build their catalog. While French publishers tend to specialize in order to publish books that precisely meet specific readerships, communities, and even sales circuits, American trade publishing houses succeed in developing diversified lists; the books may be really different, but a coherence is guaranteed. In my opinion, diversification is critical in a long-term vision of publishing; French professionals should be inspired [by the Americans.]
Did you read some American books while you were here? If so, what was your favorite?
As one says, Maupassant must be read in Paris and Stendhal in Napoli. I thus read quite a lot of books about the city and the most relevant, still to this day, may be Here is New York by E. B. White, to whom New York is where fortune and chance meet. There is another book I will never forget: The Chicago Manual of Style accompanied me throughout my semester and helped me in the editing class.
What advice do you have for the incoming French visiting students in Fall 2019?
Immerse yourselves as much as possible in the university community beyond the publishing program, and broaden your social circles. This demands constantly staying eyes wide open and cherishing every moment and experience as the semester goes by in a blink. It is also indispensable not to limit yourself to a specialty or career objective. You will benefit from any format where editing is needed, from blogs to art books, fashion websites, poetry, etc. Publishing is a very small world and it is our responsibility to connect.
Marine Gheeraert, Attended Fall 2015
After finishing my studies at NYUSPS, I stayed in New York, interning at MOMA in the Publications department. I then worked for several companies, product designers, and high-end picture framers. Since October 2018, I have been a literary agent at the French Publishers’ Agency.
Are there different educational approaches between the two programs, and if so, what?
I think it comes more from the American and French education systems being extremely different. Preparing before class, exchanging [ideas] constantly with the teacher and other students, and having to have an opinion on the course: all these concepts were basic to the American students, but very hard for me, as the French system does not work this way at all. "The teacher teaches and the students listen," is how I would describe French teaching.
What are the differences between French and US book publishing practices that you observed?
I would say that the French publishing industry is less divided into departments and positions. Also, in France, the industry strongly counts on and supports independent bookstores. The system is still traditional (with independent and small publishing companies, booksellers, etc.). In contrast, it was striking to me to see that, in the US, every task is a lot more divided and assigned to specific people or departments. There is also a sense of globalization that I find much more important in the US [than in France].
How did your experience in the US help or influence your career choices?
It totally shaped my career, as I was very driven by the energy I experienced. I wanted to keep working in an industry where innovation and “out of the box” ideas are valued. In every company I have worked for since arriving in New York (even the ones that were a bit far from my original training), I have cultivated this sense of originality, and constantly look for the kind of new ideas that were valued at NYU.
Have you read American books while you’ve been here? If so, what was your favorite?
It would be difficult in a few words to explain how important this book is to me, but Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is definitely one of my favorite books, as she also is one of my favorite writers.
Constance Parpoil, Attended Fall 2010
I was born and raised in Paris. After studying humanities and earning degrees in literature and theater, I worked in publishing in Dublin for a year before enrolling at Paris XIII. Shortly after finishing my semester at NYU, I was hired by a London-based publishing company, The Quarto Group, as a Foreign Rights Executive in London. Since then, I have regularly been promoted and I am now Associate Rights Director in charge of a team of 10 people selling 15 imprints around the world.
Why did you want to attend the NYU MS in Publishing: Digital and Print Media program?
I knew that what I would learn at NYU would make a great difference in my personal and professional development and career. Indeed, the US publishing market has a great influence on all the other markets around the world, and having some knowledge of it is very valuable.
What was the most valuable aspect of being with us for one semester?
The fact that all the courses are taught by professionals who are working in publishing was priceless. Indeed, it meant that anything they were teaching us came from actual experiences and examples they went through, often just a few weeks or days before the class. As publishing moves fast, having an up-to-date account of what it is to work in this field and the evolution and future of the market was so useful. The information and advice I gathered during that one semester is still useful, to this day; I often go back to my notes.
Did you have a favorite course? How did it help you?
Without a doubt: Book Sales and Merchandising. This course looked at how to determine the best sales strategy for each type of title; how a sales department works; and the book distribution channels. It taught me what to take into account when selling and promoting books. I would recommend this class to anyone looking to work in publishing, even in editorial or design, as the lessons learned are truly essential.
What was your favorite cultural, culinary, sports, or other leisure time experience in NY?
I remember waking up every day thinking, amazed: “I live in NYC,” and looking up while walking to spot the best rooftops. I enjoyed going to the Brooklyn Academy of Music, drinking frozen margaritas at a Mexican spot in Greenwich Village, spending hours at the Strand Bookshop, and walking around Charles Street. I celebrated my first Thanksgiving with my American flatmates, and in returned organized a French dinner for Christmas.
What advice do you have for the incoming French visiting students in Fall 2019?
Enjoy every minute of it, as it will go fast – one semester is very short. Talk to as many people as possible, grow your network, don’t miss a single class, and ask all the questions you can think about to make the most of it.
To learn more about the NYU MS in Publishing: Digital & Print Media program please visit our website. Applications for the Fall 2019 semester are due July 1, 2019.