Posted by author Graham Kerr
I have written 29 books, but for the first time I got to meet the team that put my latest book, Growing at the Speed of Life, together. I never quite understood the commitment that all of them had made. What a joy to get to know the people behind the names.
My publisher, John Duff, with whom I have “birthed” seven books, arranged for me to meet Isabella Fasciano who created the cover design, which includes what looks like a printing smudge on the artwork but was a deliberate imperfection; I love that idea and only wish that I’d heard sooner that such a thing was not only possible, but that it works so well. My life has been full of imperfections that have seldom been deliberately thought-out to such good results!
Both Isabella and the art director, Lisa Amoroso, have been involved in a number of my books published over the years. And each one gets better and better with their creative input.
Tiffany Estreicher designed the interior, ensuring that page after page of extremely detailed drawings, cartoons, and text are fitted together without congestion or wasted space. And the unflappable Kellie Schirmer oversaw every aspect of the printing, from paper selection to the final binding.
From beginning to end, managing editors Jennifer Eck and Tricia Callahan shepherded the work through the entire process. From my first pencil jottings (which were nobly transcribed by my personal assistant, Wendy) to a final typeset version and beyond, I have images of my book working its way through a system like Charlie’s chocolate factory in their capable hands.
And speaking of “beyond,” I took particular pleasure in meeting Katherine McCahill who handles the very new business of converting type to an e-book format with extras. Together with my video producer pal, Michael Lineau, Growing at the Speed of Life will be published in an amplified edition that comes complete with both gardening and culinary techniques in high definition video. Just the touch of an icon and Bingo!—the text becomes my kitchen and garden in active living color!
Last, but certainly not least, I got to meet Heidi Richter who so adeptly handles publicity for the book. I will be in her hands as we travel around, both literally and virtually, encouraging readers to find space in their gardens and kitchens for its ideas.
The next time I’m in my publisher’s office I hope to expand my circle of acquaintance to the innumerable support staff, sales and marketing people, operations, order fulfillment and shipping personnel (and perhaps a few executives) who keep the wheels of the publishing house rolling. And without whom my book would never reach its audience.
As the author, I got to germinate the seed, but it took such a talented team to bring it to fruition. Like the local knowledge providers upon whom I called countless times during the writing of this book, the people at Perigee/Penguin know their trade and applied them well to all our benefit.
And so, when anyone speaks well of the book I shall receive their comments with great joy, but no longer will I do so as a solo creator. I will do so as part of a great team. Thanks everyone at Perigee.
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