5 Minutes with Katie Seaman

5 Minutes with Katie Seaman

Katie Seaman joined Ebury Publishing, part of Penguin Random House UK, in 2017. As Editor, she works across the boutique fiction list, which is home to Sunday Times bestselling authors Andy Weir, Rowan Coleman and Caitlin Moran as well as up and coming talents like Riley Sager, Katherine Arden and John Marrs. In her previous role at Orion she published Lucy Vine’s breakout debut novel Hot Mess, which was an eBook Number One Bestseller. Katie won the London Book Fair Trailblazer Award 2018.

@KatieLSeaman


What was the last book you read?

Joanna Cannon’s Three Things About Elsie. I absolutely loved her debut, The Trouble With Goats and Sheep and this is just as extraordinary. Brilliant characters written with real warmth who stay with you long after reading.

How did you buy it?

I was lucky enough to be given an early proof copy from the agent. It’s always really nice to receive advance copies of books that fellow editors or agents are excited about so book post is always welcome!

What’s next on your reading list?

My reading pile is ever-growing but next up is Red Clocks, a timely feminist dystopia, by Leni Zumas and Catherine Isaac’s You Me Everything, which I’ve heard so many good things about.

What TV series are you obsessing over right now?

Like everyone else in the office, I’ve been obsessed with Queer Eye! I’m also a fan of The Good Place and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Tell us what you do in 20 words.

I work with talented authors from acquisition to publication, helping to bring their books to the widest possible audience.

What do you like about your job?

So many things! Working with authors on their books is a real privilege – from the beginning of the process when you’re reading a manuscript on submission you want to acquire, or developing an idea, to giving editorial suggestions to shape the book into the best it can be. I also enjoy being creative when it comes to briefing covers or writing copy, and working collaboratively with colleagues across the business to plan publication campaigns.

What is the one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in publishing today?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself forward and voice your opinion.

Which is your favourite bookshop or e-bookstore and why?

I could spend hours browsing Waterstones Piccadilly. It’s book heaven!

What was your first job?

I worked on a brand new monthly magazine from its inception. As we were a really small team it was a really hectic time as we were starting from nothing. I was thrown in at the deep end but I definitely learnt a lot!

What do you love about The London Book Fair?

We’re lucky to work with talented and like-minded people so it’s brilliant that we get together with our global colleagues as one big community.

Katie is a winner of the London Book Fair Trailblazer Award 2018

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