Publishers have been working with and relying on those in the gig economy — freelancers — since before the gig economy was even a thing. When those relationships go well, freelancers can play a vital role in ensuring that a publisher’s design, editorial, and other processes run smoothly and efficiently. Budgets and deadlines are met, quality books are produced, everyone’s happy! But what happens when expectations collide, communication slips or the hired-out work is not up to par? And if you’ve never worked with, or as, a freelancer, what are some best practices for getting started? Join MBPR for this January’s luncheon and listen in as four panelists seasoned in the art of working with or as freelancers discuss tips and tools, strategies and skills for creating and maintaining healthy freelancer-publisher relationships. The panel discussion will close with time for Q&A.

About Our Panelists

Laura J. Westlund is managing editor of the University of Minnesota Press. She has also worked as a freelance translator, writer, editor, and proofreader. Along with her work in publishing, she is an Art Hound for Minnesota Public Radio and a tour guide at the Weisman Art Museum.

James Kegley is currently the art director for 1517 Media’s line of trade books. Previously, he spent twelve years at the Quarto Publishing Group as a design manager, working on book design as well as marketing materials and branding. In these positions, he has worked with numerous freelance designers, illustrators, and photographers. In 2018 he ventured into the freelance design field himself, focused primarily on book design and layout. He is a graduate of the College of Visual Arts (long live CVA).

Kim Winscher is a freelance graphic designer. She graduated from the Minneapolis Arts Institute with a focus on graphic design. She started her career as a design manager/art director for Quayside Publishing before becoming a freelancer. She has been freelancing for more than ten years. Past and current clients include Latitude, the New Normal, Hogarth International, Bare Honey, and the Quarto Group.

Madeleine Vasaly is a former in-house and current freelance copyeditor, developmental editor, and proofreader (among other things). Most of her clients are publishers of trade nonfiction books, but she also works with packagers, self-publishing authors, nonprofits, creative agencies, and other people who work with words. In addition to her freelance business, she is the senior editor and co-head of the nonprofit news and culture site Twin Cities Geek and a board member with the Professional Editors Network.