It is a truth universally acknowledged…that the Publishing industry is highly competitive and notoriously difficult to break into. This paints an image of an individualistic industry disinterested and unwilling to help those looking for their first steps into that prized position – but this could not be further from my experience.

Stepping into the Olympia for the first day of the London Book Fair, I realised how underprepared I was for the vast space filled with people from every segment of the industry. Completely overwhelmed, I quickly dispersed any notions of networking in favour of hiding in seminar audiences and hopefully staying out of anyone’s way. Whilst these seminars were interesting and thought-provoking, I was cementing my place as an outsider rather than challenging myself and seeking opportunities.

This all changed when I met Kelli Fairbrother, one of the co-founders of the audiobook company xigxag. Having previously interviewed Kelli for a magazine I created; when she learned I was in attendance at the Book Fair, she extended an invitation to meet in person for a chat. I was expecting a quick hello amid an undoubtedly busy schedule, instead, I was granted an in-depth look at the London Book Fair from the perspective of an up-and-coming company looking to expand its reach.

Taking a walk amongst the stalls, Kelli invited me to shadow her throughout the day as she attended pitch meetings and caught up with industry friends. From discussing cover design with a literary agent; to watching a presentation on upcoming titles from a publisher; to listening in as pitches were given and first steps towards deals were made – that final day at the London Book Fair was the highlight of my entire year. I had sat through countless lectures throughout my time at university, with lecturers repeatedly highlighting the importance of networking – but, as with many things, it took experiencing its power first-hand to truly understand what all the fuss was about.

Many of those I was introduced to were as shocked as I was at the opportunity Kelli had provided, but all were gracious enough to welcome me to these meetings and make an effort to include me in some way; from enquiring about my course to asking my thoughts about the industry. Within the pitch meetings themselves, I had assumptions of cold conversations and sales-driven professionalism but was pleasantly surprised at how personable and collaborative they were in actuality. They were honest in a way I hadn’t expected. I was assuming a glossy presentation with one side doing all the talking and the other simply listening – however, I quickly saw it as the team effort that it is, with both sides demonstrating how they could benefit the other, as they discussed their companies as well as the broader industry.

What was also interesting was how Kelli and her colleague George Walkley reflected on their meetings as they walked to the next: using every moment to process what had been said and immediately brainstorming how to use those ideas to develop their company and the tech behind it. Most crucially, how the ideas influenced their timescale for development as they gathered further examples of needs within the industry that could be solved by the plans they already had – and sought to quicken the timeline to development.

Beyond the pitch meetings, Kelli took the time to act as a mentor and guide within the industry – introducing me to industry friends she felt were beneficial, and happily discussing my own hopes for my future career, and how I could best shape the skills I would need. She encouraged confidence and practice in networking – suggesting the creation of a practiced elevator pitch to make the most of introductions, whilst stressing the importance of following up via a LinkedIn connection to cement the introduction further.

But she was also aware of the problems within the industry and how in searching for jobs and facing rejection, it can be easy to sell yourself short and rule yourself out before you have even tried – to which she encouraged being brave enough to put yourself out there anyway. Certainly, through our conversations – and through the inspirational individuals I was privileged to meet – I also saw the importance of seeking your own opportunities, an area where Kelli has certainly led by example through the creation of xigxag.

As we moved through the day, Kelli ensured I was never left uncomfortable, highlighting that it wasn’t long since she was in my shoes having someone do the same for her at her first Book Fair, and encouraging the future pass of the baton when my turn arrives.

I am well aware my experience is different from that of my peers, and I cannot underestimate the luck and privilege that led to this opportunity – it is something I wish my peers could have shared, as it was truly invaluable for my professional development but was also just such an inspirational and exciting learning experience. Spending that time with the xigxag team was an experience in learning through osmosis – listening and watching as they took concepts I had discussed theoretically in classroom environments and applied them to real-life meetings. This allowed me a deeper understanding of what can seem like vague concepts and sparked interest in elements of the rights conversation that I hadn’t even thought of.

Finally, I wish to convey the immense gratitude I feel towards all those I met, particularly Kelli and George, as they turned my experience at the London Book Fair from a bystander to a participant – thereby allowing me to take away so much more than I could ever have imagined. To my peers, I want to highlight that even though it can be difficult to move in these spaces, we must be brave enough to make – and take – our own opportunities as we move away from university and dive into the industry headfirst.

Image credit: Rachel McRae