Editor blog: Angela James, Executive Editor of Samhain Publishing
January 19th, 2008 by Michelle Diener
A huge thank you to Angela James, Liz Kreger’s editor at Samhain Publishing, for stepping up to the plate for us today when Claire Eddy of Tor couldn’t make it. Angie, you are our heroine!
And without further ado, here is Angie’s awesome blog:
When Liz asked me to jump in with a post today I said “Sure…what should I blog about?” Her suggestion was to maybe blog about Samhain Publishing, what we’re looking for, what I get excited about in a submission. But I was afraid that I’ve already done that post somewhere else and really, how different can I be from most other publishers? We’re looking for a great story, characters we can relate to, with strong writing. You know, the answer that makes every author on the planet groan in disgust because it’s so vague.
Instead, I thought I’d do something similar, but with a twist, and tell you what we’re looking for in an author. I can hear you now, “Wait, there are requirements for authors?” Well, no. Not requirements. Maybe a better word is hopes. Authors have dream editors and agents. Editors and agents have dream authors. Things we like to see in an author, their writing, their professional demeanor, their interactions with us. You know, important things, like if your name is Nora Roberts. Okay, not really but some authors seem to think that’s what we’re searching for. And in a way, maybe she is, because she is a great positive example of some of the things I’m going to share that we (at Samhain anyway) look for in an author..
1) An author who views writing, and fulfilling their contract, as a job. Sure writing is fun/painful/exhilarating/as necessary to you as breathing. But we depend on you to also view it as your job, to get your books in on time, in reasonably good shape (hopefully not needing to be totally rewritten), having put thought into writing them—not just putting something down on paper to meet the deadline, thinking the editor will fix it—and then to plan your schedule so you can do edits within a reasonable time frame.
2) An author who’s professional and courteous in their communications. I’m not talking straight-to-business, no-joking-around type communications. I just mean basic courtesies. Like not emailing Friday night demanding to know why the editor didn’t answer the email you sent three hours earlier. Understanding that your editor (or agent) is a busy person and they have to prioritize and triage—so sometimes that means your email doesn’t get answered immediately. 3 business days isn’t too long to wait, and if you sent the email on the weekend…three business days isn’t too long to wait. For some things, even a week isn’t too long. I know it seems like an eternity, but she’s only one editor and she’s probably got many, many people emailing her (agents, authors, other editors, marketing, etc).
Other things that can go a long way towards endearing you to an editor: recognizing that no really, she’s not too dim to recognize when you’re being passive aggressive in your communication. Not being snarky, rude or condescending. We all know written communication can be more challenging but take care with your words. Just remember: professional and courteous.
3) An author who includes promotion and marketing of his/her books as part of their job. Go stand in a bookstore, look at the shelf after shelf of books which are mostly shelved with only the spine showing. Check out the online bookstores, with page after page of electronic novels available. Writing a good book is an excellent start—it’s what got you that publishing contract in the first place. But sometimes it takes more and while your publisher will help with some of that, they have a large number of authors to promote, but you have only yourself to market. No one has as much passion and enthusiasm for your writing as you do. Use that.
4) An author who is courteous and professional in public and with readers. Does losing your temper once in someone’s blog, getting drunk at a conference, or writing a snarky post on a message board mean an editor is never going to contract your book or want to work with you? Of course not. But every editor hopes that the author they’re working with doesn’t become infamous for repeated rudeness to readers or other authors, for a tendency to not play well with others, for posting something barely legible, full of curse words, attacking another reader/author/publisher.
5) Which leads me to this one: An author who is courteous and professional in their dealings with publishers. Some authors mistake this, thinking this means they’re never “allowed” to say anything negative about a publisher, whether to the publisher directly or publicly, ever. That’s not the case at all. Everyone’s mileage may vary with a particular publisher. Not every publisher is a good fit for every author. But, if you have an issue with your publisher, an editor, edits (or an agent) being courteous and professional in addressing your concerns to them directly will get you much further than attacking, being aggressive, etc. And blogging/posting it to a message board so your publisher/editor/agent finds out at the same time as the rest of the world? Not very professional or courteous.
Anyone sensing a theme yet? Professional and courteous. It makes our professional dealings easier. Sure, I want an author who thinks I’m a brilliant editor, thanks me occasionally in a dedication, sends gifts of food and wine and never argues with me. But I don’t expect those things (well, maybe I expect them to think I’m a brilliant editor, since I signed their book…) because those are the gravy. The things that make the job spectacular. But they’re not necessary.
But in the end, I think most editors are looking for authors who understand that a contract for publication is a professional commitment to their business and to act accordingly. Treat it like any other professional position you might hold. Don’t think of it as a lark, a hobby or as last on your list of priorities. To be an editor’s dream author, you don’t have to be Nora Roberts, but don’t be afraid to take a page from her book (err, not literally) and emulate some of her professional habits.
16 Responses to “Editor blog: Angela James, Executive Editor of Samhain Publishing”
Angela, thanks so much for blogging at Magical today! Liz speaks very highly of you, and reading your blog really resonates with me. I’m lucky to have a great working relationship with my editor, and it makes all the difference. Frees you to focus on what’s important…the book.
I loved your examples.
It all goes back to a phrase my granny drilled into our heads from birth: “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar”
Even if you are dissatisfied with something, there is always a positive way to go about making changes, without making yourself look like a diva or making the other person feel like an incompetent a$$.
Angela said “Not being snarky, rude or condescending. We all know written communication can be more challenging but take care with your words.”
Yes! Yes! Yes! It is challenging but as writers/agents/editors, theoretically we should be better at it than the average bear. The written word is very powerful and even the odd snide comment on a blog or forum can cement an impression in someone’s head. There are a few authors I’ve crossed off my list because of careless things they’ve said. Likewise there are a few agents I no longer wish to query because blog posts etc. have left me with the impression they are egotistical, condescending and not someone I could develop a positive working relationship with.
