I had worked in sales and information gathering roles for a long time before setting up my own business. Here are a few highlights.
Readers Digest
I was a Fact Researcher for the General Books Division for
4 years, spending my time talking to writers, consultants and specialists in different areas, to verify copy.
I also interviewed and appointed specialists and other contributors for books in development.
My work included going to events such as auctions
at Sothebys, race meetings at Sandown, as well as interviewing the Dover Coastguard about rescues - so that the sub-editors could prepare their copy.
The last big book
that I worked on (which took two whole years of research) was 'Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal'.
Weidenfeld & Nicolson
I worked as UK Sales Manager for this London publisher, where I was responsible
for team of 12 salespeople.
I represented the company at book signing sessions with various authors ... including two weeks going round the country
with TV favourites, The Goodies, promoting 'The Goodies Book of Criminal Records' - great fun.
I also attended Publishers' Association trade
meetings, visited the head offices of key booksellers (WH Smith etc.) to subscribe big titles and (in my spare time!) organised
two sales conferences each year.
|