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 third in a lengthy series of guests featuring on My Shelves Are Full!
Meet Elizabeth Irwin, Publicist from Simon and Schuster
How did you get your start working in publishing?
I graduated from Durham University with a first-class degree in English Literature in 2023, where one of my absolute favourite aspects of the course was a module on literary institutions. My start in publishing didn’t come too long after that, in October 2023, after completing a work experience stint at a small PR agency. I think dipping my toe in PR beforehand helped me get my current role – I was familiar with the jargon and knew the basics of campaign planning. I always mention to people who want to get into publishing that an internship/work experience with a publishing house is never necessary to secure a role.
What are the highlights of your job?
The lovely, lovely authors and the opportunities to leave your desk to attend events. You get to travel around the country and work with the most amazing booksellers, meet enthusiastic young readers, and nine times out of every ten lunchtimes on tour be stuffed into the back of a taxi with your author whilst wolfing down a Leon wrap in record time, because your next event is in five minutes – the thrill is unforgettable. Festivals, school visits, conventions, tours – being a publicist is the most enriching and active job, and it’s nice to forge friendships with authors whose fantastic books you get to promote.
What are the challenges of your job?
Things can sometimes go wrong, and it’s out of everyone’s hands. Train strikes, missing books, last minute cancellations – you have to roll with the punches and be able to think on your feet. Luckily, I have two very savvy and experienced publicists on my team, Jess and Ellen, who are always happy to help when these challenges come along.
Describe a typical day- or are no two days alike?
No two days are alike, but if I had to summarise: I am either at my desk doing day-to-day jobs like supporting my colleagues’ campaigns and running my own, administrative tasks like processing invoices and booking travel for events, or I’m playing publicist on tour or at a festival with an author. It’s a great balance.
Any tips for book bloggers?
Reaching out to publishers directly for review copies etc. is a great way to introduce yourself to publicists. Countless times have I been researching new bloggers who may want to receive a PR box or participate in a blog tour and thought of somebody who had previously reached out or I’d chatted to briefly. It’s especially handy when we’ve got an email contact for you!
What book are you most excited about for 2025?
I cannot stress this enough when I say how excited I am for the third instalment of the Bite Risk series, Cold Blood. S.J. Wills is a genius and I can’t wait for it to come out in April. Werewolves, conspiracies and kid-friendly gore are in abundance in this series, with – in my humble opinion – some of the coolest covers in children’s lit at the moment. Get on it if you haven’t already!
My Shelves Are Full 