Friday Five: Sarah Juckes from Jericho Writers

Answering the #FridayFive today is Sarah Juckes, Membership & Content Manager at Jericho Writers. Jericho Writers club are an organisation that provide help and advice for unpublished writers.

Tell us a bit about your job?

I work for online writing club Jericho Writers, which offers new and seasoned writers the chance to learn from top tutors, develop their craft and connect with people in the industry. Jericho is a small company, so my job covers everything from copywriting, all the way to interviewing publishers for video masterclasses and webinars.

What are the key ingredients for success?

Most of us at Jericho are writers ourselves, so for us – success will always be when a writer feels they are progressing, or connected, or even when they land a six-figure book deal (which has happened quite a few times!) I met my own agent via Jericho Writers, so it’s nice to be involved in something that I know can really work.

Describe a normal day?

I work remotely, so my normal day starts by checking in with my colleagues to see what members are chatting about all over the world. It’s then my job to ensure that the content we’re putting out matches what they want. That often means liaising with agencies, publishers and editors on upcoming events, as well as writing blog and newsletter content.

For those trying to break into the industry, could you explain how you got to where you are today?

I fell into writer services after University – probably because I’m a writer myself. There are some wonderful organisations doing ground-breaking things for writers on a grassroots level – especially for those who have felt previously excluded from opportunities. I got a job as an administrator with one such organisation and just worked my way up slowly. I’ve never lived in London.

What are you reading, watching and listening to now?

I’m reading Run Rebel by Manjeet Mann – a powerful debut YA novel written in verse. I’ve been up against a deadline with my own books recently though, which means I’ve mainly been chilling in front of The Marvellous Mrs Maisel on TV. I covet her wardrobe!