• The ECC Questionnaire

Q&A with Kristy Draper, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Digital Product Manager | August 3, 2016

by Nicole Sclama (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers)

Tell us a little bit about your role at HMH. Can you describe your typical day?

I am a project manager. I started that role while I was in the digital group and recently moved to the sales department. I work with digital vendors to promote and sell our titles. I also work on various digital projects, and any special projects as needed. A typical day includes responding and working with vendors to ensure all of our titles are available, promoting the titles for the next month or season, and developing a plan for eBook price promotions across all of the vendors. I also troubleshoot any issues that arise from the various projects.

What was your first job in publishing?

My first job in publishing was at HMH as the Executive Assistant to Gary Gentel, former president of the Trade division, and Cheryl Toto, former SVP of Strategy and Planning.  I was also the conference/meeting planner and office manager for the Boston office.

How did you transition from your role as an executive assistant to the digital group at HMH?

My transition to the digital group happened during the early formation of the group. The digital department was still relatively new, and in the process of adding more positions. I earned my Bachelor degree in Communication Technology, so my skills naturally fit in with the digital world. However, the skills that I acquired while being the Executive Assistant/Office Manager helped me transition to the project planning and execution side of the digital strategy group. I was able to find ways to utilize my wide range of skills in my new position.

What is your favorite part of your job? The most challenging part?

My favorite part of the job is that I can take part in many different projects and never know what the day will bring. The most challenging part of the job is working East Coast time and living on the West Coast.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

The best advice I have ever received is that it is okay to not know the answer to a question, but instead of just saying that you do not know the answer, tell the person “Let’s figure it out together.” Then you both learn something in the process.

What is one of the worst mistakes you’ve made? How did you get beyond it? 

I honestly don’t look at mistakes in a negative light. Yes, there can be adverse outcomes, but I always find them to be a learning experience. Some of my worst mistakes have turned into some of my greatest opportunities. One mistake I made was in 2007, when I had a terrible feeling about a potential new position at a different company, and went to work for them despite that. It turned out to be one of the worst experiences of my life, and then I was laid off. Had it not been for that job, I would have never found HMH, moved to Boston for the HMH position, and be where I am today.

What are you reading now?

I am actually reading three books right now: Esther the Wonder Pig, The Wangs vs. The World (one of our fall titles), as well as re-reading Eat Pray Love.