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Hillary Doyle
Chloe Goodhart
What does a typical day look like for you (before, during, and after work)? In other words, what’s your daily life like and what does your job actually involve in terms of tasks and activities? Like many of us, I start every workday by checking my email. Most of the people I communicate with on a daily basis are based overseas, so they’ve usually been in the office for several hours before I even wake up! I also take some time to read the headlines on Publishers’ Weekly, as well as a few other publishing-specific news outlets to catch up on the latest industry news, starred reviews, acquisitions, etc. As for the rest of the day, it can vary widely depending on what’s happening at the moment. My daily tasks can range from submitting manuscripts to editors at foreign publishing houses and negotiating new translation deals, to preparing for the two international book fairs my department attends each year. Every day is different, which I love!
When I first moved to New York and started doing informational interviews, everyone told me that there is no typical day in publishing, and that is certainly true! Every day is a little bit different, which keeps my work life exciting. In addition to the sales reports and analysis I provide each week, I also manage our consumer products program. This means I work with our licensees to develop toys, t-shirts and more products based on our books. I often can be found wandering the office with an armful of stuffed animals or children’s pajamas to share with our editors. I have a number of special projects like helping to plan company presentations and author-business reviews; designing and refreshing our brand sheets and decks; and planning and organizing unique consumer marketing events, such as our Mad Libs pop-up shop at consumer conventions, like San Diego Comic Con.
How did the English department community and the English major help you get the job you have today? My coursework in the English department definitely helped me develop the skills I needed to get the job I have today. My coursework and internships, (as well as my time with The Grove), helped me hone my writing and communication skills, which are so valuable in publishing. I also took some classes that included reading outside of my typical areas of interest, and being both well and widely read is certainly helpful in the publishing field!
The English department fed my love of reading and challenged me to read outside my comfort zone. The wonderful, thoughtful professors in the English department taught me not to be intimidated by writers like Dickens and encouraged me to read critically. They inspired me to share my passion for literature with others, which is why I pursued a career in children’s books. I believe that every child deserves the chance to fall in love with a book, and this belief was supported and nourished by the passion I saw in the English department.
What side projects or other activities are you engaged in outside of work? Outside of work, I’m involved in an industry group for young professionals in children’s book publishing called the Early Career Committee. I also volunteer with an after-school reading program for kids. For fun, I take Irish dance classes (which I’ve been doing since I was a kid) and see as many Broadway shows as I can afford!
Most importantly, I read a lot outside of work. I try to read as widely as possible, since it’s important to keep up to date with what’s happening all over the publishing industry. I started a book club with some of my coworkers, where we read and reread a variety of classics and organize fun-themed events based on what we’re reading. I’m also a member of a feminist book club and a crafting club. I participate in many Young to Publishing’s networking events, and I especially enjoy volunteering at New York’s Project Cicero book drive to serve underprivileged schools. On top of that, I try to take advantage of everything a big city has to offer. I love going to the theater, and I enjoy finding quirky, offbeat things to do around the city.
What was the most valuable skill you honed through your English major coursework? Writing! Being able to express yourself clearly (and concisely) in writing is so important in many fields, including publishing. I still use Professor Renker’s revision exercise all the time when reviewing something I’ve written to make sure I’m saying what I need to in an organized manner!
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DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
My ability to think critically and analyze information. These skills, which were strengthened through all the class discussions and papers, have been invaluable both in my personal life and in work life. The ability to ask questions and find answers through analysis has made me a better person and a stronger professional.