Magical Musings

Guest Blogger: Megan McKeever, Assistant Editor at Pocket Books

January 26th, 2008 by Michelle Diener

Hello everyone! When Michelle kindly asked me to be a guest blogger on this wonderful site, I don’t think I completely thought this through before saying yes. Ladies and gentlemen, I edit other people’s writing, I don’t often write myself! *sigh* But I love books, I love publishing, and most importantly I love writers so I’ll make an exception for all of you! (Alright, I have a few sentences down already and it’s been relatively pain free. Maybe I can do this…)

Writers fascinate me. The ability to be so creative – and so disciplined – is really remarkable. Everyone has ideas that float around in their heads from time to time, but to actually make them coherent to other people, put them down on paper, and then stretch that into an actual book with pacing, plot and great dialogue is no easy feat. When I was in college, I read “Another Life: A Memoir of Other People” by Michael Korda, a former editor-in-chief here at Simon & Schuster. I found it to be quite a fascinating look into the world of publishing, and of course I ate it up with a spoon since I knew this was the field I wanted to get into. (Fun fact, in the book he talks about an atypical staircase that goes between two floors in the building – and I now sit right next to that staircase! Okay, maybe that’s a fact that’s only fun for me…) Anyway, he says that from behind an editor’s desk, it feels like every person on the planet earth is working on a manuscript. And I have to say, I kind of agree! But you know, I think that’s fabulous. It’s great that there are so many creative, motivated people out there who not only have ideas, thoughts, and visions, but then have the guts to actually to share them with other people. True, only a very small amount of those manuscripts will ever be published, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t all worthwhile accomplishments. One of the best things about my job is that I am surrounded by people who are so passionate about what they do, and by authors who are so thrilled to be having their dreams become a reality. It’s really pretty cool.

I know you all like to hear what we’re looking for and I don’t aim to disappoint. Pocket loves romance and we’re always looking for someone to put a new and fun spin on everyone’s favorite love stories. Paranormal romance has exploded in the past few years (before then who would have thought that werewolves were sexy?!) and this genre is a wonderful way to try out really inventive plots and characters and really set your story apart from the pack. We’re also really excited about broader women’s fiction – stories with characters who are strong, determined women overcoming many of life’s obstacles. Readers always want to relate to the heroes and heroines of their books and that connection is what really makes a story resonate long after the last page has been read.

You’ve had some wonderful bloggers this month and I don’t want to regurgitate everything they’ve already said. I’m curious about what you want to know from me. Feel free to post away in the comments section and I’ll come back and try to answer any questions you may have. So bring it on!

Posted in Guest Posts | 36 Comments »

36 Responses to “Guest Blogger: Megan McKeever, Assistant Editor at Pocket Books”

on 26 Jan 2008 at 3:37 pm Michelle

Megan, once again, thank you for being a guest blogger here at MM, and for a fantastic blog post.
on 26 Jan 2008 at 6:54 pm Liz Kreger

Everyone in the world IS working on a manuscript, Megan. Whether its actively being written, thought about, or dreamed about. I cannot tell you how many times after I’d mentioned I was an author, that someone will say “oh, I want to write a book”, “I have this great idea for a book”, “when I have the time, I’m going to write a book”. Amazing. You just want to sit them down and give them the hard facts about writing, but since you know that about 99% of these people will never actually write the book, I’m comfortable with smiling and wishing them the best of luck. I know exactly how hard it is to write a book. But the sense of accomplishment at the end is phenomenal.

Glad to hear that Pocket is still looking for paranormals. That’s a genre that near and dear to my heart. It gives an author a chance to really stretch their imagination. How do you go about making a zombie sexy? When that gets figured out …

I go have a question for you. Every editor wants to find that book that makes them sit up and go “WOW!” How far do you need to read before you give up on a manuscript? I’ve read some books where it really doesn’t get going until the second or third chapter and then I get that “WOW, this is great” feeling.

Sorry that this comment is so long. Great blog, Megan. Thank you for joining us here at MM.
on 26 Jan 2008 at 6:55 pm Maggie

Hi Megan,

Thanks so much for joining us.

