18Q Carolyn Hayes Uber

Carolyn Hayes Uber

1. Did you choose the publishing profession or did it choose you?

I chose it -- initially with zero knowledge of the industry. I started my first publishing firm in 1988 as a sibling company to my advertising/PR firm. I thought the copywriters, designers, photographers and such that I employed in the agency could apply their same skills to crafting fine books. I was right!

2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.)

After 30 years in the fierce world of advertising, I sold my company to concentrate fully on publishing. Publishing is not easy either -- but somehow it seems a higher calling. At least our efforts are not tomorrow’s bird cage liner! The knowledge of marketing strategy and creative development serves me well in the book world.

3. When did you ‘know’ you were a publisher?

I guess there is no thrill like the first time you hold your first book. But it was nice when Stephens was called “the up and coming publisher at the BEA this year” while accepting our IPPY awards.

4. How would you describe your style of writing?

I am not afraid to infuse my words with some personality. People do business with people! Most of my writing is for conducting business and I find most people work hard to excise their personality from the words -- I think there is a way to be professional AND not boring!

5. What is your publishing process?

It is pretty much the same -- but also different -- for each book. We do the usual things from manuscript prep (I should teach a class in this!) to image and factual research, editing, layout and design, proofing, proofing, more proofing, printing, binding, shipping, publicity, marketing, fulfillment and . . . whew, you get the idea. That being said, each book and author deserve and require quite individualized attention.

6. What was your path to Stephens Press?

Partnering up with local newspapers to publish some regional books, I saw the perfect match -- the alliances formed in those ventures led to my being recruited to start this company. For the past four years I have been president of Stephens Press. We are the book division of Stephens Media, parent company of the Las Vegas Review-Journal and some fifty or so other publications.

7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?

There are so many -- and each of our authors brings new ideas in the marketing of their books. I think seeing our authors develop their speaking skills is the best. They might not think they can speak before a group, but before long they become pros -- and they just get better and better. Of course every speaking op is also a book selling op!

8. What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a publisher?

The depth, breadth and quality of the submissions we get -- and the serendipitous way one meeting and one project lead to another.

9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?

I have more ideas than I will ever have the days on earth to pursue, so it must be something in the air!

10. What is your proudest publisher moment?

Each time I hold our newest book in my hands for the first time.

11. What’s the best advice you were given about writing?

John Jopes, a beloved friend and mentor, was one of my first authors. He is also a much respected journalist and newspaper editor. He wisely insisted I be the editor of his book -- and proceeded to teach me the mechanics of editing (great training for learning to write well). John taught me how to express more with less -- less words, more meaning. He taught me about the cadence and rhythm of writing. He is a consummate professional and is a role model extraordinaire. John taught me to believe in my writing and to trust my instincts.

12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?

Discovering an author had made a horrendous mistake related to his own area of expertise and that no one caught it before publication. We had to reprint at great expense. It wasn’t embarrassing (other than semi-confessing it here) so much as devastatingly costly!

13. What business challenges have you faced as a publisher?

The way the book world is organized is a stacked deck against all but the major mega-NY-publishers. Given the deep discounts and returns required to play in the chain bookstore’s sandbox, it is a miracle we make it at all. Any publisher will tell you that sales made outside the bookstore are critical to our survival.

14. What is your writer/publisher life philosophy?

It is such a HONOR to publish books -- legacies for our future. Publishing a book is much like planting a tree -- you do it for tomorrow as much as for today.

15. When you’re not publishing books, what do you do for fun?

Publishing books IS fun! Good thing, since right now that’s really all I have time for. I enjoy traveling, photography, entertaining and good friends.

16. Who do you like to read?

An eclectic mix of travel essays, contemporary thrillers, and meaty titles -- fiction or non-fiction -- that will give me a lot of insight and detail about a different culture and part of the world. Because my reading time is consumed with submissions, manuscripts and proofs, I have become addicted to audio books on my iPod for my personal “reading”. Classics that might be a bit of “work” to read are a joy in audio. That being said, nothing beats curling up in one’s favorite chair and cracking open a brand-new book!

17. What’s your advice for new writers?

Think outside the box. Do your homework. Write, write and write some more. Believe.

18. What are you currently working on?

About twenty current book projects are in some later stage of development and I love every one of ‘em!

Carolyn’s 18Q