FRESH BLOOD PUBLISHING COURSE GRADUATING STUDENTS 2018
PRODUCED BY THE PUBLISHING FUTURES LAB
WORKING WITH THE BBC IN MANCHESTER
PIONEERING COURSE:95% GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY
PUBLISHING STUDENTS worked with the BBC social media team in December at the three-day Children’s Global Media Summit (CGMS) in Manchester. Around 130 international speakers from organisations including Facebook and YouTube, broadcasters, journalists, authors, filmmakers and actors delivered keynote talks and panel sessions on challenges and opportunities in a fast-moving digital world. The event was curated by the BBC whose social media team carried out regular briefings. Our students were also given feedback on their work by Alice Webb, Director of BBC Children’s and Chair of the CGMS 2017. Our students were able to put their learning into practice to create professional-standard multimedia content for social media channels, including video interviews,VoxPops, reportage and photos. Final-year student Liam Jones and secondyear student Honey Debney-Succoia interviewed Tony Hall, Director General of the BBC and the Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham. Liam said: ‘It was a privilege meeting speakers and hearing the inspirational things they had to say.’ Fellow team members, Jemma Gardner and Kat Valentine, produced lively reportage
WE ARE DELIGHTED to launch our talented 2018 graduates at this year’s Degree Show. We know that they will go on to carve out interesting careers for themselves and make a difference in the world. Bath Spa’s BA (Hons) Publishing is a pioneering creative, studio-based course designed to incorporate innovation, flexibility, collaborative and industry-based working, and high-quality making across print and digital. Students learn to critically engage with ideas and research – and to develop areas of special interest. Through a wide range of modules, they apply creativity and editorial judgement in conceptualising and prototyping engaging content for different audiences. Live projects and industry collaborations with international companies such as Penguin Random House and local cultural organisations such as Bath Festivals comes as standard. Students graduate with core editorial, production and marketing skills in place and a professional digital portfolio. They are ready – as one employer recently commented – to ‘hit the ground running’.
Jemma Gardner and Kat Valentine working on their social media content at the Children’s Global Media Summit in Manchester.
and vox pops. Jemma commented: ‘It was fascinating to discover how the industry is trying to break down the barriers in children’s media to take advantage of the digital age.’ James Bridgeman, BBC Children’s Social Media Editor, said: ‘We were enormously impressed by the enthusiasm, skill and ingenuity of this team of motivated self-starters.
They were always willing to help and throw ideas into the mix. It was a pleasure to work with such a talented team.’ There was also a surprise appearance by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the summit, with Prince William giving a speech about protecting children’s wellbeing and mental health in a digital world.
Katharine Reeve, Publishing Course Leader
ALUMNA SHORTLISTED FOR PUBLISHING AWARD go in her final year: ‘She is a talented digital publishing creative and has the energy and application needed to do well in the industry.’ Kara now works as a Social Media and Community Manager at the Booksellers Association, managing all digital marketing and social content for their website,YouTube channels and book campaigns, including the nationwide ‘Books Are My Bag’. Kara said: ‘Studying publishing at Bath Spa helped to kick-start my career. It really carves out a place for you in the creative world.You leave with an invaluable set of skills that prepare you for employment.’
STOP PRESS!
KARA RENNIE (BA Creative Writing and Publishing, 2012) was shortlisted for the 2018 London Book Fair Trailblazer Awards, which celebrate talented publishing professionals under thirty. Kara said: ‘I was very excited when I found out I had been shortlisted, it’s a real boost to have early on in your career.’ Katharine Reeve remembered Kara having multiple social media industry projects on the
Publishing
We recently received the exciting news that Amy Barrett, a Publishing and Creative Writing student and Jenna Rainey, a graduate of the course (and of the MA Writing for Young People), are both on the shortlist for this year’s Creative Bath Awards. The Chair of Creative Bath and Chief Executive of publisher, digital agency and events company MediaClash, Greg Ingham said: ‘We want to highlight stunning creativity to celebrate our top local creative, tech and cultural organisations and people.’ Amy and Jenna have been shortlisted in the Creative Bath Student Award category to celebrate ‘a student who shines bright and has a creative future ahead of them’. This new award for 2018 is sponsored by local company, Anthem Publishing. Winners will be announced in mid June.
The social media team at the TEDxBristol event at Colston Hall in November 2017.
