The BookMachine Podcast: Conversations in Publishing

Why book fairs still matter for a global industry and their role in reaching new audiences. In this episode, we sit down with industry powerhouse Jacks Thomas, Guest Director at BolognaBooksPlus, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of international publishing. Drawing on her extensive experience at the helm of major book fairs and work with global brands, Jacks shares her unique perspective on how the industry can bridge the gap between core enthusiasts and untapped readers during the UK’s National Year of Reading. We delve into the DNA of modern book fairs, the enduring power of brand identity, and the practicalities of supporting the next generation of publishing professionals.

BookMachine Creative Agency
Marketing for the Publishing and Learning sectors. Your campaigns sorted from strategy to execution.

BookMachine Campus
Find the knowledge, inspiration and connections to thrive in the publishing world.

Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners!
Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.

Find out about BookMachine at the links below:

• BookMachine Creative Agency
• BookMachine CAMPUS 
• Live and Digital Publishing Events
• The BookMachine Blog

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The realities of analysing book sales and identifying the trends that shape the publishing landscape. In this episode we are joined by Suzy Warnock, Senior Analytics Account Manager at NielsenIQ BookData, to explore how to approach overwhelming datasets, why good metadata underpins every meaningful insight and how much of publishing still relies on intuition and curation. Suzy lifts the lid on how bestseller lists maintain their integrity, explains why genres keep splintering and reveals the hidden signals that point to future hits. She also discusses pricing traps, evergreen categories, the challenges of AI generated content and the simple metadata improvements that can make life easier for everyone. 

BookMachine Creative Agency
Marketing for the Publishing and Learning sectors. Your campaigns sorted from strategy to execution.

BookMachine Campus
Find the knowledge, inspiration and connections to thrive in the publishing world.

Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners!
Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.

Find out about BookMachine at the links below:

• BookMachine Creative Agency
• BookMachine CAMPUS 
• Live and Digital Publishing Events
• The BookMachine Blog

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Why audio matters for young readers and how it can empower children’s literacy and critical thinking. In this episode, we are joined by Carla Herbertson, former BBC children's radio producer and co-founder of Small Wardour. Carla is a passionate advocate for accessibility, literacy and the power of audio to bring stories to life. She talks about why kids audio is booming, how publishers can build creative multi-platform story worlds, and what the industry must do to engage children where they are. Carla also shares the story behind Bust or Trust, the hit investigative mystery podcast teaching media literacy to 7 to 11 year olds, and explains why audio can be a vital first step in helping children become confident, joyful readers.

BookMachine Creative Agency
Marketing for the Publishing and Learning sectors. Your campaigns sorted from strategy to execution.

BookMachine Campus
Find the knowledge, inspiration and connections to thrive in the publishing world.

Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners!
Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.

Find out about BookMachine at the links below:

• BookMachine Creative Agency
• BookMachine CAMPUS 
• Live and Digital Publishing Events
• The BookMachine Blog

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Why a career in books has prepared Amelia Fairney to tackle digital misinformation and champion workplace inclusion. In this episode, we follow the inspiring career journey of publishing veteran Amelia Fairney as she pivots to advocate for digital integrity at Shout Out UK. We dive deep into the urgent threat of misinformation and the alarming link between declining children's literacy and vulnerability to harmful online influences. Amelia also shares the insights she gained founding the Age Inclusion Network at Penguin Random House and discusses the overlooked value of intergenerational workforces.

BookMachine Creative Agency
Marketing for the Publishing and Learning sectors. Your campaigns sorted from strategy to execution.

BookMachine Campus
Find the knowledge, inspiration and connections to thrive in the publishing world.

Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners!
Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.

Find out about BookMachine at the links below:

• BookMachine Creative Agency
• BookMachine CAMPUS 
• Live and Digital Publishing Events
• The BookMachine Blog

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What happens when a love of books meets the power of digital marketing? In this episode, we speak to Kate Molyneux, Senior Digital Marketing Manager at Bloomsbury Publishing, whose journey from receptionist to leading award-winning campaigns is as inspiring as it is insightful. Kate shares how she’s helped shape the online presence of bestselling Children’s and YA titles, built a global community through the Bloomsbury Creator Circle, and created immersive experiences for superfans and influencers alike. We dive into the rise of BookTok, the impact of content creators, and what it really takes to build buzz around books in a fast-moving digital world. Whether you're a reader, marketer, or aspiring publisher, this episode is packed with fresh ideas and behind-the-scenes gems.

