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Women in Leadership Profiles
Name: Gianna Pollero
Role: Author Published with Piccadilly Press
A bit about Gianna: I have always wanted to be a children’s author and I have written many stories and several books over a number of years. In 2019, I was signed up by a literary agency and subsequently, I was offered a three-book publishing deal with Piccadilly Press (part of the Bonnier group). My first middle-grade (7-9 years) children’s book, Monster Doughnuts’ was published on 15 April 2021. The second book in the series is due out in January 2022, and the third in August 2022.
But writing books isn’t my day job! I originally trained as a journalist but, shortly after leaving university, I went into a media and communications role for Kent Police. Since then, I have done similar roles for the NSPCC, the NHS and currently for Valley Invicta Academies Trust!
What is it like working in your company? Working as an author is fantastic. I am absolutely passionate about writing so to know that children can go to a library or a bookshop and read my book is just amazing. VIAT has been incredibly supportive of me and I am thoroughly enjoying visiting all the Trust’s schools to talk about being a writer and how came up with the stories for my series.
Why did you decide to go into your chosen field? Since being at primary school, I have always loved reading and writing. For me, there’s nothing better than losing yourself in a completely different world. My dream has always been to write books that would make children laugh and encourage them to read, so to say I have achieved that is incredible! It’s been a long journey but worth every minute.
What qualifications and work experience did you need to reach your current position? To be an author you need to have good writing and language skills but, more than anything you need to read and write as much as you can because that’s where your experience comes from. You learn so much from reading other writers’ books and you also learn from practising your own writing skills. Like anything, the more you practice, the better you get.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
I feel unbelievably lucky that I am able to do something I am passionate about every single day. I love using my imagination and creating something that I hope lots of children will enjoy.
What obstacles have you overcome in your career? It’s a hugely competitive field so it can be a long and tough process to try and get a literary agent. Most writers receive a lot of rejections (I did!), which can be disheartening but you just have to keep going and persevere.
Why do you think it is important to have a strong female representation in your industry? Women writers have been under-represented for a long time but that’s definitely changing. It’s vital that women from all backgrounds are represented through their books so they have the chance to share their stories, experiences and imaginations in a way only they can.
What advice would you give those wanting to take a similar career path?It’s all about perseverance, practice and believing in yourself. Keep writing, a little bit every day, and even if you receive rejections, use the feedback to your advantage and keep going! If I can do it, you can too.
