An editor, a writer, and an agent by Andy Scheer
An
editor, a writer, and an agent were walking down the street ...
Sounds
like the opening of a joke, but it might be the start of something
much more significant.
A
couple decades ago, we'd worked as editors on the same magazine. Now
one of us, on staff with a Chicago-area publisher, had invited the
others to take part in a daylong seminar for their freelance editors.
We'd not seen each other in months, so on the eve of the meeting we
helped walk the editor's dog and we caught up on each others' lives.
As
the writer described the latest challenge she faced, she used a
phrase that nearly gave me goosebumps.
I
stopped her, repeated the phrase, and told her she'd just identified
her brand—an angle she could use to create a series of Christian
living titles. Everything she'd been living for the past fifteen
years was available at her fingertips as material she could fit under
the umbrella of that casual, unplanned phrase.
The
editor seconded the motion and joined what became a three-way
brainstorming process.
That
was last Tuesday evening. It's way too early for any of us to count
chickens. My writer friend may not follow through (though I plan to
keep reminding her). Even if she does, she may not opt to have me
represent her. While our editor friend has a seat on the company's
publications board, she can't control if they'll accept the project.
And even if it's published, there's still the matter of sales ...
But
for now, I'm glad I volunteered to take that walk.
4 comments:
Brainstorming. The I Ching of exercises! Although I'm sure the dog was thankful in its own way, that writer was extremely blessed. And I'm jealous. (By the way. I have a dog that needs to be walked, so if you're volunteering for a brainstorming session, I'm all for it...)
Most of the time, when brainstorming occurs, that's when potential miracles are born. This is an exciting time for that writer. And I'm happy for her!
Kudos to you for nudging her in the right direction, Andy.
Nothing like getting great minds together, working on a common goal. This would be the dream team for any writer! An agent and an editor, in tune with your mission!
Andy, we have a dog too. Feel free to drop by for a walk next time you're near Indianapolis. I'm always ready for some brainstorming! ;)
What a great story. God put you all together for a purpose, whether it pans out as you envision it or not.
Brainstorming with creative friends is always fun. Having possibilities open up is so encouraging.
Post a Comment