Armchair BEA: Beyond the Blog

I’m not a writer in the strict sense. I’m a communicator; the written word just happens to be the way I choose to maximize my reach. I used to write for school publications, and in the future I may contribute an article to certain media outlets, but as a rule I only write for myself. I have so much to say and I don’t really want to spend time delivering someone else’s message.

So I have no intention to get “beyond the blog” so to speak. My blog is part of my brand; it helps me establish myself in the industry and stay relevant as a publishing professional. Hopefully this blog will become a resource for readers, writers, and other bookish people. 

What kind of info would you like to see an “industry insider” blog about? What else would you want to know about me? Let me know in the comments!

Armchair BEA: Networking–Leonicka visits the EAC

As I mentioned in an earlier post, networking is serious business. Like any community, publishing depends on the relationships you form, and the best way to strengthen and solidify those relationships is to go out and meet people. Yes, in real life.

At the end of May, I went to a meeting and panel discussion hosted by the Editors’ Association of Canada Toronto Branch. The business portion of the event was a fantastic opportunity for me to learn more about the EAC and the resources it provides for editors. Tammy Burns, the publicity chair and an in-house editor, led the Q&A period for new and prospective EAC members. I had lots of questions about freelancing and this session was very helpful in answering them.

The highlight, however, was the panel discussion led by Keith Oatley and Raymond Mar. They discussed the psychology of fiction, specifically how fiction can change a person, what happens to the brain when reading, and the distinct personality traits readers have. I was blown away. The hypothesis, that reading fiction makes people more empathetic and better able to relate with people and the world around them, is revolutionary yet completely in line with everything I know about books and reading. The audience was fully engaged in the discussion and by the end of the night Keith coined a new writing aphorism to replace “show don’t tell”: Evoke don’t describe. Brilliant.

I had so much fun at this event and was even able to bond with other guests over the pin I wore. Networking is honestly one of the best parts of my job.

Armchair BEA: Introductions

While most of my co-workers are having fun at Book Expo America in New York City, I’ll be sitting at home. Most likely in bed, wearing pajamas  and surrounded by my computer, my Blackberry, and lots of books. 

I’m at Armchair BEA.

All this week, book bloggers from across the interwebs will have their own virtual convention. And it starts with introductions:

Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging?

I’m not a book blogger. This isn’t even a book blog! I’m a young publishing professional in Toronto. I want to enable the dreams of writers. Right now I do that by editing. One day I’ll do that by agenting. (Or publishing… who knows?!) This blog is about 4 years old but its current purpose is to be a hub for my thoughts, adventures, and advice regarding the publishing industry.  Welcome!

What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book you have read so far in 2012?

I’ve read some fabulous books so far but my top three would be Half-Blood Blues by Esi Edugyan, The Headmaster’s Wager by Vincent Lam, and Salsa Nocturna by Daniel José Older. I’m currently reading manuscripts! But next on my pile is The Beauty of the Humanity Movement by Camilla Gibb.

Which is your favorite post that you have written that you want everyone to read?

The re-launched version of this site is still very new but check out this post about my (current) favorite children’s book! 

If you could eat dinner with any author or character, who would it be and why?

This answer changes depending on which books I have read recently but I am always drawn to strong women. I’d love to break bread with Janie Crawford (Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston) and Aminata Diallo (The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill). Both of these women are remarkable in different ways and it would be a joy to learn from them.

What literary location would you most like to visit? Why?

So many choices! I think I’d visit Hogwarts in the springtime. It’d be gorgeous with everything in bloom and the air just a little crisp. I’d spend hours in the library and then bring as many books as I could carry out to the lawn.  I would definitely get lost (my sense of direction is bad enough without shifting staircases) but then I could just take wander and take in all the history and beauty of the castle. Yup. I’d go to Hogwarts.

Editing with Love

I’m not known for mincing words or being gentle when I edit. It feels disingenuous to write comments and queries the way I was taught in my copy-editing course (lots of sugar coating and rhetorical questions).  As a result, editorial notes I send by email sometimes come across as harsh and nit-picky (Especially when it’s for a friend who just wanted me to “look this over” not “tear it apart.” Whoops?) Still, I firmly believe that honest, clear, and direct feedback is best. How else will the writer improver their craft?

Because of this, my favorite way to critique is in person. There’s something to be said about meeting a writer for a coffee and talking about their work. Writing, like other arts, is intensely personal and I like being able to gauge the writer’s reactions to my comments. Do they understand what I mean or do I need to clarify a point?  Are we on the same page or did I completely misunderstand their vision? Are my comments helpful and encouraging or is the author freaking out? It takes more time and requires a closer relationship with the author but I’m happy to do it if it means they walk away feeling energized and excited to improve their manuscript. I’m a tough editor, but I do it with love.

What kind of feedback do you like receiving from editors or critique partners?

Writer Asks: Should I submit the prologue?

If the submission guidelines ask for a query letter plus the first x pages should I submit the prologue or skip to the first chapter?

If your prologue is not compelling or relevant enough to be the first thing an agent reads, you need to re-evaluate having a prologue at all. Whereas an agent or editor may read a query, a pitch, and maybe a synopsis before they read your manuscript, a reader is likely to dive into your book after merely glancing at the cover copy. Is your prologue good enough to keep that reader’s attention? If not, it has no business being in the book. 

Prologues are a completely legitimate literary device and I would not dissuade anyone from using them. Just do it effectively.  An effective prologue should set the tone of the book. It should contribute to the world-building and/or the character development. It should be essential to the plot, perhaps in a subtle way that the readers and characters will find out about later. It should not be something you are willing to leave out.

Do you write prologues? Why or why not?

Making Time to Read

Ninety percent of my work involves reading and assessing manuscripts, making me the luckiest person in the world. But after about a month of wading through the slush pile, I noticed I was only reading for work. When I asked experienced agents about this they confirmed that they rarely had time to read for fun.  I could not let this happen, especially not while participating in the 50 book pledge. I quickly took steps to solve the problem.

I got an e-reader

Or rather my friend got me one and thereby gifted me four extra reading hours per day. I have a very long commute so being able to get the bulk of my work reading done while in transit gives me more freedom to read whatever I want at home.

I put “read” at the top of my to-do list

Those who know me know that my to-do list rules my life. And now reading is at the top every day. I can justify this because 1) I cannot be a good editor/agent if I don’t read good books and 2) leisure is an important part of staying healthy and happy. Reading is one of my favorite forms of self-care so why deny myself?

I talk about books all the time

Most of the people I talk to regularly are also passionate about reading and books. It would be really hard to keep up with their conversations if all I read were manuscripts. Having a community of friends here, on Twitter, and in real life to discuss my thoughts with encourages me to read more so I’ll have thoughts to share! 

What do you do to make time to read?