The Best Job He Ever Had
...ough most authors believe their book can stand on it’s own merits, Emile’s company understands the importance of everyone on the sales team knowing the message the author is trying to convey. For this reason the publisher will invite the author to headquarters to meet those who will be working on the project. These individuals will listen to the author explain what he or she is trying to convey in the book and then will have the opportunity to ask questions. Once everyone understands the basic message of the book, it is easier to produce and market it. Emile has found that by listening and talking to an author, he can gain valuable insight for copyediting purposes. “Anyone can copyedit a book,” he told his mother. “But to copyedit it with a slant toward the author’s message, that is the difference between an average book and a bestseller.” In addition to meeting the author, Emile is assigned to a work team that consists of all in-house personnel who will be responsible for turning out the book. This group is responsible for making all the decisions associated with its publication. Typically, Emile is asked to copyedit a book within twenty working days . The rest of his time on the project is spent discussing the cover with the design artist and the promotion program with the advertising people. When recently asked what he likes about his job, Emile said, “This work really gives me an opportunity to be creative and show what I can do. I love helping turn out a completed project and then watching its release and sale to the public. I feel like I’m helping create something rather than just reworking words on a page. This is the best job I’ve ever had.” Questions 1. Which of the core job dimensions are present in Emile’s current job? – Skill Variety – Emile not only copyedits the book, using motor skills, he also helps with the cover art and marketing tasks, enabling him to use intellectual skills. Task Variety – Emile not only works on the copyediting for the book, he also gets to share in the creative processes of both the cover art and the marketing strategy of the book. Task Identity – Emile works on the total production / publication of the book, versus a limited portion, for example, copyediting only. Task Significance – Emile’s is able to see the effect of his work on the book by measuring the books sales success. Knowing he had a...