My Job in 5: Claire Davies
- Describe your role.
I work at the Books Council of Wales, a charity partly-funded by the Welsh Government that supports the publishing industry in Wales in both Welsh and English. We provide support (in the form of grants) and services (from editing and design to sales and distribution) to publishers based in Wales. We also promote reading and literacy in Wales. My role as grants officer is to support English-language publishers and magazines in Wales.
- What do you like best about your role?
Knowing that you are helping authors and titles that might otherwise be overlooked get published is immensely rewarding. I also get to work with a creative, committed community of publishers. And the views from our office (overlooking Aberystwyth) are incredible…
- Which new projects or titles are you working on at the moment?
Some of the best opportunities I’ve had at the Books Council have involved contributing to our project work, from National Poetry Day to London Book Fair and our very own annual Tir na n-Og Awards for children’s literature. The Reading Well Books on Prescription scheme in Wales has also been a great experience, and it’s always great to collaborate with the Bookseller for the Wales Country Focus.
- What skills do you need for your role?
An appreciation of English-language books, and of the need for readers in Wales to be able to be able to see Wales in all its variety reflected in contemporary literature, is the first thing. Then flexibility, understanding and patience!
- What advice would you give to those looking to work in the industry?
Always stay curious; the publishing industry moves fast. And read widely!