What a smart and thoughtful (those two are not *quite* the same thing, I think) and informative essay, Amy. Having had at least a little experience on both sides of the "We," I think that you've really hit all the key points with huge accuracy.
Also, I can absolutely see why you'd hate that subtitle, and I can absolutely see why it's a marvelously selling subtitle, and I'm just glad the whole thing worked out.
Oh that’s very validating for me to hear! But it was a good lesson for me to learn, and I was actually very happy to speak right up and say that I was wrong. I learned a lot from Peter Workman—he was truly one of a kind.
Thank you - this is a really helpful way to think about things, and a great example with the subtitle, glad it helped to sell and keep on selling your books!
I am viewing my book as a product - it's something both the publisher and me want to sell. It will take the input of both of us to accomplish that. I'm like the farmer who raised the crops, and they are the manufacturers who put it into cans and sell it to the public.
As frustrating as compromise can be, there's something satisfying about realizing the other person was right. It makes me appreciate working with others—like, "Oh, thank God you're here. I was so wrong."
Totally! And having clearly defined roles—like knowing where everyone stands in a 2x2 matrix—can save us from ourselves when we *sometimes* forget that we don't know everything 🙃
Aw. I came to read about publisher/author decisions and found the substack of the author to my beloved little Wicked Plants book. Thank you for such a fun resource. Your book has survived all of my shelf purges.
Might I suggest that authors (aspiring or otherwise) check out The Untold Story of Books by Michael Castleman? Really gives you the lowdown on the publishing business. At times it's kinda like watching a train wreck--horrifying but fascinating, too. But it's best to have publishing dreams with your eyes wide open.
A good reminder for writers. Believe in your team. Work with them, discuss, and compromise, but remember that everyone brings their own expertise and sometimes you have to recognize that and give way to it.
I just came back from a visit to the Brandywine Valley in SE PA, stopping at the former duPont estate Winterthur and Longwood Gardens. The last duPont Henry Francis was a collector of antiques, architecture (whole rooms or buildings!) and landscape elements including trees.
I looked specially for your new beautiful book The Tree Collectors and it was in prominent display (yay!) along with Plants and Bugs. Perfect placement.
Happy to report your books were also at Longwood Gardens, of course.
Hello sir when I have moneys I will try to order
Thank you for the shout out. And I loved this!
Always happy to send people your way!
We truly enjoyed having you in DC! My husband was so impressed by your presentation that he wanted a book of his own so we didn’t have to share.
Thanks so much!
What a smart and thoughtful (those two are not *quite* the same thing, I think) and informative essay, Amy. Having had at least a little experience on both sides of the "We," I think that you've really hit all the key points with huge accuracy.
Hahaha yes I’m sure you’ve been there many times!
Also, I can absolutely see why you'd hate that subtitle, and I can absolutely see why it's a marvelously selling subtitle, and I'm just glad the whole thing worked out.
Oh that’s very validating for me to hear! But it was a good lesson for me to learn, and I was actually very happy to speak right up and say that I was wrong. I learned a lot from Peter Workman—he was truly one of a kind.
Thank you - this is a really helpful way to think about things, and a great example with the subtitle, glad it helped to sell and keep on selling your books!
I am viewing my book as a product - it's something both the publisher and me want to sell. It will take the input of both of us to accomplish that. I'm like the farmer who raised the crops, and they are the manufacturers who put it into cans and sell it to the public.
As frustrating as compromise can be, there's something satisfying about realizing the other person was right. It makes me appreciate working with others—like, "Oh, thank God you're here. I was so wrong."
Yes, definitely! I want to work with people who know more than me—otherwise, what’s the point?
Totally! And having clearly defined roles—like knowing where everyone stands in a 2x2 matrix—can save us from ourselves when we *sometimes* forget that we don't know everything 🙃
What a great title for a book. Right away, you want to know, what plant was it?
Aw. I came to read about publisher/author decisions and found the substack of the author to my beloved little Wicked Plants book. Thank you for such a fun resource. Your book has survived all of my shelf purges.
Oh cool! Thanks so much!
Might I suggest that authors (aspiring or otherwise) check out The Untold Story of Books by Michael Castleman? Really gives you the lowdown on the publishing business. At times it's kinda like watching a train wreck--horrifying but fascinating, too. But it's best to have publishing dreams with your eyes wide open.
Thank you for writing this!!!
You've probably already heard this, but Bennet Cerf supposedly said that a book called "Lincoln's Doctor's Dog" would be a guaranteed best-seller.
A good reminder for writers. Believe in your team. Work with them, discuss, and compromise, but remember that everyone brings their own expertise and sometimes you have to recognize that and give way to it.
Ha ha, I agree with you that subtitle is horrendous, but I guess, if it sells it sells... :D
I just came back from a visit to the Brandywine Valley in SE PA, stopping at the former duPont estate Winterthur and Longwood Gardens. The last duPont Henry Francis was a collector of antiques, architecture (whole rooms or buildings!) and landscape elements including trees.
I looked specially for your new beautiful book The Tree Collectors and it was in prominent display (yay!) along with Plants and Bugs. Perfect placement.
Happy to report your books were also at Longwood Gardens, of course.
Congratulations!
Oh I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you!