Category: My Job in 5

Leena Normington tells us all about her role as Social Media Producer at Vintage.

Describe your role

I’m a producer, so essentially, I create content that suits our social platforms. On any given day you’ll find me editing a podcast, creating a YouTube video, plotting a thread of tweets or building a fun reading list for our website. I manage our social channels so that we have a constant stream of content being uploaded on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, iTunes, YouTube and more, so it’s up to me to make sure everything is scheduled and looking good, and that we respond to our readers’ questions and suggestions.

What do you like best about being a social media producer?

I love inventing new ways to tell the story of a book online, whether it’s about the plot itself or the way a book came to be on the shelves. I’m always looking for things that publishing houses can offer to an audience that news outlets or traditional media perhaps can’t, so whether I’m persuading production managers to vlog about their jobs or going behind the scenes at the printer, there’s always an inside scoop within our own walls to capture and share.

Which new projects or titles are you working on at the moment?

At the moment I’m editing some exciting new content for our YouTube channel, and we’ve got a collaboration with podcast Mostly Lit in the pipeline, which is exciting. This week I’ll also be popping in to film the building of our Vintage Minis window at Foyles, Charing Cross Road. Getting out and working with booksellers is always fun.

What skills do you need to be a social media producer?

You have to be able to think on your feet creatively and respond fast. Knowing, at least in part, the systems and challenges other departments face is key. It’s also important to use and be familiar with all the most popular social media platforms, to be fluent in the way people communicate in each place—they’re all very different!

What advice would you give to those looking to work in the industry?

Practise your craft—whether by starting a YouTube channel or a podcast, or publishing zines, helping build a brand for a charity, running a blog or creating events. Become part of the online book community, either as a creator or a viewer/commenter. Start small, and build a portfolio of skills before applying for the role you’d love.

Find roles in social media and marketing on Jobs in Books.

Amy Fitzgerald is a Literary Agent at The Blair Partnership, she’s at the helm of this week’s My Job in 5.

1. Describe your role.

As an agent at TBP my main role is to find talented new writers, nurture and grow their career and ensure that their work reaches the widest possible audience. This includes editorial feedback on manuscripts, preparing proposals for submission, negotiating contracts, liaising with our International Rights team and exploring opportunities in TV, film and live events. My focus is always to support my clients at every stage.

2. What do you like best about being a literary agent?

The thing I cherish most about my job is being able to work with a client through every step of the publishing process from developing their idea and finding the right editor to publication and beyond. I’m also an absolute sucker for beautiful storytelling and love to uncover new talent that I can’t wait to talk to everyone about.

3. Which new projects or titles are you working on at the moment?

I am currently building my list in crime thrillers, reading group fiction, memoir and smart narrative non-fiction with a commercial edge so I’m reading a lot and meeting with some great authors and editors. I also have a few exciting projects in the pipeline which I will be going on submission with shortly including a brilliant non-fiction title which explores one family’s experience of restorative justice in the UK.

4. What skills do you need to be a literary agent?

You need the ability to see the potential in writing that can be quite rough and may need a lot of redrafting, and the commitment to work with an author to develop their work to be the best it can possibly be. I also think it is really important to be a creative and innovative strategist as the way in which people consume stories is continuously changing and evolving in this industry.

5. What advice would you give to those looking to work in the industry?

I know this comes up a lot, but I think it is really important to read widely and keep on top of what is going on in the market. It is also definitely worth exploring the wide range of roles within the industry including agenting, scouting, editorial, marketing, international rights, audio production, sales etc. to see where your passions and skills would work best. I began in an editorial role but soon realised my skills were better suited as an agent.

Discover agent roles with Jobs in Books.

Amy Stewart tells us all about her role as publicity assistant at Princeton University Press.

Describe your role.

I provide publicity assistance for two publicists as well as working on our academic classics list and trade paperbacks for Princeton University Press’ European office. Most of my day is spent scouring magazines for reviews, sending books to journals and magazines, as well as creating lists of media outlets to offer review copies to. I also help to organise and pitch authors for events and I frequently attend events and conferences to help with bookselling.

