“One time I took my parents, and they took a picture of me, and I said, ‘I will work here one day,’” Achey recalled.

She was right.

On Sept. 24, Achey joined Professional Writing and Rhetoric (PWR) students and faculty via Zoom in Alamance 318 to discuss her career in international publishing and offer advice to students hoping to enter the industry.

After graduating from �鶹��Ƶ, Achey struggled to find her first publishing job. Through �鶹��Ƶ’s Bridges program, she spent a summer in New York City networking with alumni and industry professionals. A connection she made over coffee eventually led to a position at book distributor Baker & Taylor, where she managed sales in Asia. Another professional relationship helped her land a job at Simon & Schuster in 2017.

Today, Achey manages international customers and helps bring English-language books to readers around the world. Her work takes her to major industry events, including the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany and the London Book Fair.

“When I was at �鶹��Ƶ, I absolutely loved my study abroad experience, so I really wanted to couple my love for reading with travel,” she said. “That’s what led me to international sales.”

Achey also introduced students to the changing landscape of publishing. She described how BookTok and other social media communities can generate sudden surges in book sales, recalling one title that sold roughly 1,500 copies overnight after gaining attention on TikTok. She also discussed the industry’s cautious approach to artificial intelligence, particularly AI-generated writing and artwork, while acknowledging the value of AI literacy for emerging professionals.

Throughout the conversation, Achey emphasized that publishing offers careers well beyond writing and editing, including sales, marketing, publicity, production and design. She credited her PWR education with helping her develop communication skills that remain essential to her work, particularly adapting her tone and approach for different audiences.

For students interested in publishing, Achey recommended following industry newsletters such as *Shelf Awareness* and *Publishers Lunch*, pursuing internships and attending readings and events at local bookstores. She encouraged students to connect with professionals on LinkedIn, maintain relationships with alumni and recognize the value of transferable skills gained outside the publishing industry.

Her own career, she explained, demonstrates why networking matters: both of her major career opportunities emerged from relationships she had cultivated.

“Keep immersed in the thing that you love,” Achey told students. “Whatever’s drawing you to the publishing industry, try to keep a part of that.”

She also urged students to take advantage of resources closer to home, including �鶹��Ƶ’s libraries, book clubs, Writing Center and PWR events. Her own Writing Center experience helped her develop the collaborative communication and problem-solving skills she continues to use professionally.

Nearly 12 years after graduating, Achey said her enthusiasm for books remains unchanged.

“I still love going in bookstores and seeing our books,” she said.

�鶹��Ƶ alumna Margaret Achey ’14, manager of international and client publisher sales at Simon & Schuster, will speak with students and faculty on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 5:30 p.m. in Alamance 318 as part of the Professional Writing and Rhetoric Alumni Speaker Series. Achey will join the event remotely via Zoom, while attendees will gather in person on campus.

Achey has worked in book publishing for more than 12 years. In her current role, she works with customers and publishers across global markets and represents Simon & Schuster at major industry events including the London and Frankfurt Book Fairs. Before joining Simon & Schuster, she served as Sales Manager for Asia, Canada and the Middle East at book distributor Baker & Taylor.

While at �鶹��Ƶ, Achey studied Professional Writing and Rhetoric and worked in the Writing Center. Her talk will give students an inside look at careers in publishing, including her path into the industry, her current work and advice for students interested in entering the field.

The event is free and open to the �鶹��Ƶ community. For questions about the event, contact Travis Maynard, associate professor of English and director of Professional Writing and Rhetoric, at tmaynard3@elon.edu

PWR Alumni Speaker Series: Margaret Achey ’14
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 5:30 p.m.
Alamance 318
Speaker joining via Zoom

A recent survey of �鶹��Ƶ alumni conducted by PWR faculty found that 65% use AI to enhance their personal and professional writing. These data highlight a growing trend: AI is increasingly becoming a common tool in workplace writing across a wide range of industries. In response, the new Bbadge aims to position students at the forefront of these changes, equipping them with the skills needed to work effectively with emerging AI tools.

The AI Badge builds on PWR’s foundation in writing technologies and multimodal composition, offering students hands-on experience with AI throughout the entire writing process—from brainstorming, drafting and revising text as well as designing visual content. Students will also explore the ethical implications of AI and develop the critical literacy needed to assess the strengths, limitations, and potential biases of different tools. Grounded in the traditional writing strategies already taught in the PWR curriculum, this new badge helps students apply those skills in real-world, tech-driven contexts—preparing them to meet the evolving demands of today’s professional environment.

By earning the AI and Professional Writing Badge, students will develop essential AI literacy that makes them more competitive in today’s job market. With AI Literacy becoming a in the workplace, this badge helps students stand out by ensuring they’re not only proficient in AI-assisted writing but also able to make informed, responsible decisions about when and how to use these technologies.

The AI Badge is open to all students, regardless of major or discipline. Because AI is relevant across fields—from business and communications to technology—this badge is especially valuable for students looking to strengthen their digital writing skills. To earn the badge, students must take two PWR courses, attend a PWR guest speaker event and participate in the annual PWR portfolio workshop offered each Spring. Finally, students will create a digital portfolio showcasing how they’ve used AI to enhance their writing and reflecting on their growth as writers and prompters throughout the process.

As AI continues to shape the professional world, the PWR program aims to ensure that students are prepared with the necessary skills to navigate the digital writing landscape in the most ethical and productive way possible. More information about the badge can be found on the registrar’s Digital Badging page or the university’s website.