tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post112915364411622533..comments2023-10-27T11:41:01.596-05:00Comments on SORMAG's Blog: PANEL: Meet The EditorLaShaundahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130378756573377662005-10-26T21:05:00.000-05:002005-10-26T21:05:00.000-05:00Hi Charlene,I'm curious why you chose to publish e...Hi Charlene,<BR/><BR/>I'm curious why you chose to publish ebooks instead of print?<BR/><BR/>Thanks for being here. <BR/><BR/><BR/>LaShaunda - OOLaShaundahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130372485205697482005-10-26T19:21:00.000-05:002005-10-26T19:21:00.000-05:00Diane69,Regarding what will be the hot genre down ...Diane69,<BR/>Regarding what will be the hot genre down the road a ways, I think it's anybody's guess (granted, some guesses are more educated or "in the know" than others). What we want at tantalizingtales.com are good stories, and we're looking for stories in every category. While our current inventory is heavy with erotica (or romantica) targeted at women, we're interested in any tale (or in non-fiction) that can be tantalizing to the brain or to the body. We're especially seeking African American romances/mysteries/erotica and vampire romances. In non-fiction, how-to advice on relationships, sexuality and wedding planning would be of interest to us. This has been fun and edifying and I want to thank Shades of Romance for having me on the panel. Keep on writing, everyone and best of luck!<BR/>Charlene KeelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130369960683297082005-10-26T18:39:00.000-05:002005-10-26T18:39:00.000-05:00Dear all:I'm looking for manuscripts that are 75,0...Dear all:<BR/>I'm looking for manuscripts that are 75,000-100,000 words long. If a novel can read like a single title (even if it's part of a series) I'd be interested in seeing it. Please feel free to send materials to me via Dorchester.<BR/>Monica HarrisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130355961939758932005-10-26T14:46:00.000-05:002005-10-26T14:46:00.000-05:00To all, Thank you. This has been the first time i'...To all, <BR/><BR/>Thank you. This has been the first time i've ever had a chance to actually chat with publishers, editors and the like and we as authors appreciate your honesty and advice with regards to publishing. I will certainly keep these in my "to do" notes. Thanks again!<BR/><BR/>Krista, thanks for the heads up!<BR/><BR/>Diane69Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130353422993150892005-10-26T14:03:00.000-05:002005-10-26T14:03:00.000-05:00Krista/Stacy/Monica/Charlene,Thank you all for you...Krista/Stacy/Monica/Charlene,<BR/><BR/>Thank you all for your detail responses. It helps to understand the whole process when submitting.<BR/>I appreciate it.<BR/><BR/>Shelia (Badge#16)Sheliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05734974809699446926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130351282364747012005-10-26T13:28:00.000-05:002005-10-26T13:28:00.000-05:00Hi, Diane69. Concerning hot genres--Steeple Hill (...Hi, Diane69. Concerning hot genres--Steeple Hill (an imprint of Harlequin) publishes to the Christian market, so we have a slightly different take on what's "hot" now. We're interested in romantic suspense and cozy mysteries, and would love to see some romances of women in the "sandwich" generation (stuck taking care of their parents AND kids) or romances of people serving in the military.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130349303849094442005-10-26T12:55:00.000-05:002005-10-26T12:55:00.000-05:00Stephanie,For a query, it is still reasonable to e...Stephanie,<BR/><BR/>For a query, it is still reasonable to expect a response within 1-2 months, even with the changes to BET and Kimani.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130349199460025342005-10-26T12:53:00.000-05:002005-10-26T12:53:00.000-05:00Jenna,In some ways, Mills and Boon, Harlequin, and...Jenna,<BR/><BR/>In some ways, Mills and Boon, Harlequin, and Silhouette are treated as separate publishers, but there is quite a bit of overlap between offices and between editors. (For example, I work out of the NY office, but I have several writers who write for the UK programs.) If you are already working with an editor for M&B, Harlequin or Silhouette, it's best to talk to your editor about other projects you'd like to submit. Sometimes the editor is willing to take a look at projects and pass them to other offices for you, and sometimes she prefers to have you submit directly to the other line. It's relatively common for an author to submit projects for one line that actually end up contracted for another line; if an editor likes a project, she will try to find a home for it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130348953842342132005-10-26T12:49:00.000-05:002005-10-26T12:49:00.000-05:00Stacy:Thank you for answering my questions--it is ...Stacy:<BR/>Thank you for answering my questions--it is greatly appreciated<BR/>--Leann 134Leann Writeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05295036966099718756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130348858911294652005-10-26T12:47:00.000-05:002005-10-26T12:47:00.000-05:00Monica Harris (and others) - What is the length fo...Monica Harris (and others) - <BR/><BR/>What is the length for trade paperbacks? I've heard everywhere from 75K to 300K. Do tighter books work better as trade? Or are longer books more the norm?