The BookMachine Podcast: Conversations in Publishing

Why audio matters for young readers and how it can empower children’s literacy and critical thinking. In this episode, we are joined by Carla Herbertson, former BBC children's radio producer and co-founder of Small Wardour. Carla is a passionate advocate for accessibility, literacy and the power of audio to bring stories to life. She talks about why kids audio is booming, how publishers can build creative multi-platform story worlds, and what the industry must do to engage children where they are. Carla also shares the story behind Bust or Trust, the hit investigative mystery podcast teaching media literacy to 7 to 11 year olds, and explains why audio can be a vital first step in helping children become confident, joyful readers.

BookMachine Creative Agency
Marketing for the Publishing and Learning sectors. Your campaigns sorted from strategy to execution.
BookMachine Campus
Find the knowledge, inspiration and connections to thrive in the publishing world.
BookMachine Creative Agency
Marketing for the Publishing and Learning sectors. Your campaigns sorted from strategy to execution.

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Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners!
Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.

Find out about BookMachine at the links below:
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Why a career in books has prepared Amelia Fairney to tackle digital misinformation and champion workplace inclusion. In this episode, we follow the inspiring career journey of publishing veteran Amelia Fairney as she pivots to advocate for digital integrity at Shout Out UK. We dive deep into the urgent threat of misinformation and the alarming link between declining children's literacy and vulnerability to harmful online influences. Amelia also shares the insights she gained founding the Age Inclusion Network at Penguin Random House and discusses the overlooked value of intergenerational workforces.
BookMachine Creative Agency
Marketing for the Publishing and Learning sectors. Your campaigns sorted from strategy to execution.
BookMachine Campus
Find the knowledge, inspiration and connections to thrive in the publishing world.
Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners!
Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.

Find out about BookMachine at the links below:
BookMachine Creative Agency
BookMachine CAMPUS
Live and Digital Publishing Events
The BookMachine Blog
Follow us on social media:
Twitter (X)
Instagram
LinkedIn (Agency Page)
LinkedIn (Community Page)

What happens when a love of books meets the power of digital marketing? In this episode, we speak to Kate Molyneux, Senior Digital Marketing Manager at Bloomsbury Publishing, whose journey from receptionist to leading award-winning campaigns is as inspiring as it is insightful. Kate shares how she’s helped shape the online presence of bestselling Children’s and YA titles, built a global community through the Bloomsbury Creator Circle, and created immersive experiences for superfans and influencers alike. We dive into the rise of BookTok, the impact of content creators, and what it really takes to build buzz around books in a fast-moving digital world. Whether you're a reader, marketer, or aspiring publisher, this episode is packed with fresh ideas and behind-the-scenes gems.

BookMachine Creative Agency
Marketing for the Publishing and Learning sectors. Your campaigns sorted from strategy to execution.
BookMachine Campus
Find the knowledge, inspiration and connections to thrive in the publishing world.
Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners!
Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.

Find out about BookMachine at the links below:
BookMachine Creative Agency
BookMachine CAMPUS
Live and Digital Publishing Events
The BookMachine Blog
Follow us on social media:
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LinkedIn (Agency Page)
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Commissioning editors for Fiction are typically known for receiving submissions and collaborating with authors and agents to refine existing manuscripts. But there’s another approach. By starting with a synopsis and a clear vision for the type of book they want to publish, some publishers and imprints are commissioning authors to write fiction to brief. 
Ed Wood, Agent and Director of Fiction Development at The Blair Partnership, has built a range of hugely successful commercial fiction projects using this method.
In this episode, we speak with Ed about his work and how this model can produce standout titles, refresh an author’s backlist, and enhance rights and licensing opportunities from day one. We also delve into how his background in writing and teaching has shaped his perspective.
Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners!
Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.

Find out about BookMachine at the links below:
BookMachine Creative Agency
BookMachine CAMPUS
Live and Digital Publishing Events
The BookMachine Blog
Follow us on social media:
Twitter (X)
Instagram
LinkedIn (Agency Page)
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Understanding differences and adapting to strengths
Leadership isn’t just something you’re good at. You have to work hard to continually evolve and adapt to company, people and place. In this episode, we delve into the leadership journey of Sanphy Thomas, Managing Director at Jessica Kingsley Publishing and Director of Specialist Publishing at John Murray Group.
Sanphy shares insights into navigating leadership across different sectors and company cultures. She discusses how her style has adapted and how she has learned how to approach and embrace the differences of the teams she leads. Her publishing experience has shaped her approach and helped her to identify and nurture unconventional strengths in individuals. We also cover common leadership misconceptions and how definitions of “exceptional” leadership have evolved over time.
Exclusive offer for Podcast Listeners!
Get 20% off BookMachine Campus Membership with the code BMPOD20. Go to bookmachine.org/campus.

Find out about BookMachine at the links below:
BookMachine Creative Agency
BookMachine CAMPUS
Live and Digital Publishing Events
The BookMachine Blog
Follow us on social media:
Twitter (X)
Instagram
LinkedIn (Agency Page)
LinkedIn (Community Page)