At Alex Adsett Literary, we have been lucky enough to work with some amazing interns over the years. They all come to us via university publishing courses around Australia, and even in the beforetimes, they worked with us almost entirely remotely, providing invaluable help wrangling manuscripts. We’re starting a series to promote these young and talented future publishers.
Lydia Terry has been studying a Masters of Writing, Editing & Publishing at the University of Queensland, and will graduate in 2021.
Tell us about yourself?
I’m a foodie, bookworm, and animal-lover with a constant case of wanderlust (for both fictional and real-life destinations). Despite my family’s hopes for me to enter the medical field, I ran off to teach English in Korea and decided to then pursue my lifelong dreams of immersing myself in what I love most: reading and writing!
Why were you interested in interning with a literary agency?
Having come from a nutrition science and media comms background, I am hoping to gain more exposure to the world of publishing in general. Interning at a literary agency further illuminates what occurs behind the scenes and how decisions are made. I see this as a valuable opportunity to develop a critical eye for both my own and others’ manuscripts.
What’s one thing that has surprised you that you’ve learned since you started?
Although it really shouldn’t be so surprising by now, I am still always surprised to hear how few manuscripts are actually picked up among the endless supply of submissions. There are so many wonderful ideas, and when we do find gold, it is magical to watch them transformed into the books we love.
Favourite all time book?
This question never gets easier (how do I pick?), but The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern will forever hold a special place in my heart.