The BookMachine Podcast: Conversations in Publishing

Why book fairs still matter for a global industry and their role in reaching new audiences. In this episode, we sit down with industry powerhouse Jacks Thomas, Guest Director at BolognaBooksPlus, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of international publishing. Drawing on her extensive experience at the helm of major book fairs and work with global brands, Jacks shares her unique perspective on how the industry can bridge the gap between core enthusiasts and untapped readers during the UK’s National Year of Reading. We delve into the DNA of modern book fairs, the enduring power of brand identity, and the practicalities of supporting the next generation of publishing professionals.BookMachine Creative AgencyMarketing for the Publishing and Learning sectors. Your campaigns sorted from strategy to execution. BookMachine CampusFind the knowledge, inspiration and connections to thrive in the publishing world.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

The realities of analysing book sales and identifying the trends that shape the publishing landscape. In this episode we are joined by Suzy Warnock, Senior Analytics Account Manager at NielsenIQ BookData, to explore how to approach overwhelming datasets, why good metadata underpins every meaningful insight and how much of publishing still relies on intuition and curation. Suzy lifts the lid on how bestseller lists maintain their integrity, explains why genres keep splintering and reveals the hidden signals that point to future hits. She also discusses pricing traps, evergreen categories, the challenges of AI generated content and the simple metadata improvements that can make life easier for everyone. BookMachine Creative AgencyMarketing for the Publishing and Learning sectors. Your campaigns sorted from strategy to execution. BookMachine CampusFind the knowledge, inspiration and connections to thrive in the publishing world.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

Why audio matters for young readers and how it can empower children’s literacy and critical thinking. In this episode, we are joined by Carla Herbertson, former BBC children's radio producer and co-founder of Small Wardour. Carla is a passionate advocate for accessibility, literacy and the power of audio to bring stories to life. She talks about why kids audio is booming, how publishers can build creative multi-platform story worlds, and what the industry must do to engage children where they are. Carla also shares the story behind Bust or Trust, the hit investigative mystery podcast teaching media literacy to 7 to 11 year olds, and explains why audio can be a vital first step in helping children become confident, joyful readers.BookMachine Creative AgencyMarketing for the Publishing and Learning sectors. Your campaigns sorted from strategy to execution. BookMachine CampusFind the knowledge, inspiration and connections to thrive in the publishing world.BookMachine Creative AgencyMarketing for the Publishing and Learning sectors. Your campaigns sorted from strategy to execution.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

Why a career in books has prepared Amelia Fairney to tackle digital misinformation and champion workplace inclusion. In this episode, we follow the inspiring career journey of publishing veteran Amelia Fairney as she pivots to advocate for digital integrity at Shout Out UK. We dive deep into the urgent threat of misinformation and the alarming link between declining children's literacy and vulnerability to harmful online influences. Amelia also shares the insights she gained founding the Age Inclusion Network at Penguin Random House and discusses the overlooked value of intergenerational workforces.BookMachine Creative AgencyMarketing for the Publishing and Learning sectors. Your campaigns sorted from strategy to execution. BookMachine CampusFind the knowledge, inspiration and connections to thrive in the publishing world.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

What happens when a love of books meets the power of digital marketing? In this episode, we speak to Kate Molyneux, Senior Digital Marketing Manager at Bloomsbury Publishing, whose journey from receptionist to leading award-winning campaigns is as inspiring as it is insightful. Kate shares how she’s helped shape the online presence of bestselling Children’s and YA titles, built a global community through the Bloomsbury Creator Circle, and created immersive experiences for superfans and influencers alike. We dive into the rise of BookTok, the impact of content creators, and what it really takes to build buzz around books in a fast-moving digital world. Whether you're a reader, marketer, or aspiring publisher, this episode is packed with fresh ideas and behind-the-scenes gems.BookMachine Creative AgencyMarketing for the Publishing and Learning sectors. Your campaigns sorted from strategy to execution. BookMachine CampusFind the knowledge, inspiration and connections to thrive in the publishing world.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

Commissioning editors for Fiction are typically known for receiving submissions and collaborating with authors and agents to refine existing manuscripts. But there’s another approach. By starting with a synopsis and a clear vision for the type of book they want to publish, some publishers and imprints are commissioning authors to write fiction to brief. Ed Wood, Agent and Director of Fiction Development at The Blair Partnership, has built a range of hugely successful commercial fiction projects using this method.In this episode, we speak with Ed about his work and how this model can produce standout titles, refresh an author’s backlist, and enhance rights and licensing opportunities from day one. We also delve into how his background in writing and teaching has shaped his perspective.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

