A CHANCE to gain an insight into the world of publishing was taken up by pupils from schools across the county when they attended the final of the annual Essex Books Awards.
After watching a video of winning author Chris Wooding thanking his readers, as he was unable to attend in person, pupils were treated to an insider's view of publishing from David Sanger from Scholastic.
Mr Sanger told the students, who had come from eight Essex secondary schools, how the industry works and the requirements needed to gain a job in it.
Hannah Smith, 15, who goes to Tabor Academy in Braintree, said: "The talk was really interesting. I want to work in publishing when I am older and be an editor, so it was very useful to hear what he had to say."
The Essex Chronicle-sponsored awards – now in their eighth year – sees secondary school pupils read up to six newly-published novels chosen by the county's Schools Library Service.
Some youngsters discuss their titles at school reading groups and they are also invited to post reviews online and most importantly, vote for their favourite title.
The award for the most engaged school went to Great Baddow High School, which offers students a range of activities including a reading group, activities based on chosen titles and author visits.
Earlier this year it hosted a visit by two of the six nominated authors, Nigel McDowell and Alex Gutteridge, and invited pupils from other schools to join them.
Attending the ceremony to receive their prize were pupils Libbi Marshall, Jessica Chambers and William Griffiths, all aged 12.
Jessica said: "I think they were a really good selection of novels this year. I wrote a review online of After Tomorrow as I found that a really interesting book."
Libbi said: "I enjoy taking part in the award and will definitely do it again next year."
Due to the large number of online reviews, judges awarded three prizes to reviewers; to Liam Leonard from St Helena School, Colchester; Bethan Jones from Philip Morant School, Colchester; and Grace Pashley, 12, from Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School, where the awards were held.
Grace said she is so keen on reviewing books she has even set up her own website.
She said: "My dad helped me set up the website. I read a lot – at least one book a week – and give my teacher reviews of the books I have read.
"I like lots of different types of books.
"I especially like fantasy but I have just started a thriller and I'm really enjoying that. I'm very pleased to win this prize."
Competition organiser Alison King, of the Essex County Council's School Library Service, said: "We have had 28 schools take part this year, which is an excellent number, and many of those are taking part for the first time, which is wonderful to know the word is spreading.
"We are delighted that we had more than 300 reviews and comments posted on the online blog, which was very well received."
