Episode 6 Deborah Sáenz: The rocky, wonderful relationship between writers and editors

Do writers act like big babies when they work with editors? Do you worry about your grammar when you text a friend who is an editor? Deborah’s friends do. But they shouldn’t worry. This NavPress editor just wants to help make writing and books better, and usher important books into the world for all of our sakes. Deborah talks with Karen Stiller about how editors find, woo and work with Christian authors. She shares the story of how she developed a passion for sharing the stories of writers of colour, and why that is so crucial. 

We think this conversation is the perfect way to wrap up Season 1 of Good Books Big Questions. We’ll be back in the new year with Season 2.

Post talk from Deborah: Most of my work as a book editor is behind the scenes, so being on the podcast was a treat! I hope our conversation gives listeners a small glimpse behind the curtain. The business of Christian book publishing is full of beauty and meaning, but also tension and risk. As editors, authors, and readers, having a humble posture and an openness to learning keeps us all in check. 

Post talk from Karen: “I loved having the opportunity to have a conversation with my very own editor for my book Holiness Here. Deborah knows what she’s doing and she brings a respect and love for writers and the powerful role books play in our lives. That comes through really clear in this episode."

Who is Deborah Sáenz? Deborah Sáenz is an acquisitions and developmental editor for NavPress, specializing in Christian non-fiction. She has worked in book publishing for 15 years as a marketer, collaborator, and editor. She received a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Northwestern University and a certificate in manuscript editing from the University of Chicago. Deeply committed to elevating underrepresented voices, her passion lies in collaborating with authors of color and helping to increase BIPOC representation in traditional publishing. Originally from the U.S.-Mexico border town of Laredo, Texas, she currently resides in San Antonio.

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The views and opinions expressed in this recording do not necessarily reflect the positions of NavPress or The Navigators.