Understanding differences and adapting to strengthsLeadership isn’t just something you’re good at. You have to work hard to continually evolve and adapt to company, people and place. In this episode, we delve into the leadership journey of Sanphy Thomas, Managing Director at Jessica Kingsley Publishing and Director of Specialist Publishing at John Murray Group.Sanphy shares insights into navigating leadership across different sectors and company cultures. She discusses how her style has adapted and how she has learned how to approach and embrace the differences of the teams she leads. Her publishing experience has shaped her approach and helped her to identify and nurture unconventional strengths in individuals. We also cover common leadership misconceptions and how definitions of “exceptional” leadership have evolved over time.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

It is well documented that reading for pleasure is the biggest single factor in influencing a child’s future success. Evidence suggests that it feeds into improved vocabulary, enhanced academic performance at school, empathy and wellbeing. Founded thirty years ago in 1995, World Book Day has evolved to become one of the most high profile charities that promotes reading for pleasure, offering the opportunity for every child and young person to own a book of their own.In this episode, we speak with Cassie Chadderton, Chief Executive of World Book Day. Cassie joined in 2019 and draws on a range of experience in cultural organisations including the Arts Council, CultureCentral as well as at Penguin Random House. We discuss her work with World Book Day, how they are shaping their mission to encourage and inspire more children and families to read for fun, and the potential this has to transform lives for the better.Useful linksWorld Book Day WebsiteWorld Book Day ShopCelebrating World Book DayExclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

The life of an agent is full of long lunches and torrid tales of schmoozing publishers on behalf of celebrity authors. Or is it? There are many misconceptions around what agents do and, with daily tasks changing significantly from even 10 years ago, we wanted to lift the veil on the role. In this episode, we speak to experienced agents Abi Fellows (DHH Literary Agency) and Julia Silk (Greyhound Literary). With many years between them in literary agenting and publishing roles, they have a wealth of knowledge to share. We dive into what agents do now, how this has changed over the past decade, and what makes an author/agent/publisher relationship tick.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

It is a truth universally acknowledged that commissioning editors receive submissions and work with authors and agents to finesse an existing manuscript. But there’s another way. Independent publisher of adult non-fiction illustrated titles, Amber Books, has spent years developing their own content, commissioning authors to a brief and developing a wide range of projects that span topics and categories. In this episode, we speak with Amber Books’ Editorial Director, Charles Catton, about how they successfully create standout titles with this unique approach to illustrated projects. We also touch on how Charles’ role has developed over the years, the journey behind finding the right author for each project, and the behind-the-scenes from an indie publishing perspective.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

Emma Steel started her career in teaching and went on to be a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (known as a SENCO to those in the know). But how did her journey lead her to award-winning independent children’s publisher Sweet Cherry, and how did her experiences feed into the founding of their Every Cherry, their innovative imprint that focuses on bringing high quality reading material to people with a range of learning disabilities and difficulties? In this fascinating conversation, we speak to Emma about her route from teaching to publishing and how she constantly – and successfully – balances the needs of students and teachers with those of the industry.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

Remember those memorable campaigns for non-fiction books that took to the streets to gain maximum impact? Akua Boateng, Senior Marketing Manager for non-fiction at Bloomsbury, does.She has worked on a range of events, marketing stunts and other “out-of-home” promotions to make a splash, build awareness, entertain and capture the imagination and attention of audiences. We were thrilled to speak to her about her work crafting campaigns, her  thoughts on what makes them successful, and where they really have an impact. We also asked her about her work with Bloomsbury’s Bloom network and her role as a Creative Access steering group member.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

The fantasy genre is an exciting place to be right now – with portmanteaus like ‘Romantasy’ entering common industry parlance, and new instalments of beloved series creating new levels of buzz. In the latest episode of The BookMachine Podcast, we were overjoyed to speak with Anissa de Gomery, Founder of FairyLoot, one of the biggest book subscription boxes on the planet. Learn more about Anissa’s journey into the book industry, gain insights into trends in the fantasy genre and what’s driving this incredible growth, and dive into the behind-the-scenes of building a passionate community of readers.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

