Steve is the Sales Manager at Garnet.
How did you get into publishing?
By mistake – I was planning on returning to Asia / Indonesia to teach English and travel but while working to save money for my trip, I applied for a job at Macmillan (the very last job I applied for then), and they took me on as a Graduate recruit.
The first task I was set was “10% of books make 90% of the profit, how can we as publishers improve that statistic” – the statistic has not changed much in 20 years, so no one had the right answer.
What does a typical day in the office look like for you?
I start with replying to emails, whatsapp – and a trip around the world, usually Asia as their day has finished. So, all the issue for China, Vietnam, Japan and Malaysia. I then check orders, sales figures, update Salesforce, speak to Olly, Marwan and John, looking for new opportunities or chasing opportunities that have gone quiet. Europe is awake midmorning and the UK so any issues that appear in my inbox, then later in the afternoon Latin America and the US wakes up, so all their issues and orders. On top of that Skype, Zoom a few people, especially now the Senegal project is happening. Looking at new tenders/ deals, and sometimes campaigns (which we do not do a lot of!)
What’s your favourite part of your job?
It used to be travel but not anymore. I enjoy providing solutions to people and meeting people. I love education, especially literacy and motivating students to learn/ and read.
What is your motto?
Just do it.
What is your favourite word/ idiom?
Jenkins (my dog) / ‘Eat the frog‘ but I never do.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Not yet…I’ll take a look at it…Maybe tomorrow…
Which living person do you most admire?
My Mum.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Footballer
What was the last book you read that you’d recommend?
Currently reading the Bee Keeper of Sinjar, and Henry Normal’s Raining Upwards, but I would recommend The Reason I Jump.
A fact about yourself most people wouldn’t know?
I volunteer for Here4me.