The National Archives has a publications department which publishes history books as well as the "Ancestors" magazine title. We talked to Sheila, deputy publishing manager.

What does your job involve?

I'm responsible for the operational management of the National Archives publication programme, overseeing the practical side of bringing books to press, so I co-ordinate freelancers such as proof readers and book jacket designers. I also commission new books, focusing on family history.

When a new book is commissioned how is the subject chosen?

Any book has to fit one of three different areas - general history, family history or military history. While we produce books related to The National Archives' holdings, we also try to look beyond this to publish books with wider appeal that the high street buyer will be interested in, for example "The Women's Century" about the changing roles of women in the last century. We also like to bring in external authors as much as possible.

What role do publications play at the National Archives?

They play an important role in raising the profile of The National Archives and informing readers about the documents held here.

However we are also trying to establish The National Archives as an authority on history in its own right. Many 'leisure historians' might not want to visit the archive yet we can still be a good source of historical information for them.

What are you working on at the moment?

Lots of different books really. "Journeys in Family History", where the concept is two books in one - family history plus social history sections covering the Middle Ages to the twentieth century; the new edition of "The Genealogist's Internet"; and "Shot Down and On the Run" about Second World War aircrews who escaped from behind enemy lines. We have also recently launched a major new series on the English Monarchs.

"Lord Haw Haw"
available from the online bookshop

What is the most exciting document manuscript that you have seen or handled?

I've been working on a book called "Lord Haw Haw", about the famous traitor William Joyce who worked for the Nazis during the Second World War, sending out radio programmes of Nazi propaganda.

The book is based on MI5 documents recording their pursuit of Joyce, which include his journal (ref KV 2/250) about his life in the months before capture (27 February to 2 May 1945). It records the events leading to the collapse of the Third Reich and the death of Hitler, and provides insights into Joyce's motivations and daily life including his marriage, health and drinking habits. The journal reveals him as a man of unexpected courage and as a fatalist who knew that his future threatened a traitor's death. His motivations were more complex than is commonly assumed.

Finally, what do think will be achieved by the bringing together of the Historical Manuscripts Commission and the Public Record Office to form The National Archives?

I think it's a good move. It's a more self-explanatory name and the change will be a good way to get more recognition, I think it's a better logo too.