I have two questions, if I may

I write paranormal romance, but mostly I see stories about vampires, werewolves, faeries etc.. Is there a place in the market for a not-so-old-fashion ghost story?

Also, I have a romantic suspense, but the heroine is a born-again Christian. Her faith is integral to the story. Without it, I have no plot. How hard would it be to sell something like this to the mainstream market?

Thanks so much for your input. It’s greatly appreciated.

~Maggie Van Well
on 26 Jan 2008 at 7:04 pm chris

Thank you for taking time to answer questions.

I have a multi phased question – how would you differentiate between what we often refer to as mainstream with romantic elements and what you referred to as women’s fiction.

Are there any particular elements you look for in a book to consider it an ‘on the mark’ womens fiction?

Does the heroine have to have heavy tragedy and baggage? ie – Husband left her for secretary after 25 years of marriage, or child killed in an accident type of thing.

and lastly – what recent womens fiction have you read and loved?

and once again, thank you.
on 26 Jan 2008 at 7:32 pm Edie Ramer

Megan, thanks for your terrific guest blog. I write women’s fiction, and Chris asked all the questions I was thinking of — and a few I hadn’t thought of. I’m just glad to hear you’re looking for stories about strong women.

I’m going to check my library system and order Michael Korda’s book.
on 26 Jan 2008 at 7:57 pm M. A. Golla

Hi Megan,
Thanks for taking your time and experience to answer our questions. Your passion for books shines through your words.
I know S&S only accepts agented material, but are you open to query letters?
If not, what makes you sit up and go ‘wow’ when an agent sends a query your way?
Is it the plot, characters, author’s voice, or a combination of all elements? I imagine your answer would be all three.
Or is it the agent? Do you get more excited when a particular agent sends you something because X agent always comes through with an incredible submission?
on 26 Jan 2008 at 9:26 pm Vicky Burkholder

Hi Megan,

Thank you for a very informative blog. Your love of the business shines through your words.

Most of the questions I had have already been asked – what wows you? What makes you sit up and say “this is the book I want”? Do you accept unagented queries? And so on.

My other question would be, do you have a particular type of book or author that is *your* personal preference? If so, what or who?

Thank you again for your time.

Vicky B.
on 26 Jan 2008 at 9:30 pm LaDonna

Meagan, thanks for joining us today. I think it’s fantastic that you love your job, and how lovely to be a part of dream-making. I’m sure your writers appreciate all you do.
on 26 Jan 2008 at 9:36 pm Lainey Bancroft

Hi Megan. Thanks for sharing your insiders insight with us.

Yes, most of the questions I had have been asked and I look forward to popping aback in to read your answers. I’ll take the opposite approach and inquire about overly done premises.

How would you finish this sentence:

“I’ll set my hair on fire if I see one more….?”
on 26 Jan 2008 at 10:01 pm JoAnn Ross

Hey Megan! Just dropping by on this cold gray day to say “hi!” and as someone who was fortunate enough to work with you during my later years at Pocket, I wanted to tell everyone how absolutely fabulous you are! I’ve not a single doubt that all your authors love and appreciate you bunches! Have a super 2008!

And I think I just used more explanation points than I usually do in an entire book, but you’re worth every one! Oops, there’s another one. LOL
on 26 Jan 2008 at 10:28 pm Melissa Mayhue

Megan! I couldn’t resist dropping by when I heard you would be here today… Just to tell everyone what a fantastic editor you are!

Someone already said they were sure your writers appreciate all you do…well, I’m here to confirm that.

While you may claim that you don’t write, you certainly do have the ability to direct, suggest, and otherwise push your authors into writing much better! And — as I know I’ve said once or twice — I’m SO grateful you’re my editor!!!

~ Melissa Mayhue
on 26 Jan 2008 at 10:55 pm Meagan Hatfield

Hi Megan and thanks for the opportunity to ask questions.

Is there any sub-genre that makes you cringe when you see it in a query letter or in the header of a manuscript? What one intrigues you the most or is your personal favorite?

Thanks again for your time and input!

