Professionals from the business of publishing and editing are visiting WSU to educate student writers as part of this spring’s Visiting Writer Series.

Co-director Linda Russo said the English department is kicking off a new opportunity for students to receive a publishing and editing certificate through the university. Russo said the department offers a one-credit workshop one semester of the year, in which they invite someone from the business of publishing to teach students. This year, actor and author Dinah Lenney and New England Review editor Marcia Parlow will visit.

“Dinah is someone who can wear both hats – published writer, editor, written a few books,” Russo said. “We try to bring in working writers who write as a part of their daily life.”

Lenney has appeared on TV dramas such as “Law and Order,” “ER,” and “Sons of Anarchy.” She has also written multiple books including “Bigger than Life: A Murder, a Memoir,” and “Acting for Young Actors.” Lenney said she attributes her success to failing over and over again.

“I’ve failed at both acting and writing,” Lenney said. “You have to be willing to fail. It’s frustrating, disappointing and hard, but also motivating and worth it, which is why I keep doing it – failing and trying to fail better.”

Lenney offers valuable advice to young writers looking to succeed in the business of publishing and editing.

“Read. Read as much as you can, as widely as you can,” Lenney said. “Read and listen to music (because you need a good ear), and look at art (because you need a good eye)—but especially read.”

Students who attend the Visiting Writer Series workshops will get the chance to ask professionals like Lenney important questions about their career. Co-director and English professor Debbie Lee said students can learn something from the visiting authors that they can’t learn in the classroom.

“We, as professors, work with students on the art and craft of writing but this series teaches the business side – what skills do you need? How do you market yourself?” Lee said. “The nitty-gritty business side – something students don’t see as much in an academic classroom.”

Lee also said she, along with Russo, are working to make the Visiting Writer’s Series available and applicable to students of all majors.

“All students can sign up for the workshop, and it is free so long as it fits within their tuition requirements,” Russo said. “It’s important for students to learn about the business of publishing and editing in today’s world.”

The department will offer two workshops, one with each visiting professional. To sign up, students should contact an adviser from the English department and spaces are still available, Russo said. The workshops run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 2-5 in the CUE.

Lenney reads and answer questions at a presentation at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Museum of Art. The event is free for anyone to attend.

In addition, a roundtable discussion will be held in the Honor’s Lounge Friday, featuring Marcia Parlow. Parlow, a managing editor for the New England Review since 2013 will join Stephanie Lenox, founder and editor of Blood Orange Review, Scott Slovic, editor of ISLE:Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment, and Alexandra Teague, faculty adviser for Fugue at the roundtable.

Parlow said her job as managing editor has taught her a lot and helped her confirm things she already knew about publishing. Publishing is not a business you go into for anything but the love of the language, story, and to see the truth that emerges as each piece develops, she said. Parlow said the job also has also taught her a lot about herself.

“What I’ve learned most is more about myself – that to see a writer emerge is like watching your children take their first steps,” Parlow said. “They’re excited, you’re excited, and you have no idea where it will take them. I can’t wait to get to work each morning and see what that day has to bring.”

Parlow said she offers one particular piece of advice to current college students, and that is to do everything they possibly can.

“Roll up your sleeves and do anything you’re lucky enough to do,” Parlow said. “Find a publisher you like and volunteer to do all those projects that are on their back burner. Shelve books. Organize review copies. Do data entry. Anything.”

Parlow said everything that goes into a submission is valuable, whether it’s an intern’s job or something she does as managing editor.

“Nothing should ever be passed up because it’s not your idea of a glamorous job in publishing,” Parlow said. “It’s all valuable.”