When I contacted Michèle Smith in December 2022 about applying for an internship with Jasami Publishing Ltd., I was nervous about what to expect in the interview. I had always been told that the world of publishing was cut-throat and aggressive. I felt confident in myself, but I wasn’t sure I would make the cut. 

My interview with Michèle completely changed how I understood publishing relationships. She was kind and friendly throughout the whole interview, which helped put my nerves at ease. When we came to the end of the meeting, she asked me what type of work I specifically would like to do in the company. I had so many ideas of the different areas of publishing I’d like to get a taste of that I wasn’t sure which one to pick. 

“Well, I really enjoy children’s publishing, and I understand you have a few children’s books published through Jasami, so maybe working in that field?” I asked tentatively. 

“Ok, and what kind of skillset would you like to walk away with after that?” Michèle queried. 

Again, the possibilities were endless, but I needed to think about what I wanted to take away from this learning experience. 

“To be honest,” I began, though I wasn’t sure I should be too honest, “I have had a lot of experience in management roles and I am a particularly good problem solver, so I suppose if there was a position available for me to expand these skills in a publishing setting, that would be ideal.” 

Michèle thought for a moment. 

You overstepped the mark, a little voice told me. You asked for a management role right off the bat when she was probably just looking for some editorial or marketing interns. 

“I’m glad you said that, Bailey, because I have the perfect project for you in children’s literature!” Michèle beamed, “How would you feel about being a project manager for a children’s book I have had on the back burner?”

I felt a wave of shock run through my body. Did she really say ‘project manager’?

“That would be amazing, thank you!” I blurted out, still unsure if this was real. 

“I’m glad you think so,” Michèle replied, smiling back at my beaming face. 

I am two months into my placement, and it has been one of the best opportunities I have ever had. It has challenged me and pushed me, in more ways than one. Not only have I had the privilege to work in my dream publishing sector, but I have been working in a role that I truly enjoy. 

None of this would have happened though if I had not been bold enough to ask for it. Sometimes in life, we are too scared to ask for what we actually want or believe we need to ‘pay one’s dues’ before we advance our careers. This may be true in some cases, but the lesson I’d like to pass on to you is to be brave enough to ask for what you want – because the answer may very well surprise you. 

Photo Credit: Bailey Caughey