Alison Dart

Background

About Alison Dart

In what is almost a universal statement in publishing professionals, I have loved reading since I was a child. This love led me through an English Literature and Music Composition major at Scripps College and even further inspired me to take the Certificate of Editing Course at University of Chicago. Fiction has always been an engaging and exciting medium that functions as an escape. Yet it can also be a reflection on our reality, whether as a critique, as an appreciation, or a pathway to a better future. I relish the opportunity to engage with the stories that inspire me in publishing and discover new voices. As a bookseller, I observe the current market and gain insight on what people value by connecting with the book publishing community through author events and through publishing professionals that frequent the store. Being a part of the independent bookstore community and meeting the various individuals passionate about books and publishing is such a joy and creates its own network of likeminded and passionate individuals. I am incredibly familiar with children’s minds through my education experiences, both as a City Year in 9th grade English and History classes as well as teaching English to French 4th and 5th graders. It is incredible to see them learn and be passionate. A large portion of their learning comes through their interaction with books and stories – it’s an engaging and fun way for the students to learn the English language. It is also a joy to see them express themselves and gain confidence. I get to learn so much from them and helps me realize why I want to work as an editor. Because it is so influential for young readers to see themselves represented, I want to ensure that every author, especially those who have been historically overlooked, can have their voices heard. Young people, myself included, develop so much from being able to see themselves reflected in the media around them.