<BR/><BR/>Jenna (08)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130348621029152022005-10-26T12:43:00.000-05:002005-10-26T12:43:00.000-05:00For Stacy Boyd:Hi, I actually queried Mavis Allen ...For Stacy Boyd:<BR/><BR/>Hi, I actually queried Mavis Allen earlier this month, before the news of the BET acquisition broke. I'm wondering, with all the changes going on over there, should I allow more time for a response, or is it still reasonable to expect a reply in 1-2 months?<BR/><BR/>Thanks!<BR/>Stephanie (#144)Stephanie Casherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06836138479209327886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130348514028025912005-10-26T12:41:00.000-05:002005-10-26T12:41:00.000-05:00Stacy Boyd - How do submissions work within Harleq...Stacy Boyd - <BR/><BR/>How do submissions work within Harlequin? I'm contracted with M&B (MX), but have novels targeted at other lines (Blaze, NEXT, Desire). Are M&B, HQ, and Silhouette treated as separate publishers? <BR/><BR/>How often does an editor tell an author - you've got the wrong line. e.g. this is a Desire not an MX, or a SIM, not an Intrigue?<BR/><BR/>Thanks - <BR/><BR/>Jenna Agent 08Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130348326492916352005-10-26T12:38:00.000-05:002005-10-26T12:38:00.000-05:00Thanks Stacy, i would love to query you and I am e...Thanks Stacy, i would love to query you and I am excited about the new imprint as well.<BR/><BR/>Diane69Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130346748115007722005-10-26T12:12:00.000-05:002005-10-26T12:12:00.000-05:00Diane69,The hot genres are always changing. Right ...Diane69,<BR/><BR/>The hot genres are always changing. Right now, I'm hearing a lot about paranormal romance and romantic suspense. But someone has to write the stories that will be hot tomorrow. Maybe that could be the kind of story you write. Just remember, the most important thing about any manuscript is that it is a good story, well told. As for where to shop your story, Harlequin has just purchased BET Books and, with the help of that group, they are starting a new AA imprint, Kimani Press, which launches in July 2006. Right now, Kimani's focus is romance, but I know they are open to other types of well written stories. Feel free to query me or Mavis Allen, the senior editor for Kimani, at the NY office contact address on our website, eharlequin.com.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130344857712939962005-10-26T11:40:00.000-05:002005-10-26T11:40:00.000-05:00Hi, Sheila -At tantalizingtales.com, we only launc...Hi, Sheila -<BR/>At tantalizingtales.com, we only launched a month ago, so the decision-making process here is currently much faster than at some of the more established houses. A submission passes through one pair of hands (mine) unless it's for our Gay/Lesbian category, and then it would be read by F.H. Craig and myself. The turnaround time at present is about a month but that could change because already we're getting lots of submissions. But we have a big bookstore to fill, so we welcome any and all submissions, and we're interested in fiction and non-fiction.<BR/>And certainly, if you haven't heard back within 90 days, you should contact the publisher to see what's happening. Regarding the niche in which your book fits - of course the author should have an idea which category to target, but it's more important to tell a good story. If it seems a book fits more into one than the other, or equally into more than one category - but it's a good story and well written - submit it and let the editor advise you as to where it will best fit. We'd be delighted to take a look at your trilogy. Best of luck with it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130344241323728062005-10-26T11:30:00.000-05:002005-10-26T11:30:00.000-05:00Question to All:What is the etiquette on multiple ...Question to All:<BR/><BR/>What is the etiquette on multiple submissions? I'm new to the game, so bear with me, I'm still in my learning curve :-) I've been reading the rule "No multiple submissions" as "no multiple submission of MANUSCRIPTS." But does this mean I shouldn't be querying multiple publishers at the same time as well? <BR/><BR/>Stephanie (#144)Stephanie Casherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06836138479209327886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130343965137992642005-10-26T11:26:00.000-05:002005-10-26T11:26:00.000-05:00For Karen Thomas:VERY Excited to hear you are acce...For Karen Thomas:<BR/><BR/>VERY Excited to hear you are accepting unagented submissions! On the Kensington site, it says you aren't... Piggy-backing on Diane's question, can you direct me to where I can find submission guidelines or an address to send a query??