Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star By Kathleen Welton
My Publishing Journey: From Publishing Executive to Advocate & Writer
My publishing career has been an unexpected journey. It has been a wonderful adventure with lots of twists and turns and many new wonders and new learning opportunities.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
― Lao Tzu
As an English major in college, I knew that I wanted to be an editor of books. In high school, I worked on the yearbooks. In college, I worked on the layout of the Stanford Daily newspaper and edited a literary magazine. In those days, the two routes into the publishing business were either as a secretary or as a sales rep. I chose sales rep and got the job because I talked my boss into not worrying about me travelling around the country based out of San Francisco since I was one of the first generation of female college textbook sales reps. From there, I was promoted to business editor and moved to New York. When college professors talked about the books they wanted to write, often, many wanted to write trade books rather than college textbooks.Turn number one.
I migrated into professional publishing and then moved to Chicago where my publishing career started to take off. I have been lucky to learn about production and marketing as well as sales and finance from many wonderful bosses.
Don’t follow your dreams, chase them.
My dream was to one day be my own boss. After exploring many avenues, my focus is to serve as an advocate, publisher, and writer. One of the tenets at the companies I worked at was always a spirit of giving back. I adopted that same spirit and try to support sustainability and wildlife organizations.
As the seasons change, so do the chapters of our lives, each bringing its own challenges and beauty.
A few years ago, I wanted to write my own books rather than write book proposals consult for organizations. The opportunity to be involved in the creative process is a gift that I cherish. Some days it is a solitary endeavor. Most days, and the successful days, are when I can collaborate on the creative process with others. I have had to learn to let things go includingnot overseeing the process and not having expectations for the results.
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
― Rumi
As a publishing executive, one’s focus is on plans, targets, and people, places, and things to manage. As an advocate and writer, the universe controls the outcome. As an advocate, one learns that there is not such thing as control. One can contribute to planting trees in the forests but one cannot control the forest fires that destroy the trees. One can donate to support birds, but one cannot control weather patterns or building codes. One can contribute to support wildlife, but one cannot control life and death. My mission more than ever continues to be: IMAGINE New Possibilities. BELIEVE in Giving Back. INSPIRE the Spirit.
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.
― Meister Eckhart
The important lessons include my 3 Ks:
For more than 50 years, I have been able to be a part of inspiring others with the written word. I am grateful every day to be able to witness the beauty that surrounds us on this planet. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve as an advocate, as a publisher, and as a writer. I am grateful to being able to learn and grow with books for the rest of my life. There is no better purpose.
Comments
Post a Comment