What is your current job title and some of your responsibilities?
I am an assistant editor at Feiwel & Friends. I assist the publisher of the imprint with her projects as well as other assistant duties and office management for the imprint, and I acquire my own projects for editing and publishing.
How did the classes you took during your time in the program prepare you to work in the industry?
They helped me to know what my options were, in terms of jobs in the industry, and better prepared me to understand and be able to talk knowledgeably about the state of the industry, the kinds of books I wanted to work on, and how the industry functions.
What were some of the highlights during your graduate experience?
I particularly enjoyed working as a graduate assistant at the Pace University Press, because that was a great experience doing all aspects of publishing, from editorial to marketing, to design (something I never would have learned how to do on my own!).
Did you have an internship? If so, what was it and how did it prepare you for your current position?
I interned at Swoon Reads (a part of Feiwel & Friends) while I was in the program. It was a great internship, very hands-on – I got to read a ton and attend meetings and even write a few editorial letters to some authors. The internship gave me a great knowledge base to work from when I got my first entry level job in the industry, and it obviously introduced me to some great people, since I’m back working for the same imprint now!
What advice do you have for current students in the program?
Take classes outside of your comfort zone or interest – you never know what you might fall in love with! Also, take advantage of all of the networking opportunities you have with teachers, fellow students, and people in the industry – you just have to meet the right person one time to land a great internship or job!
Where do you hope to see yourself in 5-10 years?
I hope to be an editor at a children’s imprint, not assisting anyone anymore, and acquiring and editing diverse and important books that kids and teens actually like to read!
What are your favorite aspects of the publishing industry?
Since I work in kid’s books, I love that I can have such an impact on a kid’s life by getting the right book into their hands – reading had such a big effect on me when I was young, and it’s wonderful to know that I could indirectly have the same impact on someone else! I also love the people I’ve met in children’s publishing, they’re some of the nicest and most fun people to be around!
What are you reading right now? Either for work or for pleasure.
I’m reading Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly, which is a wonderful middle grade novel about a deaf girl who is trying to help a whale whose song can’t be heard by other whales – it’s wonderfully written and has almost made me cry on the subway several times.