What do enjoy about being a publicity assistant?

One of my favourite things to do is to chatter away about books, and I am constantly recommending books to my friends. The fact that I get to think about how to get a book into the right reader’s hands on a daily basis is incredibly rewarding.

What are you working on at the moment?

I am currently assisting with the publicity and marketing for a trade classics title about robotics and AI in ancient myth which I am really excited about. Anything that makes the ancient world relevant and part of today’s conversations is fascinating.

What skills do you need to be a publicity assistant?

I think a determination for the books you are passionate about is really important. You also need a keen eye for topical and interesting angles, as well as being able to juggle a lot of tasks at once. I also think that reading a wide variety of publications and genres is key to keeping on top of the publicity opportunities.

What advice would you give to those looking to work in the industry?

Editorial isn’t the be-all and end-all of publishing; there are a lot of different cogs in the machine that are equally interesting and valuable. I think that if you are enthusiastic about the books that you are working on, any area of publishing will be exciting.

Discover roles in publicity with Jobs in Books.

Caoimhe Fox holds down two jobs! She’s the head of publicity and marketing for New Island Books in Dublin as well as a development and marketing professional for Books Ireland magazine. She’s My Job in 5‘s subject for our Irish Focus edition this week.

Describe your role.

I actually have two jobs and my working week is split 50/50 between two publishers—both based in South County Dublin. I work in Marketing and Development for Books Ireland magazine and also take care of Publicity and Marketing for New Island Books.

What do you like best about being head of publicity and marketing?

Working in a small, independent company you get involved in many aspects within the life cycle of a book or magazine. From production and publicity, to coordinating events and working closely with authors, I enjoy how each day is different. I am certainly never bored—there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day!

Which new projects or titles are you working on at the moment?

We just launched a new website for Books Ireland which has been a lot of fun: www.booksirelandmagazine.com. I’ve also been busy meeting with editors and festival directors to discuss New Island’s forthcoming Autumn list and to propose authors for events and readings.

What skills do you need for your role?

The ability to adapt and react quickly to new challenges is essential. No day is ever the same and being flexible is a key element of my job. Taking the time to meet people in person and cultivate relationships also goes a long way. The Irish book world is small and it’s worth getting to know the people you are working with.

What advice would you give to those looking to work in the industry?

Keep reading! Finding time to read purely for pleasure can be a challenge. There is always a manuscript or a new key book waiting to be read but prioritise keeping your love of books alive and you won’t go wrong. Remember that everyone has to start somewhere and while you likely won’t make millions working in publishing, you will meet and work with wonderful, inspiring people—not to mention all the books you can eat…

Chie Nakano is the Foreign Rights Manager for Eddison Books, she’s at the helm of this week’s My Job in 5.

1. Describe your role.

I sell translation rights of our books to foreign publishers so they can publish them in their local language. As we are an illustrated book publisher, most are sold on a co-edition model, which means we print the foreign editions for the clients and oversee the entire production process.

2. What do you like best about being a foreign rights manager?

Having grown up in a multicultural environment, I love the breadth of countries and languages my role spans – meeting customers from virtually all over the world, gaining appreciation of their cultures. Foreign rights is about collaboration with international partners. It’s exciting to share the success of our books with them.

3. Which new projects or titles are you working on at the moment?

We have an international bestseller inspired by a Korean lifestyle trend – Honjok – on how aloneness transforms and empowers. Ten foreign editions are confirmed, but I’m working on more. I’m also promoting Power Skills, a fabulous TED coach’s guide on how women can understand and use body language to communicate powerfully.

4. What skills do you need for your role?

Excellent communication and presentation skills and the ability to prioritise and multitask are essential. Knowledge of foreign languages will give you a head start but, ultimately, it’s a sales job: you need to be a strategic thinker, an astute negotiator and be armed with tons of resilience!

