RACHEL BIEDERMANN STAFF WRITER
After leaving Wartburg last spring, Karris Golden has pursued a job with W&A Publishing in Cedar Falls.
Golden, former administrator and editor of the Wartburg Magazine, is currently assisting financial professionals and encouraging them to write their stories even though they may have little background with publishing a book.
“Unlike most book publishers, most of the writers I work with are not ‘traditional’ authors. That is, they tend to be financial and investment professionals who happen to have an incredible idea for a book. They’re not necessarily people who always dreamed they’d become authors,” Golden said.
Golden said she considers her job interesting and challenging. She also believes there is something worthwhile in helping someone write their book.
“When I say I’ll edit someone’s book, I promise to help. It’s not my story. It’s not my book. My job is to be of service to the writer…to help them tell their story, their way. There is the added duty of being the bridge between the writer’s vision and the publisher’s overall mission,” Golden said.
Golden applies her past experiences from The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier and the Wartburg Magazine to her life now.
“The first article I published was in 1999 and I have never stopped or taken a break. I continue because I honestly appreciate that I’m able to serve my community that way,” Golden said.
“Is there someone who could do a better job? Maybe. But they couldn’t appreciate it more.”
Saul Shapiro, director of communication and marketing, worked with Golden at The Courier and at Wartburg.
“She was very meticulous with her work. She took a great deal of pride in her magazine and took it to the next level. What the magazine is today is largely due to her efforts,” Shapiro said.
Golden previously worked at Wartburg for eight years. She not only worked as the editor of Wartburg Magazine, but she also taught writing courses, supervised work study students and worked with students interested in getting their work published.
After various careers and accomplishments, Golden has advice for those students who want to be successful and career driven.
“Your work ethic is the most important thing you bring to the table. Period. You can be the best there is, but if your work ethic is poor, your work is essentially meaningless,” she said.
Golden has made a lasting impression on Wartburg.
“She was a consummate professional. You always knew she would set a high bar for herself. . .A true advocate on behalf of the college,” Shapiro said.