Hi book lovers, Kim Beaussible here, back with one last blog post as your spy inside the industry.
As the year and my internship come to an end, I’ve been reflecting on what I’ve learned. I came into the internship with education in book publishing, but I’ve always learned better by diving in and Beaufort gave me the opportunity to jump. Just like every publishing intern, I spent time sifting through the slush pile for a good submission, but there’s more to working at an indie publisher than they show in the rom-com movies.
I’ve collected all the classified intel from my missions as a Beaufort intern this fall, and now I can share them with you. If this leaks, I know it was you.
Backlist titles are more important than you think.
While everyone is currently obsessing over the latest releases on BookTok, publishers spend an equal amount of time on their backlist books. At Beaufort this fall, we’ve been updating our descriptions and BISAC codes for backlist titles. There are more BISAC codes added each year and these new tags allow us to reclassify our book to help readers find that very specific fantasy romance they’ve been looking for. Descriptions are no different. Updating a book description is vital, as it’s the second thing to be judged after the cover, and out-of-date formats or language could turn off your new readers.
Find joy in reading and then read, read, and read some more.
Almost everyone who works in publishing got into the business because they love books. But as someone who spent the last six years reading only what was assigned, I fell behind as an actual reader, which meant falling behind in the industry as well. Comparable titles inform every choice we make as publishers, and being a voracious reader helps to assert yourself as a designer, editor, or marketer. I had to reignite my passion for reading to show up as the best editor-version of myself, and the best choice I made for myself was to subscribe to the Book of The Month box. Joining a book club or subscribing to a box like BOTM exposes you to more books and the choices of other readers so you can learn about industry trends and comp titles.
But wait, there’s more.
Just when you think you know it all, there’s more to learn. Whether it’s backlist metadata, social media trends, or author contracts, the one thing that remains constant is change. Our world changes at such an alarming rate now, with new technologies and ideas that change what and how we publish. Always be prepared to adapt and learn something new, because as soon as you figure it out you’re on to the next new thing.
I’ve had a great couple of months bookies, but it’s time for this agent to say over and out.
