When Your Editor Leaves and Doesn't Come Back
And no, this bump in my writing journey wasn't my fault—honest!
Welcome to my second Substack post, and thank you for reading, subscribing, and following! I’m just getting started, but for now at least, I plan to post here on the first and third Mondays of each month. I look forward to sharing my writing journey with you, and would love to learn about yours.
My publisher’s new acquisitions editor LOVED the idea for my third book. My first trade book with the publishing house had been Sacred Pauses: Spiritual Practices for Personal Renewal. My second had been a Jesus-centred framework for self-care: Four Gifts: Seeking Self-Care for Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength.
For my third book, we went back and forth on her ideas and my ideas, then decided on a direction that we both loved. I submitted a formal proposal, signed the contract, started writing in earnest, and then—oh!—my acquisitions editor would be away on a three-month maternity leave. I was happy for her, but I couldn’t help wonder, what would happen to my book baby?
As it turned out, she had arranged for another editor to be my primary contact during her leave when I would be doing the majority of my writing. By the time my manuscript was finished, her maternity leave would be over, and she would be back at work.
That was the plan, but then—oh!—she decided not to return to work after her mat leave so she could spend more time with her precious new daughter. I was sorry that she wouldn’t be there to receive my book manuscript, but I understood her decision and wished her well. My book was now at a new stage anyway, and the developmental edit was next with the managing editor, who said she was eager to read my manuscript.
But then—another surprise! When my acquisitions editor decided not to return, there was a ripple effect on the rest of the staff. The managing editor needed to take on extra responsibilities, so the developmental edit on my book was being contracted out to someone else!
All these changes made me uneasy—first my acquisitions editor went on maternity leave, then she didn’t come back, and now the developmental edit was no longer being handled by the managing editor. I tried hard not to feel abandoned and prayed that the new developmental editor would love my book too, would understand what I hoped for it, and help to make my book the best it could be.
To my relief, I soon received an email from the developmental editor that started with: “I was hooked by the introduction!!!! I cannot describe what a joy it is to be with your writing.” When I finally received her edited version and finally stopped pretending it hadn’t arrived yet, I discovered that yes, she loved my book, and yes, her expertise helped to make it so much better! I’m grateful for her affirmation, questions, and recommendations!!
When my acquisitions editor left and didn’t come back—that felt like a bump in the road that led to another bump on my writing journey when a new developmental editor had to be brought in. I know for some writers, such staff changes can be—and are—troublesome. But my developmental editor is wonderful, my managing editor continues to oversee everything, and the publisher was able to read and comment on my book too.
I’m still working on revisions in response to all of their comments, but wanted to share this part of my writing journey with you. Whatever bumps in the road you face in writing or in life, may you know God’s presence on your journey and keep walking in faith and hope.
You are the God who saves me.
I put my hope in you all day long.
—Psalm 25:5
What bumps in your writing journey have you faced due to editorial or other changes? How did you keep going?
Beyond Substack
While I’m tending to book revisions and getting started on Substack, I’ve been taking a break from my two websites. But soon I’ll start posting again on AprilYamasaki.com and WhenYouWorkfortheChurch.com and will share links to new posts as part of this newsletter.
In the meantime, feel free to browse and pick up a free e-book:
For encouragement and a helpful guide, please see AprilYamasaki.com for a free copy of How to Pray When Prayer Seems Impossible.
If you’re looking for a healthy rhythm of work and rest, please see WhenYouWorkfortheChurch.com for a free copy of Sabbath Rest for the People of God.
I appreciated your honest account of how the "bumps" are impacting your process. May you see signs of the Spirit's care and guidance as things continue to unfold.
When that book baby is published, it's going to be WOWZA! I will rejoice with you; the cover and title are perfect.
I just began posting on Substack too--right now posts on process: Mennonite Daughter and Marriage Memoir. Maybe we can cheer each other up!