It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Deanna Roney is the linchpin of Page Two.

Over two years ago, Deanna joined us in a freelance capacity, providing administrative and marketing support to our team. Her role has evolved significantly since then, growing to include management of significant programs like translations and bulk sales. Many Page Two team members have said that they don’t know what they’d do without Deanna, and it’s easy to see why. She’s instrumental in the smooth operation of so many areas of the company, including our distribution metadata and business development efforts.

Now, we’re over the moon to announce that Deanna has been promoted to special sales manager! This is a new role at Page Two created specifically for her and her incredible skillset. Read on to learn more about Deanna and her recent promotion.

Can you tell us a bit more about your new role as special sales manager? 

I’m working on our bulk sales program as well as the translations program, which we run with the Transatlantic Agency. I also still work closely with our sales and distribution team on book metadata.

For translations, I’m the go-to person for our authors. I communicate their needs to Transatlantic and the publishers, ensuring that everyone has what they need to move forward with the translation. This means seeing through the entire process, from the initial offer to cover approval.

In terms of bulk sales, I manage the communication between authors and clients. This involves taking care of the negotiations, quoting delivered prices, invoicing, and making sure the books get where they need to go, on time!

What aspect of this new role are you most excited about? 

I’m excited to be able to dedicate more time to fleshing out these programs and working on new systems within them. I’m thrilled about the eBook bulk sales option that has been put into place, which has been especially well-received with the challenges of everyone working from home.

Translations, though, will always hold a special place for me. I love to see our authors’ work shared across the world. Most recently, I was able to hold a copy of the Chinese edition of Labyrinth by Pawel Motyl, and that was pretty special for me.

What’s your favorite part of working at Page Two?

The people! I love books and publishing in general, but the best part about being a part of Page Two is the people I work with. There’s always a laugh to be found on the Slack channels.

When you aren’t streamlining the metadata and bulk sales programs for Page Two’s books, you’re avidly reading books by other authors. What are some of your top picks?

Asking me to pick a favorite is almost cruel, as it depends on the season or the day. From the classics, my favourite is either Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles or Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden. Lately, I really loved The Heart by Maylis de Kerangal (translated by Sam Taylor), The Door by Magda Szabó, The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa (translated by Philip Gabriel), and Glory by Gillian Wigmore.

I’m looking forward to diving into The Translation of Love by Lynne Kutsukake over the holiday break. Funny, I just realized how many of my favorites are translated books!

Outside the (home) office, where are we most likely to find you?

Running. I recently ran my first 50-kilometre ultramarathon. In the fall, you’ll find me on the river flyfishing for steelhead at every opportunity, rain or shine (fish or no fish).