Insights from a Publishing Career Day: Exploring New Opportunities

Event Overview

On July 4, 2025, a valuable event co-hosted by New Writing North and Hachette took place at Northumbria University. This gathering aimed to give students a glimpse into the world of publishing and noticeably broaden access to career opportunities beyond London, as various publishing companies are increasingly establishing offices in northern regions.

Understanding Publishing Careers

The day commenced with a panel discussion titled ‘An Introduction to Publishing with Hachette,’ led by Anna Disley, executive director of NWN. Richard Kelly, who heads the Publishing MA at Northumbria University, contributed to the discussion, painting a comprehensive picture of working in publishing. Participants quickly learned that there are multiple pathways to a role within this exciting field.

Workshop Experiences

Participants had the opportunity to engage in four different workshops designed to explore various publishing roles in depth. The first was focused on sales and contracts, led by Hachette team members Tabitha Gresty and Rachel Lowth. Students delved into the intricacies of crafting contracts for both debut and established authors. The discussions highlighted essential aspects such as royalties, projected media coverage, and copyright ownership, unveiling the extensive considerations authors and publishers navigate during this process.

Designing Book Covers

Next, Caroline Priestley and Alice Clark guided students through the captivating process of book cover design. They shared personal journeys, explaining their distinctive approaches to this creative task and underscoring the use of cover information sheets to inspire concepts. The pair also showcased effective techniques, including fine art and personal photography, which helped students grasp the art of visual storytelling.

Editorial Insights

In the editorial workshop, led by Tierney Witty and Georgina Mitchell, students gained first-hand knowledge of the book editing process, tracing the journey from initial drafts all the way to the final copy. The session encompassed working closely with agents and highlighted successful celebrity books published by Hachette.

Marketing and Publicity Strategies

The final workshop concentrated on marketing and publicity, where Lucy Martin and Emily Harrison inspired students to think creatively about media coverage for books. Participants worked on preparing “goodie boxes” for a new title featuring a witch who runs an inn. These boxes were filled with themed items, and the exercise also included planning an array of public appearances to maximize the book’s visibility. This insightful experience revealed the vital role of marketing in generating excitement for new releases.

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The captivating nature of these workshops allowed students to explore the publishing industry interactively, providing them with practical insights into various roles. The event successfully ignited enthusiasm for pursuing careers in publishing, empowering attendees to seek further knowledge and opportunities.

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