Hello,
Katherine is travelling at the moment, which is why I’m on caretaking duty today. There’ll be posts coming from Katherine about her adventures, so do look out for those. Until then, let’s proceed together.
Between them, Elissa and Katherine have more than 45 years’ experience in publishing, as authors, but also as, in Elissa’s case, an editor, and in Katherine’s, a literary scout. Listening to them talk about the way the industry works is fascinating and illuminating. There are herograms for the outstanding agents and editors who have helped bring their books into the world and there are horror stories - well, let’s call them cautionary tales - too.
As a reader, I had very little idea of the complex web of relationships, legalities and reputations that go into making a book happen, and even though I occasionally worked with publishers when I was a journalist, I had no idea of the extent of the intricacies and pitfalls with which writers have to grapple. This conversation has been a real education, and whether you’re a seasoned author, newly in print or have longed to have your work published, there’s something here for you.
Below is a preview video of Elissa and Katherine discussing some peep-through-your-fingers personal examples of When Books Go Bad. For paid subscribers, the full hour-long chat is beneath, and you will get to hear from Elissa about what it’s like to edit Dolly Parton and why, despite the myriad imperfections of the publishing machine, people still brave it to tell their stories.
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