Today we’d like to introduce you to Latoya Smith.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my editorial career as an administrative assistant to New York Times bestselling author, Teri Woods at Teri Woods Publishing while pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. I graduated Cum Laude from Temple in August of 2005. Afterwards, I attained a full-time position at Kensington Publishing in March of 2006. In October 2006, I joined Grand Central Publishing, an imprint at Hachette Book Group. I worked there for eight years and during this time I acquired a variety of titles from hardcover fiction and non-fiction, to digital romance and erotica. I left New York and moved to Atlanta, GA for a new start and from August 2014 to February 2016, I was Executive Editor at Samhain Publishing where I acquired short and long-form romance and erotic fiction. When I got laid off from Samhain in February 2016, I immediately went to social media and announced that I was forming my own company, LCS Literary Services. I got a website designed, created business cards and went to as many conferences and book events, promoting myself and my company. Since then I have returned to New York and for the past nine years, I have run LCS Literary where I have worn a number of hats including founder, literary agent, developmental editor, speaker, consultant and ghostwriter.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest challenge was financial. Trying to figure out how to make ends meet and no longer being able to rely on a steady income. It’s a constant hustle which means you have to be willing to learn new things and be able to pivot when necessary in order to survive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Being in this business for almost twenty-five years, I have worked in just about every facet of book publishing. I am most known for developmental editing and literary representation. I am proud of the books I have assisted in getting into the world and also from the accolades I have received over the years. I was featured in Publishers Weekly, Forbes and USA Today, as well as on various author, book conference, and book blogger websites. In early 2014, I appeared on CSpan2 where I contributed to a panel discussing the state of book publishing. I am also the winner of the 2012 RWA Golden Apple for Editor of the Year, 2017 Golden Apple for Agent of the Year, and the 2017 Literary Jewels Award for Editor of the Year. My experience working in corporate publishing as well as running my own company sets me apart from others.
What were you like growing up?
I have always loved books and grew up reading constantly. I never thought I would have a career in book publishing but I am thankful that my drive, determination, and support circle has kept me grounded and pushing forward even through the tough times. I have always been passionate and driven and am not afraid to take risks or take on challenges. I love to have fun and enjoy life by spending time with family and friends, traveling or curling up with a good book.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lcsliterary.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcsliterary/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092308633125
- Twitter: https://x.com/LCSLiterary
