University ended. Unlike many students, at least I had the good fortune of knowing exactly what I wanted to do: publishing. So I got down to it and sent my CV to the major players in publishing and waited with bated breath, for three weeks. Three long weeks. Hurrah! John Murray, my saviour, replied.

I had prepared myself to be up to my arms in photocopying, running errands and even went so far as to prescribe myself the label of ‘Caroline a.k.a. dogsbody’. What I did not expect was to be attending meetings, copy editing, proof-reading, and certainly not this latest venture: my chance to help organise and attend a book signing for James Frey’s new book Bright Shiny Morning. I would like to say I’m of those girls that nods at the task, flicks her hair, taking everything coolly in her stride but I am, most regrettably and categorically, not of that demeanour. Seconds after leaving the office for the day I’ll be on my mobile gloating, yes gloating, about my involvement with James Frey. Ok, so he doesn’t know my name but I’ve certainly come across his many times.

One of my many roles is to send out any newspaper clippings to authors. Rifling through the cut-outs: James Frey; James Frey; James Frey…get the idea. Critics have described his novel as ‘immaculately written’, ‘exasperating but engrossing’ and ‘a riveting read’. His popularity at the moment is inspiring and without a doubt well earned. Bright Shiny Morning has hit the literary world hard and, from magazine to national reviews, everyone wants the chance to pass comment on him. Next week, Frey will be here in the John Murray office to meet, greet and sign books for the residents of 338 Euston Road and I shall get to meet the man himself!

Caroline Lotinga, John Murray Work Experience