Courageous Move
I bucked up my courage the other night and wrote to my uncle, the publisher. His company is small but very well regarded, a leader in the field. I told him I was in the market for DE work—higher level stuff—and attached my résumé and client testimonials. I have worked for his company before as a copyeditor on two fascinating books. I loved the work, but it didn’t pay well. I’m hoping that stepping up in the editing hierarchy will land me better-paying, more rewarding work. And damn-good experience.
It’s time to ask more directly for what I want. Perhaps asking my uncle is a trifle chicken, but everyone uses their connections in life, right? I have the credentials and the talent and the moxie.
He replied immediately, which was very gratifying. He has never before replied immediately when I sent strictly personal emails.
“…we’re just starting to transmit Spring ’10 projects, and so I’m very glad you wrote. With all your editorial experience and your classics background (remember that?), I think you could be just the right person for some of those projects. I’ll pass along your materials to our managing editor and figure out which of the upcoming projects might work. ”
I love the idea of getting projects on the books for 2010.
August 12, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Nothing chicken about writing the uncle.
Awesome that it’s something that may actually be interesting to you, rather than just words.
Congrats.
August 12, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Congratulations on putting yourself out there. I know that wasn’t easy for you – even though you’ve worked for your uncle before.
I’ll be looking forward to updates.
August 12, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Wheeeeeeee! This is fabulous! I’m excited for you. Way to go on the marketing!
August 12, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Well done! Never hurts to market to family. Actually now that I think about it, marketing to family is way more painful than strangers. I think this is quite courageous, actually! Congrats!
August 12, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Sounds like wonderful things are happening…and you deserve it!