Thanks Angela. Nice to actually see in writing that nice guys don’t always finish last!
You’re very welcome. I kind of wrote this on the fly so I feel like #4 is a little incomplete. I said:
But every editor hopes that the author they’re working with doesn’t become infamous for repeated rudeness to readers or other authors, for a tendency to not play well with others, for posting something barely legible, full of curse words, attacking another reader/author/publisher.
I should have added that especially in the epublishing world, I think repeated happenings of this will get you on that mythical “list”. The one that editors keep of authors they don’t want representing their publishing house. How you act in public does reflect on you and certainly can affect your sales and thereby your publisher if it gets out of hand.
There are other things I could have (maybe should have) listed given a bit more time to think on it, but I think professional and courteous covers it nicely.
Thanks for having me!
Angela, thank you so much for blogging and doing such a great job in the time you had. It amazes me that you have to even point the value of professionalism and courtesy out, but clearly you do because I’ve seen examples of everything you’ve mentioned.
As Michelle stated, I, too, have seen examples of the lack of courtesy/professionalism, the majority of it in cyber-land. It’s sadly become the nature of the electronic beast affecting people’s social skills. It’s almost as if it’s not required in the new millennium.
That said, Angela, it’s great that you brought it up. Given the fact that we live life via e-mail, we are afforded the opportunity of proofing before we hit the “send” button. There really is no excuse when you have that feature, right?
Great blog, Angela. (And now I’m going to re-read this post before hitting the “Submit Comment” button.)
Awesome blog, Angie! Working on a great book is always rewarding, but it’s such an amazing experience to work with an author who’s the total package.
It’s also great to have authors who do communicate. Editors are astute readers, not mind readers. I’m never too busy to answer legitimate questions, and it saves everyone a lot of time & hassle if I know about problems, confusions, or frustrations as soon as possible.
And it’s awesome to work with authors who are open to new ideas and use suggestions as a jumping off point. When I say “you might want to develop this facet of the characterization”, I don’t mean “add one line of introspection here”. I love it when authors push themselves to make every aspect of the book better.
And, once again, not being an author, this is how I see it.
Professional and courteous is crucial in all walks of life. I learned long ago, in the business world, to wait AT LEAST one day to give yourself time to cool off before sending an emotional email.
I’ve only been in this blogging business since March, but I’ve been a human being with feelings much longer and even though I try to keep the two separate, sometimes it’s difficult.
At RWA last year (my first), I tried to do everything and make time for everyone. Unfortunately, some events overlapped and when I wasn’t able to get to an event I’d promised I’d TRY to do, that person gave me a very public tongue lashing. It was extremely embarrassing and even though I tried to blow it off, I find I’m not in any hurry to do any favors for this person in the future.
So, my take on this is, be kind to editors. Contrary to some beliefs, they are humans with feelings and it’s always better to have someone who doesn’t consider you a pain in the butt.
Well, said, Angie. It appears manners are becoming a thing of days gone by. (and thanks for stepping up for the ladies here at MM today)
Barbara, you nailed it, courtesy is crucial in every aspect of every life.
Karin Tabke
Hi, Angela! Like Michelle and Kathy, I’ve seen plenty of examples of authors not being professional or courteous–and it makes me shake my head. A great reminder for us all–thanks!
Hi Angela, thanks so much for stepping in today and whipping out this great blog.
When I see a writer dissing other writers/agents/editors, etc., I avoid that person. I wonder about their manners and their common sense. Luckily, it doesn’t happen often — at least, not that I see.
We all know what happened with the author who took a page out of Nora Roberts’ books. Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Great post. You’re right in assuming this is a far more helpful topic than “what an editor looks for in a piece of writing.” Because then we get that vague laundry list lol.
How I come across is something I’m concerned about. I don’t want to be seen as someone who might be difficult to work with, but I don’t want people to think I’m a suck up either. In written communication it’s nearly impossible to come out not looking like one or the other sometimes and I’m never sure which is the lesser evil.
Thanx again, Angie, for stepping in to do this blog. A stellar job given the lack of notice I gave you. (I so owe you that Margherita at RT!
)
Great subject matter. Yes, we ask editors what they’re looking for in a book, but you’re right … an editor has a right to ask what THEY expect in an author. Far too often common courtesy is ignored.
Thank you for the reminder.
Great post, Angela. This reminds me of a post I read about a year ago where an agent let her client go after having a diva-complex meltdown at a book signing. Not only was she rude to the store managers for not having her chocolates as requested–I kid you not–but she berated some of her fans while they stood in line for her “precious” signature. Unbelieveable.
Stories like that lead me to believe that unprofessional authors are a lot like lottery winners. Whether it’s $100 million or a 1-book deal, without common sense and some good home-training, it won’t mean jack come a year from now when you’re sitting alone and wondering what happened.
Angela,
Thanks so much for stepping in and producing such a wonderful blog. This is a very timely reminder too. Think before you speak, or in this case type, because those words can come back to haunt you– over and over and over again.
There is no excuse for rudeness or lack of professionalism. Nor do people forget such rudeness.
Ooh, I like the top she’s wearing in that photo
Have a lovely day!
This is the kind of reminder quite a few people can use, not just authors. But in regards to authors, it always amazes me how many of them are so caught up in their “art” that they fail to remember that there is business to be done as well in getting their work out to the public. I know too many who think they are above their editor’s opinion, or ignore deadlines repeatedly with the argument “you can’t rush it when it’s not there.” I just want to shake them sometimes, and ask them if they’d expect this kind of behavior in a different workplace.
Thank you so much for posting! I can only hope that enough authors see it and take it to heart.