2022 Rising Stars developing publishing skills

A voracious reader with an MA in English Literature, Rosie got her first taste of the publishing industry while editing the Poetry and Prose section of Peninsula. With a keen foot in the door, she moved to Mslexia Publications, nurturing her interest in publishing, with a hands-on role in bringing books to life. With the help of the Awards, Rosie will be undertaking editing and proofreading courses with the Publishing Training Centre, with a view to progressing to an Assistant Editor position in future. 

Hannah’s journey in publishing began with a Traineeship scheme at Penguin Random House, where she was placed at Hamish Hamilton. From there Hannah was promoted to Editorial Assistant in 2019, then Assistant Editor in 2021, and finally Editor at the beginning of 2022, winning multiple awards along the way. She is incredibly passionate about the ways publishing benefits our society, and especially allowing those who have historically been absent from the industry to be included and elevated. Hannah will be using her Award on editing courses with the CIEP, with the view of becoming an Editorial Director, championing underrepresented voices. 

With a lifelong passion for reading, Suzanne graduated from university with a degree in English. Eight years later, she still pinches herself that she works in publishing, her dream career. She gained invaluable skills during work experience at Penguin Randon House, which she took with her to Red Squirrel, and finally, Ebury’s Smart Hub, where she now works as an Editor. Suzanne will be using her Award to take various courses with the Publishing Training Centre, giving her the chance to build on the editorial skills needed to excel in the publishing world. 

During her Creative Writing and English Literature degree, Daniela realised she wanted to work with books and authors. Following a few closed doors, Daniella created her own opportunities and now manages a successful “bookstagram”, where she shares her passion for reading. In her day job at Fairlight Books, she leads their marketing, social, and digital campaigns. Her sights are set on becoming a regional commissioning editor and will be using her funding towards courses with the Publishing Training Centre.

Working at Oxford University Press as a Supplier Operations Specialist, Florence specialises in journal production and is at the forefront of academic achievement every day. Her role includes managing the OUP’s pool of freelancers, as well as peer reviewing suppliers internationally. As she has always held a keen interest in words and language, Florence would now like to understand her freelancers better by immersing herself in their world. CIEP Copywriting courses will help Florence one day look forward to running an Editorial Services department. 

Isabel holds a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing and began her publishing career in 2016 when she interned with several large publishing houses. Her skill set aligns strongly with editing, where she enjoys bringing an author’s work to life, engaging with their vision and values with a focus on social justice. In five years’ time, Isabel would like to be commissioning, shaping books with sensitivity and championing unheard voices.  

Hannah loves stories. From an early age, her Mum taught her that stories could take you anywhere, and they took Hannah to Cambridge to study English. In her first job, she realised that marketing is also about storytelling, so when the opportunity arose to move into children’s publishing, she took it. Now Head of PR at Farshore publishing, she heads a team of three managing media and events. With support from the Awards, Hannah wants to become an even better manager, grow her expertise, and champion children’s books through a CIPR Diploma in PR. 

Once Katie graduated from university, she realized that her love of books could translate into a career. After diving into the world of publishing it became clear that the process of making a book was just as fascinating as the story within, and for Katie, working across both the print and publishing industry is the best of both worlds. Currently Print and Publishing Assistant for Orphans Publishing, Katie would like to progress in an editing career and will be enrolling with the CIEP. 

An ambitious publishing professional, Verity holds a first-class degree and an MA in Publishing Media from Oxford University. Her experience includes time as a Writer Support Assistant at Jericho Writers where she honed her communication and editorial skills. Now in an editorial role at Wiley Blackwell, Verity is working hard towards becoming a commissioning editor, having grown her managerial and editorial skills. Her chosen courses at the CIEP will ensure her continuing success.

After gaining a First Class degree in English Literature, it was her gap year that cemented Kat’s passion for reading. Eager to find a job in the publishing industry, she took an internship at Class Professional Publishing. Kat has since worked her way up to Editor, where she is managing a book series for paramedics working in primary care. Keen to improve her commissioning skills, Kat will be using her Award for a Commissioning Content workshop in September.

Writing for children has been a part of Kate’s life since she was 14, leading programmes for young people, writing newsletters, and training junior youth leaders. Her work experience at various children’s publishers further cemented Kate’s desire to pursue a career in children’s writing. Now Senior Editor at Hachette Children’s Group, her ideas, commercial eye, and flair for storytelling have earned her two successive promotions. Looking to the future, Kate would like to be an Editorial Director and freelance writer and will undertake a Golden Egg course to kick-start her journey

Verity loves working as part of a large publishing team, inspired by every point of the journey to get a book published. Whilst working for Macmillan Education, an opportunity as Editor arose at the National Trust for someone with her skill set and experience, and she is now responsible for project-editing their guidebooks. The award will help her in her publishing journey by adding to her leadership and assertiveness skills, as well as pitching skills to increase her responsibilities. 

With a degree in English Literature and an interest in marketing, Lydia took her first steps in Publishing at Liverpool University Press. Starting as Marketing Assistant, she has progressed her way to Marketing Manager, where she relishes the challenge of marketing books. Lydia also works with international partners, and leads the Press’ Equality, Diversion, and Inclusion group, driving change in the industry. Lydia sees herself in a senior marketing position in five years and will be embarking on courses with the Publishing Training Centre and The Book Pitch Doctor.