Author Days

Yesterday I partook in my very first 'Author Day' as they are called at BK. This is when the company devotes an entire day to a particular author and gives their book its undivided attention. From editorial to marketing and publication, the author (or authors in this case) can see their book coming to life. Each department meets with the author to discuss the next steps. This consists of editorial, marketing, production, digital, and foreign rights. At lunch, the author presents their book to the BK staff, some manuscript reviewers, and other guests.


The two female authors of the book being developed were extremely professional, intelligent, and humble. Their book fits perfectly into the ethic of Berrett-Koehler and is expected to be a great success. Being first time authors,  their excitement when seeing potential cover designs in the production meeting was contagious. I was excited for them. It must be a wonderful feeling to know that, as a publisher, by believing in an author's story and publishing it, they are making the author's hard work worthwhile and I'm sure in most cases helping them fulfill a dream.

First Impressions

After my first week of interning at book publishing company, Berrett-Koehler Publishers, I already know a lot more about the industry. I have participated in meetings with potential BK authors, an editorial staff meeting, learned about analyzing book proposals and about overall procedures. I am just soaking up all the information and trying my best to adapt  and contribute.

My initial impression is that the editorial staff is extremely experienced and offers a range of perspectives and opinions. Among other things, this seems to provide objectivity in deciding whether or not to pursue a book project. My boss, Jeevan, the Executive Managing Editor, has a great sense of the industry and knows what generally and historically works and doesn't work. A fascinating aspect of the industry is the unpredictability. The reality is that a book projected to do well, may flop and an unexpected, even uninspired book might fly off the shelves, regardless of marketing efforts or lack thereof. So, an ongoing question for me is: what is the secret to recognizing a profitable and successful book? 

More to come.