Rachel Kramer Bussel chats with Allworth Press Associate Editor Jessica Rozler about the books she works on: practical, legal, and business guides for people who work in creative fields:

Mediabistro: Does a potential author need to be an expert in the field they're pitching, or already working in that field, in order to write a guide?

Rozler: It is very important that our authors have experience and background in the field they're pitching. Many of our authors are working photographers, graphic designers, actors, and musicians. We also have a lot of authors who having teaching experience in the particular fields they write about. That's always a good thing. Right now I'm working on a book called Your Career in Animation: How to Survive and Thrive. The author, David B. Levy, has extensive work experience as an animation artist and teaching experience at Parsons School of Design and School of Visual Arts. We love to see that.

Mediabistro: When you're acquiring a book, how much relevance does the author's long-term potential have?

Rozler: When we sign up a book, it's because the particular title is of interest to us, and the author seems like she has knowledge, credibility, and a presence in her field and is able to organize her thoughts for the scope of a book. Initially, we aren't really looking at long-term potential. However, if the author proves to be knowledgeable, professional, and cooperative, and has an interest in writing about related topics, we are eager to make a long-term relationship.

More here.