MY PUBLISHING LIFE with Karen Sullivan

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 

KAREN SULLIVAN

Publisher

at
Orenda Books

What and when was your first job in publishing?

I worked as secretary to the editorial director of Sidgwick & Jackson, and my ‘line manager’ was Gill Paul, now a well-known author of historical fiction. She effectively trained me, and I moved to editorial assistant and the some commissioning.

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

I am publisher and owner of Orenda Books, and we are almost four years old. 

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

We are always working on a number of books at different stages. I just did a final read of Susi Holliday’s utterly brilliant psychological thriller cum ghost story, The Lingering, before we go to press and I’m about to do the same to Will Carver’s dark, sexy, tense Good Samaritans. I’m doing final edits on West Camel’s beautiful, charming debut Attend,  which is a bit Armistead Maupin … all character and lyrical writing. I’m also preparing Steph Broadribb’s Deep Dirty Truth, next in the fabulous single-mother, bounty-hunter Lori Anderson series, and Matt Wesolowski’s creepy Changeling, next in the Six Stories series, for bound proofs. I’m structurally editing books that we are publishing well into next year, like Doug Johnstone’s FABULOUS Breakers. It’s gloriously non-stop and never boring!

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

I have a couple of degrees, including English, Economics and Psychology, which probably help! I took a publishing course at the beginning of my career, and was rigorously trained in my first job. I am a huge reader, too, and that obviously helps with story sense, and working on the structure of a book. I was a non-fiction author for years, writing about raising children and emotional health, and did some TV, etc. This gives good insights from the other side of the fence, if you like. I was a single mother for a number of years, supporting my boys on my own, so I have always been hugely disciplined and determined, and very good at time management. Mainly, though, I think I am really just very lucky to be doing a job that I adore, and working with so many talented authors from around the world. They are SO much fun, too. It’s a fabulous job!

How do you relax after a busy working day?

Reading is my main relaxation, always. Spending time with my family is also fun. I don’t go out a lot because my job involves a LOT of travel and a LOT of events, festivals and parties. I am happiest in my nightie, on the sofa. I don’t watch a lot of TV, but I have to say that the current crop of drama on at the moment is brilliant! I’m glued to The Bodyguard and enjoying The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair, and I can’t wait for the dramatisation of Helen FitzGerald’s The Cry.

What was the last book you read for pleasure?

Currently reading Ambrose Parry’s The Way of All Flesh, and I honestly can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s beautifully written, visceral, immersive, authentic, screamingly tense and quite magnificent. Ambrose Parry is the writing team of Chris Brookmyre and his doctor wife, Marisa. Enough said! On the TBR, I’ve got Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s debut Blood & Sugar, which everyone is talking about! Plus Erin Kelly’s Stone Mothers. I LOVE HER WORK!

Describe your job in 15 words or less...

Commissioning exceptional books from around the world, and editing, marketing, selling and promoting them in all formats (which is more than 15).

What have been the highlights of your publishing life so far

There have been some great highlights! One of our first books was Ragnar Jonasson’s Snowblind, translated by Quentin Bates, and it was the first book to knock The Girl on the Train off the top of the kindle charts. That was MAGIC for a debut, international author. Ragnar’s series has gone on to sell about a million copies worldwide. It was an honour to be shortlisted (twice) for Best Newcomer at the Independent Publishing Awards, and to be chosen as a Bookseller Rising Star. A seminal moment was launching Roxanne Bouchard’s We Were the Salt of the Sea (translated from French Canadian by David Warriner) at Canada House earlier this year. I’m Canadian, and the word ‘Orenda’ is a Canadian First Nations word that loosely translates as ‘the mystical power that drives human accomplishment’, so it was extremely exciting. I was bursting with pride! Otherwise, every single day, every book, every author has brought incredible rewards and multiple highlights. I’m as excited about a book selling thousands of copies as I am by a great reader review!

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

I wouldn’t want to do anything else. This is, quite honestly, my dream job!

If your publishing life was a book, what would the title be?

The Orenda, but Joseph Boyden already did that! J

Sometimes my life feels like a thriller, with so many nail-biting, tense moments, and a roller-coaster plot, coupled with elation, distress, pride, happiness, euphoria … and some incredible characters! Let’s call it The Orenda Roadshow!

Thanks so much for taking part, Karen!

