How to Have a Long, Successful Relationship with Skyla

If you had to speak to every author--both contracted and in slush--that I deal with, you would receive very different accounts of who I am. There are some people who think I'm the biggest bitch on the planet. There are others who think I'm the best senior editor EVAH.

Both views, while seemingly conflicting, are completely correct.*

I am a very, very easy person to deal with, and this is the key to a positive relationship with me: I don't take bullshit from people, I have a low threshold for abuse, and passive-aggressiveness is my LEAST favourite attribute in a person.

I have the same basic level of respect for everyone I meet. I don't care who they are, or what they've achieved (personally or professionally)--they get the default. The only way to heighten my respect is through interaction with me. I don't much care for "who" you are--if you're polite, professional, and respectful towards me, I'll be polite, professional, and respectful towards you.

What I cannot do for any great length of time is play nice with people who aren't nice to me.

I don't exist to take abuse from authors. Yes, this is a total shock to some writers, I'm sure, but it's true. My email address is not given to writers so that they can yell at, threaten, or complain/vent to me.**

I'm here to work WITH authors and the rest of the publishing staff to produce a damn good book that readers will love.

ALL editors take abuse from writers. Some will smile and nod and then bitch privately about authors.

But I don't do that. I can't. After too many bitchy emails, I tell people to check the attitude and ego at the door, and that we'll have a problem working together if they don't. And I don't say that to be hurtful or mean; when someone gets that "cut the bullshit" email from me, that's supposed to be their wake-up call. Some come back more civil. Others don't.

But that's it. That's the key to a long, happy relationship with me. If you're concerned about something, politely inquire. I try to always offer an explanation if possible because I strongly believe in communication and transparency.

Here is a simple template. You can use it with me or anyone. Try to avoid passive aggressive statements and general bullshit--just say what you mean.

"Hi Skyla,

I was wondering about __fill in problem here__. The reason is __fill in reason, if applicable__.

Thanks,

Author."

See how fucking easy that is?

If you're aspiring to place work with either of the presses where I'm senior editor, please keep the above in mind. If you're looking at placing your work with someone who will treat you like a Speshul Snowflake, keep looking--you won't find that with me.

* Okay, maybe not "the best", but they think I'm very nice and capable.
** The exception for complaining would be authors whom I have a secondary relationship with as a friend, of which there are...half a dozen, maybe.