New Opportunities

I can remember getting my first job in publishing. It was towards the end of the semester, school was almost over for me, and I kept thinking about how I was going to use my education and how much I was going to miss reading books all the time and learning new things. I really thought that I would go into teaching, spend another two years on a masters degree in education and that would be that. I had made some friends in publishing through some chance meetings, so when I got the e-mail out of the blue to apply for a job as an editor, I was both shocked and excited. I have never even entertained the idea of becoming an editor. 

When I made past the first round of hires, and then went on to the editing test, followed by interviews, and in depth conversations about what I liked to read and what was I wanting from a job in publishing, I have to admit I was getting very excited. The first book I edited was terrifying for me, but also so exciting. I wanted to do everything right. I still remember my first e-mail exchange with my author, and how sweet she was, and how ready to do the work she was. I had so much fun working with her, and the dialogue between the two of us, both working on this really amazing book, was really just such a good experience. 

Over the years I have gotten to work with so many amazing people, so many fantastic authors, publishers, and editors-in-chief that I truly can call my friends. The people who make up the publishing world are really some of the greatest, nicest people you could ever hope to work with. 

Recently, within the past couple of days, new ideas and opportunities have been coming my way. A very dear friend and I were talking about what our "dream" projects would be a while back, we were throwing around all kinds of ideas. One of the ideas that we were discussing, has since been pitched and been given the green light (best Tuesday ever). So now begins the long and so exciting process of making our dream come to life. I don't anticipate this happening quickly, there is a lot of work to be done, but to say I am up for the challenge would be the world's biggest understatement. I am so thrilled to be working on a project so near and dear to my heart, and when it gets closer to completion I will of course be so excited and happy to share the details. 

In the meantime, I will be at RWA's annual conference this year (July) and I look forward to seeing all the new authors who will be there, and running into some old friends. I have always loved everything the RWA does for their authors and being a part of that organization has truly been a great experience in my life. Note to self: design new business cards before July, mine are going on three years old!