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USC graduate reveals career secrets of stars
From music’s Ben Lee and Xavier Rudd to television’s Jules Lund and Carrie Bickmore, they’ve all revealed the secrets of their success to 26-year-old University of the Sunshine Coast Communication graduate Sam Folder.
Sam, who graduated from USC with a Bachelor of Communication (Creative Writing/Public Relations) in 2006, is the author/publisher of three books of in-depth interviews with young, successful Australian recording artists, TV presenters and fashion designers.
Sam said he used the knowledge and skills gained at University and working for major publisher Random House Australia in Sydney to start his own company Red Hill Press at Mosman, Sydney.
In May, after conducting more than 40 celebrity interviews backed up with information from dozens of industry experts, he published the book series called ‘Get Your Break!’.
“Two more titles are pencilled in for later this year, called’ Get Your Break! Actors’ and ‘Get Your Break! Comedians’,” Sam said.
“I chose to publish the books on my own imprint rather than take it to an established publisher so I could have total control over the project.”
Sam said he originally chose to study at USC because of the calibre of teaching staff, the practical-based learning and the lifestyle.
“I studied under acclaimed children’s author Professor Gary Crew, receiving one-on-one tutoring, and all the assignments had real-world applications,” he said.
“The degree gave me a great entry point to publishing and helped me land a job in marketing with Random House straight out of university.”
He worked in several roles before committing to the “huge project” of writing and publishing his book series.
“I utilised general skills picked up at University, such as research, time and project management, lateral thought and creativity, as well as specific skills from my program such as writing, editing, drafting media releases and coordinating publicity opportunities.”
The books retail at $29.99 and are available at www.getyourbreak.com.au and major bookstores.
One dollar from every book sold goes to the Reach Foundation, which works to inspire young people both inside and outside the school system.
– Julie Gatehouse