Ashante Thomas's Blog

When your manuscript moves from “contract signed” to “in production,” it’s easy to feel like you’ve been handed off to a giant machine. You might see my name pop up in your inbox at the start of every month for a status check, but I want to let you in on a secret: I am much more than your acquisition editor.

Think of me as your strategy partner. While the production team handles the nuts and bolts, I am here to help you navigate the bigger picture of your book’s life in the wild. The following are 2 ways to lean in.

• Don’t Wait for the Monthly Check-in: If you’re staring at your screen wondering if a specific chapter needs more “teeth,” or if you’re spiraling over marketing ideas, reach out. I’m here to provide feedback on the writing and the road ahead. An author once told me she was invited on a major podcast and asked if we could leverage that. You want to know what I told her? “We absolutely can. See if you can’t push it to your preorder window, so your book can capture that momentum in sales.”
• Modern Tactics for Modern Readers: One of the most valuable ways we can collaborate is on your preorder incentives. The industry moves fast, and what worked a decade ago (like mailing out signed bookplates) simply doesn’t move the needle today. Readers are looking for connection and exclusivity.

If you suggest a bookplate, I’m going to push you toward something with more “punch” with less spend, such as admission to a private, virtual launch party or a graphic you held back from the final manuscript.

The production phase shouldn’t be a period of silence. It’s the time to sharpen the work, continue building our relationship and build the hype. If you have an idea (even a half-baked one or one a friend suggested) drop your editor a line. Let’s make sure this book doesn’t just launch; let’s make sure it lands.

Happy publishing!