Event Spotlights Career Paths in Book Publishing

At St. Thomas More College (STM) we often hear from our students the desire to know more about career pathways, and opportunities to use their degrees post graduation. Previous career-readiness events were offered through the College to support students in their preparation for job searches and articulation of skills as they neared graduation.  

This year STM chose to highlight the book publishing industry, as this has been an area of repeat requests for pathway support. English remains one of the College's busiest departments, and STM also produces a successful students' liberal arts journal – In Medias res – published twice annually.

February 28, students gathered in the Newman lounge for the Career Insights and Industry Spotlight Event. The event featured a short presentation, 'Publishing 101,' delivered by Executive Director for SaskBooks, Jillian Bell. Her engaging, informative, and often humorous introduction provided valuable information about key steps when entering into the publishing industry - whether the plan be to publish work or support those that do.

Bell told the audience that “publishing is at its core the business side of the artistic endeavor of writing and illustrating.” With that she spoke to process, workflow, industry changes and direction, along with the challenges of effective marketing to ensure success.

Additionally, whether self-publishing or finding a publisher, Bell reminded attendees of the attention to detail required in contract development whether for electronic or printed options.

The second part of the event featured a panel of four Saskatchewan authors with varied career paths leading to where they are today, along with diverse genres of books published. Joining Jillian Bell was Heather Hataley, Joanne Paulson, and Dr. Cynthia Wallace.

As Executive Director with SaskBooks, the provincial creative industry association for book publishers in Saskatchewan, Jillian Bell brings more than 20 years working in the publishing industry and has served on the Boards of Directors of the SK Writers' Guild, the SK Book Awards, the Willow Awards, her local library, and other nonprofits. Jillian is also a writer and freelance editor whose work has been published in anthologies, periodicals, newspapers, and syndicated online content. Jillian received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with an Advanced Certificate in Linguistics from the University of Saskatchewan, and completed a Masters in Public/Non-Profit Administration with the University of Regina/Johnson-Shoyoma School of Public Policy.  

Heather Hataley is the author of new-adult dystopian novels A Collection of Scars and A Burden of Love. Her passion for reading, writing, and learning more about the human condition led to her earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a History minor at the University of Saskatchewan. Heather also works as a group fitness and music instructor, or volunteering in her local performing arts community.

Self-proclaimed writer all her working life, starting at age sixteen when she published her first piece, Joanne Paulson received her Bachelor of Arts degree through USask (Political Science and English minor). Her career led to jobs as a reporter, editor at the Star-Phoenix, editor in chief for the Western Producer, event organizer, communications professional, columnist, speaker, mentor and reviewer. Today Joanne’s focus is that of a newspaper columnist, freelance writer, author of novels, and editor of books.

STM’s Associate Professor Cynthia Wallace received her PhD in English from Loyola University, Chicago in 2012 and has been teaching at STM since then. She teaches, researches, and writes at the intersections of contemporary literature, women's writing, decolonizing literatures, ethics, and religion. Her scholarly, creative, and critical work has appeared in numerous journals, magazines, and literary journals. Her first book Of Women Borne: A Literary Ethics of Suffering, was published in 2016, and her second book, The Literary Afterlives of Simone Weil: Feminism, Justice, and the Challenge of Religion will be published in May 2024, both by Columbia University Press.   

The authors relayed their personal insight on how they got their start in publishing; their top tip for getting work published; and what they thought the future of publishing looked like.

An opportunity for students to ask additional questions followed and the event closed with draws for books from the authors on the panel. The event provided a great road map to help get aspiring authors started down a path towards being published and insight as to the range of opportunities in the publishing industry.

USask Career Services was also in attendance available to support students with questions about developing resumes, articulating skills, and where to search for jobs post graduation.