It’s been almost 2 years since I started looking into Top Careers in Publishing as part of my Top Careers project. I entered it through writing a series of stories for a game I was creating.

In that time I began researching the process of publishing a book from author creation to securing an agent all the way to distribution and sales. A feeling of buzzing excitement has always been there when an idea starts in abstract form – invisible to everyone else but you – that develops slowly from one’s noggin’ into a series of steps to eventually have the tingling sensation when it lands in one’s hand. I have had this sensational experience with my card games I was now keen on learning this exciting process with books (both fiction and non-fiction – but especially children’s fiction).

I didn’t realise it would lead me to discover and fall in love with my own Top Career. I had all the intention to continue my Top Careers project as a card game publisher not as a potential candidate for this industry, but things took a positive slant unexpectedly and for the better too.

Today I got to attend my first insight into publishing as someone who has a vested interest in learning about the industry beyond becoming a writer. This time I experienced it as a prospective candidate wanting to learn about the different departments that I might be interested in pursuing. From editorial, production, marketing and PR, to sale and HR as well as sub-rights thrown for full measure.

The event was organised by The Literary Consultancy whose Director, Aki Schilz, kindly sponsored me to attend the two-day event. All attendees were armed with a roadmap for the two-day course and the Book Skills Collective delivered some amazing series of talks. Not only were they interactive and dynamic but they were funny and relaxing with plenty of opportunity to network. A full day packed with activity and exciting guests: Briony Gowlett, Sharmaine Lovegrove, Yassine Belkacemi. The talented ‘J’ trio from the Books Skills Collective lead the event: Jason Bartholomew, Jessica Killingley, James Spackman.

And while I’m still processing and digesting it all, I’m keen to discover the next instalment of this road-map tomorrow: Day 2.