I heard something terrible recently: A top editor admitted to me that he isn't signing up debut authors because they take up too much of his time. Now, before you hate this guy's guts, consider that his job responsibilities have multiplied in the last few years at the same time that thousands of new people want his attention. He can't go to the men's room without someone handing him a manuscript or pitching an idea. During the last twenty years I have been published by Random House, Doubleday, Harper Collins, and Simon & Schuster, among others, and all of my editors have been hard-working and thoughtful people who truly love books. Read More
Born to Write
How to Talk to Your Editor
December 5, 2013
4 Comments
Comments
Dec 05, 2013 11:31 AM EST
Amy: you nailed this one. I sent the link to my editor and thanked her for being so kind to me when I was a debut author. ;)
- Ann Hite
Dec 05, 2013 3:18 PM EST
Thank you, Ann. There's so much being said and written about publishing and a lot of it seems to me to be skewed in some way. I try to write blog posts that provide inside information that may be useful or helpful.
- Amy Hill Hearth
Feb 13, 2014 1:58 PM EST
Amy, This post made me realize how lucky I am to be working with Pixel Hall Press, the publisher who is bringing out my fiction collection (in print and e-format!), and who has already published two of my short stories in e-book format.
They have made this a truly collaborative experience, and have made me feel like a valued part of the team instead of just the "author."
You're also right about getting as much information you can from other sources. This is a business, and authors need to become as educated as possible about all the facets.
Thanks for a great post!
- Nancy Christie
Feb 15, 2014 10:21 AM EST
Thank you, Nancy! How nice to hear that you're thrilled with your publisher. Makes all the difference. I have a wonderful relationship with my current publisher, Atria Books imprint of Simon & Schuster. I do feel as if I am part of the team there, so I know exactly how you feel.
- Amy Hill Hearth