PUBLISHING @TEDXBRISTOL BATH SPA UNIVERSITY Publishing students were major contributors to the social media coverage of November’s TEDxBristol event ‘Dare to Disrupt’ at Colston Hall. Over 1,500 attendees enjoyed inspiring and enlightening talks from a wide range of speakers. A team of third-year Publishing
students worked tirelessly across the twoday event, creating live multimedia coverage across social media channels. This was highly successful and provided students with excellent first-hand experience of producing creative content for a leading international event series.
2
Fresh Blood
Sandra Baczek
Amy Barrett
Hannah Bennett
Studying Publishing and Media Communications allowed me to develop my editorial design and writing skills. Modules such as Contemporary Publishing and Commissioning Editor, where I’ve created an independent magazine sampler and a book proposal, provided me with essential knowledge of the industry and taught me how to critically examine the work I produce. I was able to use all of the acquired skills whilst working with publications and companies such as Glamour magazine, Company magazine and ASOS. This experience has inspired and motivated me to pursue a career as a Creative Director.
I have been studying Publishing with Creative Writing and am interested in pursuing a career in science communications. I have developed a portfolio of work during my three-year degree which has included taking modules in Science Publishing and Discovering Science as well as gaining work experience as a Science Reporter for TechSPARK UK. I believe I can communicate complex topics in an interesting and engaging way for the general reader. In addition to writing, I have an interest in digital photography and am also extremely confident using the Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign and XD.
Email: sandrynshen@gmail.com
Email: 31abarrett@gmail.com
Through my degree in Publishing and Media Communications, I have gained a wide scope of skills that I will continue to use in the future, such as InDesign and WordPress – software that I was unfamiliar with before university. I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to participate in live events, work on social media and be part of a brilliant Publishing Venture group. As well as my studies I have been fortunate enough to gain work experience with Minerva Publishing in Trowbridge. I have paid particular interest to marketing and branding, taking on marketing roles in group work and creating the events for milk magazine. I aspire to one day to help businesses grow by using my marketing and brand-awareness skills.
Instagram: @sandrabaczek
Twitter: @amybarrett31 Email: hannahbennett98@yahoo.co.uk
Rosemary Boyd
Emily Collins
Alex Collister
Throughout my three years studying Publishing at Bath Spa University I chose a variety of modules with a focus on image-based creativity. These gave me the opportunity to develop skills in a variety of Adobe programmes, such as InDesign, Photoshop and AEMM, as well as advancing my ability using WordPress. I have also had the opportunity to assist with the running of the Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society’s online and social media marketing, and undertaken work experience for the promotion of Book Island’s backlist, which has been integral to widening my knowledge of marketing in different industry contexts. I found both these opportunities very inspiring and am hoping to pursue similar marketing projects, specifically within the theatre industry, in the future.
I am proficient in Photoshop and editing text and over the course of my time studying Publishing and Creative Writing at university I was able to extend my skills to include Adobe InDesign and WordPress. I have also gained greater knowledge in the use of social media, and exactly how that can help a business. My most notable work at university was a magazine project during second year in which I played a prominent role, and a blad I created for my Commissioning Editor module in my final year – a mock-up of a historical narrative non-fiction book. This year I have had the chance to work with children’s publisher, Book Island, and during the final two years of university I have also been able to hold a part-time job in customer relations. I aspire one day to be a Commissioning Editor for non-fiction historical works.
I am a creator, designer, writer, and editor, experienced with Adobe Creative Suite. During my final year, I produced two book blads – a children’s picture book and a global recipe book – alongside a digital portfolio app, website re-design an original digital product prototype with my Publishing Venture team. This year, I have worked as an editorial intern for Book Island publishers in Bristol, as a marketing intern for Bath Postal Museum, and also have experience video editing and posting live on Twitter, having worked as a photography and social media assistant on the 2016 Thurrock 100 Walking Festival. In my spare time I write poetry for submission to magazines and competitions.
Email: rosemaryellen01@icloud.com
Email: a.collister@outlook.com Twitter: @acollister1
Twitter: @rosemaryellen27
Email: emilyroze26@googlemail.com
Heather Fawcett
Leah Fleming
Jemma-Louise Gardner
My course in Publishing and Creative Writing has taught me so many valuable skills, and I have found a great interest in the editing and design side of all my projects. I was the editor for an independent magazine we made, and I thoroughly enjoyed creating a blad for a debut author’s fantasy novel. I have learnt to efficiently use programmes such as InDesign and Photoshop and grown confident in using WordPress to create a functioning website that appeals to it’s audience. I have also applied these skills to creating my own blog site. In the future, I would like to go into editing or design.
