This post was written by Andrea Kerr.
This is a difficult post for me to write. I’ve been staring at the screen for days (off and on, not continuously), unsure of what to say. You see, as of next week, I’ll no longer be a member of the Carina Press Acquisition team. To be completely cliché, I’m about to start a new chapter in my life: I’m heading back to school to get a teaching degree! And since a full-time class schedule makes a full-time work schedule just a little bit of impossible, this means I’ll be leaving Harlequin after close to 9 years. This is a positive thing, since I’m passionate about education and working with children and excited about the new challenge I’m undertaking. But it’s also a sad thing, because I love working here (and truth be told, I’m more than a little nervous – going back to school at this point in my life is probably the craziest scheme I’ve ever cooked up.)
Back in 2001, Malle Vallik rescued me from a job that literally bored me to tears and hired me as the Associate Producer for eHarlequin.com. Since then I’ve edited several hundred online reads, written thousands of lines of copy, tested (and retested) possibly millions of links and web pages, and gone up two pant sizes (there always seems to be cake…) I’ve also waded through various slush piles, judged numerous online writing contests, written articles, quizzes and polls, participated on several internal teams, edited some series books, gone to RWA (Denver and NYC), and so much more. All in all, it’s been a dream job (and apparently a busy one!)
Fortunately, it’s commonly said around the office that no one ever really leaves Harlequin! This is great news for me, because I love editing and writing and the people here too much to give it up completely. I plan to stay involved in a freelance capacity as long as they’ll let me. Being involved in the Carina Press launch was one of the best professional experiences I’ve had, and working as part of the team is the thing I’m going to miss the most.
OK, now I’m tearing up.
So you haven’t heard the last of me, I hope to keep my hand in, reading submissions, editing, writing copy—hey, maybe Angela will even let me blog on occasion! Until then, tell me I’m not crazy (even if you think I am!)
Andrea Kerr, Producer, eHarlequin.com, Member of the Carina Press Acquisition Team, and future elementary school teacher-slash-freelance editor
AJ: Andrea has been a valued member of our acquisitions team since Carina launched, and we’re going to miss her in our weekly acquisitions meetings, for both her astute opinions and her willingness to jump in and tackle any challenge. I’m particularly excited that we’re going to get to “keep” her, albeit in a different role, as freelance editor and cover copy writer, so some of you may get a chance to work even more closely with her if she acquires your manuscript!
Tags: Behind the Scenes, editors, staff
Good luck, Andrea! Going back to school is a brave decision to make and I hope it goes well for you.
Good luck, Andrea. And hang in there. I’m sure I’m not the only one who admires you for chasing your dreams. :0)
Good luck with school, Andrea. I think the world needs more great teacher. Here’s to you being one of those greats! Just think…you can warp their minds early…I mean introduce them to romance sooner.
Andrea,
Best wishes to you in your new career. And I’m thrilled that you’re going to keep your hand in and do some freelance editing for us.
Deb
Andrea!
Okay, so now that I’ve wiped my eyes and blew my nose, I just want to say that it’s been an absolute pleasure knowing you and I think you’ll be an excellent teacher. Haven’t had the interaction we used to have when the hosts went up for Christmas parties…but I still think of you very often and see your name on emails. Best wishes, Andrea, I know you’re going to be awesome!
HRS
aka Rae-eHQ host
Andrea:
Hi! I think it’s great you are heading back to school. I’ve taught elementary school in a few states and loved it. The kids provide lots of excitement, so no two days are ever the same. It’s hard to beat teaching kids to read. Best of luck to you!
We really need good teachers out there, and I like knowing that at least one is optimistic and believes in a happy ending for everyone. *hugs*
Teaching really is an opportunity to change another person’s life. It’s challenging, heartbreaking, beautiful and totally inspiring. Best wishes to you! What a brave, strong change to undertake. Thanks for all of your years with Harlequin, and a special thanks for all of the Carina novels you championed.
Following your dream is never crazy!
Very, very best wishes for this new and wonderful stage of your life.
All the best with this new chapter in your life.
I love hearing of people following their dream. Good luck with school, Andrea!
Andrea, best of luck to you in this new chapter in your life. It’s always great to be able to follow your dream.
The title “elementary school teacher-slash-freelance editor” is a very cool one! It’s wonderful that you’re building your career around your passion and so exciting.
I was going to write that I’ll miss you but then I realized: It sounds like we’re going to be able to keep the band together. Best of both worlds. Party on! ^_^
Aww, thanks all! Sniff!
You’re not crazy! But when I read the beginning of your post, I nearly choked on my coffee. So glad you’re going to be freelancing!
I’m glad you’ll still be around in an editorial capacity, Andrea, and best of luck with your new endeavor.