Latinx in Publishing (LxP): What do you do?
Carina Licon (CL): I am an Editorial Assistant at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers.
LxP: How did you get started?
CL: I always knew I wanted to work with books in some capacity. I thought that would be studying them as a professor until I realized academia wasn't really for me. A year after graduating, I put my head down and focused on breaking into the industry. I interned at St. Martin's Press for one year and Writers House for one semester before landing the job I have now. The remote option from these companies is why I'm here today!
LxP: What do you wish you knew before getting into the industry?
CL: I wish I knew that breaking into the industry would be a marathon and not a race. I was in a slump for an entire year post-graduation working a job I wasn't happy at, completely unrelated to publishing. I was very hard on myself and really had to convince myself to try applying at all. When I finally snagged an internship, I was happy but also put pressure on myself to have a full-time job by a specific date. I would remind myself to just take it day by day, keep making valuable connections, and understand that so much of it is just timing... for the right role, right imprint, etc.
LxP: What book are you currently working on or reading?
CL: I am really trying to actively build my editorial skills by being well-read so am reading both buzzy and infamous backlist books! I just finished The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill and am starting May the Best Man Win by Zr Ellor. I am also wishing on a star every day for an ARC of I Kissed Sara Wheeler by Casey McQuinston.
Carina Licon was born and raised in El Paso, TX and is currently an Editorial Assistant at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers. Carina began her publishing career as an intern with both St. Martin’s Press and Writers House before taking on a temporary Editorial Assistant position at MTV Books. Living in Austin, TX for now, Carina enjoys supporting local restaurants, listening to movie podcasts, and spending time with her very intimidating 8-pound guard dog. Follow her on Twitter @liconcarina!