I’m a graduate in English Literature and Publishing. During my time at Bath Spa University I was a contributor and Commissioning Editor for milk magazine. I am a writer, editor, team player, amateur photographer, recipe developer and researcher, with knowledge of InDesign, WordPress, Photoshop, Adobe Experience Manager Mobile, Excel, Word and Powerpoint. Ultimately, I am looking to develop a career in the food magazine industry and eventually be a professional food writer. However, I have experience working for the academic journal, Irish Studies Review, at Bath Spa University, and would also be interested in working in editorial for an academic publisher.
During the course of my studies in Publishing and English Literature, I have developed an enthusiasm for book design and production, encouraged by modules on Commissioning Images and Children’s Publishing. This inspired my involvement in marketing projects for the university and dance department as well as designing and creating a children’s pop-up book and a logo for a prototype app. In the past year, I have completed work experience with Countryfile magazine and have been part of the BBC social media team for the Children’s Global Media Summit – both interesting and valuable experiences. My ultimate goal is to work in non-fiction publishing, specifically focusing on recipe or lifestyle titles.
Email: leah.jk.fleming@gmail.com Twitter: @leahfleming29
Email: jemma.gardner@hotmail.com Twitter: @JemmaGardner
Fresh Blood
3
Dev Gunawidjaja
Louisa Hales
Kirstie Hamilton
Studying Creative Writing and Publishing has honed my editorial skills and fluency with InDesign and Photoshop as well as developing my content writing (particularly for social media and digital marketing). Notable accomplishments include producing a pop culture student magazine, being a vox-pop interviewer for TEDxBristol and creating a blad for a speculative fiction anthology of retellings of Asian folktales and mythology. Extensive work experience includes being a student telephone fundraiser (2015–16), social media manager for Bath Spa Nightline (2016–17), webmaster for the LGBTQ+ Society (2017–18) and database administrator for the Bath Postal Museum. I would like to work in digital marketing after graduation.
I have learnt a range of different skills studying English Literature and Publishing and have enjoyed exploring the world of contemporary publishing. The course has allowed me to experience different digital platforms and learn key skills such as proofreading and marketing for particular audiences. Working individually and in teams I have produced articles, reports, magazines, portfolios and campaigns. I gained work experience at TEDxBristol, promoting the event on social media and have enjoyed this marketing side of the course most of all. I am extremely thankful for the amazing people, teachers and friends I have met along the way and am looking forward to seeing where my degree will take me next.
I studied Publishing and Creative Writing and the skills I have attained include InDesign, WordPress, copyediting, creative writing and marketing. I have produced a magazine, with a team of two, and have created a book blad and prospectus as part of my Commissioning Editor module. My interests include YA fiction, travel writing and nature writing. I have drafted marketing plans for Penguin Random House imprint Pop Press as well as Book Island’s debut children’s novel What Does the Crocodile Say? I was photographer for the TEDxBristol event where a number of my images were used for social media posts on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. I aspire to have a career in PR or marketing.
Email: devinagunawidjaja@gmail.com
Email: louisamayhales@hotmail.co.uk
Email: kirstie_h_90@yahoo.co.uk
Twitter: @writerlyintents
Twitter: @louisahales
Alice Hammond
Bethany Harding
Tia Harding
I studied Publishing and Creative Writing and over the duration of my course, I have gained a wide variety of publishing skills, from copy-editing and proofreading to web and app design. I am proficient in InDesign and Photoshop and I have also developed communication skills through group projects and workshop sessions. In my third year I worked with TEDxBristol, writing and scheduling posts for their Twitter page. I enjoy both writing and publishing YA fiction. I am particularly interested in the process of helping an author take their work from unfinished manuscript to published book and would therefore love to work as a Commissioning Editor.
From my three years of studying English Literature and Publishing, I have gained skills in writing, social media and design, using both InDesign and WordPress. I also have a thorough knowledge of the publishing industry and its history through studying an English Literature module which focused on this. I have used these skills within my projects at university, demonstrated in the prominent role I took in designing and writing a feminist magazine for a second-year project. As part of a third-year module I also helped run the Instagram account as part of the social media team at the 2017 TEDx ‘Dare to Disrupt’ event in Bristol. I have an interest in editorial roles for print publishing as well as online content management.
