“Cut & Dried: A Woodworker’s Guide to Timber Technology” by Richard Jones. After editing the last few chapters on Sunday, I handed off the binder yesterday to Kara Gebhart Uhl, the managing editor on this project.
I enjoyed a delightful lunch yesterday (Otto’s – yum) with Christopher Schwarz and Kara Gebhart Uhl as we discussed changes at Lost Art Press (LAP), about which Chris posted yesterday on his blog. I’ve copy edited books for LAP for more than a decade, tucking that work into my available time – so late nights and weekends. Now, I’ll be doing that and more during the work day and work week…but I expect I’ll still work a lot of late nights and weekends; it’s in my nature.
I’ve been working pretty much non-stop since I was 16; this year, I’m turning 50. I’ve had many bosses in my 30+ years of employment, and Chris has been by far the best among them. We share a lot of the same interests (I like Shakespeare quite a bit more than does he, and he likes Russian novels; I do not. But that’s a minor disagreement), the same work ethic (though he has more energy) and many of the same ideas about how things should be done (most of which I learned/stole from him).
Now, I’m working with Chris again more closely, and I could not be more grateful to him and John Hoffman for it, and to Kara for welcoming my increased involvement.
But I don’t actually have a new boss, per se (unless you count my cats…who have long had that role); I get to work not with my boss, but with my good friend. When Chris left corporate America, he vowed to never again have or be an employee, and I wholly empathize. The small but dedicated cadre of editors, designers and researchers who work with John and Chris at LAP are freelancers/contractors. I’m happy to have more freelance work that I love, and glad that my increased involvement will free up Chris to research and write more – from that, we all will benefit.
In addition to my work with LAP, I’ll still be writing (it’s weird to be on the other side of pitches after 12 years as a magazine editor!), building furniture, teaching and doing other freelance editing (including an expanded role at Mortise & Tenon Magazine, for which I’m also thankful), along with a few personal projects that have long been on the back burner.
That door closing/opening saying? While I can’t bring myself to willfully use a cliché, that one would be apropos.
Rude Mechanicals Press Blog 
Outstanding news!
This is great news for everyone. Everyone.
Congratulations, glad so see you finally made the leap.
Do you have a new e-mail address
Thank you – and yes…many, to help keep things straight. Personal/non LAP or M&T biz is 1snugthejoiner@gmail.com or meganfitzpatrick@fuse.net. For LAP-related stuff, it’s fitz@lostartpress.com. For M&T-related stuff, it’s megan@mortiseandtenonmag.com.
You must have jumped on the gmail bandwagon early. They are probably up to 1snugthejoiner8472@gmail.com by now.
You deserve it all. Congrats!
Extremely excited to hear this Megan. Congratulations.
Congrats, I can’t think of a better work-life than to be involved with people you respect and love in that capacity. I know you will shine there. Bon chance, mon ami!
Enjoy the ride
Megan, this is great. Congratulations!!! Lots of LAP books in my library and more to come I’m sure!!! And working for M&T as well, wow are you going to be busy! LAP and M&T certainly top 2 in my book.
First thing Monday morning, ask for a sit down with the boss and ask for a raise. Whatever Chris is paying you, you deserve more!
Next open house I will bring some goodies to celebrate. Will you be getting your own business cards by then? (I collect them). Are you all ready for your upcoming classes?
Congratulations and well done, happy 50th in advance. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
Congratulations. Great to be moving forward in life, not only working, but working with professionals who are also good friends.