10042016 ssp seminar1_session4_demers

1. {
Networking in Book
Publishing
Elizabeth Demers, Johns Hopkins University Press

2.  Current Position: Senior Acquisitions Editor in
History and American Studies
 20 Years’ Experience in UP, Commercial
Academic, Trade, and Commercial Book
Publishing
 Ph.D. in American History
 Hobbies: Curling, Running, Knitting, Bocce
The Panelist

3.  Sign 20-30 books a year, divided between trade,
monograph, and course adoption titles
 Commission new books
 Evaluate over the transom titles
 Developmental edits of books and proposals
 Attend conferences to promote books, press—
and me
 Evaluate state of the field, write reports, know
the market
 Talk—and listen--to authors, editors, and
colleagues
What I do

4. 1. Building the List/Do Your
Job Better
1. Finding Your Next Job
Networking for Career
Development: Two Tracks

5. Conferences!
 Make appointments in advance
--read program
--reach out to everyone who might be a fit
--do your homework
--contact big names and newbies
 Spontaneous booth strategies
--make eye contact
--smile, say “Hi!”
--get card; or, write down info for follow up
--follow up with email
 Wine and Dine (if your expense account allows it)
Building the List– a Face
to Face Business

6.  Read review journals and follow
authors/subjects on social media
 Don’t be afraid to reach out to the big names
 Don’t be afraid of the newbies
 Don’t be afraid to say no– but provide new
leads
 Don’t be afraid to open the mail
 If you lose a book, be gracious and
congratulatory– you will have the chance to
work with that author again
 Stay in touch
Building the List—From
Your Office

7. Early Career/Late Career–
there’s another job out there for you
But I love my job!
Challenge yourself
The future is weird
Unexpected opportunities
People come to you
Get out and meet people!
Finding Your Next Job

8.  Go to academic and professional conferences
 Be a joiner; volunteer; get involved; build skills outside
of your desk job
 Be generous with your colleagues, both in-house and
out
--recommend them
--send them good projects
--give them credit for great work
 Be generous with your time
 Be generous with yourself
 Say YES
 Use your outside hobbies and interests to expand your
network
It’s not enough to meet
people

9.  Keep up your LinkedIn profile
Take a few minutes every week to add a skill, endorse
a colleague; or add connections
 Pick a platform and make it your own
--Facebook
--Twitter
--Instagram
--Etc.
 Be your Professional You—and your Authentic You
 Be interesting
Social Networking

10. @ElizabethDemers
ED@press.jhu.edu