Monday, April 19, 2010

Publishing ALWAYS has changes

This last week I got a call from my FAVORITE editor. While she is awesome, she had to make some changes with her line up so needless to say, one of my writers was move to another editor. Now, before I go any further, please let me point out two things: First, the new editor in question is FAR FROM A DOWNGRADE. This editor is amazing and I think the world of her. Secondly, this shift was not a punishment for my writer. This was a move good for everyone.

So why do I bring this up? This writer is with two publishing houses. After this move, she has had 4 editors. That's right 4. Does this mean she is a bad writer? No. Simply that she has been with very (and I stress very) top notch editors moving on in their careers.

But Scott, what is the point of this post? Simply that this business has a lot of turn around. There are always a lot of changes and writers need to be aware of these changes and be prepared for the changes. Things happen.

Now, why did the editors change? Let me expain.

  • Editor #1 moves on to agenting.
  • Editor #2 moves on to agenting
  • Editor #3 moves on as being an executive editor.

Does she still have the support of her publishing house? You better believe it. We spent a long time on the phone makeing sure nothing major changed for her. Does she have a new voice guiding her? Yes, but you can be sure that if I didn't approve of the change, things would have been remedied.

The point of all this is simple. Things change, and as a writer, you need to be ready for the change. Having an agent certainly helps, but if you don't - then please don't panic. Just relax and think of how you will work through with it.

Have a great week.

Scott

1 comment:

  1. Excellent advice. I hope lots of other writers come by and read the post.We have to learn to be flexible and stop thinking so highly of ourselves that we are resistant to change - editors, or our words.

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