Laura L.

Acquisitions Editor/Rights Manager
Happy to mentor
Happy to be contacted

About me

Laura L.
Language and Linguistic Science
Modern Languages
Undergraduate
Goodricke
2010
United Kingdom

My employment

Acquisitions Editor/Rights Manager
United Kingdom
2013

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A day in the life of a Acquisitions Editor/Rights Manager in the United Kingdom

How I found out about the job

Work Experience

The recruitment process

I wrote and asked for some work experience, which they offered me. I then did 2 months' unpaid work experience during the summer before my final year. In the February of my final year I received an email asking me if I had any plans for after graduation, and whether I would like to start a full time job with them once I'd graduated.

My career history

I started work as a Publishing Assistant, before becoming a Marketing Assistant and Acquisitions Editor and now, Rights Manager.

Where I hope to be in 5 years

I would like to have more authors and book projects under my responsibility.

My advice to students considering work

My advice would be to take on responsibilities wherever possible. Look for publishers working in the fields that you're interested in - don't just aim to work for the big companies - there are lots of small companies publishing interesting books.

My advice about working in my industry

Look for publishers working in the fields that you're interested in - don't just aim to work for the big companies - there are lots of small companies publishing interesting books.

What I do

I currently have two jobs (as it is a small company we share a lot of responsibilities). Firstly, I am our Rights Manager, which means that I am in charge of selling our books for translation into other languages. I also deal with all the permissions requests. I am also an Acquisitions Editor and have my own series of books. I am responsible for proposing new books to my colleagues at editorial meetings and working with the authors from when their book is contracted right through to publication.

Skills I use and how I developed them

My final grade had no impact at all as I had been offered the job prior to graduating, but my interest in the subject that I studied was important. I think what actually got me my job was my ability to adapt to the team and perform any tasks asked of me to a high standard.

Degree skills:
A key skill has been confidence when communicating with others, be it writing rejection emails or talking to authors for the first time.

Extracurricular skills:
Being in the netball club and on the committee meant that I was used to working with a range of girls and juggling lots of opinions and ideas.

What I like most

I enjoy the opportunity for international travel.

What I like least

The thing I like least is the admin.

What would I change? I would chance nothing - I absolutely love my job.

Next steps...

If you like the look of Laura’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Laura a message to find out more about their career journey.

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