I am a joint Creative Writing and Publishing graduate and my skills include writing, editing, the use of social media, WordPress and InDesign. I am passionate about trade fiction (especially YA and romance), subjectbased non-fiction, television and film, popular culture, fan culture, psychology, animals, the environment, equality, the LGBTQIA+ community and mental health. My work experience includes Social Media Assistant for the 2017 TEDxBristol event, Administrative Assistant for Home2Home Dog Rescue, and Assistant Dance Teacher for Rozelle School of Dancing. My short-term career aim is to find a position as an Editorial Assistant, whilst my long-term goal is to become a Commissioning Editor of YA fiction titles.
Email: bethanyharding@gmail.com
Email: tiahardingauthor@gmail.com
Twitter: @bethroseharding
Twitter: @tiahardingbooks
Sophie Hesp
Louisa Hunter
Bronte Huskinson
Through studying Publishing and Creative Writing I have discovered a passion for children’s picture books. In the Children’s Publishing module, I have written and illustrated a story called Flamingo Island, combining my InDesign skills with an interest in typography and layout. I have also worked with publisher, Book Island, developing a marketing plan to promote translated children’s picture books, and have come away with invaluable industry experience. During my time at Bath Spa, I have been a writer and copy-editor for student magazines SpaLife and milk. I post regularly to my lifestyle and literature-based blog, ‘Hespecially Sophie’, which has developed my interest in social media marketing – an area I hope to pursue as a graduate.
While studying Publishing and Heritage I have developed skills in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, AEMM and WordPress. I’ve volunteered at an independent bookshop and co-founded the Bath Spa Publishing and Journalism Society. I have gained valuable work experience through an internship with children’s publisher Book Island, a placement with Combe Grove Hotel, as the commissioning editor, researcher and designer of their history book, and designing film posters for Isild le Besco’s latest production, Tales of Wonder. I have also set up independent projects, including creating a politically engaged Instagram account ‘Already a Revolt’ which showcases women’s writers, forward-thinking literature and book design with ambitions of providing a platform to inspire and empower women through literature.
Over the course of my Creative Writing and Publishing degree, I have discovered a love for photography and have built my own business as a freelance book photographer alongside my studies. During my degree I have gained extensive knowledge of Photoshop and InDesign – both of which I use in my business – and I have experimented with many different styles of writing for young people, including middle-grade fiction, picture books and young adult fiction. I have been building an online presence with a view to future publishing ventures and have over the course of a year, gathered a following of more than 35,000 people, developing Photoshop skills and discovering a love of photo editing along the way.
Email: a-hammond@outlook.com
Email: sophiehesp@outlook.com Web: hespeciallysophie.wordpress.com
Email: bookishbronte@gmail.com Email: louisahunter1994@gmail.com Twitter: @louisaah94 Instagram: @alreadyarevolt
Instagram: @bookishbronte
4
Fresh Blood
Rhianna Hutchings-Clarke Liam Jones
Faye Joyce
Over the past three years I have studied Creative Writing and Publishing in the hopes of becoming a copy-editor and author. This year, to gain experience, I have volunteered with Book Island’s book-making project and I have engaged with marketing for both Book Island and Pop Press. One aspect of the course I really enjoyed this year was the Publishing Venture because it allowed us to work as a team to create an entirely new product. Our idea was Footsteps which was an innovative travel app driven by travellers’ interests. I am competent at InDesign, Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator and can’t wait to use these skills in the field.
Throughout my three-year course studying Creative Computing and Publishing I have acquired many skills in both disciplines: learning to write confidently in HTML and CSS as well as use Adobe InDesign, XD and Photoshop. I have also been fortunate enough to gain experience of several different aspects of publishing, such as copyediting and proofreading, art directing for TABOO (a magazine that I co-created in the second year), creating my very own children’s picture book idea with a sample blad and taking on the role of website developer for Bath Spa’s very own milk magazine. During my time at Bath Spa I have discovered interests in children’s publishing, web development and magazine design, leaving me with many doors open for my future.
Email: rhiannah-c@hotmail.com
Studying Publishing and Creative Writing has taught me valuable writing skills as well as software knowledge, including Adobe InDesign, Premiere and WordPress. I’ve undertaken journalistic and content-gathering roles through working as an interviewer at TEDxBristol and the Children’s Global Media Summit 2017 at the BBC in Manchester. I have produced original articles and worked on the marketing team for milk magazine, have overseen the branding of several magazines and applications, using the experience to create my own zine on men’s mental health, Mental Magazine, and was part of a successful Publishing Venture group, producing a fantastic concept brand called ‘Makespace’. I aspire to work in these areas of the publishing and journalism industry.
