Few writers know this, but editorial assistants (EA) are the gatekeepers of publishing. In the world of towering slush piles and deep agented-submissions bins, EAs are often the first to look at submissions. They screen calls and fend off anxious authors and would-be authors. In book publishing (and, I would guess, magazine publishing as well), the proper care and feeding of editorial assistants is the key to gaining an editor’s attention and developing a solid relationship with your publisher.
In my article “The Care and Feeding of Editorial Assistants: the Secret to Getting an Editor’s Attention” I provide tips from the front that can make all the difference between rejection and acceptance, avoidance and attention. This piece was published in the Sept/Oct 2007 issue of Writers’ Journal.
This article has also appeared in Funds for Writers, Writers Weekly, and The Freelancer.
Founder of The Writer’s Ally, Ally E. Machate is a bestselling book collaborator, award-winning editor, and expert publishing consultant who loves using her insider knowledge and experience with the publishing industry to lead serious authors toward success. She and her team live to help make great books happen, whether that means showing a writer how to improve a manuscript, get an agent, or self-publish; or coaching an author on growing her platform to sell more books. Since 1999, she has supported hundreds of authors on their publishing journey and takes pride in serving as their books’ best ally.
