Love vs. Like

It's interesting to me, as a writer, to experience things from an editor's point-of-view.  It's actually quite enlightening to see things from the other side of the desk, so to speak.  One thing I've learned recently is that there's a *huge* difference between what happens with "I love this manuscript!" and "I like this manuscript."  Even if I liked it a lot.

There was one book that I loved, but wasn't able to acquire because none of my fellow editors shared my enthusiasm.  Maybe they liked it, but they didn't love it.

There have been several manuscripts that I've liked.  Really liked.  They were perfectly enjoyable reads, and very well-written.  And yet....that certain X-factor just wasn't there for me.  And here's the thing--an editor has to love a manuscript in order to acquire it.  Why?  Because first you have to convince the rest of your "team" (whether that means editorial, or marketing/sales) that your house *must* have the book.  I know that sounds easy-peasy, but it isn't.  Then, once you've acquired it, you have to be willing to read the manuscript a million times.  A zillion, even.  Over and over again, until you probably know every word by heart.

I've had to turn down books I've liked.  Good books.  Some really good books.  

What does this mean to me, as a writer?  That rejections aren't equivalent to "your book sucks" or "don't quit your day job."  That an editor could very well have enjoyed my book--even thought it well written and fun.  That they even might have liked it a lot.  They just didn't love it.  And you know what?   That's okay.  We can't all "love" the same things--if we did, the world would be a boring place.  Imagine if everyone loved vanilla ice cream.  Why would anyone bother with any other flavors?  What's the point, if everyone loves vanilla?  But in reality, everyone doesn't.  Some people eat vanilla ice cream and think, "Eh."  Others actually hate it.  That's why there's chocolate.  And strawberry.  And rocky road.  And pistachio.

There's nothing wrong with being the pistachio.

Rejection Letters...

My "lesson learned" this week as a newbie editor was not a fun one, but here it is:  Sending a rejection letter is pretty much as hard as being on the receiving end of one.  Yup.  I think I can safely say that this is the part of the job that I will enjoy the least.

MAGNETIC SHIFT

I am so very excited to tell you about my first project as an editor for Spencer Hill Contemporary--Lucy D. Briand's MAGNETIC SHIFT!  You can read more about it HERE on the author's blog, but here's what you need to know:  a kick-ass heroine who can manipulate metal with the flick of a wrist; a hot, young race car driver; some deep, dark secrets; and a super-cool NASCAR setting.  Yes, NASCAR! Considering the fact that I'm a die-hard NASCAR fan, this book is *perfect* for my SHC editorial debut, right?!

Coming Feb. 2016!  Yes, I know--that seems forever away, but I'm so excited that the book's release will coincide with Daytona Speedweek!  Just *think* about the promo opportunities!

Lucy is a fabulous author and a lovely person--I'm so lucky to work with her!  Yay!

My first acquisition!

Woo hoo, I've just successfully acquired my first manuscript for Spencer Hill Press/Spencer Hill Contemporary!  And...it's not even a contemporary.  Go figure.  I can't wait till I can share the details--I'm so excited about this book, and about working with this lovely author.  YAY!

How's that for a teaser?!

Welcome!

Hi, there!  I've decided to abandon my old LiveJournal blog (a relic of the past), and set up shop here on Blogger, instead.  Seems like a good place to collect my random musings on writing, editing, and everything in between.

Right now, I'm in one of those lull periods, where writing is concerned--awaiting the release of my next book, MAGNOLIA (Aug. '14 from Simon Pulse), writing and submitting proposals for new books (for the record, I am *so* excited about what I hope will be my next realistic fic YA, tentatively titled THE SEA BETWEEN, set in a Florida-panhandle beach town), and feeling generally anxious and excited, all at once.  MAGNOLIA is my first realistic fic YA, and it's set in a fictional small-town in northern Mississippi (near Ole Miss).  As a graduate of Southern Miss, I'm excited to "revisit" the Magnolia State, fictionally-speaking, and I hope to travel there in August to promote the book.  You know what they say...

(Thanks to the lovely Amber at GrownUpFangirl.com for the fab graphic!)

But I'm also setting sail on a new adventure--editing for Spencer Hill Press/Spencer Hill Contemporary.  I'm looking forward to acquiring some fabulous new contemporary YAs along the lines of books by Stephanie Perkins, Rainbow Rowell, Jennifer E. Smith, etc.  Cross-over into NA territory is fine!  I'm also open to acquiring outstanding YAs with paranormal/sci-fi/psychic elements, especially if they have a solid contemporary "feel" to them.  Right now, we're only open to agented submissions, though there's usually an "open sub" period at least once a year.  For more info, feel free to hit me up at kcook@spencerhillcontemporary.com.

That's it for now!  Thanks for dropping by.