Will AI only cause disruption to the publishing industry or can it be used as a tool to empower and pilot our way through increasingly complex markets? In Episode 17 of The BookMachine Podcast, we’re thrilled to speak to leading digital publishing analyst Thad McIlroy and publishing software expert Sebastian Mayeres about how they see AI impacting on publishing processes, jobs and sales. They discuss where exactly the greatest opportunities lie to integrate AI tools, how to address concerns around AI's use (and abuse) as well as what the risks are of getting left behind.---Show NotesThad McIlroy is a digital publishing analyst and author based in San Francisco. His site, The Future of Publishing, provides in-depth coverage of book publishing industry trends, currently focusing on the intersection of AI with book authoring and publishing. His latest book is The AI Revolution in Book Publishing: A Concise Guide to Navigating Artificial Intelligence for Writers and Publishers. A well-established expert in the technology and marketing issues surrounding digital publishing, he has authored a dozen other books and over 400 articles. McIlroy is also a partner in Publishing Technology Partners, and a contributing editor to Publishers Weekly covering publishing innovation, startups and artificial intelligence.Thad’s new book, The AI Revolution in Publishing: https://leanpub.com/ai-revolution-in-book-publishingSebastian Mayeres is Chief Executive Office at knk and is a tech enthusiast in love with the publishing and media industries, having worked in that field for almost his entire work life. After starting out as a developer for publishing software, Sebastian has led various implementation projects across the globe, all within the publishing industry. He has been managing the US arm of knk Group for the past five years. Sebastian loves embracing new technology and making it useful in real-life environments. He explains, “Often technology is confusing for the ones who are not too familiar with it. I try to bridge the gap by translating between those two worlds to make technology tangible.”AI White Paper by knk: https://www.knkpublishingsoftware.com/white-paper-ai/Sites mentioned in the Podcasthttps://perplexity.aihttps://you.comExclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

Languages publishing is a unique niche of the industry – calling for specific skills and eagle-eyed market observations to successfully reach language learners on the lookout for books and materials. In Episode 16 of The BookMachine Podcast, we sit down with Emma Green, Editorial Director, Languages at John Murray Press to zoom in on what’s changed, what’s trending and what’s next for this area of publishing. From the impacts of AI, social media and other developments in personal tech, to the role of publishing when it comes to keeping endangered languages alive, tune in to get illuminating insights into the commissioning, publishing and championing of language titles.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

Building a career in publishing – whether in a large or small company – requires a great amount of self awareness. Key to this is understanding how you have to be, and what you have to do, to be successful. We were delighted to speak with Rebecca Smart, about her role as Leadership and Talent Coach at Penguin Random House as well as an accomplished career leading teams at publishers large and small. We asked her about the art of coaching and how it features in developing high performing teams in publishing. We also drew on insights she has gained from a wide-ranging career, from production through to Managing Director and CEO roles at Osprey Publishing, followed by senior management roles at Penguin Random House.---Show NotesHere are the books Rebecca talks about during the episode:Coaching for Performance: The Principles and Practice of Coaching and Leadership Co-Active Coaching: The proven framework for transformative conversations at work and in lifeFlow: The Psychology of HappinessOther resources:International Coaching Federation Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

We were delighted to speak with Olivia Tanner, Digital Marketing Strategist at BookMachine Creative Agency and experienced education marketer about the importance of marketing to schools in the right way. We asked her about what techniques and approaches she uses to get busy teachers on board and why teacher case studies and hearing directly from their peers is so powerful. She also shared insights from her career including time at Rising Stars, Hodder Education.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

With spiralling costs and huge disruption to the supply chain, publishing production departments have had it tough of late. We speak with award-winning production professional Srishti Kadu to get her take on the recent changes and challenges that production colleagues are responding to. We discuss her thoughts on production careers, global impacts on the industry, diversity and inclusion, and developments in accessibility. She also shares insights into her career journey and the top priorities of contemporary production departments.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Campus CommunityBookMachine Creative AgencyLive and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)Show NotesFind out more about Retyped at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retypeduk/Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

Managing teams across generations and departments can call for a variety of approaches and working styles, which is why hearing from experts on the topic is key. We were delighted to speak with Shannon Cullen, Group Publishing Director of Quarto Kids, about her career and journey to her role where she is now. We ask about her experience moving from Editorial Manager all the way up to Publishing Director at Penguin Random House UK, and how her leadership or management style has changed over the years and with the teams she’s worked with.  We also talk about Shannon and Gemma's John Green era during their time working on The Fault in our Stars and other iconic titles, and the importance of taking all of your holidays.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

The publishing industry has changed a lot in the past few years, how are industry leaders changing with it? We were thrilled to speak with Emma House, Founder and Managing Consultant of the Oreham Group, about her approach to leadership and what lights her up when managing teams and company strategies. We talk about the challenges posed by the pandemic, Brexit and cost of living crisis on motivations and inspiration within publishing companies, Publishers Without Borders, and offer some solutions to people looking to refresh their leadership skills.https://www.eurolitnetwork.com/publishers-without-borders/Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

People in leadership roles in the publishing industry have a lot of responsibility to lead the way with diversity and inclusion in the front of their minds. They are responsible for opening doorways and creating space in an industry that’s often been described as opaque or tight-knit. But how can publishers do this the right way, from hiring, in their campaigns and beyond? We spoke with Jaini and Lydia about how publishers can build internal systems that welcome and include people from all backgrounds to make sure everyone feels supported.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