5. What advice would you give to those looking to work in the industry?

Who you know matters in publishing, and many people land their first job through word of mouth – I did. Make the best of events and social media to network with industry people. Ask for advice, introductions, references. Take internships seriously, as if on probation for a job – you never know.

Discover foreign rights roles with Jobs in Books today.

Paul Smith, Press Officer from SelfMadeHero, takes the reins of this week’s My Job in 5.

1. Describe your role as press officer

I’m the publicist at SelfMadeHero, and my role is to create an awareness of our books by liaising across all national media, whether that’s in print, through broadcasting or online outlets. Whilst I focus each new title as it is published, I am also dealing with enquires about our whole catalogue of titles. We’re a small team so I work closely with marketing and acquisitions departments to share our ideas on how best to promote each book. Those teams efforts often develop the most surprising results.

2. What do you like best about your role

I enjoy the diversity of topics that each book since they cover a range of topics and styles, meaning that each book can potentially appeal to a wider audience beyond the graphic novel. It’s a delightful challenge to find ways of widening a continual awareness of SelfMadeHero as one of UK’s exciting independent publisher and increasing an appreciation of what graphic novels or sequential art can offer any reader. For example, INJ Culbard’s Lovecraft appeal to horror fans whilst Martin Rowson’s The Communist Manifesto and Reinhard Kleist’s An Olympic Dream offer opportunities to reach out to readers more interested in politics and current affairs. Likewise, the range of Art Masters titles, which include Vincent and Munch offer an invaluable introduction to art history. On top of that, I get to meet an amazing range of writers, artists and creatos from all over the world. It’s a friendly supportive community who like to share their creative passions.

3. Which new projects or titles are you working on at the moment?

Currently, SelfMadeHero have a strong slate of titles for the Autumn making it a busy time of year. There’s Rachael Ball’s emotional fable, Wolf, the macabre delights of Lip Hook by David Hine and Mark Stafford, and the bright pop art celebration of Warhol’s life in Typex’s Andy. However, we’re already preparing our slate for Spring 2019 next year and one of those highlights will be the new acquired Guantánamo Kid, the powerful true story of Mohammed El-Gharani by Jérôme Tubiana and Alexandre Franc.

4. What skills do you need for your role?

Publicity and PR are skills that combine natural personal and a wide range of practical skills. Clearly it helps to be a good communicator and enjoy meeting a wide range of interesting people in all walks of life. I have developed my experience through a varied range of roles, promoting arts-related events and independent films, even writing book reviews. It’s a role where you never stop learning and that’s very exciting.

5. What advice would you give to those looking to work in the industry?

As with any job, it’s important you have a love for what your doing and a understanding of the the graphic novels and comics medium, as well as the books industry in general. Equally, it’s important to build awareness of trends and ideas that are going on in the world because you never know when specialist knowledge or even trivia you’ve picked up elsewhere will open new doors of opportunity.

Discover more roles within the publishing industry here.

Victoria Brown is a publicity executive at Thames & Hudson, she takes the helm of this week’s My Job in 5.

1. Describe your role.
   I am a publicity executive at Thames & Hudson, so my job is to secure reviews, interviews, features and events to promote our upcoming books. I personally specialise in the history, archaeology and museum titles. I also have the opportunity to work across a diverse list of beautifully produced books.

2. What do you like best about your role?
   I love picking up a newspaper or magazine and seeing a feature I’ve helped arrange, and it’s a fantastic feeling when you see an increase in sales on the back of coverage you’ve secured. I really enjoy working on events too, whether that’s literary festivals, museum lectures or bookshop events.

3. Which new projects or titles are you working on at the moment?
   I’m currently working on the beautiful Charles Booth’s London Poverty Maps. It’s a remarkable book that not only reproduces the world-famous maps, but also pairs them with contemporary photography, anecdotes from the researchers’ notebooks and contextualising essays. I’m also collaborating with the British Museum for the catalogue accompanying their upcoming exhibition, Troy: myth and reality, and I’m looking ahead to Spring 2020!

