What a Partnership Manager at Island Press Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Publishing Industry
Jen, a Partnership Manager at Island Press, learned that "people who want to write books and people who should write books are not always the same," a crucial distinction impacting author acquisition. Managing author egos and differing expectations is also a significant, and often challenging, aspect of the role.
Publishing Industry, Author Relations, Project Management, Communication, Ego Management
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jen Hawse
Partnership Manager
Island Press
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
N/A
Anthropology, Sociology
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Communication and Marketing
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Many aspiring authors may lack the time or confidence to write a book, despite having valuable expertise.
2. There is a disconnect between those who want to write a book and those who should, based on expertise.
3. Managing author egos and expectations is a crucial aspect of the job.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
There are people who want to write books, and there are people who should write books, and they are not always the same people. A person who wants to write a book generally has the time, space, and ego, because it's your story and your expertise that you're pouring into it.
People who should write books are often busy with their jobs or other endeavors. They may not have the time, and they often suffer from imposter syndrome. So you have to consider that a book needs to be written.
Sometimes you get books from people who are both willing and suited to write them, and that's wonderful. We try to publish those authors, but they don't always align.
Egos are something I often contend with regarding authors. Not all authors, but some have expectations that are perhaps unreasonable. That's something to keep in mind.