MY PUBLISHING LIFE with Katherine Sunderland

Welcome to my latest MY PUBLISHING LIFE feature, an interview with a literary agent, publisher, publicist or editor about their publishing career to date. Some serious questions, and some just for fun!

Today I'm delighted to welcome 

KATHERINE SUNDERLAND

Publicity, marketing and social media assistant
at

Oldcastle Books/No Exit Press

What and when was your first job in publishing?

This is my first job in publishing! I have been a book blogger for just over 18 months and then following conversations with friends about my reviews and recommendations- and a life long love of books- I had the idea to run author panel events in Harpenden. When I started looking for authors to come along and take part, I contacted Oldcastle Books as they are also based in Harpenden. They were incredibly supportive, not only by providing a few authors but also with helpful tips, advice and suggestions as I put together my first few events. From then on, we have stayed in contact and this summer I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to become part of the team, focussing on the publicity and marketing for their No Exit Press titles. 

How long have you been working in your current job/role?

I am totally brand new to this role and job! I have only officially started working here since the beginning of September! 

Which books have you worked on recently/are you working on?

I have been involved with The Ashes of Berlin by Luke McCallin, The Unquiet Dead by Ausma Zehanat Khan, Jon Michelet’s The Frozen Woman and Robert B Parker’s Debt to Pay. Now I am looking forward to working with Leigh Russell’s tenth book in the Geraldine Steel series, Class Murder. 

Which qualifications/life skills/experience have helped you get to where you are today?

I have a degree in English Literature and I did work as a Secondary School English Teacher for many years before I had my family. Recently though, my only really relevant experience has been an absolute passion for books and being a voracious reader! I’m sure writing reviews on my blogs and having a good understanding of social media has been an advantage. Book blogging also means that I’m very aware of the latest titles making headlines which are creating a buzz in the book blogging community. 

How do you relax after a busy working day?

Reading! Even after a day of talking and thinking about books, all I really want to do is get back to my current read! I usually have something to prepare for my blog or next author event and I also spend quite a lot of time on twitter too…..! 

What was the last book you read for pleasure?

I have just finished The Doll House by Phoebe Morgan which I highly recommend and I loved Maria on the Moon which was published by Orenda Books this September. 

Describe your job in 15 words or less...

Planning and promoting our authors and up and coming titles, arranging events and author appearances at writing festivals. 

What have been the highlights of your publishing life so far

Interviewing Bill Beverly at Crime Fest. 

If you could try out any other job for one day (with no limits on money, travel etc.), what would you choose?

To be honest, this – my desk at No Exit Press - is where I’ve always wanted to be – working with books and authors! Perhaps the only other dream job would be living in a cottage overlooking the sea and penning the next blockbuster! 

If your publishing life was a book, what would the title be?
Just One More Page

Because that’s my catch phrase, and you never know what adventure’s coming in the next chapter!

Thanks so much for taking part, Katherine!

Look out for more MY PUBLISHING LIFE features coming soon.

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If any literary agents, publishers, publicists or editors would like to take part, please contact me through my blog or Twitter for the full list of questions.