Since the advent of Amazon and self-publishing via the Kindle, the business of writing has become much more complex. Many can put their own book out to the public directly through self-publishing, but professional editors can still prove their worth through focused skills. Though not wonder-workers, editors can bring a text from good to very good or from very good to great. Peter Ginna’s anthology highlights precisely these skillsets through dozens of guest writers who share their expertise in each chapter.
Aspiring editors can benefit from learning more about their craft while writers can learn how to take advantage of the business better. I’m in the latter category. This book helped me understand the book industry – the changing book industry – better. When interacting with the literary industry, in-depth understandings of the acquisition process or knowing various code words used to convey a certain part can allow a writer to judge whether a particular editor is just what their work needs.
This book certainly covers the proverbial shoreline very well. It discusses everything including smaller presses versus corporate publishers, working your way up in the industry’s hierarchy, and how academic presses differ from mainstream outfits. As an enterprise-wide survey, this comprehensive story brings insights from many points of view. In particular, although the effects of technological change lie behind every chapter, the final chapter discusses industry trends and how they might augment the future. Those invested in the book industry, whether by profession or hobby, can master the business of bettering writing and writers.
What Editors Do: The Art, Craft, and Business of Book Editing
Edited by Peter Ginna
Narrated by Charles Constant & Susan Hanfield
Copyright (c) 2018
Tantor Audio
ASIN B07DQNYQ39
Length: 12:08
Genre: Business, Writing
www.amazon.com