CHAPTER 3
Juggling the Independent Project Portfolio
“Everything I do is a project,” Patrick says. “At any given moment, I’m managing between five and ten simultaneous projects. I complete over fifty projects each year—all with a tiny staff, under tough conditions, and with a lot of uncontrollable events, such as getting manuscripts from people who have the knowledge but not the writing skill.”
Patrick’s office and the small work area for his publishing team are normally buried in a sea of paper. Manuscripts, galley proofs, paste-ups, and printing contracts show the large number of projects going on. A metal scheduling board highlights key deadlines and issues, but Patrick says it’s more honored in the breach than in the observance.
Everyone ...
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