Whether it's paperback, hardback, colour books, journals or directories, the book production industry grows more complex by the day. Businesses in this field (and professionals heading them) need to acquire a specific toolkit to stay afloat during these changes. So, we were delighted to talk with Jonathan Huddart, Head of Sales, Books and Journals at CPI Books, about his career in sales of production services and how CPI Books has changed its approach over the years.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

Are you a creative and a little bit frightened of our new AI overlords like ChatGPT and Mid Journey? In this episode, we talk to Micaela Alcaino, award-winning Designer and Illustrator, and Rebecca Blake, (Advocacy Liaison at The Graphic Artists Guild) about their insights on the current AI boom in the design sector. We’ll be discussing how AI feeds into different parts of the creative process, such as brainstorming, referencing and collaborating, and the grey area it generates in terms of copyright, intellectual property, and the rights of the original designer. You can find resources referenced in the episode below.Micaela's LinkedIn Article "AI's Influence on Cover Design and the Future of Book Publishing: How to utilise these new tools in a healthy way"Graphic Artists Guild Position on AI Image Generative TechnologiesCreative Review podcast episode on AIExclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

In this episode, we have two guests from Boldwood Books, Claire Fenby and Marcela Torres. Get ready as they share their journey in transforming a small publishing press into a resounding success, with their recent win of “Small Press of the Year” at the British Book Awards 2023. Claire, Head of Marketing, had a pivotal role in the founding of One More Chapter division at HarperCollins, as well as carving her path in the digital realm with her thriving BookTube channel. Marcela Torres, Marketing Executive at Boldwood Books, comes from a background in freelance translation and has recently had a meteoric rise on TikTok and Instagram on her own channels. Soak in the wisdom, strategies, and infectious enthusiasm of Claire and Marcela as they share their advice on business growth in the publishing world alongside their talented team members at Boldwood Books.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

In this episode we are joined by Dr. David Barker, Senior Lecturer in Publishing at the University of Derby. With years of experience in commissioning editorial, including founding Continuum’s unique “33 ⅓” series, David offers valuable insights into skills needed in commissioning, including fine-tuning your editorial eye. We ask David about his experience as Editorial Director at Continuum in New York and then at Bloomsbury Academic in London, and his pivot to the academic side of the industry.Articles that we mentioned in this episode:The Bookseller article on author care (2023) Author survey results (2016)Article about editorial decision-making bias and privilege in publishing (2021)Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

Listen up! This episode we’re speaking to Louise Harvey of Little, Brown Books about the skills needed for a career in audio publishing. Are there transferable skills from other sectors of publishing? What’s unique about a career in audio? And are there challenges due to misconceptions about the place of audiobooks in reading? We’ll be asking Louise about her journey to this unique side of publishing, and what the future of audio holds.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

We are living in the age of the “Litfluencer”, with influencers forming a key part of publishing marketing and communications strategies. Hope is immersed in online book spaces and has cultivated relationships with influencers that have led to successful campaigns, such as for Julia May Jonas’ Vladimir and Booker Prize-nominated Maps of Our Spectacular Bodies by Maddie Mortimer. With the boom in Picador titles on bookstagram in Spring 2022 including Drake-gate, and titles reaching as far as Nicola Sturgeon, Hope shares their insight into their role and how they work with influencers.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

Ever wondered how the books you love actually got into your hands? This month we are talking to Karina Urquhart  - Executive Director of Book Industry Communication (BIC) about her career journey from operations to supply side - and the steps that books go through to reach the readers who love them.Links for The London Book Fair Register for The London Book Fair 2023Register for our LBF Drinks Event or Influencer TalkFind out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine CommunityBookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS CoursesLive and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:TwitterInstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

Roll up roll up, this month we’re talking about publishing trade fairs. We are delighted to welcome our first guest - Orna O’Brien, Head of Marketing at BolognaBookPlus, but you might know her from her work at London Book Fair and Publishing Training Centre. Orna is sharing insight into her career that has thrived on human connection and working to her strengths, with some advice on finding your place in the industry.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

Once upon a time in a land before podcasts, BookMachine was born to connect publishing professionals. How has BookMachine changed over the years (and what IS The BookMachine Podcast)? In our introductory episode, our co-hosts share their personal journeys and eureka moments in their publishing careers from educational and trade publishing to building a book marketing agency.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)

Listen to a sneak peek of The BookMachine Podcast: Conversations in Publishing, hear what the podcast is all about and meet cohosts Gavin and Gemma.Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners! Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.Find out about BookMachine at the links below:BookMachine Creative AgencyBookMachine CAMPUS Live and Digital Publishing EventsThe BookMachine BlogFollow us on social media:Twitter (X) InstagramLinkedIn (Agency Page)LinkedIn (Community Page)