Still a freelancer. Only now with co-workers.

[lagilman]

As-you-know-bob, if you've been around for any length of time (or actually read my bio), I got into this publishing gig via editorial, not writing, back in the Long-Ago.  in 2003, I flipped my percentages, and went from full-time editor/part time writer to full-time writer/occasional freelance editor.

I love doing both, and I missed working long-term with writers, from acquisition through publication, but I didn't want to go back to 9-6 Corporate.  I hate meetings.

And then, a few months ago, I got into a discussion with Liz Pelletier of Entangled Publishing. And although I am normally leery of no-advance publishing contracts, what I heard from her made me think "huh...yeah okay, they're putting their money where their mouth is."

Or rather, they're NOT putting their money - authors are paid on a royalty basis, but nobody else at the company makes a cent until the book starts earning, either (not editor nor copyeditor, etc. They're all paid out of the post-publication earnings).

That is, Entangled is actually walking the no-advance walk, and sharing the risk with the author.

Huh. Okay. I could respect that.

So when they offered me a job as Senior Editor, on a contract basis, I said yes.

It's a strange new world, and an interesting new business plan. It seems to be working for them - and for their writers. And I'm always game for an Adventure...

So yeah, that's what's been in the works, the past few months.  And now it's official, I am once again Writer. Editor.  Really Tired Person. *g*



(No, I'm not acquiring manuscripts....yet.  For now, I'm working with already-contracted writers, and helping out around the farm, as it were.  But that situation will change soon enough.)

Comments

[kateelliott.livejournal.com]

That's a really fascinating business model.

[lagilman]

It's a tough sell for a lot of would-be employees, since you don't see a check until after the book is out, and the size of the check depends on how well the book does... but when it works, everyone wins.

(if this were my only source of income, I'd be a LOT more nervous, I admit...)

[etcet.livejournal.com]

That makes sense. I am intrigued.

Not writing, mind you, and I've never been an acquiring editor (just a copyeditor/proofreader of sorts), so that part of the business is still opaque to me.... but it does sound both fair and cool, but not for the risk-averse or paycheck-dependent.

[ex-fashioni.livejournal.com]

I suspect conversations when you come visit, always of the lively variety, are going to take on extra layers of hilarity with both you and The Husband editing and you and I both writing...

[bonnie-rocks.livejournal.com]

Conga Rats!!!

~*::Meow::*~

[mtlawson.livejournal.com]

Congrats!

I hate meetings.

Make that two of us. I'll drink to that!

[davidlevine]

Great news! Congrats!

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

Best of luck on the new gig! Sending lots of virtual caffeine--you'll need it. :-)

[fakefrenchie.livejournal.com]

Congratulations!!

[martianmooncrab.livejournal.com]

you are doing good, and it appears with the right people too..

[nycdeb.livejournal.com]

That sounds like an excellent opportunity - and quite a biz model (as you say - walking the walk). Many congrats!

[lagilman]

Yeah... discussing the balance of writing and editorial work to come, coffee MAY have been mentioned. The last time I tried this, I was younger... but also had an hour-each-way commute, and a fuzzier sense-of-self. So we'll see how this shakes out.

[spiziks.livejournal.com]

Congratulations! Let the editing begin!

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

I am pleased for you, and slightly amused at the business plan -- I just agreed to do an edit on a manuscript for a tiny flat fee and a percentage of the net. I trust the publisher that if there IS net, I will be paid, and it's a chance to sharpen my talent as a content editor.

Either it's an idea whose time has time, or perhaps something in the water?

Conga Rats!

[blazedglory.livejournal.com]

Nifty, congratulations, and real hope that it works the way it sounds it will.