Supporting 300 Author Dreams: From Project Manager to Publishing Partner

A friend recently asked me about my career trajectory, wondering how I went from implementing multi-million dollar IT systems to working in publishing as an author services provider. When I went to point her to my LinkedIn profile, I realized it was terribly out of date. As I sat there updating it, something struck me – I've been part of bringing nearly 300 books to life. That number stopped me in my tracks. How did I get here? Let me tell you.

The Corporate Years: More Relevant Than You'd Think

Twenty years in IT consulting and project management might seem worlds away from publishing, but looking back, it was the perfect foundation. Those years spent managing complex technology transformations across the US, UK/Europe, Asia, and Australia weren't just about implementing systems – they were about understanding people, processes, and how to bring big projects to life.

I specialized in transformation and change management, which, ironically, prepared me perfectly for my own career transformation. Every day, I was evaluating operations, streamlining processes, and solving problems. Little did I know these skills would become invaluable in helping authors navigate their publishing journeys.

The transition wasn't immediate. It started gradually in 2011, while I was still working in the corporate world. By 2014, I had fully committed towards a (second) career in publishing, though I had no idea then just how far this path would take me.

Building a Publishing Career: One Book at a Time

The early days were about finding my footing. I started with manuscript critiques and beta reading, offering the kind of analytical eye that came naturally after years of reviewing complex business documents. But what really set me apart wasn't just my attention to detail – it was my approach to building relationships.

In consulting, I learned that trust is everything. You don't just walk into a bank and start changing their systems without building credibility first. The same principle applied to working with authors. Each manuscript represented someone's dream, their creative vision. These weren't just documents to be processed – they were stories that authors had poured their hearts into. Working on almost 300 books with a number of authors who entrusted their creative visions to me has been both a profound privilege and weighty responsibility. Every time an author hands over their manuscript, they're sharing not just their work, but their hopes, vulnerabilities, and dreams. That trust drives me to give each project my absolute best.

The Numbers That Surprised Me

When my friend prompted me to look back at my journey, I discovered something that absolutely floored me. I've worked on 298 published books – and numbers 299 and 300 are currently on my desk. I had to triple-check those numbers because I couldn't believe it. All these years, I'd just been focused on one author at a time, one story at a time, moving from project to project without keeping count. When I finally tallied it up, I literally sat there staring at my spreadsheet in disbelief. Three hundred books. Let that sink in. Almost 300 books that have gone from manuscripts to published works, each one representing a unique voice, a distinct story, and countless hours of collaboration.

Of these, I've purchased 137 for my personal library. Another 161 sit in my archived collection as electronic copies from authors who've trusted me with their work. Each one represents a milestone in not just their journey, but mine as well. Along with the two works in progress, there are 18 more books already scheduled in my pipeline for this year alone.

These aren't just numbers – they're a testament to longevity and trust in an industry where both are precious commodities. They represent relationships built over years, authors who took a chance on me when I was transitioning from corporate life, and others who found me through contest judging or book reviews.

The Heart of Author Services

Just last night, one of my clients shared his opening idea for his next book in his series. After listening, I immediately spotted a plot hole big enough to park the Death Star in (and trust me, that's saying something. Star Wars fan, anyone?). His response? "Holy cow, you can drive a tank through that plot hole!" What followed was an energetic brainstorming session about how to keep his vision while making the story airtight. This morning, he was already diving into chapter one with renewed clarity.

That's what this work is really about – being a partner in the creative process, not just a service provider. My client portfolio is deliberately small and carefully curated. It's not about volume; it's about building strategic partnerships with authors who trust me with their creative vision.

I've carried over my commitment to confidentiality from my consulting days. Unless explicitly permitted, I keep my clients' identities private. In publishing, where many authors write under pen names or balance writing with other careers, this discretion isn't just professional courtesy – it's essential. The trust authors place in me when they hand over their manuscripts isn't something I take lightly. It's a privilege earned through years of consistent, reliable partnership. After more than a decade of working together, many of these authors have become more than just clients and partners – they're friends who've shared their creative journeys with me.

Looking Forward: Building a Legacy

What started as a career transition has evolved into something far more meaningful. Unlike platforms where you can simply purchase individual services from a menu, I provide comprehensive support throughout the entire publishing lifecycle. While authors can certainly choose specific services they need, my approach is always holistic. Whether we're working on developmental editing, marketing strategy, or social media content, every decision is made with the bigger picture in mind.

This approach has led to long-term partnerships that continue to grow. Many of my current clients are authors who took a chance on me during my early transition years. Others I met while judging writing contests or through book reviews. These relationships have deepened over time, evolving from single-service arrangements into comprehensive publishing partnerships.

The support I provide today combines the best of both worlds – the analytical rigor from my corporate background with the creative insight needed in publishing. Whether I'm coordinating with multiple service providers, managing complex book launches, or developing strategic marketing plans, every project benefits from this dual perspective.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

If there's one thing I've learned in this journey, it's that success in publishing services isn't about quick wins or overnight transformations. It's about building sustainable relationships, maintaining unwavering professional integrity, and continually adapting – not just to meet authors' evolving needs, but to navigate the seismic shifts in publishing itself. The industry has transformed dramatically in the past 15 years, reshaped by the rise of ebooks and indie publishing. What worked in 2010 isn't necessarily what works today, and staying relevant means staying adaptable.

For those considering a similar path into publishing services, remember that your previous experience – whatever it may be – can be invaluable. My IT background, which might have seemed irrelevant at first, has proven to be a crucial differentiator. The key is finding ways to translate your unique skills and perspectives into value for your clients.

A Moment of Gratitude: The Journey Past and Future

Looking back, I'm grateful for every author who trusted me with their work, every challenge that pushed me to grow, and every success story I've been privileged to be part of. When my friend prompted me to update my LinkedIn profile, I had no idea it would lead to such a profound realization about my journey. Nearly 300 books – each one a testament to the power of transformation, trust, and perseverance.

I have to thank my friend Sophia for this enlightening nudge. We're often our own worst critics, failing to recognize our own accomplishments, and I had no idea that over the course of my publishing career, I'd touched almost 300 books. That's one heck of a milestone I might have missed without her prompting. So, huge thank you, Sophia. And hey, if you want me to rewrite your LinkedIn profile, you know where to find me, honey. I owe you for this one, if only because you helped me realize my own worth. This speaks of longevity and sustainability. This speaks of a legacy that I'm proud to be building.

As I work on books 299 and 300 (including an exciting German translation!), with another 18 books already scheduled for the remainder of 2025, I can hardly believe I'll soon hit 318 published books. That's 318 dreams I've helped shape, 318 stories I've helped polish, and 318 reasons to be thankful for this unexpected career path. I'm more committed than ever to maintaining the standards that got me here. The publishing industry continues to evolve, and I'm excited to evolve with it, supporting authors as they bring their stories to life.

To those dreaming of a career in publishing: take that first step. The journey might be longer than you expect, and it probably won't look exactly like you imagined, but if you lead with integrity, maintain high standards, and truly care about your clients' success, you'll find your place in this incredible industry.

And to my clients, past and present: thank you for being part of this journey. Here's to reaching 318 books and beyond, and all the stories yet to be told.

I'd love to connect with fellow publishing professionals and authors, and even readers. Whether you have questions about the industry, want to share your own journey, or just interested in connecting, you can find me on my Facebook Page, drop me an email, or sign up for my newsletter to stay updated on publishing insights, industry trends, or general book chat. And of course, I always enjoy hearing your thoughts in the comments below – your experiences and perspectives help enrich our publishing community.

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