Behind the Scenes #61: Publishing Workflow & Novella Contracts

Notes from the desk of the editor are offered in the interests of personal posterity and transparency for writers and other potential editors who wish to learn from my experience.

the editor

I’m killin’ it.

Just saying.

This past week, I created a workflow that I’ll use with all authors. I have other transparency-focused documents, too, and it’ll all be connected with links baked into an introductory note that every contributing (novella or novel) author will receive.

The Workflow

I’m pretty proud of this, and I dare any publisher to keep up in terms of transparency and communication.

A Google Drive folder named "Brand Kit Folder" displaying nine organized Google Docs and Sheets files, each labeled with project, workflow, policy, publishing, and editorial topics.
folder that’ll get attached and personalized re: any novel or novella project Whisper House Press puts out there
Screenshot of Whisper House Press project guide. Includes a welcome message, emphasis on transparency, and sections like Project Basics, Workflow & Status Tracker, Book Budget & Royalties, and more. Tone is informative and collaborative.
the note that every novella / novel author will get (personalized to their project)
Spreadsheet displaying a project timeline. Columns list phases like "Contract Signed" and "Pre-Production Meeting" with status and notes. Emphasizes collaboration and deadlines.
there are 50+ items in the workflow tracker I’ve built, and it’ll help me and our authors know where things stand — are your publishers (or you, publishers) communicating half as well? I bet not!

Contracts

If you want to take a look at our novella contract as it stands today, here it is.

Indie publishers: Feel free to take it, modify it, and use what seems to work for your publishing practice (it’s like yoga, you know?).

Authors: Consider what’s in there. Should your publisher be including the same (or similar) language and considerations?


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