Betty McDermott
Summary
Detail-oriented publishing professional with experience across publisher relations, stock control, and bibliographic operations. Proven ability to manage supplier relationships, analyse sales and inventory data, and support strategic purchasing. Passionate about books and committed to connecting the right stories with the right audiences. Strong communication skills, a commercial mindset, and a deep knowledge of publishing supply chains.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Publisher Support
Bookspeed
Edinburgh
09.2024 - Current
- Liaised with a wide range of publishers, successfully supporting purchase orders, reservations, and reprint schedules to ensure smooth stock flow and maximise availability for key customer campaigns.
- Analysed and prepared regular sales and stock reports for internal teams and suppliers, directly contributing to more informed buying decisions, improved stock management, and enhanced supplier engagement.
- Assisted in the selection and campaign process for new titles, providing structured feedback and sales data to publishers.
- Led the onboarding of small publishers, evaluating their commercial fit and supply processes, which resulted in the successful integration of new suppliers and broadened Bookspeed’s product offering.
- Responded promptly to publisher queries with detailed sales insights, encouraging best-practice in bibliographic submissions and strengthening supplier relationships through clear and actionable feedback.
- Collaborated across departments, particularly with Sales and Operations, to ensure timely stock delivery and effective range development.
Stock Control Assistant
Bookspeed
06.2023 - 09.2023
- Responsible for managing stock by overseeing purchase orders and meticulously checking invoices for accuracy.
- Maintain optimal inventory levels, conducting regular checks for operational integrity.
- Monitor and report on product availability and generate detailed reports.
- Collaborate with sales and publishers, ensuring effective communication on availability and orders.
- Currently working on stock forecasting and order optimization.
Archives and Library Assistant
University of Edinburgh
06.2023 - 09.2023
- Use of call management software to process and solve enquiries.
- Repeatedly provided complex, multi-step research services, consistently surpassing internal targets.
- Processed in-person and telephone requests in a busy reception.
- Liaised with staff to schedule appointments and manage room bookings for events.
CRC Evening Assistant (Part-Time)
University of Edinburgh
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Part-time position working in the university Archive (CRC), responsibilities include reception, reading-room invigilation, solving user enquiries and collecting and shelving material to archival standards.
Archival intern
University of Edinburgh
06.2022 - 09.2022
- Maintained archival practices and standards to ensure the protection of fragile materials.
- Completed Data Protection and Copyright training.
Information Services Assistant (Part-Time)
University of Edinburgh
09.2021 - 03.2023
- Conducted various membership services, including registration and card-printing using specialised software.
- Developed an expert and up-to-date knowledge of library management systems (Alma).
- Covered a wide range of University site libraries, communicating with managers and supervisors.
Retail Assistant
Pull and Bear
06.2021 - 09.2021
- Supported the opening of Scotland’s flagship Pull & Bear store, contributing to launch success through strong product knowledge, customer engagement, and teamwork in a fast-paced retail environment.
Education
Ma (Hons) - English Literature
University of Edinburgh
09.2019 - 06.2023
A Levels -
Notre Dame Sixth Form College
09.2017 - 06.2019
GCSEs -
Carr Manor Community School
09.2012 - 06.2017
Skills
- Publisher & Supplier Relationship Management
- Sales Reporting & Analysis (Excel, Jet Reports)
- Title Selection & Range Development
- Presentation & Communication (PowerPoint, Copywriting)
- Project Coordination & Campaign Support
- Copyediting and Content Review
- Critical thinking skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Proactive and self-motivated
- Exceptional organisational skills
references
- Daisy Stafford, CRC Supervisor, UoE, 07568478216, daisy.stafford@ed.ac.uk
- Jonny Gallant, Publisher Relations Director, Bookspeed, 07841187375, jonny@bookspeed.com
Accomplishments
courses:
Introduction to Copy-Editing with Publishing Scotland (November 2024)
conferences:
London Book Fair 2025
Scottish Book Trade Conference 2025
memberships:
Society of Young Publishers
Timeline
Publisher Support
Bookspeed
09.2024 - Current
Archives and Library Assistant
University of Edinburgh
06.2023 - 09.2023
Stock Control Assistant
Bookspeed
06.2023 - 09.2023
CRC Evening Assistant (Part-Time)
University of Edinburgh
09.2022 - 05.2023
Archival intern
University of Edinburgh
06.2022 - 09.2022
Information Services Assistant (Part-Time)
University of Edinburgh
09.2021 - 03.2023
Retail Assistant
Pull and Bear
06.2021 - 09.2021
Ma (Hons) - English Literature
University of Edinburgh
09.2019 - 06.2023
A Levels -
Notre Dame Sixth Form College
09.2017 - 06.2019
GCSEs -
Carr Manor Community School
09.2012 - 06.2017
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