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Dr Richard Willis

Lecturer in English

I have worked in both trade and academic publishing for over 25 years and been CEO of my own publishing companies. I have worked in numerous roles as publisher, commissioning editor and production editor and worked with some of the largest corporate publishers in the world. I have taught publishing classes at the University of Exter for over 10 years and currently teach two publishing modules (HUM2004 and HUM3016) for humanities students. 

I am passionate about helping Exeter students start their publishing careers. I design the teaching and learning materials for my modules based on my industry experience and knowledge of graduate recruitment in the sector. Many ex-students follow successful careers in both academic and trade publishing providing an extensive network of alumni for current students to engage with. Many of these students return to our network events to given current students the benefit of their experience.

My own research interests include issues surrounding diversity in publishing; the impact on free speech of the globalization of publishers and booksellers; and the increasing use of artificial intelligence as an editing tool. 

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