Email: fkjoyce96@sky.com Email: jonesrliam@gmail.com
Annabel Miller
Nicole Milsom
Charlotte Moyle
Studying Publishing with Creative Writing I’ve been able to hone skills in design, writing and Adobe Creative Suite. I worked on SpaLife magazine as Entertainment Editor and as Art Director for milk magazine I have taken the publication in a new creative direction whilst challenging the conventions of what a student magazine could, or should be. I was awarded Best Design in the Publishing Venture by Mark Ecob (Mecob Design) for my styling of social media platform, ‘Makespace’. I would love to work for forward- and free-thinking magazines such as Huck, Intern or i-D, or as part of a media company like TCO. One day I hope to become an Art or Creative Director for a major publication or to develop my own.
I came to university to study English Literature and Publishing with a keen interest in the publishing industry and the course has allowed me to explore every aspect of the business. Learning software such as InDesign and Photoshop has been a highlight of the course, giving me the tools to work in a professional environment. I have also been able to develop practical working skills such as effective time management and gained valuable work experience at a local museum, helping to produce their informational material and advertisements. I have immensely enjoyed the editing process during the course and hope, after university, to become an editor.
Some of my key experiences on the Publishing and Creative Writing course include creating a magazine about food trends in my second year, and the blad I created as part of the Children’s Publishing module in my third year. Over the course I have learned to use industry-standard software packages, such as InDesign and Photoshop, and have also gained experience in proofreading and other editorial skills. I have worked with publishers Book Island and Pop Press this year as part of my industry projects, and also volunteered on a book-making workshop with Book Island. In the future I would like to work in the children’s book publishing industry on middle-grade fiction books. Email: chargrace.moyle9@gmail.com
Email: annabel.miller020@gmail.com
Twitter: @CharlotteMoyle
Twitter: @AnnabelMiller1
Rachel Muskett
Leona Norris
Abigail O’Driscoll
I studied English Literature and Publishing and through the Publishing course I learned how to manage time effectively and gained invaluable experience about how the industry works. I have also enjoyed developing my expertise with InDesign to industry standard. I have had work experience with Penguin Random House, Intense Retail and Book Island, which has enabled me to develop my communication skills. I am particularly interested in developing a career in human resources and hope to attain a CIPD qualification so that I can pursue my ambitions in this direction.
During my time studying Creative Writing and Publishing I have discovered a passion for children’s publishing. Whether it be editorial or design, I love to create content for a young market. I have strengthened my skills in Adobe InDesign and Illustrator when designing and making a children’s flower guide. This was a particular highlight of my experience here as I had to study the market and learn the small details that go into producing a children’s book. Additionally, in my third year I gained valuable work experience with the Bristol-based picture book publisher Book Island. I enjoyed using my knowledge of the market to create successful sales materials and a thorough marketing plan for a front list book.
Since starting my degree in English Literature and Publishing in 2015 I have developed a wide range of skills including Adobe InDesign and Photoshop and running various social media platforms. These skills were highly beneficial in my role as Publicist for the Bath Spa Christian Union and as a member of the social media team for TEDxBristol. I have also been working as a part of a team to devise new marketing plans for the Bristol-based publisher Book Island. Highlights of the course have been creating an indie magazine, learning to commission and edit images and creating a blad for a children’s reference book based on female figures from mythology. I have a great love for books, particularly YA, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, and would love to work in the book industry, hopefully in marketing or social media.
Email: rmmuskett998@btinternet.com
Email: leona.norris21@gmail.com Email: abigail.j.odriscoll@gmail.com
THE COMMISSIONING EDITOR Commissioning editors are the curators and shapers of ideas and build lists which represent great financial and reputational value to a publisher. This year it’s been exciting to see forty-five original book ideas develop into beautiful bound samplers with full covers and blurbs, prelims and a range of page spreads. We’ve had cookery, pop science and Scandi lifestyle and domestic noir, YA and historical fiction. Following a real editorial process, students have researched a book category and completed standard publishing forms. These include advance information, design and production briefing, press release, and a marketing plan. We have welcomed publishers from Penguin Random House, Conker House Books and Crimson Books to talk about list-building, audience, design concepts, profit and loss calculations, and production choices.
