Lizzie Kaye – Editor

Developed and presented to potential investors a five year publishing strategy, including projected P&L statements, for a new publishing venture spearheaded by a noted public figure.

I was brought in to commission a specialist list for the Unbound platform, focusing on illustrated titles and graphic novels. I’ve built and maintained excellent relationships with authors in the process of pitching the platform to them, and then presenting their titles in the best possible way on the Unbound website for crowdfunding. I have also established excellent and ongoing working relationships with various specialist press outlets, festivals, and funding bodies, and am interested and experienced in finding new and innovative ways for authors to reach their readership. I have a black book of freelance creatives to call on for projects and pride myself on creating long-lasting and positive working relationships.

Titles published under my banner there include: Grafity's Wall, by Ram V & Anand Radhakrishnan; Reel Love by Owen Michael Johnson; Life Drawing by Jessica Martin; The Carpet Merchant of Konstantinyaa by Reimena Yee; and Barking, by Lucy Sullivan.

I also commissioned and managed the campaign for The Unwinding, by Jackie Morris, working closely with her on the development of the book.

On the examining board for the graduating class of the Milan and Palermo comics and illustration programmes at the Scuola del Fumetto. Provide final degree grade as a member of the board.

As Editor of three separate lists, I was responsible for project managing the full editorial process, including creating narrative outlines and publishing strategies for the initial pitching of licensed properties. I commissioned covers, artists and writers, and was responsible for full layouts of both comics and books. I ensured that titles were delivered to a high standard, on or before deadline, and within budget. I built and managed teams of freelance creatives – often working across several time zones – and worked on multiple projects at various stages of completion, with up to three print deadlines per week.

I managed the production schedule and delivery of final print files for the entire list. This included getting quotes from printers, negotiating delivery timelines, and arranging shipping. I also handled the in-house editorial and production process, designing, proof-reading and type-setting manuscripts and liaising with freelance copy editors, designers, and translators. I worked alongside the Managing Director to design the publishing programme and closely with Marketing to produce AI and TI sheets, as well as the publisher catalogue and all promotional materials.
Previous role at this Employer: Editorial and Production Assistant, Aug 2010 – Aug 2012.