Patience Bloom, Senior Editor for Harlequin Romantic Suspense, has her own blog on writing–RomanceIsMyDayJob.wordpress.com. She’s volunteered (was coaxed!) to let us repurpose some of those posts here! This one seemed like the perfect introduction….
How to Impress an Editor…
I was thinking a lot this week about what pleases me as an editor free coffee, a day of no meetings, Starbucks downstairs. Often it’s an writer’s preparedness, flexibility and niceness–and talent, too. Over the years I’ve met a lot of authors at conferences and came up with a list of ways to stand out to an editor. Of course, it’s more important to deliver the best work possible, but in addition to this, some tips to remember:
Don’t worry about being nervous (you should see me the day before I travel). Just come prepared and ready to talk about your story, however you want to pitch it.
I’m not a fan of elevator pitches, but I give kudos for persistence.
Edit your work thoroughly. It’s so satisfying to see a proposal that is typo-free and grammatically sound. Never leave all the work to the editor.
Know the publisher. As with a job interview, you want to investigate a company and read its books, understand each imprint, and the submission process. This will give you more control, as well. Informed is well armed–and a confidence booster.
Professionalism: Be nice. I can’t say that 100% of writers I’ve worked with are sugar and spice and everything nice, but a professional/cordial demeanor certainly motivates me to work harder. It’s crazy, I know, but if a person asks me politely for help, I want to do whatever it takes. Barking and ordering makes everyone miserable. Isn’t life is too short?
Optimism: The more positive you are about your work, the more I want to know about it. Writing can be a lonely business, but regardless of the storm cloud over your head, pretending optimism can go a long way, even if it’s only for 10 minutes with an editor. Then get yourself a piece of cake (that’s what I do).
Flexibility: I love when a writer can take criticism and make her story even better than she’d imagined. Revising doesn’t hurt. And if it does hurt too much or feel off, maybe you’re getting questionable advice.
Know a little something about the editor you’re pitching to. This is not a must, but I tend to remember people who are aware of what books I work on, my author base, maybe my favorite band (Duran Duran). It’s called narcissism.
Never give up on this dream. I always love hearing about a writer’s first sale after years and years of writing. I’m a prime example, though I didn’t try to publish as actively as most romance writers. After decades, I even took a break to not write and sometimes you need those hiatuses. No matter what your situation, just don’t give up on anything that you want so passionately. This will impress an editor.
Thanks, Patience! Her own memoir, Romance Is My Day Job, is coming out next February. Meanwhile, catch her on Twitter at @PatienceBloom or find out more about Harlequin Romantic Suspense through their Writing Guidelines, Harlequin Community Forums, or at #HarlequinRomanticSuspense.
Happy Reading–and writing!
11 replies on “How to Impress an Editor by Patience Bloom”
Great tips! I am loving all the information I’m getting here…makes breaking in seem not quite so intimidating.
Thanks for these excellent tips! Also, Duran Duran rocks.
Thanks Patience for all the helpful hints. I think the Harlequin Community is the best.
This is fantastic piece! I think it helps to find an editor that shares in the same interest as the writer. I’m an ADHD specialist & Sp.Ed teacher. That’s an interesting fit to find. 🙂
The very first thing that impressed me about HQN was the out pouring of support and kindness to new writers. This blog is prime example of good people wanting great things for others. I love it!
Oh good – I’m glad Patience is letting you post her blogs over here.
I’ve visited her blog a couple times and really enjoyed it.
By you posting it here as well, I won’t miss out on anything!
Thanks.
Thanks for all your comments! Isn’t this new SOLD blog fantastic?
Yes
Great things to know before submitting.!
Thank for your work.
I love the new SOLD blog! Thanks for the wonderful tips. I love the
free coffee, a day of no meetings, Starbucks downstairspart!Yep, sometimes it’s the simple things that make editors happy!
Glad you’re enjoying these tips and the insight–we’re trying to give some variety.
Happy writing–and reading!
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!