• The ECC Questionnaire

Erica Finkel, Assistant Editor at Amulet Books and Abrams Books for Young Readers | July 30, 2014

Here at the Early Career Committee, we’ve been talking a lot about switching departments within the publishing industry. In light of these conversations and questions, we spoke with with Erica Finkel about her switch from one department to another!

Tell us a bit about what you currently do at ABRAMS Books.
I assist the publisher with her books, I provide administrative support for the department, and I’m beginning to acquire for my own list as well.

What position did you previously hold, and in what department?
Previously, I was a junior production editor in the Managing Editorial Department. In that role, I oversaw the copyediting, proofreading, and scheduling of books across all imprints (both adult and children’s).

What was it that made you want to work in Editorial, over Managing Editorial?
I wanted to have more ownership over the books we publish and work more closely with authors in a more creative capacity.

What was the best and worst thing about the switching process?
The worst thing was definitely the stress! Editorial positions are very hard to get, and I didn’t want to burn any bridges by admitting I was on the wrong path. What if I didn’t get the position — but my boss knew I didn’t want to work in Managing Editorial? I tried to keep it quiet, longer than I should have. The best thing was definitely the validation I felt after I started my job and knew I’d made the right choice. And the Managing Editorial department was very supportive of the switch, understanding that Editorial was the right place for me to move forward in publishing.

Who were the key players in making the departmental change?
First I spoke to my HR rep about my concerns and my desire to apply for an open position within the department. The HR rep contacted the hiring editors, who interviewed me both individually and together. I also interviewed with the publisher. Ultimately, I did not get that position, but a few months later another position opened up, this time working for the publisher. As she already knew of my interest, I contacted her again to let her know I wanted to re-apply. That time, I got the job! So, the publisher was the key player for giving me the opportunity. I’m forever grateful.

Tell us a truly important skill that one needs to work in Managing Editorial and Editorial.
I don’t think I can limit it to just one. Managing Editors need to be incredibly organized, but they also need to be assertive. It’s not an easy task to hunt down those projects and get co-workers to stick to the production schedule. Editors need to be confident and decisive. They need to trust their instincts on whether a book is good or not, and then they need to convince the rest of the house to believe them!

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to transfer into Editorial from another department?
Persistence. I had to pick myself up after having been rejected, but I continued to advocate for myself, and every day I’m glad I did. In the workplace, it’s really up to you to go after what you want. No one will hand it to you!

And, just for fun, what are you currently reading?
Winterkill by Kate A. Boorman, coming Sept. 2014 from Amulet! (Not to use this as a plug-it just happens to be true!) It’s an alternative history about an isolated frontier settlement and the ostracized girl who wants to escape. It’s smart and gripping and romantic, my favorite kind of YA.