Placement Blog: Erum Dahar | Wasafiri
In the second year of my PhD, I interrupted my research to focus on my mental health and process some major life decisions. During this time of healing, I turned to books. It was literature written by and for queer Muslims, in particular, that became my guide and solace through the storm. In between those quiet moments of reading and reflection, I started to question why books on faith – especially, Islam – and sexuality occupy such a small space, if any, in bookshops, and why those that did often proliferated stereotypes and oversimplified narratives. Upon becoming cognisant of racism, Islamophobia and other intersecting forms of discrimination within the publishing industry, I wanted to learn from publishers that are doing the work of elevating underrepresented writers and challenging the boundaries of mainstream literary culture. That’s why I decided to apply for the Editorial Intern position at Wasafiri.
At the time of applying, I didn’t anticipate just how valued I would be at Wasafiri, as well as the varied and many opportunities for growth I’d be given. As Editorial intern, I’ve taken each submission through the editorial process – from ensuring pieces are ready for blind peer review and securing appropriate reviewers, to synthesising reviews and processing final decisions in a clear and sensitive manner. Accepting the work of talented yet underrepresented writers has been so rewarding; there’s no feeling like seeing some of the pieces I initially read and put forward published in print. During the internship, I’ve also been part of some spirited discussions on the merit of a few pieces, which have in turn opened up some philosophical questions about what and who the magazine is for. In such important discussions, my opinions and insight were appreciated, and I was encouraged to help develop the organisation’s strategy.
Another major component of the placement has been recruiting and leading a team of Editors-at-Large for the first time in the magazine’s history. Managing this project has given me a whole a host of new skills and experience, particularly in recruitment, marketing, and oral and written communication, which has enabled me to mature as a researcher. It’s also been an engaging way to learn more about the global publishing context and expand my literary network beyond borders. I’ve been greatly supported throughout my journey by the team at Wasafiri, who helped me feel ready and confident to deliver on new tasks, such as inducting the Editors or organising consultations with writers and publishers across Southeast Asia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Pictured: some of the core Wasafiri team holding up glossy magazine issues (with big smiles)
I would strongly encourage researchers apply for the Editorial Internship with Wasafiri, as you’ll get to work closely with a friendly and supportive team that are invested in your development and career. You’ll be able to tailor your internship according to your interests and aims, and have a chance to work in different departments, including digital (website and social media curation), events and administration, and more. It’s also a brilliant opportunity to write for the magazine itself and to gain insight into the ins-and-outs of editorial processes and the publishing world – inside-info that will no doubt come in handy when publishing your research. I now finish my internship with a renewed commitment to decolonising academia and publishing, fostering transnational dialogue, and challenging my own reading habits. I’m grateful to Wasafiri for equipping me with the practical skills and know-how to do this, and I’m excited to continue our journey into the future.