I got here via [info]matociquala and wanted to say thanks for writing such a swell, concise guide... and one that so resonates with my own perspective on how publishing works.
You're so right about the production folks! I have to say that one thing that really has helped me make the publication of my books go faster and better and has made the books on the other end look tighter and prettier has been to make friends with your production/managing editor. It's not always possible, I'm told, and apparently some publishers don't like to have authors in direct contact with production, but I've always been put in touch with them if I ask.
A few short, sweet conversations with the ME, either via e-mail or on the phone, go a long way. I usually try to talk to my ME as soon after the book has been assigned as I can, just to make it obvious that I'm accessible and available and want the best for all of us. Then I talk to him or her again at least once as the book goes to production. Just saying "thank you for all your hard work on my book" to the ME a couple of times has made a noticeable difference in the book I see at the other end of the production line. So has having the ME have my cell phone number -- that accessibility can sometimes really be to your benefit. It seems to me that a lot of production people are pleasantly shocked when a writer really does care about what they do, and I suppose the novelty has its value, too.
Of course I think a writer should *always* thank his/her editor(s), too! (And PR folks, etc., as they are involved.) But it seems to me that a lot of folks do overlook the poor hardworking souls in production, a shame when they're such important allies.
(I think I will cry if my new book ends up with an elephant in a tutu on the cover, though.)
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Date: 2006-03-15 02:26 pm (UTC)You're so right about the production folks! I have to say that one thing that really has helped me make the publication of my books go faster and better and has made the books on the other end look tighter and prettier has been to make friends with your production/managing editor. It's not always possible, I'm told, and apparently some publishers don't like to have authors in direct contact with production, but I've always been put in touch with them if I ask.
A few short, sweet conversations with the ME, either via e-mail or on the phone, go a long way. I usually try to talk to my ME as soon after the book has been assigned as I can, just to make it obvious that I'm accessible and available and want the best for all of us. Then I talk to him or her again at least once as the book goes to production. Just saying "thank you for all your hard work on my book" to the ME a couple of times has made a noticeable difference in the book I see at the other end of the production line. So has having the ME have my cell phone number -- that accessibility can sometimes really be to your benefit. It seems to me that a lot of production people are pleasantly shocked when a writer really does care about what they do, and I suppose the novelty has its value, too.
Of course I think a writer should *always* thank his/her editor(s), too! (And PR folks, etc., as they are involved.) But it seems to me that a lot of folks do overlook the poor hardworking souls in production, a shame when they're such important allies.
(I think I will cry if my new book ends up with an elephant in a tutu on the cover, though.)