Monday, October 22, 2012

THE WORK OF A BOOK EDITOR





"Publishing a book is a lot of work. I think a lot of people who haven’t really put themselves out there as writers don’t realize that."


Most everyone involved in the book world knows that inevitably behind every good writer is a really good editor. And the relationship between writer and editor is sort of like the relationship a quarterback has with his offensive linemen -- they watch his back and make sure he doesn’t get taken down, but the QB is the only one who gets the accolades when he passes for a touchdown.  

My recent book, Drawing Blood (written with Franklin Guerrero), was edited by Katy Sozaeva. It was the second book we worked on together. Despite her excellent work, like most editors, she prefers to remain out of the spotlight.

Well, I’ve decided to drag her into the open for a few minutes so I could ask her some of the questions I’m often asked by other writers and readers regarding how an editor goes about doing their job. 



at

9 comments:

  1. Katy SOctober 22, 2012 at 11:22 AM

    My, my, I sound like I've been around! "background in drama... background in journalism..." But did I remember to mention the most important thing of all? That I worked on copy machines for awhile? Nope... :-)

    Thanks, Richard - looks good. I hope you enjoyed your run!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Fantasy Floozie- Kenya WrightOctober 22, 2012 at 11:23 AM

    Katy I love you! Awesome interview!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousOctober 22, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    Amen, I know well how rough it is to be a publisher first hand. GMTA has been running now for almost a year and boy has it been rough! I have recently even had to send an email stating I am taking a two week vacation due to exhaustion as advised by a doctor. So yes, publishing is VERY hard work, VERY stressful and VERY time consuming. Especially when you are by yourself! Thank you so much for this amazing post!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nick WastnageOctober 22, 2012 at 11:37 AM

    Great interview. Katy's a great editor, and she adds hilarious comments in the margins that make the 'back from editor alteration process' an enjoyable task . She's done ten of my publications. Her input has greatly improved each one.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Scott RhineOctober 22, 2012 at 4:56 PM

    Katy has done about 6 of my novels, a novella, and a few shorts. She's very thorough and quick! If you look at traditional publications, they want a month or two to do what she handles in a few days. But you usually have to schedule her in advance, so plan accordingly

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sharon BaylissOctober 22, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    Thanks for the interview! People like me really need editors like you. I was the person who slept through grammar.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Katy SOctober 23, 2012 at 7:20 PM

    Awww, thanks everyone! Sharon, I think you have my email address, so be in touch if you need me!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Keith RommelOctober 24, 2012 at 5:57 PM

    I think I now have an editor crush. Great article!

    ReplyDelete
  9. M Pereira and Michael FierceOctober 25, 2012 at 12:12 PM

    Great interview Richard and Katy! Fascinating to get behind-the-scenes of how a great editor thinks and approaches her work! And Katy, you know I adore you and hope to see more interviews on you, and deservedly so! And, I'm sure even my comment would get edited somewhat if Katy had her chance (and her RED pen, of course! :)

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)