Journey Mathewson joined the team recently as a production editor while
wrapping up her studies in publishing and journalism at Belmont University. As a
production editor, many authors will be familiar with Journey, having had the
pleasure of working with her through the various stages of bringing their books to
life. Journey lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and took some time to share some
details about her role with Ballast and her time outside of work.
- You studied publishing and journalism in school. Those are actually two
pretty different fields! What inspired you to study both?
I knew I wanted to work with books (really, I just wanted to get paid to
read), but publishing seemed like a good fit, and Belmont was such a
beautiful school!
Studying journalism was a little bit more of an impulsive decision and a
decision of convenience. While publishing and journalism are different,
they handle a lot of the same topics when it comes to working in media
and with writing.
- You started working with the Ballast team part time before finishing your
degree. What ultimately drew you to start your professional career in
publishing over journalism?
It was always going to be publishing for me! I love trade writing way more
than the style that journalists write in. I think learning about journalism
gives me a better understanding of the publishing industry’s relationship
with the media, but I’d never want to be a journalist myself.
- As a production editor, you work with authors through editing, design, and
much more. What would you say is your favorite part of the process?
I don’t know if I can choose just one area! But I love the illustration process
for our children’s books. It’s so much fun to help authors bring their stories
to life.
- Your authors might not know this, but you have the pleasure of working on
both Ballast and Blue Balloon Books projects. What do you like about
getting to work on such different types of projects?
Both of our imprints produce such amazing books! It’s really refreshing to
work with so many different genres—it keeps me on my toes.
- What advice can you share with authors about how they approach the
design phase of their book projects?
One piece of advice is to lean into what feels right! Sometimes the design
phase can feel intimidating if you aren’t familiar with the process, but that’s
what our quality control team is here for. We want to help produce the
most appealing book. Whether it’s the cover or the interior, we understand
that every detail should reflect your book’s vision!
- After helping several authors reach their goals of publishing their work, do
you see yourself publishing your own book one day?
Oh gosh. Younger me would like to think absolutely, but currently I’m not
sure if that’s something I’m really striving for. I love writing short stories,
but they might be better off left as drafts.
- Getting a book through production is often like fitting together the many
pieces of a puzzle. But you like actual puzzles as well! Tell us about your
puzzle skills. Is it a relaxing pastime or a finish-it-in-one-sitting type of
challenge for you?
It totally is like working through a puzzle! I love puzzling as a pastime,
often with a TV show or podcast on in the background. I’ve finished a
puzzle in one day before, but I prefer to take my time.
- You also like to craft! What is your favorite type of project to work on?
I’ve been really into embroidery recently! And I’m trying to convince my
roommate to teach me to crochet, although I’m not the most patient
student.
- What are your family and friends more likely to expect as a gift from you:
books, puzzles, or hand-crafted pieces?
I LOVE to give my loved ones books. It’s the easiest way to get them
interested in the books I like to read.
- Finally, what do you like to read for enjoyment? What are you currently
reading?
I try to read a little bit of everything, but recently I’ve been reading new
adult and modern fiction. I just finished Tom Lake by Ann Patchett!