Monday, August 31, 2009

DigiReady Update

Two weeks ago we completed the first two DigiReady training seminars. We trained 16 freelancers and 11 additional internal editors for a total of 15 trained internal editors. We surveyed them, and the results are overall positive. The general findings are:
  1. Being 100% DigiReady is critical to our future
  2. We are far ahead of our competition
  3. DigiReady will increase our sales
  4. DigiReady will streamline our processes
  5. DigiReady will improve our quality
  6. Need to train other freelancers working with editors
  7. DigiReady is going to put additional pressure on editor's limited time

The final point #7 is not a surprise. It does put additional time pressure on our editors. Through the numerous DigiReady pilots, however, we have learned that DigiReady gets noticeably easy after about three titles. Like most things in life, there is a learning curve. And, the DigiReady team is looking for ways to always improve the process.

#6 we will be addressing with an additional training seminar in November for freelancers. We are finding most freelancers see the DigiReady training as a way for them to be more valuable to Thomas Nelson and other publishers, which they are!

Nelson editors...don't forget about the follow up internal training on November 10. Not only is it a chance for us to get together and discuss issues, but you can win prizes!! We will have $50 gift cards for the winners of certain categories and a grand prize of a new Kindle 2 for the editor that we feel best utilizes the DigiReady process. The categories are:

  • Most MSS
  • Most Accurate MSS
  • Most Complex MSS
  • Best Success Story
  • Worst Nightmare Story

Again, a big thanks to our hardworking editors and freelancers for making Nelson a publishing leader.

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