My Job in 5: Lauren Ace

Describe your role
I oversee our publicity and marketing, but I’m also involved in business development and publishing strategy. The best thing about working at a very independent publisher is that you can make the rules up as you go along and contribute to many different aspects of the business.

What do you like best about your role?
I love working with authors and illustrators to help them develop their profile and connect with readers. I also get a real thrill out of working with the creatives behind our books. I also get a lot of satisfaction out of managing a team. I’m more excited and proud when one of them secures a great piece of coverage, or pulls off a brilliant event, than I was when I did so with my campaigns.

Which new projects or titles are you working on at the moment?
I’m excited about our third YA anthology, Proud, which will feature LGBTQ+ writers and illustrators. The closing date for submissions is approaching, and I’m looking forward to reading the stories. I’m also plotting the next stage of our partnership with KidZania: we recently opened a Little Tiger library in the KidZania city, and are planning more activity.

What skills do you need for your role?
You have to be a good communicator, who can convey enthusiasm for your books and their creators. Creativity is important too. For PR and marketing, to be effective you constantly need to find new and interesting ways to connect with potential readers. You need to be a leader, and you have to be able to get people on-side to help you get your messages out there.

What advice would you give to those looking to work in the industry?
Make sure you have skills which can drive the industry forward. I don’t want to recruit someone who is just like me, I want to bring in someone who has the knowledge, perspective, contacts and interests which can enrich my team. Find out where the gaps are and show that you’re not afraid of hard work. We’re all really just looking for grafters.