Hi, I'm Sanne!
Ten years ago I moved from the Netherlands to London, for a new adventure, but also to pursue a career in publishing. I’m currently a freelance digital producer in the arts, and I spend most of my free time reading, and trying to find the best historical sights, museums and nature spots.
From bookshops to vegan and veggie food, bakeries and the loveliest walks for a Sunday afternoon, come explore more of London and the rest of the UK (and the world) with me!
I try to live my life with big focus on sustainability, so I’ll also review some of my favourite products, brands and places to shop on here, plus share my experiences travelling around the UK by public transport.
After making the big jump to leave my career in publishing to become a freelancer a few years ago, I’ve also been passionate about sharing my experiences and tips for a creative and organised life, plus share some of the ways I find inspiraion myself.
I have a YouTube channel called Booksandquills, where I've been posting book-themed videos for over a decade. You'll find me talking about anything from literature and films to productivity, travel, and university and career advice. You can also find me on Instagram @booksandquills and TikTok @booksandquills.
FAQs
Where are you from/where is your accent from?
I was born and raised in the Netherlands, studied English Language and Literature at Leiden University (also in the Netherlands), studied in the US for 3 months and have lots of American friends, and have lived in London for the last 7 years, hence the mixed accent. I'm definitely not Irish or Canadian, I promise!
Where do you live?
I currently live in St. Albans, just North of London.
Where do you work?
I’m a Freelance Social Media Producer, public speaker and YouTuber/blogger. I mostly spend my time doing lifestyle photography for publishers, creating social media strategies for digital campaigns and connecting influencers with brands. Before that I was an Audience Manager at Penguin Random House UK.
How did you get your job in the publishing industry?
I did publishing work experience on 3 different occasions, did a lot of networking and learned everything I know about social media from creating and running my YouTube channel for 8 years. P.s. you don't necessarily have to study Publishing or English to get a job in publishing.
Can you review my book?
I can only accept a small number of books for review and do not currently accept self-published books. I enjoy reading classics, dystopian/apocalyptic novels, sci-fi and a variety of graphic novels, historical fiction, YA and contemporary literary fiction. I am also available for paid opportunities.
Feel free to email me at booksandquills@gmail.com.
What kind of brands are you interested in collaborating with?
I’m especially keen to work with brands who focus on books, films, travel (mainly Europe and UK), London, museums, education, sustainable lifestyle and vegan food.
What do you use to film/take pictures?
For filming I use my Canon 250D (gifted by Canon) with a variety of lenses (I prefer anything between 16-28mm with a low f-stop, especially prime lenses, to get lots of light and a blurry backdrop). I edit my videos in Premiere. Most of the pictures on this blog and on Instagram were shot on my iPhone 14.