Meet my book doula
An interview with Elizabeth Evans, editor and publishing guru, on starting where you are.
“Be the weirdo who dares to enjoy.”
―Elizabeth Gilbert
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I’m so happy to introduce you to Elizabeth Evans, editor and publishing guru. I’ve had the gift of working with Elizabeth on my book, and she is amazing at what she does. I call her my book doula. She’s helped me see the potential in what I’m creating, iterate on it, and share it with agents. Perhaps most importantly, through her support I now take myself a bit more seriously as a writer and author. She is a star.
It has been such a gift to work with you, Elizabeth. Tell us more about your work helping books be born. How do you think of your role working with writers?
I've worn many hats in the publishing industry, and I think the common trait among them is that I see myself as a helper (any other enneagram 2s out there?). I really want my clients to succeed. I want them to realize their dreams, and I feel privileged to help creative people share their ideas with the world. I love brainstorming, problem-solving, and collaborating with authors. The collaborative element is what makes it fun for me. Writing can be so solitary. When you find a great collaborative partner, it's like unlocking the door to success. Stress, frustration, and anxiety fade away and it's easier to approach work with a sense of playfulness and creativity. That sense of being part of a team is so empowering. It feels really good to help writers embrace the bright and joyful side to their craft.
And it's not a one-sided endeavor! I've realized the right projects tend to find me at the right times. A few years back, for example, I worked on multiple books about dementia and Alzheimer's, not knowing that my father-in-law was about to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Those books prepared me and helped me approach the situation with greater understanding. Your book came to me at the right time too, when I was struggling with finding the energy to pursue my own creative projects. Your book's message of making time for yourself as a radical act felt like it was directed right at me! So, I'd say my life is enriched in some way by every project I take on.
What advice do you have for women creators just starting out on their journey?
Begin anywhere. Seriously. Don't feel you don't know enough, aren't prepared enough, need to do more research, etc. To some extent, those things will always be true and there will always be time to learn more along the way. I think the fear of not doing something the "right" or "perfect" way holds so many of us back. Sometimes we just need to let our hearts carry us and dive in.
My next piece of advice is not to confuse setbacks with failure. You're going to make mistakes, there will be missteps, but that's how you learn and grow. This is a big life lesson for me. I feel like we should all say this one together, Don't be so hard on yourself.
“Begin anywhere!” What a simple-yet-profound piece of advice!