BookMachine Creative Agency
Marketing for the Publishing and Learning sectors. Your campaigns sorted from strategy to execution.

BookMachine Campus
Find the knowledge, inspiration and connections to thrive in the publishing world.

Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners!
Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.

Find out about BookMachine at the links below:

• BookMachine Creative Agency
• BookMachine CAMPUS 
• Live and Digital Publishing Events
• The BookMachine Blog

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Commissioning editors for Fiction are typically known for receiving submissions and collaborating with authors and agents to refine existing manuscripts. But there’s another approach. By starting with a synopsis and a clear vision for the type of book they want to publish, some publishers and imprints are commissioning authors to write fiction to brief. 

Ed Wood, Agent and Director of Fiction Development at The Blair Partnership, has built a range of hugely successful commercial fiction projects using this method.

In this episode, we speak with Ed about his work and how this model can produce standout titles, refresh an author’s backlist, and enhance rights and licensing opportunities from day one. We also delve into how his background in writing and teaching has shaped his perspective.

Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners!
Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.

Find out about BookMachine at the links below:

• BookMachine Creative Agency
• BookMachine CAMPUS 
• Live and Digital Publishing Events
• The BookMachine Blog

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Understanding differences and adapting to strengths

Leadership isn’t just something you’re good at. You have to work hard to continually evolve and adapt to company, people and place. In this episode, we delve into the leadership journey of Sanphy Thomas, Managing Director at Jessica Kingsley Publishing and Director of Specialist Publishing at John Murray Group.

Sanphy shares insights into navigating leadership across different sectors and company cultures. She discusses how her style has adapted and how she has learned how to approach and embrace the differences of the teams she leads. Her publishing experience has shaped her approach and helped her to identify and nurture unconventional strengths in individuals. We also cover common leadership misconceptions and how definitions of “exceptional” leadership have evolved over time.

Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners!
Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.

Find out about BookMachine at the links below:

• BookMachine Creative Agency
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• Live and Digital Publishing Events
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It is well documented that reading for pleasure is the biggest single factor in influencing a child’s future success. Evidence suggests that it feeds into improved vocabulary, enhanced academic performance at school, empathy and wellbeing. Founded thirty years ago in 1995, World Book Day has evolved to become one of the most high profile charities that promotes reading for pleasure, offering the opportunity for every child and young person to own a book of their own.

In this episode, we speak with Cassie Chadderton, Chief Executive of World Book Day. Cassie joined in 2019 and draws on a range of experience in cultural organisations including the Arts Council, CultureCentral as well as at Penguin Random House. We discuss her work with World Book Day, how they are shaping their mission to encourage and inspire more children and families to read for fun, and the potential this has to transform lives for the better.

Useful links

• World Book Day Website
• World Book Day Shop
• Celebrating World Book Day

Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners!
Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.

Find out about BookMachine at the links below:

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• Live and Digital Publishing Events
• The BookMachine Blog

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The life of an agent is full of long lunches and torrid tales of schmoozing publishers on behalf of celebrity authors. Or is it? There are many misconceptions around what agents do and, with daily tasks changing significantly from even 10 years ago, we wanted to lift the veil on the role. In this episode, we speak to experienced agents Abi Fellows (DHH Literary Agency) and Julia Silk (Greyhound Literary). With many years between them in literary agenting and publishing roles, they have a wealth of knowledge to share. We dive into what agents do now, how this has changed over the past decade, and what makes an author/agent/publisher relationship tick.

Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners!
Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.

Find out about BookMachine at the links below:

• BookMachine Creative Agency
• BookMachine CAMPUS 
• Live and Digital Publishing Events
• The BookMachine Blog

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It is a truth universally acknowledged that commissioning editors receive submissions and work with authors and agents to finesse an existing manuscript. But there’s another way. 

Independent publisher of adult non-fiction illustrated titles, Amber Books, has spent years developing their own content, commissioning authors to a brief and developing a wide range of projects that span topics and categories. 

In this episode, we speak with Amber Books’ Editorial Director, Charles Catton, about how they successfully create standout titles with this unique approach to illustrated projects. We also touch on how Charles’ role has developed over the years, the journey behind finding the right author for each project, and the behind-the-scenes from an indie publishing perspective.

Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners!
Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.

Find out about BookMachine at the links below:

• BookMachine Creative Agency
• BookMachine CAMPUS 
• Live and Digital Publishing Events
• The BookMachine Blog

Follow us on social media:

• Twitter (X) 
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