Impressive location – check, best literature in the world – check, talented and passionate editors – check. Here I am, a languages finalist from Warwick University, at Penguin Publishers, coming to the end of two weeks work experience at Hamish Hamilton that has certainly been an experience.
As is the point of work experience, I came here unsure of what to expect – and even unsure if publishing in general was going to be ‘my thing’. Two weeks later and now I am sure. It is definitely my thing.
I had prepared myself to be doing mundane tasks such as photocopying and filing, things that are important, in their own way, but that don’t really matter. Yet, I am delighted to say I have not become acquainted with the photocopier or a filing cabinet. (I did spend a couple of hours alphabetising paperbacks after Penguin’s offices moved floors over the weekend, but the organising part of me secretly quite enjoyed that.) Instead, my days have been filled with what I love most – reading.
Kind of scary really, that a new manuscript falls first into the lap of a mere intern, but wonderful to be given such responsibility, and a privilege to be among the first to lay eyes on an author’s precious oeuvre. Some of the works I read have been stunning - others not so much - but all evidently a labour of love. I’ve felt honoured to be reviewing these manuscripts for the editors to then consider whether to publish or not. On top of the reading, Hamish Hamilton has invited me to several editorial meetings where mostly I just listened and learned how the company functions, but at other times was asked my opinions on a manuscript or a book title which really felt valued.
It’s been a fantastic, albeit short experience, so thank you Penguin, and Hamish Hamilton in particular, for this wonderful opportunity. Two weeks – enough time to learn a little about publishing and Penguin, but a lot about where I’d love to find myself working in the future…
Nadia Bonomally
Editorial Intern at Hamish Hamilton
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If you read blogs, writing magazines, or publishing industry newsletters, one aspect of publishing in the twenty-first century becomes crystal clear—to be successful today, a writer needs to self-promote. Yikes!
For many of us, that’s a problem: we’re by and large bookish introverts who happily hole up in our offices for hours on end. Bookstore signings? School visits? Conference presentations? When you’re just beginning to publish, your knees probably knock together when you think about stepping in front of an audience to promote your books. If only you had an expert to guide you as you take those first feeble steps out of your writing cubby and into the world!
Now you can. This March, the Highlights Foundation is proud to present Life in the Spotlight: The Path to Successful School and Library Visits, Self-Promotion, and Press Interviews with Peter Jacobi.
Peter is an award-winning journalism professor, a former on-air reporter for radio and television (including ABC and NBC News), a magazine consultant, and a specialist in speech training and media training. Best of all, this acclaimed journalist, writer, and renowned public speaker is willing to hold your hand as you take your first steps toward building your writing career through self-promotion.
As a participant in Life in the Spotlight, you will learn the publicity techniques needed to promote your books, gain practice in public speaking and presentation skills, and participate in a real-life school experience—with an expert to guide you each step of the way.
Here’s what one former workshop attendee has to say about Life in the Spotlight:
“Peter Jacobi’s Life in the Spotlight gave me the jump start I needed to overcome my fear of public speaking and publicity. In a group setting, Peter warmly gave us one-to-one attention to help us build confidence through reading, interviewing, and performing on-site school presentations. The lectern has become a good friend.”
—Lori Ries, author of Aggie and Ben, Three Stories (an Oregon Book Award Finalist); Super Sam; Mrs. Fickle’s Pickles; and Fix It, Sam! Her latest release, Punk Wig, is due out this March. Lori now promotes her work through school visits, author signings, and conferences.
If you’re serious about your writing career and believe in your books, take advantage of the opportunity to learn from Peter Jacobi. Click here for more information.
The Highlights Foundation
814 Court Street
Honesdale, PA 18431
Phone: (570) 253-1192
E-mail: [email protected]
Highlights Foundation,
Life in the Spotlight,
Peter Jacobi
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