4. What skills do you need for your role?
   Communication is key. Every day you are liaising with journalists, authors, editors and publishing partners, so it helps to be clear, concise and quick to respond. It also helps to be highly organised and have an ability to prioritise a busy schedule – especially in the lead-up to Christmas.

5. What advice would you give to those looking to work in the industry?
   Publishing is a very friendly industry and there are always people who are happy to help you take your first steps. Reach out to people on social media and, especially if you are able to get an internship, ask questions, be proactive and enthusiastic – that’s what entry-level jobs are looking for.

Discover book trade publicity roles here.

Meet Helen Bugler, who is a lead publishing coach at LDN Apprenticeships.

1. Describe your role
   I am a lead publishing skills coach at LDN Apprenticeships. Following 30 years at Macmillan, latterly as Editorial Director for textbooks, I switched to coaching and I love it! I coach, mentor, and support a rolling caseload of publishing apprentices. They are mostly new to the industry, while some are upskilling. I work to deepen and extend their knowledge and skills around their own job role, to understand other functions and publishing sectors, and to build commercial awareness.

2. What do you like best about your role?
   It is fabulous to see apprentices develop their confidence and skills so rapidly. Apprentices are from hugely diverse backgrounds with many non-graduates and some non-conventional journeys behind them. Now that an increasing number of our apprentices (65+) are qualified and building their careers in the industry, it’s amazing and very rewarding to see them grow into new roles. We are told that our “graduates” can seem like they have two to three years’ experience in the industry already. That feels good!

3. Which new projects or titles are you working on at the moment?
   A new version of the Publishing Assistant Apprenticeship Standard (or syllabus) is being developed by a panel of publishers, and I have been contributing ideas to the team. It will reflect the changing needs of the industry around, for example, sustainability. We are re-writing some of our online content to match this. As someone who has spent many years encouraging and supporting authors to develop learning resources, it’s a huge pleasure and a lot of fun to develop my own materials!

4. What skills do you need for your role?
   I think you need a thorough understanding of and interest in publishing across functions and sectors and to be prepared to quickly learn more! Our apprentices are in trade, education, academic, and magazines, from Bloomsbury to Pearson to Elsevier and in editorial, production, ops, rights, sales, and marketing. You need to be massively curious. Plus, you need patience, empathy, good humour, tons of energy, and to enjoy the company of young people and building relationships with their line managers.

5. What advice would you give to those looking to work in the industry?
   The industry is a tough one to enter, and for young people without publishing experience, or perhaps without conventional qualifications, it can seem impossible. I’d say believe in what you can bring. The skills you need (communication, teamwork, attention to detail, dealing with people, etc.) can be shown in very non-related areas. Be honest and clear about the great skills you have and show enthusiasm to build more quickly. Tailor your application closely to the advertisement. Keep persevering!

Discover the role in the book trade for you by clicking here.

Meet Karen Ball. Author, Head of sales for Working Partners and Director for Speckled Pen, publishing consultancy.

1. Describe your role(s)
   Multi-faceted, including writing, editing, and liaising with the publishing industry. I work part-time as head of sales for the book packager Working Partners. The rest of the time (including weekends!) I run my publishing consultancy Speckled Pen, where I supply edits for children’s and adult publishers, authors, and non-traditional clients. Every morning, before all of that, I write in bed with my dog by my side as a (sometimes unnecessarily) harsh critic. The louder she snores, the more I cut!

2. What do you like best about your role?
   My work involves constant liaison with all sorts of publishing departments – editorial, contracts, finance, design – which I absolutely love. This really is a people industry.

You never get bored with the flexibility of a portfolio career. Plus, the autonomy. Oh, the bliss of independent thought! Having recently organised get-togethers for a group of children’s freelances (let me know if you’d like to join us!), I’ve seen how more and more skilled individuals are leaving salaries in order to explore other options – and this is working. Both for publishers and the people who want a flexible alternative to in-house.

