Name:Ella Fischer
Role: Publishing Partnerships Specialist
Company:Auckland Council Libraries / Ngā Pātaka Kōrero o Tāmaki Makaurau
My first job in publishing was: Actually, it’s this one! My background is in language teaching and (science) communications, so I have always had a passion for words, writing and language. I first got a taste of publishing many years ago, when I had the chance to work on some book projects in publishing seminars at university. More recently, I remembered how much I enjoyed this work and when the job at Auckland Council Libraries came up, it sounded right up my alley. Our publishing programme is focused on Māori and Pasifika content and it is a real privilege to help our communities tell their stories. There is a lot to learn still, but I’m enjoying every second of it!
I’m currently reading: I’m in the middle of Greta & Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly and I love the setting in Tāmaki Makaurau. My to-be-read pile is getting a bit out of control, but some highlights include Sleeps Standing | Moetū by Witi Ihimaera with Hēmi Kelly, and re-reading a favourite, The Flying Mountain by Austrian writer Christoph Ransmayr.
My biggest career highlight in publishing has been: Getting to work with an amazing bunch of people – my lovely colleagues at the library, the communities and writers I get to help bring ideas to life, and the wonderful people working in publishing, who have been very generous in sharing their knowledge, advice, and opportunities. Another big highlight in my short career in publishing was to be awarded a PANZ Mentorship and being matched with an amazing mentor. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa!
