Smith joins The Bookseller as paperback previewer

Bookseller and academic Will Smith is joining The Bookseller as paperback previewer. 

Smith, who replaces Alison Flood in the role, has worked at Sam Read in Grasmere, Ambleside, for the past 10 years. Previously, he worked at Blackwell’s University of Nottingham branch while studying for his PhD in Canadian literature. He has combined his bookselling career with one as an academic and currently teaches publishing studies at the University of Stirling.  

He said: “I’m really excited to explore the full breadth and depth of what’s coming out and to be able to champion exciting new paperbacks. I’ll be doing the kind of championing a bookseller does with new paperbacks for fellow booksellers, flagging up the kind of books we’ll be shouting about while discovering new voices too.”

Books editor Alice O’Keeffe added: “I’m thrilled that Will is joining the ranks of The Bookseller books previewers. His thorough knowledge of the paperback market combined with his bookselling expertise mean he is perfectly placed to pick out the books our readers really need to know about.” 

Smith’s first preview will cover July and run in the 29th April issue, for which publishers should submit as soon as possible. He can be reached at will.smith@thebookseller.com.