Behind the Books Bi-Weekly Update 15 June 2026

Hello! This is my bi-weekly update on publishing. I hope you haven’t missed me too much, but here I am again with another catch-up for all you wonderful people who are dying to get into the industry just as much as I am. So, without further ado, here’s another segment of the blind leading the blind!

I genuinely cannot believe I am typing this... I feel incredibly emotional having to come back to this realisation over and over again every time I think about it, but this week I have to tell you that I got offered a job. And not just any job, but a job in publishing. As a Marketing Assistant. For Bloomsbury. For Sarah J. Maas’ ACOTAR campaign.

I think I’m going to be sick (well, I felt like I was when I got the call). I’m sure this seems like it’s come out of nowhere and, in a way, it has, it all happened within a matter of days and all at once, so let me give you some context and a bit of insider information.

The real hero in my story is my mentor from SYP, who knew about Bloomsbury looking to hire for a temporary Marketing Assistant role and encouraged me to go through the publishing recruitment company Inspired Selection, where multiple candidates are put through the process. I sent off my cover letter (which I obsessed over until my eyes blurred) and CV, and waited to hear whether I’d landed an interview. A few days later, I got the news, and with only four days to prepare, I had an online interview.

Honestly, I think I blacked out. All I can confidently say is that I don’t think I’ve ever wanted something more in my entire life. My interviewers were so lovely, and the conversation really convinced me how perfect the role would be for me, not just in terms of what I could offer, but also how much I could learn from those I would be surrounded by.

I can hardly think straight about this. I am so excited and overwhelmed, this is everything. When something like this happens so suddenly, it’s a feeling unlike any other.

I’ve been working towards this for so long, and if you’ve followed my journey, you’ll know that. I also know I wouldn’t have been able to get here without my supporters, my mentor, those at Inspired, everyone who gave me volunteer and work experience opportunities or even a bit of advice and insight and of course my unwavering family and friends. Every small and big act has led me here, and I can’t even fully wrap my head around it.

I think these are the kinds of experiences that don’t quite fit into words, which is why I’m struggling a little here, but just know I’m feeling everything and more.

This is just so wonderful. I think I’ll be able to express it more clearly later on, but right now I need to sit with this euphoric shock a little longer. After all, it’s been so long since I’ve felt relief like this.

And to all my lost bookworms,

Stay Steadfast x