Having completed my undergraduate degree in English Literature from the University of Edinburgh I found myself at a loss. How exactly does one find a use for an English Literature degree at such turbulent times? I love books too much to abandon the hope of working with and around them in the future so I had to choose my next step carefully. Studying Publishing at the University of Stirling seemed like a no-brainer after some frantic research. Though Stirling is lovely I couldn’t find it in myself to leave Edinburgh so I decided to study part time to prolong the experience and to get as much as I can out of the degree.

My current work as a sub-editor for an energy company means I have the chance to expand my editing skills helped only further by the course. Every element of the publishing process has fascinated me and I hope that the course helps me find my focus in one department, as is necessary for career direction. My current internship at independent Glasgow publisher Saraband has given me a wide range of experience from slush reading to strategic marketing, from InDesign to app and audiobook development. I owe a lot to Sara and am very thankful for the opportunities she has provided.

Whilst I learn my way around the publishing industry I love to draw, write, blog, all the usual creative stuff. In January 2013 I started a new blog called Publishthings which contains my opinions on news in and around the book industry. I condense my thoughts into tweet-sized bites on Twitter and am far too active on there, feel free to follow me!

I greatly look forward to the next two years and all the challenges coming my way, I hope it prepares me for the ever-changing industry and that vital foot in the doorway.

Hello everyone,

my name is Verena and I come from Germany.

I have had a passion for languages and literature as long as I can remember. As a child, I could not wait to learn to go to school and finally be able to read for myself all the great stories and tales my mother had told me. I grew up in a house full of books, and the first thing I would do when getting home after school would be grabbing a book and delving into the story. Books were there when I was happy or sad; they let me forget the sometimes grim outside world; they inspired new ideas, helped me to study foreign languages, and evoked in me the desire to travel the world and see the countries and cultures I was reading about.

That is why I studied English Literature, French, and Latin at Ruprecht-Karls-University in Heidelberg, Germany for my first Master`s degree, so I could combine my interests in literature and languages. Despite introducing me to new genres, literary periods, and authors, my studies also led me to spend two years abroad, one each in Wales and in France, which were two of the best years of my life.

Although I loved studying literature and getting graded on my favourite pastime, I was afraid that it might not be specialized enough, since I did not want to be a teacher. Going back to university for a second degree seemed a good option to improve my chances on the career market. So I was very glad when I was accepted for the MLitt programme in Publishing Studies at the University of Stirling because it gives me the opportunity to work with the knowledge I gained in my previous studies and internships as well as acquire new skills through the modules and the practical assignments.

Besides showing me a new perspective on books and literature, the programme offers me the possibility to study at a foreign university and get to know a new country and culture as well as to meet people from all over the world. There is a lot of work ahead of us, but it will prepare us perfectly for our entry into the world of publishing, and I simply love it.