KEY POINTS:
Name: Arian Vitali
Age: 46
Role: Personal assistant (PA) to managing director of HarperCollins.
Working hours: 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Average salary: $40,000 plus.
Qualifications: A variety of part-time university papers but no formal qualifications. Attend regular computer skills courses.
Describe what you do.
There is certainly nothing straightforward about my job and that's why I love it. Every day varies, from the obvious PA duties of booking flights and accommodation to other duties like liaising with authors and publishers and updating databases. And yes, I make coffee!
I am involved in entering our books into awards, sending donations to charity requests (following strict guidelines) and taking minutes for various meetings. I keep the local publishing database up to date with all our NZ titles and liaise with international publishers who buy foreign rights to our titles.
I also have Human Resources responsibilities, such as placing vacancies on the internet and providing new employees and authors with our information pack.
I also do jobs that simply don't fit anywhere else because I like the variety and opportunity to expand my role. Today I've just hung an author photo in our lobby; recently I organised quotes on repairing or replacing our blinds.
Why did you choose this line of work?
A lifelong love of books drew me to publishing. There is something extra special in reading your favourite author's latest manuscript before the rest of the world even knows it's an idea. For example, the latest from Nigel Latta is in the pipeline (or more accurately on our workflow chart) and I know his fans will be excited about what is to come.
How did you get into this role?
After leaving school at 16 I worked in a variety of roles, including office administration, bar work in England, teaching English in Japan and tutoring in office administration and computing skills with a private provider back in New Zealand. I was doing my second stint as "personal assistant" on contract six years ago when I met and became friends with HarperCollins' publicity manager Lorraine Steele through our common passion for running. When my contract ended Lorraine introduced me to the managing director at HarperCollins, who was looking for a PA. So it wasn't what I knew but who I knew.
What kind of clients do you have?
I deal quite a bit with authors, requesting photos and publicity and marketing information. I liaise between HarperCollins Australia, where the Rights Department is located, and international publishers and our authors. Our design and production departments are also based in Sydney so I am in constant contact with our colleagues over the ditch.
What sort of training or experience do you need to do the job?
Great computer skills are essential; particularly touch typing.
What skills or qualities do you need?
Confidentiality is crucial. Communication skills are vital. You also need excellent time management, the ability to prioritise, common sense and a can-do attitude.
I prefer to create solutions rather than problems and I always look for the most efficient way to achieve my goals. You must be very, very organised.
Best part of the job?
Meeting authors and attending author events, as well as the vast reading selection available. I enjoy competing in marathons so it was exciting meeting Kathrine Switzer who gate-crashed the Boston Marathon in 1967 when it was not open to female competitors. Her book launch was extra special because Alison Roe, Lorraine Moller and Millie Sampson all attended.
Most challenging part?
Taking meeting minutes can be challenging because I have to work out what doesn't need to be recorded.
How would you define success in this job?
Success is keeping authors happy and the database up to date. I know my systems are working when I can put my hands on something from 2005 that my boss needs straight away.
Advice to someone wanting to do same thing?
If organisation is your thing then find an industry that interests you, or hone your skills in an industry that will do until you find the perfect job.
What keeps you at it?
Hearing the tape rip on a box of advances creates a buzz of excitement. Sometimes I prefer to read the book; other times I grab a copy of the manuscript as soon as it lands in an inbox. Yes (a satisfied sigh), I have read the latest by Wally Lamb - another fabulous book. I lugged over 500 pages with me on a holiday around the lower South Island; what better way to end each day of sightseeing than reading the very latest by your favourite author?
