Caitlin Lomas

The 2011 Kim Scott Walwyn Prize winner, Kay Peddle, generously used her £1000 prize money to set up a month long internship at Random House, the publishing company where she works as an editor. We caught up with the lucky recipient Caitlin Lomas, an avid reader, blogger and wannabe publishing professional from Manchester to find out what she got out of her placement.

> Why publishing?

I've always really enjoyed reading - my parents got me a library card when I was one - and I've written a book blog, The Cait Files, since February which is really rewarding especially when publishers send me books to review. I also did a lot of charity work for Read International while studying Philosophy at the University of Liverpool. However until recently, I hadn't really considered a career in publishing because all of the big houses are in London rather than Manchester, which is so far away in terms of accessibility and expense.

> Any difficulties getting publishing work experience/a job?

After graduating this summer, I started applying to a number of indie publishers in Manchester for work experience, but was told they either didn't have the capacity to provide placements, or they were fully booked until the next millennium because they were so popular. I decided if I wanted to get into publishing I would have to bite the bullet and apply for work experience in London. But, I was genuinely not sure if I could afford it, and even if I could, would a two week placement (that would end up costing me about £500 in travel, accommodation and food) really make any difference when I was applying for jobs?

> How has the internship helped?

When I spotted the internship on Random House's Facebook page in September, I thought it sounded perfect - not just the money, but in terms of what it offered: a chance to work in all the departments. I was sure I wouldn't get it as I haven't really got publishing experience, but I think my blog helped. I was so excited when Kay offered it to me; I rang just about everyone to tell them. It has been amazing: everyone has been so supportive and it has made me much surer of my career choice.

> Highlights of your month at Random House?

I spent a week in editorial, publicity and then marketing, and days in sales, digital and production, including a visit to the London Review of Books and a trip to see CPI printers. I know this is unusual, but I really enjoyed all the meetings. I went to a focus meeting for the new Irvine Welsh book, Skagboys, which involved discussing potential sales, whether to publish a paperback or hardback, and what marketing to do. It was great to see how the whole company works together, sharing their ideas and justifying their positions. I also read the manuscript for Andrew Motion's Silver (a sequel to Treasure Island) and tried to come up with a publicity plan. The book is so clever, with plenty of nods to Stevenson and lots of YA/crossover appeal.

> What now?

I have been offered a few weeks work experience at another London publisher, but I'll need to go home for a bit and save some more money first. I've also applied for a few jobs, so fingers crossed. I would love to end up working in publicity or editorial on YA books, but for now I can't be picky and am keeping an open mind.

> In the spirit of the Kim Scott Walwyn Prize, which woman inspires you in publishing?

Aside from Kay of course, I had a real fan girl moment when I met Ruth Warburton, who works in publicity at Random House, but is also a YA author. Her book A Witch in Winter is out next year and is fantastic. Rachel Cugnoni [publisher at Vintage] is also really inspirational; she has made Vintage what it is today.

> And, last but not least, your all-important top three book recommendations?

The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides is my all-time favourite.
The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins is my current choice. I started the first book two days ago, and am already on the third. It is really fast-paced and dystopian.
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare is my final recommendation, as it was her books that got me writing by blog.

As the final part of her internship, next week Caitlin will attend a Proofreading for Editors course at the Publishing Training Centre (the course was part of Kay's KSW Prize). You can follow her progress on her blog and on Twitter @CaitLomas