A Day With Erika

A day in the life of an editor…

Last week, Lucia gave you a glimpse of her day. I thought it was a great idea, especially since the # 1 comment I get whenever people learn that I’m an editor is, “You’re so lucky to be able to read all day for work!”

I wish.

Here’s a timeline of my day:

9:15 – Don’t talk to me…I need coffee…where’s the coffee…please let there be Half & Half for the coffee…

9:28 – Check emails. Hooray! Suzanne Enoch‘s manuscript has arrived! Must print.

9:32 – Delete emails for Cialis, eBay, Lord & Taylor, etc.

9:41 – Take call from agent1. Yes, we sent the manuscript acceptance check. Yes, royalty statement is on its way. Oh, good, she thinks the cover for the next book is fantastic!

9:51 – First attempt to edit manuscript

10:02 – Editorial Director returns back cover copy…must make it sound sexier. Stare at computer screen.

10:51 – Take call from Beverly Jenkins. Good news! Manuscript is on its way!

11:12 – Stare at computer screen some more.

11:38 – Colleague sends email…did I have a chance to look at a submission she may or may not be interested in? Yikes! Download onto Sony eReader.

12:18 – Editorial Director approves reworked cover copy. Yay!

12:31 – Second attempt to edit manuscript.

12:36 – Call from aspiring author…No, I’m sorry, I’m not interested in a novel about ghosts achieving orgas-…no, I’m not interested.

12:46 – Sign off on cover mechanical…Suzie Enoch will be pleased.

1:02 – Why do I feel lightheaded?

1:58 – Ate my pasta. Updated Facebook status, got to Level 7 on BEJEWELED 2. Time to get back to work.

2:01 – Third attempt to edit manuscript.

2:02 – Art Director visits with cover choices.

2:32 – Email from Publicity. What are our paranormals for rest of the year?

3:01 – Attempt to decipher a profit and loss worksheet…really wish I was better at math.

3:13 – Call from agent2. Is new delivery date okay?

3:17 – Fourth attempt to edit manuscript.

4:02 – Email from Ad/Promo…must write ARC copy.

4:11 – Call from agent3. Apparently he has the best urban fantasy project ever.

4:25 – Run into Publisher in the ladies room…give her update.

4:58 – Fifth attempt to edit manuscript.

5:17 – Email from Managing Editor…will she get manuscript tomorrow? I’m trying!!

5:30 – Email from Executive Managing Editor…reminder of scheduling meeting tomorrow.

6:16 – Must get home in time for AMERICAN IDOL. Pack up manuscript for editing at home.