Isabel Popple

Hello and welcome to my webpage.

I am primarily a non fiction writer with a particular interest in science and the environment.

I currently work as a bookseller, but recently completed an MA in Professional Writing, which I studied for in my free time whilst continuing to work full time at Waterstone's. I'm interested in everything to do with the publishing industry from writing and researching, to proof reading, editing, and marketing, and am willing to try my hand at anything.

I have always had an interest in the environment and the world around me, which led me to study for a BSci degree in Environmental Geoscience at the University of Bristol, from which I graduated in 2002. As part of my degree I was able to travel across Europe, investigating various environmental challenges, from acid water pollution in the Czech Republic to the threat from volcanoes in Italy. I have kept in touch with environmental issues since graduating by reading magazines such as the New Scientist, and popular science publications, from James Lovelock to Fred Pearce.

After spending some time in small retail jobs, I started working for Waterstone's bookshop, which renewed my passion for writing and reading. The time spent at Waterstone's has given me invaluable insights into the world of publishing, and I am very keen to develop a career within this exciting industry. During the five years I have worked there, I have been involved in all aspects of the business and have developed a very good sense of the the different areas of the market, from children's to fiction and non fiction. I have worked 'front of store', in the children's department, in the stockroom running the returns department, in the cash and administration office. I currently run the 'front of store' team, which can involve anything and everything, from planning the team’s daily rota, ensuring the team provides the best possible customer service, guide, motivate, and communicate with booksellers within the store to achieve business targets, organise incoming stock, and merchandising it in a manner that is attractive to customers, thinking commercially to increase sales, both in terms of customer conversion and average transaction value, placing daily stock orders, and organising campaigns. I very much enjoy my job, and working with the different types of people I meet every day, but believe I am ready for a new challenge. Can you offer it to me?

When I am not at work or studying for my MA, I like to spend time with my friends and family and their children, and visiting the places that inspire me - local woods and local beaches. But wherever I am, there is usually a book in my hand or in my bag waiting to be read, anything from the latest environmental title to Ian McEwan, Greg Bear, or some teen escapism.