Writers want all the secrets. We hang on the words of published authors, as if what worked for them will open some magic door for the rest of us. We scour books on what agents want, what editors need, and what the market will withstand. We go to conferences, drink coffee by the carafe, read magazines like Writer’s Digest, and whisper to each other about query drafts. Sometimes we actually write.
It’s a treacherous way to live.
That’s why I went undercover as an editorial intern at Henery Press, a Dallas-area publishing house that specializes in mystery and suspense. What better way to learn about publishing, right?
Now in full disclosure, I didn’t really go undercover. I didn’t buy special spy-gear, create a mask with a 3D printer, or find a wig (though it would probably be neon pink if I did, probably not the best for covert operations). I didn’t hide my real name, nor did I temporarily shut down my author website for the hiring process. And I definitely didn’t tag my coworkers with secret RFID biochips to track their every movement. They are far too much fun for that level of espionage.
Going undercover just means that I stopped thinking like a writer, to learn how to think more like a publisher.
And guess what? I’m learning all kinds of terrific publishing secrets, the kinds of things that every writer wants to know. So stay tuned…
(This is the first post in a six-part series.)
New job, huh? Looking forward to reading what you’ve learned, especially since I skipped most of your first part except for reading “Writer Digest” for a year and drinking lots of coffee.
LikeLike
Larry, it has definitely been educational. I’ve read so many different kinds of things since I began in November. I imagine I’ve learned things similar to when you read hours and hours of mysteries and crime thrillers (like Connelly) in preparation for writing fiction.
LikeLike
I look forward to hearing the insights you gained.
LikeLike
Thanks, I’m glad you’re reading along! It has definitely been a literary boot camp of sorts.
LikeLike
I’m sure it has. I hope it helps you in your goal to be published.
LikeLike
“And I definitely didn’t tag my coworkers with secret RFID biochips to track their every movement.”
Are you sure?! 🙂 I am excited to read about what happens behind the closed doors of the publishing world.
LikeLike
LOL, I’m fairly sure, Julie. I’m walking a fine line here though. Can’t give away too many of our secrets!
LikeLike
😦 “…We hang on the words of published authors, as if what worked for them will open some magic door for the rest of us…”
All ears!!! cross that out, all eyes!!! 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks s1ngal! Hoping to get the next one posted later this week.
LikeLike
Okay, I’ve reblogged this post not only because you’re going to share some inside information [ahem] but also because what you write is so darn true!!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on s1ngal and commented:
here’s something to sooooooooooo look forward to. Hmmm!
LikeLike
Wow, thanks!! I hope it ends up being helpful 🙂
LikeLike
Interesting! I’ll wait for the other parts. Thank you for sharing this piece.
LikeLike
Thanks for dropping by… glad you enjoyed it!
LikeLike
I’m on board for the sheer fun of it, even if I have to learn something along the way. 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Don, I will try to wrap the lessons in entertaining packages. Thanks for reading 🙂
LikeLike