Look out for more MY PUBLISHING LIFE features coming soon.

Click here to read more MY PUBLISHING LIFE features.

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.

MY PUBLISHING LIFE with Hannah Sheppard

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 

HANNAH SHEPPARD

Literary Agent

at
DHH Literary Agency

What and when was your first job in publishing?

My first job was a six-month placement on a poetry website that Macmillan Children’s Books were launching – it was very varied; from clearing the permissions for the use of the poetry to liaising with teaching experts about lesson plans and on to website testing (which I seem to remember involved endless games of hangman while we tried to get that working). I was very lucky that towards the end of my six months, a permanent Editorial Secretary (which I don’t think is a title that’s used any more – this was back in 2002) job came up and I started working my way up through the editorial ranks. 

Before that, I’d worked in a bookshop one afternoon a week while I was at university and also did two stints of work experience in publishing – one adult, one children’s.

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

I’ve been an agent for five years. And spent 10 years in house before that. 

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

I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredible authors. At Macmillan, I was Marion Lloyd’s assistant, which meant I got to work with Eva Ibbotson and later I was working with another editor who worked with both Chris Riddell and Frank Cottrell Boyce. When I moved to Headline to run their YA list, I published Tanya Byrne’s HEART-SHAPED BRUISE, which I’m very proud of. 

As an agent, I work with lots of incredibly talented authors, such as Abi Elphinstone, Keris Stainton, Adam Hamdy and Chris McGeorge – and there are a few names to watch out for – Amy Beashel and Kate Mallinder for instance. 

Most of my current editorial work is on exciting books that I can’t talk about yet…but I am working on some wonderful debuts at the moment and I can’t wait for other people to start reading! You can find a full list of my current authors here: http://www.dhhliteraryagency.com/hannah-sheppard.html

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

Being a reader is the biggest one. You have to read widely to get a good sense of what works and what doesn’t – and what you like and don’t – because so much of being both an agent and an editor is instinct and gut feeling. And you have to trust your instincts and not second guess because other people don’t feel the same. 

Maybe also single-mindedness. I knew this was what I wanted to do so I didn’t listen to the careers advisors who sucked in their breath and told me publishing was very difficult to get into and maybe I should think about teaching (because that really isthe only option open to English graduates). That same single-mindedness and unshaking belief in something helps when you’re trying to sell a book too. 

How do you relax after a busy working day?

There’s a lot of work reading that goes on in the evenings and at weekends (my submission inbox and any manuscripts I’ve called in are mostly tackled outside of office hours). But I like to try to have a just for fun book on the go too. And I’m really enjoying binging TV series that have a really good story at their heart – recent favourites include This Is Us from the US and Unforgotten from ITV (I’m very excited that new series of both are imminent!). I also love the theatre – It’s definitely all about story. I’m trying to do more knitting so that my hands are busy with something other than my phone. 

When I’m working from home I try to go for a lunchtime swim to break up the day and as much as I hated exercise as a kid I now realise it’s very important for my mental health. 

What was the last book you read for pleasure?

I read Home by Amanda Berriman and I thought it was a brilliant example of voice done well – it also managed to make me feel physically anxious at times. My TBR pile is humungous. There are books everywhere. Including in my bed. 

Describe your job in 15 words or less...

Oooh, my favourite description was given to me by an author, Natalie Flynn…

I re-habilitate my client’s wayward imaginary friends before finding them forever homes.

What have been the highlights of your publishing life so far

There are too many to choose from really…

I love this industry – it’s full of supportive and talented people who are passionate about what they do and working with them is a real highlight. 

And each and every one of my authors’ successes is a joy – I love to champion them and celebrate each victory (big or small). 

I do remember the first time I walked out of Macmillan Children’s Books with a manuscript in my canvas bag (pre-eReaders, I always had both a handbag and a canvas bag full of manuscripts – I don’t miss that) having just started as an editorial secretary. It was one of those clear, crisp nights in the run up to Christmas when all the lights are starting to go on and everything looks pretty and I couldn’t have been happier to have that manuscript to read. It felt like such a moment of achievement…there have been bigger achievements since (a Waterstones Book of the Month with Abi Elphinstone’s SKY SONG earlier this year for instance was a real joy), but that is one where the feeling has really stuck with me.   