CHILDREN’S PUBLISHING The Children’s Publishing module at Bath Spa introduces the children’s publishing industry, roles and processes. Students are encouraged to experiment and to create their own book ideas, from pop-up books to picture books and reimagined fairy tales to non-fiction illustrated books. Specialist workshops develop new hand-making, bookbinding, and creative print skills and knowledge in real-life contexts. Our focus on this module includes international titles and the global market for children’s books, especially picture books, and the variety of creative visual approaches that are popular in different countries. The ethical dimension of creating and publishing books for children is examined, as is the handling of difficult themes such as depictions of death. Students have the opportunity to experiment and develop specialisms in editorial, illustration or design and production. Building on our expertise in this area, Bath Spa University is launching the world’s first MA Children’s Publishing in September 2018.
6
Fresh Blood
India Pearce
Natalie Piggott
Rebecca Poole
In my three years studying Creative Writing and Publishing I have developed many skills, from WordPress and InDesign to presenting and teamwork. I had the opportunity to volunteer at a TEDx event in Bristol and gain valuable knowledge about the publishing business by visiting Taylor Brothers printers. I was part of milk magazine’s marketing team, taking over their social media platforms with the hopes of increasing the following and raising awareness of the magazine. In my time on the course, I have witnessed the impact that social media can have on a company, and how it can raise interactivity between business and consumer. It has encouraged me to pursue a career in this area as I believe my generation are crucial to the development of this field.
Starting in 2015, I have studied Publishing and Film and Screen Studies at Bath Spa University. Over my three years I have covered multiple areas of publishing which have helped layer and build my knowledge to further the quality of my work. Since starting my own Etsy shop in 2017, I have put my digital publishing skills into action to extend my reach to other online platforms. I am helping to design a website for my shop and using social media to bring a wider audience to my products. In November 2017 I worked with the social media team for TEDxBristol during which I provided both images and quotes for Facebook and Instagram.
Throughout my English Literature and Publishing degree I have focused on editorial-based modules, developing my editorial judgement and ability to adapt my writing to suit different purposes as well as learning to copy-edit, proofread and work with InDesign, Photoshop, Sigil, AdobeXD, WordPress and AEMM. Work experience has included an Editorial Assistant role for the Irish Studies Review, Social Media Assistant at TEDxBristol, devising marketing strategies for Book Island and creating content for Bath-based feminist event The F-Word. I run my own lifestyle blog, have created content for magazines including FEISTY, and have set up a small craft business. I am looking to work in an editorial role for either magazines or books, and am interested in academic, food and music publishing.
Email: nataliepiggott16@gmail.com Email: indiadpearce@live.co.uk
Email: beckie.poole@gmail.com
Twitter: @india_pearce
Twitter: @RebeccaPoole__
Zoe Ridgway
Hannah Rose
Marielle Scholten
Over the course of my Creative Writing and Publishing degree, I have found a real enthusiasm for designing contemporary layouts. I was able to explore this passion during the Commissioning Editor module, during which we had the opportunity to create an original book idea, complete with a full publishing prospectus, sample cover, spine and internal pages. Having this complete free reign was an exciting opportunity as I was able to build my own InDesign template, further increasing my confidence in using the Adobe Creative Suite programmes. During my third year I was also able to work with the children’s picture book publisher, Book Island, creating marketing plans for one of their new titles. This has inspired an interest in marketing that I would like to explore further in the future.
Throughout my time studying Creative Writing and Publishing I have gained an invaluable range of digital skills, such as InDesign and content management systems. I have also been a Publishing Representative for two years. I am passionate about using social media as a tool to drive ideas and businesses and this has led to me create and curate social media accounts for local businesses including @southgatebarbath and @browningrosefinancial. I have also taken part in events such as TEDxBristol, and have worked as a student coordinator on social media for F-Rated, a feminist event. I thoroughly enjoyed the Commissioning Editor module and as such I am working towards a career in commissioning. My preferences lie in YA fiction, feminist fiction and non-fiction.
Before starting university, I attended a college in the Netherlands, where I studied International Business. I continued my education at Bath Spa University in 2015, to pursue a career in publishing. During my time at university I have volunteered as President of the Publishing and Journalism society, completed a three-month summer internship at Anthem Publishing as Art Assistant, received the Bath Spa Award and was the Editor-in-Chief for the university magazine milk. I would like to progress towards a career as a Commissioning Editor of illustrated non-fiction.
