17/07/2024

Shortlisted for the Australian publishing industry’s Rising Star award in 2024, Katherine Rajwar of UNSW Press/NewSouth is a skilled publicist and digital marketer, a champion of diversity in the arts, and a ‘highly motivated, passionate and knowledgeable member of the industry’. Learn more about Katherine as she shares insights into her career, reflects on the changing world of publishing, and offers advice for newcomers to the industry.

What achievements are you proudest of in your career so far?

Please forgive me for sounding incredibly earnest, but I am hugely proud of the array of talented authors I’ve had the opportunity to work with. Since beginning my career in publishing, I’ve had a strong focus on spotlighting diverse voices that provoke readers to think beyond their own lived experiences. Through working with these authors – Shankari Chandran, Sam Twyford-Moore, Cher Tan, Yves Rees and Om Dhungel, among others – I’ve been able to hone an approach to publicity rooted in empathy and care. I think sometimes we forget that navigating media doesn’t come intuitively to everyone. As publicists, providing authors with the right tools to be able to promote their work is crucial. Watching my authors receive critical acclaim through reviews and awards is hugely exciting, but I think I’m most invigorated by the author-reader connection – be it a heartfelt conversation at the signing table, a shout-out on Instagram, or the Q+A at a writers’ festival. 

This year’s BookUp program has a strong focus on innovation and adaptation. How do you think the publishing industry will change in the coming years? And what excites you about those changes?

Within publishing, we are all too familiar with issues of burnout and retention, particularly for those who are in the early stages of their career. It’s encouraging to see the conversations about how we might adapt our workplaces to better support publishing professionals by meeting their individual needs. In the future, I hope to see more around flexible working conditions, mentorship opportunities (particularly for staff from culturally/linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who live with mental health issues or neurodiversity and those who are part of the LGBTIQA+ community), an increased understanding of intersectionality among managers and more transparency around salary and career progression.

It’s been exciting to see the industry invest more in alternative pathways into publishing. In recent years, there have been some fantastic paid internship programs that have supported this mission – such as Open Book, which NewSouth has been involved in, Writing NSW Editorial Internship, and the Hachette Summer Internship. I wouldn’t have gotten my start without a paid internship, so I know first-hand just how valuable these programs are. 

What surprised you about the industry when you first joined, or still surprises you now?

I am not so much surprised, but amazed at just how strong our independent booksellers are here in Australia – it’s truly unlike anywhere else. We are so lucky to have such a vibrant and thriving community of indies who champion Australian authors. I am admittedly biased, as a former bookseller – but I do believe they are the backbone of this industry. Booksellers know their readership like no one else – they’re on the ground, observing trends, and handpicking recommendations. I don’t think we should underestimate that.

What advice do you have for newcomers who want to build a career in publishing? What has helped you along the way? 

I have been fortunate to have been mentored by some incredible people in publishing who have provided invaluable insights while pushing me forward. I think my biggest piece of advice is to seek meaningful connections with people in the industry at all levels. Networking can be intimidating, especially when you are starting, but I’d really encourage newcomers to give it a go. Send that LinkedIn message! Attend local events and see if you can have a chat with publishing staff/booksellers. If you’ve just started an in-house job, have a coffee walk with your colleague! You never know where a connection might take you. 

The winner of the Rising Star award will be announced at the BookUp conference networking drinks in Melbourne on 7 August. You can learn more about the BookUp program and discover the full Rising Star shortlist here.

The Rising Star award is proudly supported by Media Super, the super fund dedicated to those who publish, inform, entertain, create and inspire.