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.