My four months at Beaufort Books have been anything but normal. From assisting with a full office move to learning how to work remotely, I have had a very unique internship experience. But even with all of its twists and turns, this internship has been nothing short of wonderful.
I have learned a lot in these short four months. I was taught how long it takes to publish a book from start to finish, as well as how most books have a multiple of sixteen pages (grab your closest book and check—it’s true!). I tried my hand at designing Instagram and Amazon advertisements for our social media and online pages and realized how much time and energy goes into the creative process. I helped edit the back copy for an upcoming title and recognized how difficult it is to capture the reader’s attention without spoiling the plot. I transcribed notes into manuscripts and noticed how truly detail-oriented editors have to be.
But above all else, I learned one very important thing: Beaufort is a place where people care. This is an office where “How are you?” is a true question, not an obligatory daily greeting. But most importantly, Beaufort is a place where each and every book is treated like it is the only book in the world. The editors at Beaufort give their all to every title, from start to finish, to ensure that the final product is something to be proud of. They check each page, each comma, each word in order to publish the best book possible.
As much as publishing is a business, this is an industry about people. It is an industry built around stories, relationships, experiences, and connections. Publishing shines the brightest when we remember the real people behind every book and the journey that they’ve taken with every title. As I move forward to my college graduation and the next step in my publishing career, I will be sure to take this lesson with me. I will remember all the things that the Beaufort editors have taught me as well as the relationships that we have built.
So thank you, Beaufort, for everything, and I’m sure that I will see you soon!
Goodbye for now,
Charlotte Beaurontё