Laura Bryars

Working directly with authors, small publishers and other content providers on a wide range of materials such as dissertations, websites and manuscripts.

Wide and varied responsibilities managing The KU Big Read covering communications, event planning and management, algorithm creation, budget management, purchasing, research, administrative duties, marketing, design and much more.

A month long placement which resulted in being asked back for further time as temporary cover. I undertook a broad range of tasks including: producing AIs and cover copy; working with Nielsen Bookscan and Biblio3; communicating directly with editors, authors and other departments; organising meetings; arranging London Book Fair schedules and much more.

Retail Supervisor of a small retail team with responsibility of stock ordering, being key-holder, and customer service whilst also managing the stores social media accounts and producing regular newsletters to our customers and followers.

A postgraduate degree with a focus on all aspects of book publishing. During this time I produced a final thesis on the future of bookselling, completed a professional diploma in social media marketing, undertook a month-long work placement with Bloomsbury Publishing and co-found a now internationally acclaimed shared-reading programme called The KU Big Read whilst gaining skills in marketing, design, editorial and wider research.

A fully accredited course in proofreading and copy editing which taught everything from the use of BSI marks to working on specialist content and business management.

A three year degree in photography with electives in book making, website design and business management. During this time I also completed a dissertation with a focus on the anthropological nature of photography.

A nationally acclaimed award won for the work of The KU Big Read.