We need more Branford Boas type awards, that acknowledge the value added (and value≠monetary gain) by editorial staff; both commissioning editors that find/nurture talent and editing prowess that co-creates extraordinary books. Could do categories that follow Waterstones/Costa. Hmmmm. - ThreadSky

mimithebo.bsky.social • 163 days ago

We need more Branford Boas type awards, that acknowledge the value added (and value≠monetary gain) by editorial staff; both commissioning editors that find/nurture talent and editing prowess that co-creates extraordinary books.

Could do categories that follow Waterstones/Costa.

Hmmmm.

Comments

mimithebo.bsky.social•163 days ago

I don't think we'd need tons of money to set this up. It's not the monetary prize that we need but the recognition and press that make these contributions visible.

We could host (she says blithely) at Bristol, so clarsy venue sorted. Just need admin, bit of catering for the do and awards. PA??

matthewpb.bsky.social•163 days ago

While I like this idea in principle I don’t understand how editing quality can be judged without actually looking at various drafts to compare a first manuscript to the published book? Otherwise how can an outsider know what the editor did?

mimithebo.bsky.social•163 days ago

How does Branford Boas do it? I think they nominate each other!!

matthewpb.bsky.social•163 days ago

We had a book on the shortlist last year and honestly I couldn’t really understand the process. We just got contacted to say a book (The Eternal Return of Clara Hart by Louise Finch) was on the list, nobody involved with the book had put it forward to my knowledge.

mimithebo.bsky.social•163 days ago

Investigations needed! But not impossible... and perhaps talking to authors might be involved?

matthewpb.bsky.social•163 days ago

The risk then I suppose is it becomes about people boosting their friends… All I can say is for the most part, the best books I’ve edited have been the ones where I can take the least credit as the author did such an amazing job.

piudg.bsky.social•163 days ago

I just couldn’t believe this when I read it. It seems so utterly pointless & counter everything which is needed right now. I wonder who was behind the idea?

louiestowell.bsky.social•163 days ago

I honestly didn't see the problem when I first saw it...just felt unecessary...but the more i look the crueller it seems!

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