Our Meet the Team series gives you the chance to meet the people behind the imprint, what they do, what they love and why they got into publishing.
Welcome to the fifth instalment where we're meeting one of our fantastic editorial assistants, Marina.
What’s your role at Hodderscape, and what does a typical day look like?
I’m an editorial assistant at Hodderscape and my typical day varies a LOT! I’m the project editor for many of our titles, so it is my responsibility to make sure that: our files are on track, copy editors are booked in a timely manner and covers are briefed to the art department. I also read submissions or assist with pitching our books to internal and external partners. All the while assisting Charlie Castelletti, our Editorial Director!
What drew you to publishing – and how did you get started?
I actually didn’t know much about the publishing process until I got to uni, that’s when I found out about the role of an editor and EVERYTHING clicked for me. (I can’t even remember if I just assumed that authors edited their own books? But discovering this was an actual job was INCREDIBLE).
Disclaimer: while this is not the path everyone follows, it was the one that worked for me! I was always drawn to books, especially in English, and that’s why I studied English Philology as my undergrad degree and then moved on to a Master’s in Publishing. Eventually, I managed to get a job at Octopus in Foreign Rights as an assistant, and then a job came up that called to me and was everything I had dreamed of.
What book made you fall in love with SFF? And what, in your opinion is the most under-rated SFF book?
I love SFF, it truly is my passion! I think the endless creative possibilities that these genres offer are what made me interested in them. The books that made me fall completely in love with the genre was The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare – I mean, what isn’t there to love?! (I also have to admit that I used to think they were horror books and postponed reading them because I was scared).
The most under-rated SFF book has to be Roar by Cora Carmack! It’s part of the unfinished Stormheart trilogy and I will wait whatever is needed to get to that last book!! I’ve been obsessed with this series ever since it published in 2017 and I got my signed copy through FairyLoot.
What is the best thing about your job?
I have to say that the people and the books I get to work with make all the difference:
I couldn’t do anything without the editorial team, both Hodderscape and Fiction! Shout out to our Managing Editor Katy Archer – she is the cornerstone and we wouldn’t manage without her. I can’t forget to mention my colleagues in production, our true heroes! With special thanks to Katy Aries and Rachel Southey. And the brilliant art team, especially Daisy Woods – I love discovering trends and artists from her. And I obviously can’t forget the people in marketing and publicity, like Robyn Bowler and Kate Keehan.
And the books! Oh, the books! I absolutely love being privy to reading early manuscripts or submissions and seeing how these books develop through all the stages – even if we don’t acquire them!
One of my favourite parts of the job is seeing how special editions come to life. It’s amazing to be involved as the project gets shaped by the team and author’s opinions, and ultimately end up as the lush, incredible and beautiful works of art that they are.
What are you most proud of in your role?
I’m so proud to be working with such amazing authors (and talented colleagues). But the fact that I get to work with such incredible and brilliant authors like Chloe Gong, Isabel Ibañez or Amanda Connolly feels so inspiring. I look up to them and the way their brains work to create these unique and thrilling stories and so, working with them, it’s one of the coolest things I do on a daily basis.
What is your top tip for someone wanting to get into the publishing industry?
Publishing is a difficult industry to get into! But be relentless and persistent. Don’t aim for a specific job, try to get any type of experience you can get from everyone you know and from every opportunity you’re given. Everything counts and the knowledge you gain in one place, you’ll put it to good use somewhere else.
Upcoming Titles from Marina's List:
