Learning at the Library

Today Michelle and I went to the Arlington Library for a program on publishing, "From Manuscript to Published Book." The speaker was Nichole Argyres, an editor at St. Martin's Press. Her talk was informative - she clarified some things I already knew, and I learned some new things, too.
She started by asking all of us to introduce ourselves and mention the book we've just finished reading or are reading now. There were about 25 people, and it was interesting to hear the varied tastes in reading. Some were reading fiction; many were reading health or psychology/self-improvement books; others were reading history or memoirs. She said a large part of her job is to think about what people are reading, and how the books she acquires will fit in with the reading tastes and trends.
She said her biggest challenge is marketing, and determining how to get the book to sell. There are many factors - the cover design, placement of the book in stores, publicity - but she admitted "it's a crapshoot" as to what actually sells. People will read what they want.
She talked about agents, and said that in general, big publishers don't buy unagented manuscripts. She said agents work out the business - especially the financial - side of book deals, so the writers can concentrate on what they do best: writing, and working on a book to get it ready for publication. She talked about advances and royalties, and the publisher's decision whether to release a book in hardcover or paperback original.
She backed up each point she made with anecdotes and examples of published books and their authors. She said that writing and editing are two completely separate talents - she respects writers for their creativity, and admitted that she could never write a book, even with a gun to her head!
Many people had questions, and she gave knowledgeable answers and helpful advice. Afterwards, Michelle and I (and others) talked to her for a bit. I said it was great to see and learn more about the publishing side of the business - as a writer and a bookseller, it helps me to clearly see the all the sides of publishing and how they link up in the life of a book. She said it's good to get feedback from the book retailers. She seemed very comfortable with speaking and it was easy to relate to her - she helped give a human face to publishers. So now they're not so intimidating! She said she might return next year - if she does, Michelle and I would definitely attend again.
This was a free program at the library, and the first one Michelle and I have attended. My parents actually told me about it - they read about it in the library's newsletter they got in the mail. I got a newsletter too, but I just glanced at it and put it aside, thinking that I don't have much time to spend at the library, because I spend so much time working at the b.s. I'm really glad they told me about it (thanks for your support, Mom & Dad) and next time, I'll pay more attention to the library and its events. I've always thought of libraries as important, valuable resources of literacy and community. School and public libraries helped my growth and development as a reader and a writer. I'm sure many other readers and writers would agree. I can't imagine the world of books without libraries in it.