Hello, I’m Sarah Thornton
I’ve always loved reading, writing and talking, so it’s inevitable that I ended up working in publishing after completing a BA degree (English major) at the University of Auckland. In another life, I might have been a journalist or librarian.
I love meeting new people and networking. My working life has brought me in to contact with so many amazing people. When I lived in London, I worked for Penguin Books where I got to promote and tour with major authors, including Paul Theroux, Nigel Slater and Camille Paglia. Then, after my maternity leave, I joined Midas Public Relations, where I worked with all the major trade publishers and was involved in the wider publishing industry.
When I returned to New Zealand in 2003, I worked for Random House NZ where I promoted major local and international authors – from literary legends to foodies, Dames (Denise L’Estrange-Corbet and Fiona Kidman), scientists, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, business and children’s writers.
With a dream to work for myself, I established Thornton Communications in 2011 and since then have had the pleasure of working with some amazing clients, including Matakana Coastal Trail Trust, Rotary NZ, Whitcoulls, NZ Book Awards Trust, Sigmoid Curve Consulting, Massey University Press, Potton & Burton, Bateman Books, and Mary Egan Publishing.
I see my role as being like that of a midwife – coming alongside someone at a special time in their life; trusted to deliver their precious ‘newborn’ into the world. I feel an incredible duty of care to my clients.
When I’m not at my desk, you’ll find me walking, cycling, playing tennis, reading, meditating, on my yoga mat, volunteering at Lifeline Aotearoa, hanging out with family and friends.