Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Big News!

Hi everybody. I’ve been avoiding writing this post, mostly because it’s a difficult subject to talk about. But I thought I should say something, just so it’s out there and no one has to wonder or ask around.

As of the end of September, I am no longer with Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Yes, I’m sad about it. Yes, I miss everyone I worked with. Yes, I am now looking for work.

So what happened? Well I won’t go into details, but what I will say is that it can be very hard when you and your boss are both promoted out of your current roles. Your needs change, their needs change, and things can potentially get very difficult. I loved my job, but it was time to part ways, and while I was sad to go, I’m looking forward to the future and where I’ll be next. Right now I’m trying to find a way to pay the bills while holding out for another editorial position in children’s books. That’s what I love and that’s where I want to stay, though I’m keeping my mind open should other opportunities present themselves.

I will say this---my time at Little, Brown was an amazing and memorable experience. I learned a lot from my boss and I had the chance to work with some truly remarkable authors. And the LBYR editorial team was really like a family to me. We worked together so closely and with such little competition that it was an exciting day when any of us got a good submission in, or won an auction, or got promoted. They were truly a wonderful team to work with and LB was such a great place to start my editorial career.

So now on to the next venture. I haven’t landed anywhere yet, so if anyone hears of any leads, don’t hesitate to lob them my way. In the meantime, I’ll be stalking the job boards, temp agencies and potential freelance jobs and will be blazing my way through my TBR pile to try and catch up on books I didn’t have the time to read before.

And for those who are curious---yes, I will still be updating this blog (hopefully more often, now that I’ve gotten this one out of the way, and now that I have more time on my hands). Stay tuned!


ETA: For those looking to reach me via email, I'm at tsferguson1 at gmail.

8 comments:

Rebecca L Sutton said...

Best of luck on your new journey. For me personally and professionally some of the best changes have come from things outside my control. But it sounds like you have just the right attitude!

Heidi R. Kling said...

Hey! I enjoyed your comments on ask an agent. Have you thought about freelancing as an editor while you job search--I'm talking about those editors that new writers hire to fix up their ms. for subs?

Just a thought.

All best in your search!
-Heidi

T.S. said...

Heidi, I had def thought about that but wasn't sure how to get into it. Must look into contacting a few people I know who did that recently. Thanks for the suggestion.

Mary Kole said...

I wish you all the best and it was such a blast meeting you. I'll keep and eye open and hit you up next time I'm in the city. I second (my friend, hey Heidi!) Heidi. Try being a freelance editor. Any kind of freelancing is hard right now but there are plenty of writers who are looking for a well-trained, qualified eye for their work. Hang your shingle on craigslist and maybe a few writing message boards. I considered that career path for a while and, you're right, it can be difficult to know where to start, but you can do it. :)

Chris Eldin said...

Wow. I just found you (as a lurker) and sent an email about a project.
I think the advice about editorial services is very good.
Are you considering agenting?

T.S. said...

Chris, I looked into agenting but you don't make a living wage for at least 2-3 years, so that option is out for now.

Chris Eldin said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
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