Julia's Story
Starting on the publisher’s side of the desk ...
I learnt the business of publishing from the ground up starting as a desk editor in 1987 for an independent, entrepreneurial publisher called Element Books Ltd.
Despite having no previous experience, I discovered an aptitude for combining intuition and creativity with communication skills and business acumen – essential qualities for publishers and authors alike.
Ten years later, I found myself running the UK company as Managing Director and Publisher, and responsible for a multi-million pound international publishing programme having clocked up a few UK no. 1 and international bestsellers along the way. Phew!
Further corporate experience of working with Penguin and subsequently Random House dramatically broadened my perspective on the publishing business.
Progressing to the writer’s side of the desk ...
In 1999 during the opening session of a Penguin sales conference I was attending in Cyprus, a stage spotlight fell and struck me on the crown of the head. It literally 'took me out'!
At that moment, the course of my life changed.
Following a year of intense recovery during which I was unable to work, I realised many important things including that life is too short not to realise the truth of who you are and to take action on your dreams.
How many people plan to write a book ‘one day’ only to discover that day never comes?
The 7 year healing journey back to my true Self combined with my publishing expertise and life coach training has enabled me to create a structured system for people who want to take a holistic approach to realising their writing dreams.
One of my own dreams was to write a book myself which resulted in the publication of The Writer’s Journey: From Inspiration to Publication. From this experience I gained a deeper understanding of the writer’s perspective which I now combine with my publisher's point of view.
Today, I work with passionate individuals who are highly motivated to prioritise authenticity, excellence and action!
Together, using the information, feedback and professional guidance I offer, we explore the right way forwards for each person’s individual writing journey. For some this results in successful commercial publication. For others, self publishing or other contemporary options for reaching readers prove to be the answer to creative fulfilment.
Whatever the details of the outcome, the process itself is a fascinating and rewarding voyage of discovery for all concerned.
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