Email : zoeelizabeth1997@hotmail.co.uk
Email: hvrose@outlook.com
Anika Schulze
Amy Stirling
Harriet Taylor
Originally from Germany, I decided to take my career overseas and found myself studying Publishing and Creative Writing at Bath Spa University. I have participated in successful collaborative projects while working with a diverse group of people and have worked on several independent projects during my studies. I have also successfully completed a four-month internship in Paris as an Editorial Assistant and have worked as the Editor and Art Director of SpaLife magazine. My experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, developing concepts and organising teams, has given me the ambition to work within design or editorial for a book publishing house or magazine publisher. My ultimate dream would be to run my own indie magazine.
From three years of studying Creative Writing and Publishing I have gained a variety of skills in writing, editing and design, as well as an understanding of Photoshop, InDesign and WordPress. I worked for student magazine milk as the Marketing Manager where I had to chair meetings, organise events and find innovative ways to promote the magazine, as well as writing articles for the online and print editions. I also took on a role curating the Instagram for recruitment agency Intense Retail, worked as a Social Media Assistant for the TEDxBristol event and organised my own spoken word poetry event and magazine, ink. In the future, I would like to have an editorial or marketing role at a magazine, and also organise events.
Since the beginning of my study at Bath Spa, I have learned a great deal about the publishing industry. Though I was previously inexperienced with software such as Adobe InDesign, I believe my skill and proficiency with it has developed significantly over this duration to the point that I would feel comfortable using it in a work environment. Though I am confident in writing copy on a range of subjects, my interests lie primarily in titles related to music and film. I have already gained editorial experience from a few music publications, most notably in my time working for Bristol Live magazine. Here I ensured online submissions were edited correctly, maintained social media presence and frequently provided my own copy, consisting of reviews, previews, authors’ picks and news articles for print and online.
Email: anika.schulze@icloud.com
Email: amyjanestirling@gmail.com Twitter: @amyjanestirling
Email: mjc.scholten@gmail.com Twitter: @Mariell223
Email: heataylor16@gmail.com
Fresh Blood
7
Bianca Valentine
Katherine Valentine
Caitlin Whisker
For the last three years I have studied Media and Publishing at Bath Spa University and the publishing modules have allowed me to gain an in-depth knowledge of the industry, both digital and print, cementing my passion to work within the field. I have worked on a number of projects which have allowed me to expand my skills in Photoshop and InDesign and I have used this experience during my work at the Knowle West Media Centre where I have been making digital designs for events. The skills have also proven to be transferable as I use the techniques to market my own online pets company.
While studying Publishing with Creative Writing I have had a particular enthusiasm for both the digital publishing sphere and the magazine industry. Over the last three years I have honed my skills in using a variety of Adobe products, including InDesign and Photoshop. Additionally, I have worked with WordPress both when designing my own website and as the Digital Publisher for BSU’s milk magazine. A particular highlight of my time this year was working with the BBC to run the social media for the Children’s Global Media Summit. Working in a fast-paced, digital environment such as this is something I am keen to pursue, particularly at a time when the relationship between digital and printed media has never been more crucial.
As a Publishing student, I have developed my creative skills through the three-year course and various extracurricular activities. I have developed social media marketing strategies for Bath Spa Catering to promote their outlets to students and wider staff and have also taken on the role of Marketing Manager for the university magazine, milk. In the future, I hope to progress towards a career in marketing and brand development with the ultimate ambition of opening my own brand creative agency.
Email: valentinebianca6@gmail.com
Email: cwhisker21@btinternet.com Twitter: @caitlinwhisker Instagram: @caitlinwhisker
Email: katherinevalentine01@gmail.com Twitter: @keraunos
Gigi Wierzbicki
Charlotte Willcocks
Rhian Williams-Clement
I have learnt a great deal studying Publishing with Creative Writing. Key experiences have been developing my editorial eye and time management. I am confident working with InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator and whilst able to work independently, have had lots of experience working in groups – organising, allocating roles and specialising in different areas – which I think has prepared me for the collaborative teamwork typical of the creative industries. Practical experience has included planning an enhanced ebook for the stand-up comedian Tony Allen and starting my own bookblog, ‘Rockett Book Reviews’. My ambitions are to further develop my creative practice and put my acquired skill-set to use in my future career.