3. Which new projects or titles are you working on at the moment?
   At Working Partners, we have a tween project called TURRIS that absolutely captured my heart! It’s set in a futuristic world where a girl and her friend must save everything she knows. But there is a massive twist that blew my mind.

Beyond that, my own debut adult novel – The Beauty Case – is due to come out in 2024 with Viking. I am a big fan of learning new skills in order to keep the old grey matter ticking over and discovering how to write an adult novel, with an expert agent and editor by my side, has been a joy and a privilege.

4. What skills do you need for your role(s)?
   Other than excellent editing, empathy, and people skills? This job involves receiving hard feedback, sending hard feedback, and discussing hard feedback. You can’t do all of that while throwing hissy fits. As a freelance, I have been forced to become the queen of Excel spreadsheets and rigorous accounting. Forward planning! You can’t build a career if you don’t have context and a strategy. And feeding into that, the ability to pivot and be fleet of foot. I always ask for new opportunities because I’ve never minded the word no! Four hundred job applications to become an editorial assistant does that to a person.

5. What advice would you give to those looking to work in the industry?
   Embrace your stubborn streak. I see too many people become cowed the first time they’re rejected. Don’t be too grateful. Publishing needs you as much as you need publishing. Accept that you are entering a heady love affair that may prove impossible to leave. I wouldn’t do anything else in the world! And knowing that, I always try to be amenable. This is a crazy small industry and your reputation matters. Be kind. Not just because you want to get ahead, but because anything else is a true waste of time and energy.

Discover roles in sales by clicking here.

Meet Vicky Barker, art director at b small publishing and award-winning illustrator.

• Describe your role
  As art director, my role is to look after the creative side of the business with a particular focus on the books we produce. Sometimes I come up with book concepts then design and illustrate them myself. Other times, I am taking someone else’s concept and helping turn it into a great book – this involves finding the right illustrator, supporting any freelancers we are working with, and making sure that the end result is a book we all believe in. And it’s not all books – I’m often working on sales material, posters, bookmarks or even shop window displays! Our core team is tiny (there are just three of us) so our roles often overlap.

• What do you like most about your role?
  Even though we’re a tiny publisher (or maybe because we are a tiny publisher!), our days are pretty fast-paced and involve a lot of juggling. One minute I can be drawing dinosaur poop and the next I’m being called into a busy Zoom with a key US customer. I’ll then move on to preparing a detailed brief for a new illustrator or providing feedback on roughs or new title concepts.

• Which new projects or titles are you working on at the moment?
  Right now, we are adding new titles to our bestselling STEM collection – the next one will be on astronomy! We’re also getting ready to promote a couple of excellent non-fiction titles out later this year, one on sharks and another on bodies. Even though we’re recently back from Bologna, I’m already preparing the Frankfurt sales material and helping our publisher put together the programme for late 2024 and even early 2025!

• What skills do you need for your role?
  Design is one of those functions that you don’t notice if it’s done well. That’s why I feel it’s often overlooked in the publishing process. You’re essentially translating the expectations of the author, editor, publisher, and sales teams into something that the consumer/reader will be drawn to and will instinctively understand how to use. Whether that’s fiction, non-fiction, picture books, or readers – each book has a specific job to do and I have to bear that in mind throughout the process. I’ve placed that text in a certain way or chosen that friendly blue for a reason! You need good time-management skills, a knowledge of the production process, and insight into the market. It’s also important to be approachable when working with authors, illustrators, and designers – they might be new to the process and need a bit of handholding, or they might be experienced and want to make sure you’re hearing what they have to say.

• What advice would you give to those looking to work in the industry?
  Having a passion for children’s books and design in general is a must. To help convert that into a role at a publisher, I would say it’s beneficial to start out with a role as an in-house designer somewhere, if you can. The skills I learned in the first few days of my first in-house job are still skills that I rely on 16 years later in my current role! And don’t assume you know how things work – make sure to learn from the people around you.

Discover creative roles within the book trade, such as art director, here.