Never finished learning

The fall seems to be a busy time in the publishing world (or maybe just our publishing world). Not that I would really know—I’ve only been working in it for about three months. Either way, this month my To‐Do List seems to be larger and full of very important projects. The real work starts now.

I have been copy editing a new title from Don Sawyer that I am really excited about. This is the second title that I have been able to work on, and it is a really great story for the young adult reader. I actually cried at the end!

Anyways, I had my meeting with Mr. Sawyer yesterday to go over what I thought needed to be addressed. It went very well, and he mentioned that he is happy with my work (*sigh of relief!). Everything was going great—until we got into a “discussion” about the use of who/whom. Grammar discussions can be scary! I received an email this morning from Don explaining why he is right and I am wrong. I still have so much to learn! At least I was able to teach him a little something: You do not hyphenate a compound adjective that includes an adverb (ending in ‘ly’). That proves what I have always known: You are never finished learning.

As I work on getting Running ready for print, I await the completion of the first title I had the pleasure and opportunity to work on, Raw Deal by Melanie Jackson. It is currently at the printers, and after a little problem with the first proofs (missing page spreads—eek!), it should be finished soon (so excited!).

The next large‐scale project that I have to finish up this month is assembling our application for a grant to help our little publishing house move forward and get our message out there. It is a large responsibility, and I hope I can do a good job (and not accidently leave anything out!). Cross your fingers for us!

I should probably get back to work—that list isn’t getting any smaller! I do want to mention, though, that I did learn something last week: Even pages are always on the left and odds are on the right in books. I know what you’re thinking: Ummm, duh!

But give me a break. I didn’t realize it was actually a rule, I just thought that it looked better that way. I just never really put much thought into it.

I guess you never are finished learning!