<BR/><BR/>Thanks,<BR/>Stephanie (#144)Stephanie Casherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06836138479209327886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130343460142898162005-10-26T11:17:00.000-05:002005-10-26T11:17:00.000-05:00Ms Thomas,You said that Dafina accepts unsolicited...Ms Thomas,<BR/><BR/>You said that Dafina accepts unsolicited submissions. What type of books are you looking for, and are you open to anything? If so, do you prefer someone query you first?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130343369308999612005-10-26T11:16:00.000-05:002005-10-26T11:16:00.000-05:00For Monica Harris:I've completed a ms which defini...For Monica Harris:<BR/><BR/>I've completed a ms which definitely fits into the multicultural romance genre, and was interested in submitting to Dorchester's new line... But it is the middle book in a 3-part series, and the prequel is definitely NOT a romance (ethnic chick-lit, hero and heroine don't end up together), and the sequel is more along the lines of AA women's fiction. Since you are interested primarily in romance, would you consider a project like this, or should I not be submitting to romance editors?? And is this the kind of info you would like outlined in a query letter?<BR/><BR/>Thanks in advance for your time :-) I have a major case of genre-angst and all this information is so helpful!<BR/><BR/>Stephanie (#144)Stephanie Casherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06836138479209327886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130343108958927072005-10-26T11:11:00.000-05:002005-10-26T11:11:00.000-05:00Hi, Tray:You probably already know that it's very ...Hi, Tray:<BR/>You probably already know that it's very difficult for a new, unpublished writer to get an established agent who already has roster of published authors. I certainly don't believe that agents who represent new writers are not worth their salt. I mean, we all have to start somewhere. If you can sign a contract with an agent for no more than two years, and if that contract doesn't prevent you from submitting your work yourself to publishers, I'd say - go for it! And always remember, an agent (no matter how big or small) works for you, and not the other way around. You should be able to ask your agent to submit you work to your own Desirable Submit List. And you should be able to get regular updates from your agent about what's happening with your book.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130342786665775442005-10-26T11:06:00.000-05:002005-10-26T11:06:00.000-05:00Good Morning, LaShaunda -While a letterhead may be...Good Morning, LaShaunda -<BR/>While a letterhead may be attractive, I'm more interested in what the letter says and how it's written (which is a clue as to how the author expresses herself).<BR/><BR/>Re: Query and First Chapter - only if the submission guidelines ask for a first chapter. Remember, editors get dozens (sometimes hundreds) of submissions and besides, they know what kinds of stories they're looking for. If the query describes a book that she's not looking for, it's unlikely that that unasked for first chapter will be read. Always follow the submission guidelines. They exist for a reason, and going by the rules shows your respect for the publisher.<BR/><BR/>As for getting your book professionally edited, it would depend on how you (honestly) judge your own attributes and limitations. If you feel you're weak in spelling, punctuation and grammar, then by all means you should have someone with those skills take a look at your work (without spending a fortune to do so). As for story and character development, I'd advise having a critique partner or a friend or relative you trust to be completely honest (but not too brutal) read your work before you submit. Good luck!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130342067133871612005-10-26T10:54:00.000-05:002005-10-26T10:54:00.000-05:00Hi, Meri -I'm Charlene Keel, publisher/editor of w...Hi, Meri -<BR/>I'm Charlene Keel, publisher/editor of <BR/>www.tantalizingtales.com, and I'm in<BR/>the process of signing an author of a self-published book. What interested<BR/>me first was the story and the setting. I was also intrigued by the<BR/>fact that she had the gumption to put it into print herself. As you know,<BR/>the print market is highly competitive, moreso than the e-books market (which is also pretty competitive). So that author got my attention by getting it done herself. By having her book in print, she was able to get reviews, which are important. But I'll take a look at any tale that seems tantalizing. Hope that answers your question. Please feel free to submit your work to us.