During lockdown, I embarked on getting to know the wonderful people who work tirelessly behind the scenes at publishing houses across the UK. I titled the blog page, Meet the Gatekeepers. I thought, after nearly four years, it was time to revamp this and meet familiar friends and introduce new ones. Today is the first in a lengthy series of guests featuring on My Shelves Are Full!
Alice James works at Macmillan and was so positive about being part of this new series! Thank you Alice for being the first in my series.
How did you get your start working in publishing?
I am very new to the publishing world; I have a background in Arts PR (especially in children’s theatre). Last year I moved to Australia where I gained further experience in the Arts PR industry, on my return I applied for the PR Officer role for Macmillan, so here I am today, working for Macmillan Children’s Books!
What are the highlights of your job?
It’s great getting to read upcoming children’s books ranging from early years, to YA – I am very excited about Harry Trevaldwyn’s Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King. It paints such a wonderfully candid picture of teenagerhood, as Patch explores his passions, friendships and relationships. Also, as I am part of the comms team, it is so much fun heading out to the literary festivals and meeting authors – you can count on some very inspiring and interesting conversations.
What are the challenges of your job?
PR is fast paced; you always have to have your wits about you and be on the ball. Its sometimes a bit of a balancing act, with lots of activity going on at once! You have to be good at prioritising, but also you should have an extensive knowledge about the media landscape and conversations happening in the media, and of course MCB’s titles.
Describe a typical day- or are no two days alike?
I love PR as no two days are that similar – you have your baseline, your to-do list, but urgent things can fly in last minute – always good at keeping me on my toes!
Any tips for book bloggers?
I always find it useful when you link your page in your email – it saves a few clicks and it means I can see what sorts of books you are interested in, and therefore what sorts of mail outs you would appreciate.
What book are you most excited about for 2025?
LOADS! Harry Trevaldwyn’s Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King is coming out in Jan, but also Poetry Prescription (Comfort and Words for Love). I was at the shop in Oxford Circus last night, in my opinion it reinstates the importance and the need for wise words. Also, Maya Leonards Hunt for The Golden Scarab will be a time-travelling adventure and I am super excited for Diane Ewan’s The Great Unicorn Rescue – Diane is a brilliant up and coming writer and illustrator.
My Shelves Are Full 