Welcome to Pace University, Professor Romanello!
Starting this semester, Professor Jennifer Romanello will be working as the new Internship Professor for the Publishing Program! Continue reading to hear learn more about her and how she can help you find your dream publishing job!
Welcome to Pace University, Professor Romanello! Before we get started, can you tell us a little about your background in publishing?
Prof. Romanello: Thank you, I’m delighted to be here. I began my career in publishing as a publicity assistant at Scribner and worked my way up the corporate ladder, eventually becoming VP, Executive Director of Publicity at Grand Central Publishing at Hachette Book Group. Later on, I became VP, Director of Publicity, at Simon & Schuster’s Children’s Publishing. I’ve been fortunate to work with a roster of bestselling authors including Nicholas Sparks, Cassandra Clare, Nelson DeMille, David Baldacci, Jennifer Weiner, Brad Meltzer, and many others. A fun fact about me is that I am a character in The Guardian, the only Nicholas Sparks novel NOT to be made into a movie. My pinch-me, is this really happening? publishing moment was when I booked one of my literary idols, Toni Morrison, on “The Charlie Rose Show” during the paperback publication of her novel Jazz.
What has been your favorite part of working in the publishing industry?
Meeting and forming life-long friendships with the people who work in the industry. Most of the people who work in publishing are there because they love books and want to be connected to the process of publishing a book. They are intellectually curious and incredibly hard working. I’ve also enjoyed working with authors, planning and implementing the most effective publicity campaign for their books. By the time their book is ready to launch, all the pieces (hopefully) fit into a perfect puzzle. It’s thrilling when a book goes out into the world and exceeds everyone’s expectations. Of course, the opposite is also true: it’s deflating when you have amazing blurbs, great advance reviews, several national media outlets lined up, and the book does not perform.
- Be prepared. If you are interviewing for an entry-level editorial position, find out what kind of books the editor you will be assisting has acquired so you can make that part of your discussion during the interview process.
- Research the publishing house/company and have questions ready for the interviewer. Perhaps they have just added a new imprint or hired a high-level marketing director from a big commercial publisher or vice versa. Ask about their long-term publishing strategies.
- Dress professionally. You want to look your best and show you are taking the interview seriously.
How can you help students with internship and job searches?
The first step in the process is to schedule a meeting with me. We can discuss your particular interests, review your resume, and ideally make a match between you and a prospective employer. The publishing program at Pace has many long-term, excellent relationships with publishing contacts who hire our interns and graduates. With almost thirty years of publishing experience, I too have many contacts within the industry and can help connect you.
Professor Romanello can be reached at jromanello@pace.edu