Tom Colgan, senior editor at Penguin Publishing, discusses his role as an editorial director and the process of acquiring and editing books. He explains that as an editorial director, he supervises other editors and works on science fiction, fantasy, and mystery/thriller books. Tom shares how he got into publishing and the joy he finds in working with authors to discuss their books and ideas. He also talks about the importance of catching factual errors and maintaining credibility in books. In this conversation, Tom Colgan and Travis Davis discuss the world of publishing and offer advice for aspiring authors. They talk about the enduring popularity of certain books, the importance of writing from the heart, and the various publishing options available today. Tom emphasizes the need to write what you love and not chase market trends, while Travis highlights the importance of marketing and brand awareness. They also touch on the role of agents and the benefits and challenges of self-publishing. Overall, the conversation encourages writers to stay true to their passion and find their own path in the publishing industry.