What do you love about Illinois Press?
Books have always been a cornerstone of my life and identity. And now I get paid to talk about them all day! I always set out to work in publishing and feel so lucky to have found work I am passionate about in my preferred industry right in my hometown. We publish incredible books at UIP and I love trying to help them find their audience.
I also love working with my marketing department colleagues! We have a really supportive team and collaborate and communicate constantly which is so valuable in a work environment.
What is your favourite book? Why?
Answering this question has always been hard for me. I have so many! I will settle for a recent favourite: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid. I got an early copy at 2019’s Book Expo. It’s a compelling look at race relations in America and one of the best fiction debuts I’ve read in a while. It’s SO GOOD.
What are you currently reading?
On audio I’m listening to These Truths by Jill Lepore which is the first one volume history of America written by a woman. It’s fantastic. I’m also listening to Game of Thrones on audio in the car with my boyfriend. I’ve read all the books before but have decided to revisit them after the pathetic TV show finale. The narration leaves something to be desired but it’s been fun to revisit the books in another format and experience them with another person.
I just finished Frankisstein: A Love Story by Jeanette Winterson which goes back and forth between the famed story of when Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein and modern day where the character Ry has fallen for scientist Victor Stein, who is attempting to bring dead human brains back to life and put them in machines. I think Mary Shelley is brilliant and really enjoyed how Winterson illustrates that ideas Shelley explores in Frankenstein are at the crux of the debate over AI.
And I’ve just started reading The Lost Daughter by Elena Ferrante. I absolutely loved the Neapolitan Novels and am excited to read more of her work. I can’t wait for her essay collection!
What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given to you?
“You won’t be able to read every book on your to be read list before you die, but neither will anyone else. You aren’t alone.”
I prefer to recite this mantra when adding a huge stack of books to my TBR shelf after a trip the bookstore while ignoring the forlorn glances of the ones still unread.
What piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in publishing?
Learn everything you can about the industry and don’t be afraid to try and change things.
Are you a hedgehog or a fox?
Judging by the fox mug on my desk and fox picture on my bulletin board, I’m going to say fox. I’ve always had an affinity for them. Us redheads have to stick together.
What would you like to own that you don’t currently possess?
I enjoy refinishing antique furniture and I’ve been trawling thrift stores on the hunt for a table for my porch that I can redo. I know I could just buy something from the store, but that’s just not as satisfying as finding the perfect piece and then making my vision for it come to life.
Where are you happiest?
At home with a cup of tea, a book, and my cat.
Heather Gernenz is the Publicity Manager at the University of Illinois Press