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

I’d love to be a pilot. Early on in my career I considered quitting publishing to go and retrain…but even with the backing of a commercial airline it’s horrifically expensive. I love the idea of having that freedom though. One day, when I’m super rich (cough), I’ll get my pilot’s licence. 

If your publishing life was a book, what would the title be?

Thank You For Your Patience… I feel like I’m saying this all the time – to clients waiting for edits and to authors who have submitted. An agent’s job is a busy one and there’s never enough time to fit everything in. It’s also fitting for publishing in general, which often feels incredibly slow…the whole process of getting a book out can take far longer than anyone outside of the industry realises. 

Thanks so much for taking part, Hannah!

Look out for more MY PUBLISHING LIFE features coming soon.

Click here to read more MY PUBLISHING LIFE features.

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.

MY PUBLISHING LIFE with Scott Pack

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 

SCOTT PACK

Editor-at-Large

at
Eye/Lightning Books
(and other freelance roles elsewhere!)

What and when was your first job in publishing?

My first job was as commercial director at The Friday Project, having joined them from Waterstones.

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

I am a freelancer nowadays and have been for a few years. One of my roles is as editor-at-large at Eye & Lightning Books and I have been doing that for 18 months or so. I also acquire books for Unbound and am co-founder of Abandoned Bookshop, a digital imprint that reissues lost and forgotten books from the past.  

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

We have just published Their Brilliant Careers by Ryan O'Neill, an award-winning novel from Australia that purports to be a collection of biographies of Australian writers but is all completely made up. I think it is a work of sublime genius and everyone I have foisted a copy onto has loved it. I have this very day been offering feedback on the cover of The Hurtle of Hell by Simon Edge, an atheist comedy in which God himself is a major character. And this week we went to print with The Industry of Human Happiness, the debut novel by Telegraph music critic, James Hall, set in the early days of the gramophone industry.

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

I came to publishing from book retail – I was head of buying at Waterstones for six years or so – so I think I was able to bring a bit of a commercial eye to the publishing jobs I have done, but outside of that my qualifications and experience are not typical for publishing. I didn't go to university and spent the 90s working in record shops and as a buyer at HMV's head office, all of which gave me an interesting perspective but none of which would really be seen as ideal for the career I have ended up with. 

I think my ability to keep things in perspective had helped me quite a lot. Publishing is full of deadlines and minor or near disasters are often on the horizon, so being able to step back and assess the situation objectively – is this really a big deal? - has been good, I think.

How do you relax after a busy working day?

Actually, I think it is important to find time to relax during a busy working day, so I do try to go for walks, or sit outside with a book, most days if at all possible. At the end of the day I like to cook dinner for the family and watch a movie or, predictably, read a bit more.

Also, naps are great.

What was the last book you read for pleasure?

Last night I stayed up late to finish Circe by Madeline Miller. It was every bit as good as The Song of Achilles. I am a sucker for anything related to Greek myths but this is particularly fine.

Describe your job in 15 words or less...

I try to help make books a bit better and then hope people buy them.

What have been the highlights of your publishing life so far

My favourite book as a child was Krabat by Otfried Preussler, so getting the chance to reissue that when I was at HarperCollins was definitely a highlight, something that would have greatly impressed the eleven-year-old me. Having Haruki Murakami write an introduction to The Miner by Natsume Soseki gave me a chance to work with my literary hero, albeit briefly. But, being honest, the next book on the horizon always feels like a highlight. OK, so they don't always turn out to be but potential is a wonderful thing!

If you could try out any other job for one day (with no limits on money, travel etc.), what would you choose?
Restaurant critic. I don't need much of an excuse to try out a new restaurant so might as well get paid for it. I have also reached the point in life where I really do not care about my waistline.

If your publishing life was a book, what would the title be?
Inspired by Douglas Adams, I'd go for 'Don't Panic' because, at the end of the day, most of the problems we face in publishing are minor compared to what many other people have to deal with.

Thanks so much for taking part, Scott!

Look out for more MY PUBLISHING LIFE features coming soon.

Click here to read more MY PUBLISHING LIFE features.

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.

MY PUBLISHING LIFE with Yas Langley

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 

YAS LANGLEY

Intern for Children's Books Department

at
David Hingham Associates

What and when was your first job in publishing? 
This is!

How long have you been working in your current job/role?
I started in January, so coming up to four months now. 

