Oof, I’m sorry you’re going through this. I had four jobs during my publishing career, which means I was the orphan-er four times, and FWIW I always felt terrible about it😔 And sadly it’s true that this is a frequent scenario; the turnover in publishing (all positions, not just editorial) is high. It’s not the death knell by any means though! I acquired books and had to leave them behind (both pre- and post-edit) that became bestsellers under their “foster editors,” and vice-versa on plenty of books that I inherited and edited or shepherded through pub. Keep the faith 💪💪💪
Omg...thanks for being so open about your process. Whether it's "normal" or not, it happens and by sharing you are raising awareness for others. Waiting for Part Two...😯
agh, I relate to this so much! I was orphaned *twice* during my debut process, and it was so worrying! I got lucky and ended up befriending my final editor, who is a really special person. But I 1000% understand the anxiety that comes with that initial call!
There were definitely some challenges along the way, but we made it through!! If anything, I think it made me more resilient/nimble for future projects — plus, I got to work with some wonderful folks I may not have met otherwise. you got this!!!
Its SO common, sadly! I was orphaned with my last book. It wasn't a catastrophe & I'm content enough, but I do feel the book suffered a little. My next book - I was the first acquisition of an (experienced) editor new in post so I'm fairly confident we'll at least get through the first contracted book together!
I read this like a horror novel, my editor left during the build up to my first book coming out as well and I swear to god the trauma still lives in my body!!!! I will never forget the chill of reading that email. Thank you for being so transparent and sharing the tough stuff along with the wins.
Yikes! You've just lived one of my nightmares. Every time Publishers Marketplace Lunch Deluxe comes out, I scan the "People" section anxiously to see if my acquiring editor/champion has moved to a different publisher. So good to know you faced this and survived! But now I'm on the cliff's edge wondering what happened NEXT. Yep, it's a wild ride . .
Oof, I’m sorry you’re going through this. I had four jobs during my publishing career, which means I was the orphan-er four times, and FWIW I always felt terrible about it😔 And sadly it’s true that this is a frequent scenario; the turnover in publishing (all positions, not just editorial) is high. It’s not the death knell by any means though! I acquired books and had to leave them behind (both pre- and post-edit) that became bestsellers under their “foster editors,” and vice-versa on plenty of books that I inherited and edited or shepherded through pub. Keep the faith 💪💪💪
Thank you so much, Sarah! This means so much, coming from you!!
Not a cliffhanger!!! Waiting on the edge of my seat. 🤞🏻
Omg...thanks for being so open about your process. Whether it's "normal" or not, it happens and by sharing you are raising awareness for others. Waiting for Part Two...😯
agh, I relate to this so much! I was orphaned *twice* during my debut process, and it was so worrying! I got lucky and ended up befriending my final editor, who is a really special person. But I 1000% understand the anxiety that comes with that initial call!
Oh wow, twice, and it worked out okay?! As it stands, I am still feeling a great bit of anxiety lol
There were definitely some challenges along the way, but we made it through!! If anything, I think it made me more resilient/nimble for future projects — plus, I got to work with some wonderful folks I may not have met otherwise. you got this!!!
AMAZING thank you so much for sharing
Oh man. I'm buckling up for this one! I really appreciate you sharing this with us.
Oh my! Cheering for you on this difficult journey!!
Its SO common, sadly! I was orphaned with my last book. It wasn't a catastrophe & I'm content enough, but I do feel the book suffered a little. My next book - I was the first acquisition of an (experienced) editor new in post so I'm fairly confident we'll at least get through the first contracted book together!
I’m really glad it wasn’t a catastrophe for you! And that you found the right editor for book two.
With all the consolidation in Big 5 Publishing, this trend will accelerate. Looking forward to the next installment.
Ah! The cliffhanger at the end!!!
I read this like a horror novel, my editor left during the build up to my first book coming out as well and I swear to god the trauma still lives in my body!!!! I will never forget the chill of reading that email. Thank you for being so transparent and sharing the tough stuff along with the wins.
The trauma! But your story is a great one to share bc NEW EROTICA is amazing ❤️
Yikes! You've just lived one of my nightmares. Every time Publishers Marketplace Lunch Deluxe comes out, I scan the "People" section anxiously to see if my acquiring editor/champion has moved to a different publisher. So good to know you faced this and survived! But now I'm on the cliff's edge wondering what happened NEXT. Yep, it's a wild ride . .
Hopefully if your acquiring editor did leave, she/he would send an email first so you didn’t have to read it in PM! Can you imagine?!
Oh, they would . . . they're fabulous. I'm just really good at catastrophic thinking :-)
Trust me, I understand! You unlocked a new fear for me hahha
Oh no, I’m definitely going to start doing this now 🙈 the anxious publishers lunch scan! 😂
Thank you for speaking openly about this, Laura!
Oh dear . . . this is not a trend I meant to start! ;-)
good post