Interview with Mary Small

Publisher

 

What is your role here at Pan Macmillan?

As a publisher I’m responsible for finding and commissioning new projects, working closely with authors to establish the scope of a book and for putting together the team (photographer, designer, editor etc) that will deliver the best possible result.

How did you get into publishing?

Through the back door! I was studying and working in the accounts department at a publishing house, and pounced as soon as a job came up in editorial.

What sort of books do you publish, and what is the direction of the line you'll be doing here?

Lifestyle – the lovely broad term that encompasses everything from food & wine, craft & design to gardening, music, fitness … really any part of popular culture. The books will be largely illustrated.

Do you commission these books, or do you accept submissions?

I’m always happy to be approached with a great idea, but generally try to be proactive in finding ideas and authors. Illustrated book ideas are everywhere - I find it helps to be interested in lots of different things, to watch a lot of television and read magazines and newspapers.

What is a 'normal' day like for you?

No two days are ever the same. I might be talking to a chef about how to translate five-star food into a book for the home cook, looking at photographers’ folios, researching, reading manuscripts, eating (all part of the research), plotting out a book’s content and look with Ellie (who is responsible for ‘making’ the books), or overseeing a photoshoot.

What do you read for pleasure?

Books currently next to the bed include Nigel Slater’s Tender, Robert Hughes’ memoir, various books on composting and growing vegies and Gilgamesh by Joan London.