<BR/>Charlene KeelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130341962407308832005-10-26T10:52:00.000-05:002005-10-26T10:52:00.000-05:00Dear All: I would feel free to drop the editor a l...Dear All: <BR/>I would feel free to drop the editor a line to ask about the status of your submission if three months have gone by without a word. In the note, I would also state that you will send it off to others if you don't hear word back after four weeks, after all you've given the publisher time and notification of your intentions.<BR/><BR/>Dorchester is happy to look at published authors' work with or without an agent.<BR/><BR/>At the moment, Dorchester is looking for titles that are strong on romance. General market romantic suspense will not fit our present program.<BR/><BR/>Monica HarrisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130339503914318672005-10-26T10:11:00.000-05:002005-10-26T10:11:00.000-05:00Question to the panel:As editors, what are you loo...Question to the panel:<BR/><BR/>As editors, what are you looking for? What are the hot genre's of today? And if a certain book is not what in that genre, would you still take a look at it? I am finding after querying many agents, that they are looking for "whats hot now?" instead of "the diamond in the ruff", or "what could be hot tomorrow, if given the chance." The Suspense/thriller field for AA's is something i would like to see more of, and it is also the genre that i love to write, where should i shop my novels, because even though there is some romance, they are not necessarily romantic suspense?<BR/><BR/>Diane69Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1130337946468205492005-10-26T09:45:00.000-05:002005-10-26T09:45:00.000-05:00Hello everyone! Thanks for having me on your panel...Hello everyone! Thanks for having me on your panel. If you have any questions about Silhouette Books, Harlequin Books or Luna Books, I'll be in and out of the blog all day. Now for some answers to questions.<BR/><BR/>POD/self-published books: Neither Luna Books nor Silhouette Books has set out to pick up a POD or self-published book for reprint. However, we did go to contract with a fantasy author (Jeri Smith-Ready) on a new project after I read--and loved--her POD/e-book *Requiem for the Devil*. It can be difficult to pick up POD/self-published titles (unless they've already sold extremely well) because the publishing house would have to deal with these as reprints. (However, keep in mind, editors are always interested in well-written projects, self-published or not.) As for Shelia's question about the submission preference for self-published authors, it's best to submit a new work, but to let the editor know about your publishing history.<BR/><BR/>Queries/professional letterhead and first chapters: Professional letterhead is by no means necessary. A neat, well-written letter that provides all essential information (contact info, writing experience, what the book is about) is all that is needed. If you send a first chapter, this won't hurt you, but if the query instructions/submisison guidelines don't ask for a chapter there is no need to send one.<BR/><BR/>Professional editing: At Silhouette and Luna we do not require professional editing before the submission is turned in. However, each project should be as grammatically clean as possible and the story should be an example of the writer's best work. (If you aleady know the story sags in the middle or has a few logic problems, it's not ready for submission.) If our editors are interested in acquiring the project, we'll be happy to work with you to make the story even stronger.<BR/><BR/>Agents for new writers: Most writers are benefitted by working with an agent, and a few lucky new writers have their first books put up for auction and/or sold to production companies because they have an agent who really believes in them. (Those kinds of deals don't happen without agents.) Plus, many houses don't accept unagented submissions, although Silhouette and Luna both do. As for what type of agent you want, that would depend on what you write and what kind of books/writers the agent represents.<BR/><BR/>Shelia, the number of hands on a manuscript, for Silhouette and Luna, depends on who is buying the project and for what line or imprint. It could be as few as one editor and as many as half a dozen. Each project has its own timetable as well. Decisions can be made in days, weeks, and--most common--months.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com