Writing as a solitary business?

Posted by Sarah Palmero, 04/30/07 08:00 AM


We all know that getting a book published is a team effort.

The author must come up with the idea and write the story, first and foremost. Without the idea, there’s nowhere to go, no product to put out there for the reader to purchase and enjoy and tell their friends about.

The editor must work with the author to polish that story to the best of both abilities. Often times, like here at Samhain, there’s more than one level of editor as well, so it’s polishing to the best of many abilities.

Then there’s the cover artist, who takes an author’s story, idea and vision for their book, and makes it reality.

Let’s not forget the people in charge of formatting files in the ebook world so that as many people as possible can read our books. Or the webmasters and mistresses who keep our site up and available, keep track of the print versions of our books and help to promote and push sales.

We often hear that writing is a solitary process but the final product—the book that is the end result—passes through a lot of hands.

As editors, we celebrate each of our authors’ releases with them. We’re there to share in the good news and reviews and there to offer a shoulder if the highs aren’t quite as high as we’d like them to be. And we’re always looking forward to the next great story!

Category: , | 04/30/07 08:00 AM
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Comments: [5]

  1. 1 Marie Richmond (AKA Rhianna Samuels

    Sara,

    Truely living our lives is an interactive journey. Without our editors finding something in what we write that strikes a cord, then we are the lonely aspiring writier. I am brand new to this publishing journey and without the road marks that Samhain has set up along the way, I would have been lost a long time ago. I like to think of my manuscript as an uncut jewel, waiting for the proper setting and polishing that will turn it into something that we can all display with great pride. In the end it must be done as a collabrative effort and I look forward to the process.

    Comment by Marie Richmond (AKA Rhianna Samuels · Apr 30, 04:41 PM
  2. 2 Marie-Nicole

    I once told my editor, Linda, that she was the absolute best critique partner in the world. She told me what worked, what didn’t and why.She made suggestions, but it was up to me to take them and imprint them with my voice or argue the point. I didn’t argue—not much anyway.

    I know my first Samhain release is a much tighter book for all her influence. I just hope the reviewers agree. LOL
    Comment by Marie-Nicole · Apr 30, 07:40 PM
  3. 3 Allie B

    Thanks for the reminder that a publication truly is a team effort!

    Comment by Allie B · May 1, 01:48 PM
  4. 4 Glo Wiederhold

    So true. It’s a fascinating process I’d love to learn all facets of and taking the “maiden voyage” with my debut novel, “The Songbird of Rushen Abbey” was a real shove into all aspects of the publishing industry. I still have much to learn but it’s the challenge that keeps me motivated.

    Comment by Glo Wiederhold · May 1, 09:44 PM
  5. 5 Sami Lee

    Sarah,

    Great topic. I’ve just been through the editing process for the first time with the fabulous Anne Scott, who helped me polish my first Samhain novel, out in a few weeks, to a high shine. I know the feedback she gave me has already improved how I write in the first draft process too. I see things in my current work now that I wouldn’t have seen without Anne’s suggestions on Born Again Virgin. Samhain has a great editing team, and I’m glad to be here.

    Cheers,
    Sami

    Comment by Sami Lee · May 1, 11:18 PM

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