My studies in Creative Writing and Publishing have given me a passion for writing, designing and illustrating children’s picture books. I have learned and refined different styles of writing in various genres, from creating my own blad for a picture book to designing a website for children’s short stories to starting a YA novel. I have mastered how to copy-edit and proofread and have developed skills in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and WordPress. This year I took the role of Production Editor for the student magazine, milk and have also worked on projects with both Book Island and Pop Press. Working in teams has given me the opportunity to experience different methods of working and improve interpersonal skills.
My course in English Literature and Publishing has allowed me to gain software skills in InDesign, Photoshop and WordPress, and numerous projects have helped me develop both text-editing and photo-editing skills. I have developed my knowledge of social media and how it can be effectively used as a marketing tool and in my final year worked at TEDxBristol as a Social Media Assistant and with Bristolbased children’s publisher, Book Island. I have also gained experience as the marketing manager for three projects, including a zine, an app and a blad of a children’s picture book, and have also held down a part-time job. I aspire to one day work in marketing for a children’s book publisher.
Email: gigi.w@btconnect.com
Email: willcocks-12@hotmail.co.uk
Twitter: @RockettReads
Twitter: @CharlotteEm18
Email: rhianclement@hotmail.com
Shape ideas and stories for print and digital on the world’s first MA Children’s Publishing • • •
Creative, innovative and practical course Unique specialist focus on international print and digital publications Excellent industry collaboration and personal career coaching
Studying Children’s Publishing at Bath Spa University made me realise I wanted to work on children’s books – and that’s what I’m doing now. Alice Dainty, Design Assistant, Igloobooks (Bonnier Publishing UK)
MA Children’s Publishing
Children’s and YA books are beautifully illustrated and produced examples of imaginative storytelling, that make meaningful contributions to culture and education. As part of a vibrant publishing industry, they are internationally successful, high-growth areas in terms of innovation, revenues and employment. The course has been carefully designed to offer each student the flexibility to tailor their work, in modules and the final extended project, to develop expertise and explore their own interests. Contact: Dr Laura Little (l.little@bathspa.ac.uk)
Image courtesy of Book Island Ltd.
MAGAZINES AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT On this work experience-style module, each person takes on a specific role for milk magazine and learns about the industry context. milk features journalism by Bath Spa University students on subjects from the environment to recipes and film, and showcases their creative work and enterprise. It spans an ongoing website, annual print magazine, events and social media strands. The magazine is distributed and publicised across the university, and in cafés and other locations in Bath. This year we’ve had a #FreshMilk rebranding, accompanied by a more ambitious and diverse range of content and contributors, more effective social media, and a successful band night event at Moles. Our field trip was to Taylor Brothers printers, based in Bristol. The print magazine, on the theme of Community, is being launched at the Graduate Show, where the milk marketing team is also running promotions. Visiting speaker Andy Healy, Managing Director for History, Science, Apps and Digital Editions at Immediate Media, commented: ‘I was happy and impressed by the attitude and eagerness (and questions) of your students.’ Alongside Publishing students featured in these pages, milk this year was also produced by: Verity Annear, Samiya Coulthard, Victoria Kewley, Izzy Lawton, Hannah Loten, Nathan Maradei, Joshua McSmith, Olena Mirianova and Darius Morgan.
DIGITAL PUBLISHING One of the key projects for third-year publishing students is to conceive an innovative digital product for the publishing industry and work in teams to plan every aspect of launching their idea as a commercial venture. The work culminates in a presentation to a panel of potential ‘investors’, which included Publishing tutors and Creative Director Mark Ecob of Ecob Design. Students explore the market for online services, digital products and apps and some of this year’s ideas included a virtual reality storytelling app, bespoke travel apps and a book-themed children’s party service. Researching their intended market for opportunities, they considered their concept in terms of user experience and made assessments of market size, competition, pricing and marketing and promomotional possibilities, modelling their expenses and potential income to create an informed launch budget. To make their final presentations as compelling as possible students created prototypes of their ideas, demonstrating the digital functionality using a variety of different tools, including Adobe XD and InVision. Other components of the module give students the opportunity to work on a variety of live projects with prestigious clients, demonstrate initiative by developing their own publishing ideas and work experience opportunities, build a website using the popular WordPress.org content management system and compile a portfolio of their achievements as an iPad app, created using Adobe’s Experience Manager Mobile software.