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My Job in 5: Yak El Droubie

Yak El Droubie, founder of Korero Press takes over my job in 5 this week to tell us what it's like to own an independent and dynamic press.
Written on 08/16/2019 - 09:27

1. Describe your role.

As the founder and owner of a micro-publisher, I get to do pretty much everything. Its a consent fight between the creative side of things and the day to day running of the business. I’m responsible for developing our list and sorting out the print. I end up doing most of the design work, and I work closely with the editorial team. I dislike doing the PR and marketing.

2. What do you like best about your role?

With a small company there is a lot of cliches about being able to do things that one passionate about, being part of the whole process, flexibility etc. What I really enjoy, however, is having the chance to work with and support artists and authors I like. I'm just amazed at the talent out there. I've met some great people.

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

We are just about to release our first graphic novel called Horizontal Collaboration. It’s a bit of a change of direction for us which is exciting. It a tale of love and relationships in worn torn Paris. That will be quickly followed by another book about Paris — City of Pleasure, which takes a look at the sexual excesses of the interwar period in what was arguably the world’s most decadent city at the time. Today I was working on Graham Humphreys’ art book. He has done poster artwork for such films as The Evil Dead and Nightmare on Elm Street. He’s also heavily involved with the Vincent Price estate.

4. What skills do you need for your role?

You need to be a creative thinker who can see the potential of an idea with the wherewithal to bring it to fruition. For a company like Korero, it helps to be a cultural sponge who doesn’t mind looking under a few rocks or travelling to the deepest part of the underground.

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

For a fellow independent just starting out, I would say start small and grow organically. Talk to everyone you can. Find your niche, immerse yourself, be authentic, know your audience and serve them well.