Understanding the Realm of Publishing with Rod Colvin
On March 10 I interviewed Rod Colvin, the representative of Addicus Books. The aforementioned independent press is responsible for publishing many nonfiction books working with professionals of different avenues such as physicians, lawyers, and doctors. Colvin is not only the founder of Addicus Books but is a working publisher there as well.
“Of course, my day begins with checking emails and then standing up to my interviewer,” Rod Colvin chuckles over the phone. “I’ve just gotten over influenza, which affected my cognition at the time. So according to Google, that’s my best excuse. But I’m still very sorry, you have my full attention.”
From broadcasting to branching out into publishing, Colvin has had a unique pathway into how he found his calling. “I got bitten by the journalism bug, and so I became a full-time news reporter, and eventually news director,” he explains, emphasizing his delight in developing stories, which he later says became the catalyst for his specialty as a Developmental Editor.
“It's when an editor takes a thorough scope into a manuscript. Reach through it. But you know, page by page tells the author what the manuscript needs. For example, you know my notes, and I send this in writing.” Colvin elucidates, while further showing how a Developmental Editor brings clarity, organization, and tone to bring a book together holistically.
In addition to being a publisher, Colvin has authored his work in nonfiction which only cemented his passion for “writing and presenting information,” he says, which also gives him insight into the current trends that will happen within the industry. With the advancement of technology, the internet proves itself to be a strong contender against the traditional publishing presses. “So people can download an ebook and have the information in their hands,” he
expresses, further diving into the newer world of self-publishing that many authors have started doing.
Although the newer option of self-publishing has grabbed the attention of many authors, there are still many advantages that the traditional way of publishing has, especially for Colvin’s
audience. “It’s gone very well, we’ve worked with a lot of doctors. Now I’ve come across doctors who write well, but sometimes they get stuck in their language, their medical speak when it has to be done for people that aren’t experts in the field,” he added.
When asked whom he attributes his influence to, Colvin accredits his mentors and friends. “I had a mentor in Florida. I found her at the time she worked at Writers Magazine.” he acknowledged because not only did his mentor give him hands-on experience working in publishing, but also helped him publish his first book titled First Heroes, which detailed the fate of those who were prisoners of war (POWs) that were left behind in Vietnam. Furthermore, to those who supported him, it was a dear friend who suggested the name Addicus Books for his company which became the same name that many people know today.
A major theme that Colvin notes is gaining skills through any kind of work related to what the individual seeks to do. “Any experience you have will be a teacher to you.” he expresses, along with following through with one’s passion in a field no matter where they come from.
Those interested in Colvin’s work or want to read works of nonfiction published by Addicus Books can find everything here.