In My Publishing Classrooms
Nashville is more than Music City—it’s a literary and publishing powerhouse, ranking as the second-largest publishing market in the U.S. Belmont’s Publishing program was designed in close consultation with industry leaders to reflect the needs and innovations of today’s book and magazine world, launching in 2016. I began teaching as an adjunct in 2018, and moved into my full-time faculty and director role in 2019. My strong ties to Nashville’s publishing community offer students direct access to top professionals, internships and events that are shaping the future of the industry.
Curriculum is all practicum—every course is an opportunity for students to build portfolio work while exploring the ins and outs of trade book publishing. The publishing degree equips its graduates with the editorial, business and marketing skills to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving literary media industries.
Graduates of Belmont’s Publishing program have launched successful careers across the literary landscape — working with book publishers, magazines, literary agencies and digital media platforms. Our alumni are employed at top publishing companies including HarperCollins, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, William Morris Endeavor Global Book Department, Forefront Books, Library Journal, Parnassus Books, Publishers Spotlight, Post Hill Press, Ballast Books, BookPage Magazine, Dexterity Books, Sourcebooks, Worldlink Inc., public library systems, and more in marketing, agenting, editorial and production roles that span the evolving world of print and digital media. There are several alumni who are now published authors themselves.
“Over the past several years, I've had the opportunity to work with multiple interns who studied under Sara Wigal, and I've been consistently impressed by the preparation they bring to the experience. They arrive curious, eager to learn, and excited about the publishing industry, with a solid foundation that allows them to contribute meaningfully from the start. Just as notably, they speak highly of Sara's mentorship and the support she provides as they prepare for professional careers in publishing.”
— Tim Cobb, Senior Production Manager, Ministry Resources, Abingdon Press | The United Methodist Publishing HousE
“Sara Wigal is like the Mayor of Literary Nashville. She's my first call when we need referrals for interns, when someone needs work in the publishing scene, or I'm trying to get connected to this specific person, do you happen to know anyone who knows them— oh wait, she's already dropped their contact in my inbox. I've personally hired two of her grads, and they are sharp, curious, creative thinkers, widely-read and adaptive, and I know those skills were nurtured in her program. It's a joy to attend her class, it's a joy to be part of the WriterFest community, and it's a joy to know Sara Wigal.”
— Rachel S, Marketing Director, HarperCollins Christian Publishing
REAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES
ASSIGNMENTS THAT PROMPT CRITICAL THINKING, CEMENT INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE, BUILD PORTFOLIOS AND PAVE THE WAY FOR A BETTER PUBLISHING FUTURE
Alumni from the program credit the program’s strong industry connections and practical coursework for launching their careers. Graduates I have worked with stand out for their ability to turn a love of books into meaningful, impactful work.