Which qualifications/life skills/experience have helped you get to where you are today?
I didn’t have that much experience specifically in the publishing industry before this job. However, I do have a great deal of general office/admin/reception/hospitality experience (part of my job is on reception and phones), as well as other internships and work experience placements, which have all been hugely relevant. If I have learnt one thing, it's not to underestimate the usefulness of basic administration and people skills.

How do you relax after a busy working day?
I’m still fairly new to London, so I’m making the most of it by going to the theatre, comedy nights and trying all the bars and restaurants on offer - there’s always something going on in this city.

What was the last book you read for pleasure?
Yesterday I picked up Flour Babies by Anne Fine. Although Anne is technically one of our authors, it’s not anything to do with work and I just love her writing – perhaps even more so as an adult. And as you can probably see on the @DHABooks Twitter, I’m also dipping in and out of the Horrible Geography box set. I probably read as much children’s books as I do adults!

Describe your job in 15 words or less...
Amazing opportunity to learn about all aspects of the publishing industry.

What have been the highlights of your publishing life so far

Getting this job in the first place – I know how competitive the industry is, so I’m incredibly grateful to get my foot on the first rung of the ladder. Also, my first signed postcard from Jacqueline Wilson – my favourite author growing up – was a ‘squealing’ moment, and I actually got to meet her at the London Book Fair. Oh and Stephen Fry described my coffee as ‘perfect’ so that was a pretty cool moment and is going straight on my C.V….

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

An astronaut – I’ve done a fair bit of travelling and am slowly ticking off all the countries in the world, but going into space would top it all 

If your publishing life was a book, what would the title be?
And So It Begins (Rachel Abbott) … nothing to do with the plot (thankfully!!) but the title reflects what I hope is just the beginning of an exciting career in the publishing world.

Thanks so much for taking part, Yas!

Look out for more MY PUBLISHING LIFE features coming soon.

Click here to read more MY PUBLISHING LIFE features.

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.

MY PUBLISHING LIFE with Aimee Coveney

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 

AIMEE COVENEY

Co-founder and
Head of Design and Digital Marketing

at
Bookollective

What and when was your first job in publishing?

I always say that I fell into publishing. I originally worked as a website designer for a self-publishing company, working on designing author websites.  After some training and experimentation in another role, I started book design and fell in love with the process. It’s still the favourite part of my job. Taking the written word and successfully creating a visual representation, much to an author’s delight, is very rewarding. 

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

Bookollective is heading for its second birthday and continues to thrive. We’re consistently building on our goals and adding to our extensive service expertise. 

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

Some of my favourite recent cover designs have included Nice Guys Finish Lonely by Rachel Dove (Manatee Books), Broken Ponies by Sophie Jonas-Hill (Urbane Publications) and two new sets of series covers for Hannah Ellis and Emma Salisbury. 

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

Spending years in the industry within different roles has given me invaluable insight into author’s gripes around different aspects of publishing and enabled me to explore avenues to help make their journey a smooth and exciting one! 

How do you relax after a busy working day?

Having a young baby means relaxing is a little scarce these days(!), but I genuinely enjoy reading whilst doing the evening feeds. When I have time to myself, I love to cook, experimenting with recipes and creating flavours is my therapy. 

What was the last book you read for pleasure?

I recently finished Between You and Me by Lisa Hall, which was incredibly gripping! It certainly kept me up past my bedtime! Without a doubt, I’ll be reading more of Lisa’s books in the near future! 

Describe your job in 15 words or less...

Creative services for authors and publishers. Bringing an ease and personal edge to publishing! 

What have been the highlights of your publishing life so far

Last year I (and the rest of the Bookollective team) were chosen as The Bookseller’s Rising Stars. It was an incredible surprise and an amazing accolade from the industry. 

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

Given my love of books and cooking, I think combining the two to be a cookery writer would be a fantastic experience and one I’d love to try given the chance, and heaps of luck! 

If your publishing life was a book, what would the title be?

Oh that’s a tricky one! Life on Planet Publishing could be good, as I’ve had a hand in so many different aspects of the publishing journey and could reveal some strange but true happenings behind the scenes! 

Thanks so much for taking part, Aimee!

Look out for more MY PUBLISHING LIFE features coming soon.

Click here to read more MY PUBLISHING LIFE features.

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.