IB Woman
Issue No. 31 - October/November 2006
Needling the publishing industry
Kate Little
by Penelope Herbert
While Kate Little was studying medicine, she took up the relaxing hobby of needlecraft. As an increasingly passionate embroiderer, she subscribed to the locally-owned needlework bible, Country Bumpkin.
Whilst taking a break from medicine to write her Masters thesis, Kate received a webletter inviting interested readers to assist with casual proof-reading.
“I thought ‘why not’ and sent in my CV,” says Kate. “The rest, as they say, is history as the creative outlet and opportunity for growth was too good to pass up.
"I adore books and magazines, particularly those with amazing photography and design. To now be involved in the production of beautiful books and magazines is an enormous privilege.”
Kate left her studies to become Editorial Director with Country Bumpkin 18 months ago. She is responsible for the tone and texture of the books and magazines in the Country Bumpkin stable and ensures the editorial team makes their deadlines. Kate works with Founder and CEO, Margie Bauer and Chief Financial Officer, Terence O’Rourke, on a strict publishing schedule as well as business planning and development, budgets and cashflow.
The name Country Bumpkin belies the influence, reach and business systems of a global company started as a mail-order business in Margie’s home town of Keith, South Australia.
Unable to buy beautiful and well-priced smocked dresses for her daughters, Shyla and Tory, Margi decide to make them herself. With passion, relentless determination and the support of her family, Margie developed local events, a mail-order catalogue and magazine to support the huge groundswell of interest in smocking and needlework.
“The first title was Australian Smocking and Embroidery which grew from the mail order business Margie developed and circulated from Keith,” says Kate.
“She enjoyed smocking but couldn’t obtain the supplies she wanted. So she asked for the distribution righ...
