Name: Linda Gill
Title: General Manager of Kimani Press, the African American imprint of Harlequin Enterprises Limited
Location: New York
Age: 47
Powerplay: Launching Kimani TRU, a line of fiction books for African American teens
BE: Publishing can be hard to break into. How did you do it?
LG: By using informational interviews with mid — level executives to gain an understanding of the industry. I used every contact, including family and friends, to establish these interviews and then went fully prepared with knowledge of the executive, their company, and questions I needed answered — most importantly, how to land a job! My first assignment at Condé Nast was initially supposed to be short term. But I made myself useful, was positive about all assignment requests, arrived early, stayed late, and generally let everyone know that I was willing, capable, and ready to learn. I ended up working at Vanity Fair for over three years. Every career move thereafter has been made through professional relationships.
BE: How did you position yourself for a new industry?
LG: By being fearless and resolute. I was willing to work hard and smart. From those first years in editorial to a successful tenure in circulation and marketing and, ultimately, responsibility for a book division, I was willing to constantly learn [and] adjust. I [also] attended seminars and conferences.
BE: Which skills did you identify as transferable?
LG:
BE: How would you advise someone looking to make a career transition or break into an industry after graduation?
LG: Making calls, inviting people to lunch, or scheduling a 30 — minute informational meeting requires determination. Join professional organizations and ask to serve on a committee. This will allow you to call on executives in the field with a purpose, and it will give them an opportunity to get to know you. Ultimately, the best advice is to believe in yourself and have an unshakable vision of your future.