“Editing is part of any serious writer’s journey. We all need eyes other than our own on our material, even if it’s scary to put your soul on paper and hand it over.”

The 5-Question [Acquisitions Editor] Interview: Chelsea Cambeis

I see the stories as something I sorted out, something I worked through. A problem I solved.

Deesha Philyaw [the National Book Award Finalist on movement, relinquishing fear, and the rigorous puzzles of storytelling]

“I’ve learned not to share a piece of writing if my main reason for sharing is that I want validation from someone else.”

Judi Ketteler: The 5-Question [Author] Interview

When/where you find yourself scared and paralyzed, either of something you are writing, of revealing yourself through the work, or for any other reason, how do you start moving again? And by moving I mean forward, not backwards, as in retreating?

Rachel Stuhler

“I’m amazed by how often I’ve struggled with piece of writing only to return to it months, or even years, later to find that it all comes together with little thought.”

Sam Apple

“It’s a wistful feeling, knowing that you had something very special in your grasp but losing it to someone else, but I have to say I’ve learned that it’s best to send best wishes to that author and agent and move on.”

The 5-Question [Literary Agent] Interview: Elisabeth Weed

“I can’t really imagine *not* getting attached a writer’s work.   The whole reason you agree to represent a book or books by a writer is that you are in love with the work—there is nothing objective about personal taste.”

Jenny Bent

“How do I know when I’ve found my story? When I wake up in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning and have to grab the notepad on my nightstand.”

The 5-Question [Writer] Interview: Amy Paturel

The editor goes into generous detail about shimmering talent, selling a book versus selling an author and falling in love.

The 5-Question [Editor] Interview: Gina Frangello