Newsletter No. 1
sure to be a collector's item
Notes for authors, from a seasoned acquisitions editor.
This is the prompt offered by substack as I write this, my first-ever public newsletter: A blinking cursor on a fresh blank page can be intimidating for even seasoned writers.
After years of working with some of the smartest, most accomplished people in the world to get their books written and published, I know beyond any doubt that starting a big writing project is one of the most challenging things you’ll do. The more important it is, the more difficult it might feel.
1. Why this, why now
I love working with authors. The best part of my job is collaborating to refine ideas and figure out how to make them stick with good storytelling. With this newsletter I’m going to be sharing tips for writing great books, info about how the publishing industry works. Anyone who is writing a book, or who feels the itch to write a book but isn’t 100% sure where to start, should find real value here.
2. The community we’ll build here
My initial thought was to start a newsletter for my own authors, but then I had the mad idea to make it public. I want this to be a space that builds community around writing books and publishing them. Authors, publishers, and other big-thinkers are welcome here. I encourage you to share your thoughts, get to know each other, and ask me questions (seriously, SEND ME QUESTIONS).
3. The specifics: what you can expect
How often will I be posting? probably once or twice per week.
What kind of stuff will I post? My ideas about writing, publishing, editing, and the things I care about: pushing the world toward a future that is kinder, more fair, more sustainable. This is not supposed to be a vanity project—it’s supposed to be useful. So the things I post may change as I get questions and feedback from readers like you.
How can I buy a paid subscription? This newsletter is completely free, at least for now. Is it valuable? Would you pay a few bucks for a subscription? Let me know.
