Conversations with Editors: Martha Krienke

So I thought I’d start a new category and use it as a way to specifically talk about all things editorial. I’m going to start with some words of wisdom from my friend Martha Krienke, associate editor for Brio magazine. When she and I talk about the projects we’re working on, we’re both always suprised at how different our jobs are–even though we’re both editors. I’m definitely not an expert in the field of magazine publishing, but the truth is that magazines are a great place to start for those writers hoping to have books published. I asked Martha what are a few of the differences between working with magazines versus books. Here’s what she said:

• We work about five months in advance. [We are currently (November) writing/editing for April.]
• At any one time, we’re working on about four issues. Right now as we write for April, the designers are finishing up January and ordering art for February. Our editorial director is finishing up our March copy, so when we get it back we’ll make changes and then pass it over to the designers.
• We use several freelance writers. Sometimes we assign an article to a specific writer, but most of the time, freelancers just submit their manuscripts to us. Then we either purchase it or not.
• One of the in-house editors will write the articles that are not freelanced. We’ll do phone interviews, write from personal experience, gather recipes, form contests, etc.
• The main way we stay current with our audience is through reading teen mags such as Seventeen, Teen Vogue, and People. Many book publishers and music labels send us press kits about new items coming out. This gives us a heads up of what bands to cover and books we can excerpt from.

Thanks for the inside look, Martha!

Airports and Waiting

So airports and waiting are two of my most un-favorite things. (And missing flights.) And I experienced both in pretty large doses this past weekend. In between the airports and waiting, however, I got to see my family, which is always a good thing. And while I was waiting, I finally had a chance to read more of Philip Yancey’s book Prayer, which (so far) is incredible. For example, Yancey talks about the fact that in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays “Your will be done” at the end of his struggle with God. Then Yancey says:

“I have become convinced that the phrase ‘Your will be done’ belongs at the end of my prayers, not at the beginning. If I begin with that qualifier I am tempted to edit my prayers, to suppress my desires, to resign myself to whatever happens. I thus cut short what God wants from me: that I make known my requests, and in so doing make known my self.”

I think sometimes I start with just going ahead and saying that God’s will be done, partly because I believe it will be, and partly because then I don’t have to go through the time and effort of telling God all my feelings and thoughts and wishes and desires. I mean, He already knows, right? Sure. But if Jesus took the time to tell God how He was feeling, it must be a good thing. And then it occurs to me–how can I build a relationship with someone I never talk to? I mean, really talk to.

If I think about my closest relationships, I’d have to say that they are with those friends or family members who will listen, not judge, and who care about what I have to say. Those people I love to spend time with, laugh with, vent to, share secrets, and so on. So if I want to have a relationship with God, something that goes deeper than mere acquaintance, I need to be willing to share myself. And the best part in doing this is knowing He’s already promised that He’s interested.  

Thinking out loud

So I’ve been inspired by Samantha Krieger to start a blog. I can only promise to try to stay focused, but I’m easily distracted. Still, I’ll try. We can talk about books and writing and editing and anything else that feels relevant.

Thought number one: ECPA Pub U

I’ve just returned from the ECPA Publishing University in Chicago. For two days I went to editorial, marketing, and technology sessions. Listening to people share ideas about new ways to reach people–churched and beyond–is so refreshing to me. We talked about keeping language relevant, being innovative, blogging, building strong author/editor relationships–but through all of it, I still felt it came down to message. People in the publishing industry have a message to get out there (we all do, really). We look for new ways to package that message (online, print, etc.). But once people receive the message, it still matters most how it’s been said. Is it understandable? Clear? Fresh? Moving? Real? If the answers to those questions are yes, then we have a message that just might resonate with people. It just might change someone’s life, or maybe just offer encouragement for the moment. Whether the reader is inspired, entertained, comforted, or challenged, the message has reached them.

I believe in the power of words. Someone once said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Hearing those words can still move me, inspire me, and challenge me. And I’ve heard (and read) them over and over again. But it’s a message with real meaning, and it’s worth sharing.  

Mt.5:7