Day three and I felt like one of the gang:
It’s amazing what a bit of courtesy and kind manners can do for the mental health in an office environment. Anna is one of those directors who clearly cares for her staff. I found that working along side her was a pure joy. She did not speak down to others and listened when others spoke. It can be hard for a ‘newbie’, especially one with little experience in the field, but Anna didn’t make me feel out of place. She seemed to respect my ideas and welcomed my input into the manuscripts passing my desk. I was even given the task to copy edit a new manuscript that was yet to be published.
I felt on top of the world having the privilege of reading the true story of the author’s childhood before others. I was also asked to come up with a cover blurb that Anna could incorporate into her own drafting. The opportunity felt overwhelming and extremely exciting in one.
A cover design was attached to the manuscript and Anna asked for my opinion of this draft. I suggested that a family photograph was placed on the cover. Anna explained that originally an image was placed on the back of the book, but this was too personal and from a marketing perspective, this might have hampered the appeal to a wider audience. Another suggestion I had made was to enlarge the authors name as the original was printed quite small – Anna further explained that they were keeping the author’s name small as he is relatively unknown and it is the title that will grab the reader’s eye (Some readers search for certain well-known authors and others for catchy titles). These are points that I would not have learnt had I not been placed in a publishing environment and picked up tips from the professionals. I feel honoured to have had this opportunity to further my knowledge in this profession.
REDSMITHS and ROBINS 