Depending on your publisher, there can be quite a few people involved in getting your book to market. Even if you self-publish, there are still many functions that you may not do yourself.
Below is not an exhaustive list, but a rambling stream of consciousness when thinking about the various jobs and the people who are involved in the publishing process:
author (kinda important)
literary agent (we think this is kinda important too)
acquisitions editor
publisher (the boss of the editorial and acquisitions team)
editorial director (the one who hires the in-house editors)
contract department (legal)
substantive editor (aka developmental editor)
line editor
copy editor
proofreader (more than one?)
managing editor (the one who manages the editorial workflow for multiple books simultaneously)
production manager
ISBN agency
typesetter
cover designer
art director
interior layout designer
copywriter (back cover and catalog)
printer (there is another full team involved at the printer’s)
warehouse team
copyright office
chief financial officer
accountant (who pays the bills)
marketing director
publicity personnel
sales manager
salespeople (multiple in every publishing company)
special markets sales person
foreign rights manager
subsidiary rights manager (often the same person as above)
SEO manager (digital strategies)
metadata data entry (double-check all the details)
online store coordinator (each “store” has a different person)
brick & mortar store buyers
online or in-store merchandising manager
ad designer
AND the reader who buys one copy of what everyone above helped create.
Add any that I missed in the comments below.
By the way, none of the above jobs is done for free. Thus, the challenge of the economics of publishing.
If everything works well, the group can create this picture:
If, as an author, I am seen and celebrated, it is because I am carried on the shoulders of a multitude of giants.
I had no idea how to put this topic into verse until I thought of the multitudes that have helped me stay focused and hopeful through some really vicious years.
I’m supposed to be dead already, and I can sure feel that in my physical fabric. It’s just before 5am, and the duties of the coming day are terrifying.
But you guys out there, reading the sonnetary comments that are such a challenge to write, you raise me up.
You are my giants.
***
In this deepest dark of night,
hearing despair’s siren call,
I realized that I just might
send a love letter to you all
who have given much to me
as I write on in loneliness.
You tolerate my poetry,
and I must this truth confess,
that there have been so many days
when your kind comments held me up
to give me strength to offer praise
to He who’s passed me cancer’s cup,
and when in Heaven, up above,
I’ll tell Him of your grace and love.
((hugs)) and prayers, Andrew! You always lift me up and encourage me. When I’m having a pity party or feeling really down, here comes one of your sonnets! And really, I had no idea what a sonnet was until I “met” you here!
Thank you for sharing your heart and creativity!
Pam, thank YOU. I’m just so grateful for your words and prayers and hugs
💜💜💜
I know I don’t comment often, but I love reading your sonnets Andrew. I hope and pray you can continue to make them for years to come. I’m sure they need sonnets in heaven, right? You can make them there too. 🫶
Sarah, I hope they do have sonnets in Heaven! If they put me to work writing limericks, whoo boy…
I’m so grateful for your prayers, and so glad that you have enjoyed these poems. It really means the world to me.
What is the term for subject matter experts? E.g. cultural sensitivity, scientific accuracy, or historical accuracy. Or do they fit under one of the editing functions?
Should beta readers be included?
Absolutely! Beta and ARC readers are critical for a book’s success!
Linda
It’s impressive to see how many hands help bring a book to life! Makes you value every copy even more.
No wonder the acknowledgements section is so long in most books…I feel like every author I read says something to the tune of “people think writing is a solitary endeavor, but here’s all the people that got this book in print.” I think even their lists fail to state every single person to thank. Authoring is a big, big world, and I’m honored to be a part of it.
That’s incredible! (Actually, that was the name of a television show hosted by John Davidson, but I digress). Thanks for the eye-opening blog posting, Steve. That explains why the textbook I just had published means that the $79.00 book results in my royalties of $2 per book!
That’s quite a list I would include those in Christian writer’s groups who critique, give advice, and encouragement, along with the different conference workshop leaders. It’s all about a body working together. It is humbling.
I would include those in Christian writer’s groups who critique, give advice, and encouragement, along with the different conference workshop leaders. It’s all about a body working together. It is humbling.
This is why I always say, writing is a team sport!
LOL.
Linda