Kate graduated in 2012 with a BA (Hons) in Comparative Literature and English & American Literature and is now Publicity Assistant at publisher Hodder & Stoughton. She is also the Publicity team member for Hodderscape - Hodder & Stoughton's sci-fi, fantasy and horror community.
Describe your career path since leaving Kent?
Varied! I moved back home to Ireland, where I first took up a marketing internship in magazine publishing. I then spent five years at a transcription company editing court and police transcripts for accuracy, which was interesting but stressful and downright depressing at times – not what I really wanted to do at all. In 2018 I moved to London to pursue a career in publishing. I’ve also held various freelance and voluntary roles, most recently as Social Media Manager for the Society of Young Publishers in London.
What are you doing now?
I work in publicity at the book publisher Hodder & Stoughton. As well as supporting two publicity directors, I have many of my own authors and books to look after across the Hodder lists. Mostly I cover science fiction, fantasy and YA titles (and am jointly responsible for our wonderful SFF community Hodderscape), but I also do some crime, romance and non-fiction, including true crime and wellness.
What do you enjoy about your work?
Almost everything! I work with an incredible bunch of passionate, brilliant people, and am constantly surrounded by people who love books as much as I do. I am also surrounded by the most amazing books and authors, and it’s such a privilege to get to read their work before others do. I love that every day is so different, and there’s nothing like the rush of landing a great review in a national paper or getting an author on TV and seeing their book race up the charts. It’s also massively cheering to be in touch with readers directly, through booksellers and bloggers. When I see people tweeting their love for a book I’m working on, it makes all the stress seem worth it!
Do you have a typical working day?
In normal circumstances, no. I’m working from home at the moment due to the coronavirus pandemic, but ordinarily I might be at my desk pitching, writing press releases, planning events and chasing up reviews, or I might be dashing around the city and country accompanying authors to interviews, events and festivals. I’ve even had the chance to work some brilliant conventions, such as Worldcon and YALC (the Young Adult Literature Convention, which is held at ComicCon each year).
How do you think your degree helped you to find work?
My degree directly helped me to land my current job! I was partly hired at Hodder because I chatted so enthusiastically about science fiction and fantasy, and the science fiction module I took at Kent with Dr Paul March-Russell. Nobody else on the team is passionate about those genres, and those books really needed a champion. So when in doubt, study something you really love and which fulfils you!
How has your time at Kent helped you in your career?
Besides the above, my time on the InQuire team opened quite a few doors for me. I took up freelance work in my third year for a fellow Kent and InQuire alumnus and have continued working on and off with Paul since university. The work has been varied and interesting and he has always been there for a great reference, a pep talk, or helpful advice on breaking into the creative industries.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m planning to stay in London and in publishing. I’ve definitely found my niche and feel very fortunate to live in this incredible city and do something I love every day.
What would you recommend about studying at Kent?
The city of Canterbury is a huge advantage. Visiting it for the first time felt like a home away from home – it felt safe and friendly but also vibrant, with everything you could want on your doorstep from great restaurants to the seaside just 15 minutes away! The campus is also gorgeous. I really miss lunches on Tyler Hill, spotting rabbits and ducks throughout the spring and summer months, and snow fights in winter!
Any favourite memories of Kent you’d like to share?
Ooh, maybe co-founding the Rave Society with my friends Rose, Zoë and Indyah?! Anyone who knows me now finds that one hilarious. I cherish all of the time spent with my uni friends in general. We are still really close despite being scattered around the UK, and in some cases the world, but being able to pop round to each other’s houses in a matter of minutes was a privilege I think I took for granted at the time.
Any advice for prospective students?
Get involved with the societies, with volunteering, with whatever catches your interest, and of course the wonderful city of Canterbury. And SSDGM!
You can keep in touch with me on social media @readeatretreat.