There is some subjectivity, certainly. Each publisher,
anyway, has its own ethos, its own style, and targeted readership. And within
the company there will be differing opinions. At that point, we must have some
objectivity. All of these opinions must converge and everyone must be able to
get behind the book. The book must attract a consensus of positive opinion.
The commissioning
editor
The book must be well-written by this person’s standards. And
it must have the right sort of story. This is the first person who needs to get
excited.
The editor
This person is going to work with the author on polishing
the text. So, the text must not be in too much need of change. And the particular
author must be someone who seems as if they would be able to work with the
particular editor.
The designer
This person must be able to share the vision with the
editors and the author of what the book will look like. We’re not necessarily talking
illustrated books here but rather which shape book, which type of paper, which
font, what sort of line-spacing and what might go at the beginning and the end.
Artist
This may just be for the cover or for other illustrations as
well. Can they share the vision of the others for the book? It’s difficult –
and often an author may be disappointed. There is more to a book cover than something
responding to the author’s imagination. It has to catch the eye of the reader,
the bookseller and the critic.
The publicist
This person has to find the angles that will make the book
visible. They’re not necessarily the ones that the author and the editor would
choose. Sometimes they will be ones that the author finds less easy to engage with.
No, s/he can’t see themselves flying a kite on a local beach.
Arguments
Yes, they will exist even amongst this group that basically
share the opinion that this book is excellent. But the argument is the vehicle
that takes everyone to the place where they can make the book be the best it
possibly can be. There mustn’t be compromise. There must be agreement. The
fight has to go on until a third, fourth or fifth way is found. Opinion soup.
Synergy even so
Yesterday I received an illustration from one of our regular
artists for a picture book. There’s a long story behind this. But I’m glad we’re
now working with this artist. He knows ethos, our taste, our house style and our
targeted readership. And the picture is superb.
Thanks for sharing keep up the good work.
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