What most interested you about becoming an acquisitions editor?
I had worked in book publishing several years earlier in my career, first as an editorial assistant, then as an acquisitions editor for a trade publisher. I worked on everything from cookbooks to biographies to novels. I have always enjoyed working with books and with the people who write them. When the opportunity came available to become an acquisitions editor here at SAS, I knew immediately that's what I wanted to do.

What will your new position involve?
I will be working with authors already under contract with SAS Press, helping them complete their books. I will arrange for technical reviews of the manuscript and help the author respond to reviewers' comments and suggestions. Finally, when everyone is satisfied that the book is correct and complete, I will pass it along for copy editing, working with the copy editor and author to put the finishing touches on the book. I will also work with graphic designers to try to find just the right physical design of the book. Though most of my job will start after the contract is signed and end prior to the creation of the finished book, I am interested in the whole range of the process, from initial idea through the marketing.

How do you enjoy spending your free time?
A lot of my free time is spent outdoors. Soon after joining SAS, I began running regularly again, an activity I had gradually given up over the years. In the past few years, I have entered several marathons. While not breaking any speed records, I enjoy getting outside for long runs, sometimes with groups and sometimes alone. I also recently began backpacking again after many years. Last year, my son and I spent seven days on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia.