The publishing process begins with editorial. The editor is an author’s primary contact, whose role is to ensure that the written material in a book is ready for publication. This involves reading, reviewing, and editing manuscripts. Editors also work with writers to improve their writing and help their ideas succeed.

But, before the editing process begins, editors receive submissions (whether that be a full manuscript or a proposal for a book with sample material and an outline) from the author’s literary agent, or commission books by pursuing writers directly to discuss projects that do not yet exist. They read through many submissions to find books and ideas they love and that they know readers will love.

When they want to pursue a submission for publication, they discuss it with their colleagues, editorial director, and publisher of the imprint. This process involves evaluating the merit of the work, the editor’s vision for improving it, and a cost analysis to determine an appropriate payment for the author.

If the imprint wants the editor to pursue the project, the editor may meet with the author and their agent to discuss the project and, afterwards, in conversation with the literary agent, will make an offer on the manuscript. Competing bids may result in a multi-publisher auction. 

When the offer is agreed upon and the editor buys the book, a contract will be drafted and a schedule is put in place by the Managing Editor and the Publishing Office. 

The completed manuscript is usually due in 12-18 months (for fiction) or 18-24 months (for nonfiction). During that time, the editor will work with the author to develop their manuscript into a final version. Along the way, they will work on both developmental edits that ensure the narrative is strong and line edits that focus on how that narrative gets told. 

What jobs fall under this stage of a book’s life cycle?

EDITORIAL

Editors: The editors, with the help of editorial assistants, maintain their own list of titles and their responsibilities include finding new authors, negotiating with agents, and soliciting and acquiring manuscripts. They work directly with authors on every step of the publication process: editing the content, overseeing copyediting and production, and working intimately with marketing and publicity to promote the finished book.

Editorial Assistants: Assistants support editors by reading manuscripts; writing reader’s reports; logging submissions; writing and sending rejection letters; and preparing materials such as book cover copy and online retail copy. They also help solicit back cover quotes; and communicate with authors, artists, and literary agents throughout the editorial process. Communication, including with the author and between internal departments, is a key part of the book publishing process, and it is unique to this role.

Your Possible Career Path: Editorial Assistant, Assistant Editor, Associate Editor, Editor, Senior Editor, Executive Editor, Editorial Director, Editor in Chief, Publisher

CONTRACTS 

This department drafts and negotiates contracts with authors, which involves discussions between the authors’ representatives (literary agents and lawyers) and the editors and publishers, who make the deals on behalf of the company. In addition, they maintain various company databases that capture information about the contracts, including what the company pays to authors; serve as a resource for the rest of the company when questions arise regarding the rights of our books; and register all books in the U.S. Copyright Office to be sure the copyrights are protected worldwide.

Your Possible Career Path: Contracts Associate, Contracts Manager, Paralegal, Legal Counsel

PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT 

The Publishing Office works closely with editorial, publicity, marketing, sales, production, and supply chain. They help schedule publication dates for each book, balancing the publishing season in terms of genres, subjects, and authors while coordinating and leading sales presentations, tracking sales and distribution, and more. Working in the publishing office works with all aspects of the publishing process from acquisition all the way through on-sale and beyond.

Your Possible Career Path: Publishing Assistant, Publishing Coordinator, Publishing Associate, Publishing Manager, Senior Publishing Manager, Associate Publisher, Deputy Publisher, Publisher.