Welcome back to another Pursuing Publishing blog post!
In this post, we’re spotlighting the world of Rights in publishing – what does a role in Rights look like? What skills are needed to get my first role? Luckily, I spoke with Sabrina, Rights Assistant at Penguin Random House, to find out all the answers to these questions.
When did you discover that a job in publishing/Rights specifically was something you wanted to pursue? Can you explain a bit about your publishing journey?
After I graduated, like many people, I had no idea what I wanted to do! I applied to a bunch of graduate schemes but to be honest, my heart wasn’t really in it and I majorly attribute that to my lack of success there. Around a year after I graduated, I looked into publishing as a potential industry I could get into and this definitely made sense given that I have an English Literature degree. I was applying to all sorts of roles but when I came across the job spec for my current role, I found that Rights appealed most to me: the opportunity to build relationships, the international element to Rights, and the potential to widen readership on an international level.
What does an average day in your role look like?
This probably sounds very cliche but there isn’t really a typical day for me as a Rights Assistant! My main responsibilities are administrative, such as managing diaries, organising meetings and sharing newsletters. I’ve also done project-based work: overseeing the process of creating rights guides and hosting webinars.
If you had to pitch working in Rights in one sentence, what would it be?
Bringing books to a global audience.
Is there anything about working in Rights that surprised you, that you didn’t necessarily know before?
I didn’t realise how much creativity was involved in Rights. Rights is definitely about selling books in different territories but I’ve absolutely loved the opportunity to get my creative juices flowing in creating webinar videos and scout newsletters.
(Audrey: One thing I’ve learnt from these interviews, is that everyone is always surprised by the amount of creativity involved in their roles – it’s not just editorial/marketing that allow you to get the creative juices flowing!)
What is the most exciting part about your role?
Bookfair season.
And the least?
Rescheduling meetings!
What would your advice be to someone who wants to become a Rights Assistant?
The Rights Assistant role is probably one of the lesser-known ones but I would highly recommend it! I think that being a Rights Assistant requires a lot of organisation and administrative skills, but also needs you to be flexible and personable.
Is there anything you wish you knew before searching for a job in publishing/Rights in general?
How long it takes! I have no idea how people get their first publishing role after making just the one application but it took me dozens of applications before I got this role. I would suggest doing your research on the different departments in publishing as the one you like the sound of at first might not be the one that you are truly passionate about. Also, reach out to people! Take advantage of the friendly people in the industry, whether you want advice, industry insight, or just a chat.
(Audrey: I also agree on the length of time it takes to get a job in publishing – it took me a year of searching after I graduated to land my first proper full-time role, and it’s the same with most other people I’ve spoken to!)
***
A huge thank you to Sabrina for taking the time to answer all my questions about Rights in publishing – do check out her Twitter and Instagram pages!
Thanks again for reading, and see you soon with another post.
Comments