Please read Part 3 of the interview before reading Part 4
What is it like Working at SelfMadeHero
“In publishing you have to work very long hours particularly when the production schedule gets busy. There are a number of book fairs each year where we exhibit our books, and have meetings with rights executives. Preparation for the fairs is also very time-consuming. On a daily basis, I am sat in front of my computer talking to artists, writers, designers, sales reps etc, sorting out any problems that may arise!”Yes, that is the life of a big gal at SelfMadeHero. The work never stops. Even though there is work to be done, no job is without its ups and downs. The main downside for Hayley is having “artists not keeping to deadlines!” However, “on the whole, I have worked with a very professional group of talented young artists – and that has been a pleasure.”
What makes this work more valuable than receiving payment for one’s duties? According to Hayley, “it’s great to be part of a team of talented creators, who have a passion for what they do.” From the dedicated teamwork and Hayley’s determination to make the best manga representative of Shakespeare, she won the UK Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2008, “which is part of the prestigious British Book Industry Awards. This was a huge honor. It raised the profile of the company.”
From her many years of professional experience and being an entrepreneur, Hayley learned a valuable lesson while working on or handling Manga Shakespeare. “‘You can’t get owt for nowt’ – an old English expression which means you can’t just sit back and expect things to happen!” From understanding that phrase and knowing what it takes to succeed, Hayley advises that others will “need to have a passion and commitment in what you’re doing in order to succeed.”
© 2009 Linda Thai
Stay tune for Part 5!
Thank you ABRAMS Books for letting me use the cover image!
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