Welcome to our rebooted “Beacon Behind the Books” series! In these times when readers are responding to our books “more than ever,” when our authors—including Aubrey Gordon, Tanya Katerí Hernández, Robin D. G. Kelley, Angela Saini, Atef Abu Saif, and Percival Everett—are appearing in the media, their ideas going viral on social media, their voices being heard on so many platforms, we thought it would be good to take a break to focus on some of the staff who work hard to find, shape, edit, produce, and promote those works. Our blog series introduces to you a staff member and gives you a behind-the-scenes look, department by department, at what goes on at our office. And not only our staff, but our interns, too.

This month, we introduce you to Andrea Morales, our digital and social media intern! 

What drew you to publishing, Andrea? How did you find your way to Beacon?

Since I was little, books have been my favorite place of solace. Once I found out that there are people who work on books for a living and are a part of a little thing known as the publishing industry, I knew I had to make my way there. In my sophomore year of college, I was lucky enough to gain an internship with Books & Books in Miami, FL, a local bookstore chain. There, I started off as an intern and made my way to part-time marketing and events assistant.

It was my supervisor there, Cristina Nosti, who encouraged me to apply to Beacon Press. I love Boston and let her know that my plans, post grad, were to stay here and see if I could find any experience in the publishing industry. She pointed me in the direction of Beacon Press, and the rest is history!

What’s a typical day in the life of a digital marketing intern?

It can change from day to day, but mostly my job is to work on projects geared toward social media. A lot of it is brainstorming new content and then executing the content for Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter. That means working with Canva, revising TikTok drafts, and overall being creative with whatever you’re doing. In addition, I’ve also had the chance to research influencers across platforms to see who’s the right fit to promote upcoming books.

How much of what you learned in college have you found vital to your work?

Studying public relations at Boston University has been eye-opening for me. What I've learned in the classroom directly influences how I approach my work. One key takeaway has been the importance of knowing our stakeholders inside out and communicating effectively with them. This lesson has been a game-changer, especially in the fast-paced world of social media, where reaching specific demographics is crucial.

What helps you focus when you’re working?

I’m the type of person who needs to have some sort of sound going on in the background. I would definitively say that my headphones are essential to a productive working day. Whether I listen to music or podcasts, it’s just nice to have noise while I do tasks.

What skills have you taken from previous jobs to help you do your work at Beacon?

I think the skills I have gained from previous jobs is my ability to produce fast results. For example, at Books & Books, details about author events could change at the drop of a hat, so it was my job to update event listings and reach out to potential consumers with the new information. In a similar vein, if there’s a pop culture event, we have to make content to cater to it, even if it’s on the same day.

Favorite thing about Boston (or your remote home base)?

My favorite thing about Boston is how it’s a city that encourages you to be outside. Whether it’s the (sometimes) reliable transportation system, its beautiful parks, or how every weekend there’s always a new event happening, it’s a city that wants you to join its community.

Favorite food?

Ooh, my favorite food is a traditional Nicaragüense meal. It’s pollo jalapeño, gallo pinto, queso frito, and tajadas. If that’s my last meal, I could leave this world with a smile on my face.

Hobbies outside of work?

As a proud member of AMC Stubs, I would definitively say going to the movies with my friends. I think we go at least once a week. Shout-out to the Boston Common AMC!

Favorite album?

Reputation by Taylor Swift. I’m still waiting for the (Taylor’s Version).

Favorite podcast?

The Broski Report with Brittany Broski.