Malaika Adero is
truly a woman of many talents. She is not just an editor but also a writer. She has written for several magazines and anthologies and is the author
of
‘Up South: Stories, Studies, and Letters of This Century’s African American Migrations’ and also a co-author with Dr. Lucy Hurston,
of ‘Speak, So You Can Speak Again: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston’.
Not just this, she is a literary and culture consultant
among many businesses in New York City. She is also an artist and a dancer!
In this
interview, she discusses what she looks for in a book, and challenges the
writer to write and rewrite, asking questions, so as to support writers to
accomplish their goals. I know, it is not enough space for this artistic editor,
but read on…. (for now).
What are you looking for in a book, when it first comes to you?
The
questions I ask when I receive a submission are:
1)
Does it categorically fit—in terms of genre, audience, formats-- into what we as a publisher do and do well?
2)
Is it well executed, i.e., well-crafted,
compelling, innovative?
3)
Is it marketable and to whom?
What, according to you are the qualities of an ideal writer?
There
is no one ideal kind of writer but, fundamentally that person must produce the work and be willing to cultivate an audience.
They
must of course be talented, have passion, a strong
point of view and voice.
But,
if they can’t see a project through to completion,
they can’t get anywhere with or without the resources of a publisher.
They
must be willing to engage with their readers,
i.e., be among them, hear from them—in other words promote
their work and ideas.
What are the first few things, you would
you tell an aspiring writer? (feel free to include as many tips as you would
like)
1) Read widely, deeply - a lot.
2) Write – everyday
3) Rewrite everyday
What do you think an
editor can add to the writer’s work?
An editor
can help you see consider your work and your intention for your work with an
experienced eye.
We can help a writer, better
structure a story or narrative and challenge the writer asking all the questions
that a reader or critic might.
How would you tell a
writer, who comes to you with a manuscript that you cannot take his/her work?
The best you can be is honest
and kind.
What are the main
skills, an editor would need to do their job well?
Discernment. The ability to carefully read and analyse a narrative, a
passion for the work, communication skills, etc.
What sorts of project(s) are most likely
to get an okay from you?
Work that inspires and
displays great creativity.
What do you like most about the entire editing process?
Getting
inside a narrative to understand what makes it
resonate, solving the problems that emerge from the creative process.
What are you working
on, currently?
Too long to tell (see www.homeslicemag.com “My work in 2013 is
Your Good Reading in 2014)
What are your top three favourite books?
If I have to name three—today (tomorrow is another
story):
‘Giovanni’s Room’ by James Baldwin,
‘Sula’ by Toni Morrison and
What is your favourite thing about being
an editor? And your least favourite thing?
Supporting writers and other creatives
to accomplish their goals is my favourite thing.
My least favourite thing about being an editor is
the tremendous amount of time it takes away from
being with family and loved ones.
What is the most
challenging aspect of your work?
The greatest challenge a
publisher faces is to publish high quality work
that earns enough financially for us to keep doing our work.
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