We were lucky to catch up with Cassandra Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Cassandra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?
I once read a quote that has stuck with me for a long time: “You can’t lose if you don’t quit.” While it has led to perhaps some unhealthy habits, such as overworking and putting lots of pressure on myself, overall the message is comforting. I’ve modified it to mean also taking care of myself. If I ensure my mental and physical health, I can always get back up and try again–if I keep moving, there will be success down the line.
I also refer to Neil Gaiman’s quote (don’t we all?) about climbing the mountain: “And I knew that as long as I kept walking towards the mountain I would be all right. And when I truly was not sure what to do, I could stop, and think about whether it was taking me towards or away from the mountain.” I suppose my thoughts on what it takes to be successful are as simple as that: keep moving and improving with intentionality, no matter what.
Cassandra , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m an editor with eight years of professional experience in the publishing industry and am interested in accessibility and genre fiction. I am a LOTR enthusiast, a sci-fi nerd, a bodybuilder, a sword-swinger, a girl-punk band listener, and a certified tea master.
Before moving into comics and working with IDW, I worked as a managing editor with Page Street Publishing where I helped usher young adult novels into the world. I’m most recognized as the editor and creator of the anthology Let Her Be Evil, which raised 25k in its fund-raising campaign and is out in the world with readers as we speak!
I’m passionate about helping queer writers publish their stories. Contact me for any assistance at all!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
This question is simple and applies to any market: Follow through on what you said you were going to do. Follow through on edits, on paying people fairly, on hitting your deadlines. If you are accountable, consistent, and open to feedback, more work will always come–as well as trust from your collaborators.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creator is definitely seeing the message of your work connect with others. I write a lot about depression and anxiety, and knowing that there are other people out there who feel the same as I do, have taken comfort in what I’ve created, or are inspired by making their own work because of the art I’ve made is so fulfilling. As Kamiya Dawson says, “I got good at feeling bad, and that’s why I’m still here.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cassandrajonesediting.com/
- Instagram: hellocentral4212
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-jones-48aa71125/
- Twitter: @CassAnnJones