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SUMMARY
Acquisitions editor Valerie Witt shares her journey as an editor and author, discussing the intricacies of the book publishing process, the balance between traditional and self-publishing, and the essential roles of editors. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between authors and publishers, the challenges new authors face, and the significance of effective marketing strategies. Valerie also offers valuable insights into what publishers look for in authors and the emotional journey of writing a book, encouraging aspiring writers to pursue their ideas with passion and patience.

TOPICS

• Introduction to Editing and Writing
• Valerie's Journey into Book Editing
• The Publishing Landscape and ISTE's Role
• The Book Publishing Process Explained
• Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing
• Understanding the Editing Process
• Types of Editors and Their Roles
• What Publishers Look for in Authors
• Market Forces in Publishing Decisions
• The Importance of Timing in Publishing
• Preparing a Book Proposal
• Challenges New Authors Face
• Marketing a Book: Author vs Publisher Responsibilities
• The Emotional Journey of Writing a Book

LINKS
Books: 
https://www.airliepress.org/valerie-witte-a-rupture-in-the-interiors
https://www.theoperatingsystem.org/oa_library/the-grass-is-greener-when-the-sun-is-yellow/ 
https://punctumbooks.com/titles/one-thing-follows-another-experiments-in-dance-art-and-life-through-the-lens-of-simone-forti-and-yvonne-rainer/

CONNECT WITH VALERIE ON SOCIALS
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriewitte/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellthief/ 

In this episode, filmmaker and professor Kent Hayward discusses his book 'Green Filmmaking', which focuses on sustainable practices in the film industry. He highlights the environmental impact of filmmaking, including waste generation and resource consumption. Kent shares his journey from teaching film production to writing a book, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with students and the challenges of balancing teaching and writing. He also touches on the initial reactions to his book and his strategies for marketing it.

In this conversation, Kent shares his experiences and insights on the writing process, discussing how he finds time to write, his methodologies, and the importance of inspiration. He delves into overcoming writer's block, the role of editors in the publishing process, and effective marketing strategies for authors. Kent also reflects on his personal growth through writing and offers valuable advice for aspiring writers.

TOPICS

• Introduction to Green Filmmaking
• The Environmental Impact of Filmmaking
• The Journey to Writing a Book
• Initial Reactions and Marketing Strategies
• The Writing Process and Time Management
• Finding Your Writing Rhythm
• Writing Methodologies and Inspirations
• Overcoming Writer's Block
• The Role of an Editor
• Marketing Your Book Effectively
• Self-Discovery Through Writing
• Advice for Aspiring Writers

LINKS
Book: Green Filmmaking
Green Film School Alliance
 
​CONNECT WITH KENT ON SOCIALS

​Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/lekent_hayward/ , https://www.instagram.com/greenfilmschoolalliance/ 

In this episode, Michael Hernandez talks with Columbia professor and education leaders Reshan Richards and Steve Valentine about their journey in co-authoring books, the challenges they faced, and their innovative writing process. 

They discuss how their collaboration began, the evolution of their ideas, and the importance of capturing thoughts in the moment. The authors share insights on their recent publications, the significance of recognizing transferable skills across industries, and the creative freedom they embrace in their writing endeavors. Reshan and Steve explore the intersections of education leadership, the evolution of their writing practices, and the implications of generative AI in creative processes. 

They discuss the transition from traditional publishing to newsletters, the importance of storytelling, and the unique perspectives that individuals bring to their work. The dialogue also touches on the challenges and opportunities in the publishing industry, emphasizing the need for authors to understand their motivations and audience.

TOPICS

• The Genesis of Collaboration
• Exploring Recent Publication
• The Evolution of Ideas
• Challenges in Co-Authoring
• The Serve and Volley Writing Process
• Bridging Perspectives in Education Leadership
• The Shift from Books to Newsletters
• Experimenting with Substack
• Generative AI and Writing
• The Role of AI in Creative Processes
• Publishing: Traditional vs. Self-Publishing
• The Importance of Storytelling
• Connecting with the Audience

LINKS
Newsletter: Making The Case

Books:
Blending Leadership
Make Yourself Clear

SHOW NOTES
In this episode, Michael talks with author and education consultant Starr Sackstein about her journey as an author, discussing the motivations behind her first book, the importance of building a writing habit, and the unique perspectives they bring to their work. She emphasizes the value of blogging as a research tool and the significance of establishing a public presence to attract publishing opportunities. 

The discussion also covers the writing process, time management, and the belief that every voice has a place in the literary world. Starr discusses the importance of reflective blogging as a tool for learning and growth, emphasizing the value of authenticity and imperfection in writing. She shares her organizational strategies for writing books, including the use of annotated tables of contents and the flexibility of jumping between topics in nonfiction.

The conversation also highlights the significance of crowdsourcing and collaboration in writing, as well as effective marketing strategies for authors to ensure their work reaches a wider audience. Starr discusses the evolving landscape of book marketing, emphasizing the importance of authors taking charge of their own promotion in a digital age. She shares insights on building relationships with readers, the role of publishers, and the challenges of navigating imposter syndrome. The discussion also covers the realities of writing and publishing, including the financial aspects and the significance of contract negotiation. Throughout, the speaker reflects on their personal journey of self-discovery through writing and the importance of finding the right environment to foster creativity.

TOPICS

• The Journey of Authorship
• From Classroom to Published Author
• Building a Writing Habit
• The Importance of Unique Perspectives
• Navigating the Publishing Process
• The Writing Process and Time Management
• Embracing Imperfection in Writing
• Crowdsourcing and Collaboration in Writing
• Marketing Strategies for Authors
• Strategies for Effective Book Promotion
• The Author-Reader Relationship
• Understanding Publisher Contributions
• Navigating Imposter Syndrome
• The Reality of Book Publishing
• Self-Discovery Through Writing
• Finding the Right Writing Environment
• The Importance of Writing Flow
• Researching Your Book Topic
• The Financial Realities of Writing
• Contract Negotiation Essentials

LINKS
Starr’s Books
Connect with Starr on socials:
Bluesky
Linked In