SYP Career Speed Dating – 18th February 2014

Posted on March 2, 2014 in Uncategorized

by Emma Jessup

Whether its love or a new career you’re looking for, the two are more closely linked than you might think. In both pursuits, you’re threatened with rejection and just when you think you’ve found your perfect match, someone beats you to the punch. But don’t wallow in misery, put the ice-cream back in the freezer, delete the rejection emails and read what happened at the SYP’s sell-out Career Speed Dating event at the Phoenix Artist Club.

‘They’re Twitterpated’

Some people are prolific and will do anything to notch up their numbers. Others know their type and stick to it. Then there are those who are more reserved, who just don’t understand. I’m talking about Twitter – and so were the speakers!

Nina Douglas, Senior Publicity Manager at Orion Children’s Books, agreed. Orion’s YA list was launched with a social media presence. ‘Twitter gives you credibility – you gain a following of people who trust you.’ However, Nina added a caution. Employers may read your personal Twitter feeds, so be careful what you tweet and don’t forget you’re a representative of the company, even when you’re not at work!

Lucy Pearson began her career in fashion and beauty PR. To prove her love of books and help launch her publishing career, she started a book review blog. She built up her contacts by getting in touch with publicists through Twitter, asking them to send up-and-coming titles to review. Her advice: ‘If you don’t have a blog, get on Twitter’.

First dates

The importance of internships was often mentioned. But it’s important to make the most of the experience. Nina Douglas said you should ask questions, do what you’re asked and use your initiative to impress. She often suggests to interns to take books home, read them and think of publicity ideas.

Work experience will also ensure that you make the right decision about where you want to work. Lottie Chase, Export Sales Executive at Quercus Books, said she found editorial work experience to be tedious. She loves meeting people and the opportunity to travel, which is what drew her to Sales.

True Romance

Editorial is at the heart of the publishing industry. Briony Gowlett, NF Commissioning Editor at Hodder & Stoughton, says editorial allows you to experience an incredible spectrum – no two days, or books, are the same. You also have the opportunity to work with the publishing love triangle. ‘The Three Musketeers,’ Nick Coveney, Editor at Hodder Children’s Books, says, ‘are the author, agent and editor’.

The rising star of the industry is definitely the Digital department. But you don’t have to come from a digital background says Alastair Horne, Communities and Social Media Manager at Cambridge University Press. If you understand publishing and use apps and e-readers you have an awareness of digital. You are the target audience – you know what works and what annoys you, so why not bring your knowledge to your career?

Pearls of Wisdom

In love, it’s always a good idea to get relationship advice from friends who have found it. And our speakers were more than willing to share their secrets.

Before an interview, research the backlist. Find out what is doing well and in what areas. This shows enthusiasm and attention to detail. Nina Douglas
Talk to as many people as possible as often as possible. To get into publishing, you need an edge, but make sure you’re not a gimmick. It’ll be hard work, but worth it. Gemma Green, Marketing Manager, Penguin Children’s Books
When interning, communication with your managers is really important. Always pass messages on, even if it’s only ‘they said no’! Sophia Blackwell, Marketing Manager, Bloomsbury UK
No one goes into publishing for the money! Nick Coveney

It was an evening which stirred the passions of many young publishers. Some left clutching business cards and, we hope, the possibility of a second date…

Emma Jessup is student liaison officer for SYP London and is looking for her first job in publishing. You can find her on Twitter as @EmmaJessup

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