Meagan~
on 27 Jan 2008 at 12:44 am Debby Gilbert

Hi, Megan,

How would you recommend someone send a query or partial to an editor from Pocket who judged a contest, didn’t think it was right for your company, but was interested in seeing something else. I tried sending a new piece in, but it got rejected and sent right back without the editor seeing it because it was unagented.

Many of the other questions I have have already been asked in the previous posts.

Thank you so much for taking time out of your weekend to visit with us.

Teri
on 27 Jan 2008 at 12:45 am Monica McCabe

Hi Megan,

Thanks for being here to answer questions! I’d like to ask about romantic adventure. Is it a slice of romance that’s up and coming? There’s many of us out here that write it, but find it’s tougher to submit. Do you see any movement toward adventure becoming the next thing on the horizon?

Monica M.
on 27 Jan 2008 at 1:23 am Karin

Hey, Megan what are you doing working on a Saturday? Ditto what JoAnn said. Megan is tops, and I will add, always so nice!!

Karin (Tabke)
on 27 Jan 2008 at 1:48 am Tereasa Bellew

Hi Megan,
Thanks so much for spending time to answer our questions. I’m wondering how reality issues can or should be addressed in women’s fiction? Like single mom dealing with troubled teens? Maybe on drugs, run-aways, real brats. If the story line is interesting enough would such issues considered? And what of the language?
Thanks so much!
Tereasa
on 27 Jan 2008 at 2:28 am Zoe Winters

Hi Megan,

I think the staircase thing is pretty cool, so it’s not just you.

I’m also really glad paranormals are still hot. I hope they’ve become a permanent subgenre by now. I’ve always thought the scary bad boys were hot.

My question is, I write paranormal romance, but also some kind of dark erotica. I’m wondering if I should create a completely separate persona for the erotica because I wonder if the erotica might turn off some agents/editors who might otherwise be interested in my paranormals. Does writing fiction some people find disturbing or too explicit, turn off editors/agents toward your other work? I know that in the nonfiction world if people find out you write erotica you can kiss being taken seriously in any other type of writing goodbye. Is this true of romance too or is their more leeway since they’re kind of cousins?
on 27 Jan 2008 at 2:30 am Dee

Hi Megan,
I tried finding Pocket Books through google to check out what your submission rules are, but couldn’t find it. By any chance, could you please post it?
I write women’s fiction–the one I have finished is a family tale.
I noticed you said paranormal, also, but would you consider a time travel as paranormal or does it have to be the vampires etc?
Thanks, Megan.
Dee
on 27 Jan 2008 at 2:58 am Theresa

Hi Megan,

Your blog rocks! Welcome to Magical Musings, we so appreciate the time you’re taking to answer all our questions.

I have a specific question about paranormals. You mentioned that you’re still interested in them, but I’m curious if there is room at Pocket for dark, gritty, X-files style of paranormals: off the wall and strange, a little (okay more than a little) weird, and downright creepy.
on 27 Jan 2008 at 3:26 am Joyce Adams Counts

Hello Megan. Thank you so much for your guest blog today. I know all of us appreciate it–especially on a Saturday. You said, “Bring it on” so here it comes. Do you see a place for the lighter paranormals in either historical romance or contemporary? While I do enjoy a good dark vampire on occasion, as my former editor once told me “Joyce, you don’t do dark.” So there I’ve revealed my own deep secret. And, I also loved your stairway.
Once again, thank you for your time. Hope to get to meet you at a future conference.
Joyce
on 27 Jan 2008 at 4:04 am Vicki Batman

Hi, Megan. Thanks for answering our questions today. I’m piggybacking on Chris’ question regarding Single Title, how interested is Pocket in acquiring Single Title? Vicki Batman
on 27 Jan 2008 at 4:23 am Allison Brennan

Just coming by to say hi, Megan . . . you have plenty of questions here, so I won’t ask any!
on 27 Jan 2008 at 11:27 am Chelle

I was wondering about the market for a light paranormal storyline I have using dreams and Native American mysticism? Of course I’d love to believe my writing style is similar to Sharon Sala or Carla Neggers. LOL! Stand in line, right? I started out writing category contemporary romance and read a few light paranormals, which of course piqued my interest. I haven’t quite worked up my nerve to read the heavy stuff…I have nightmares from scary movie trailers.
on 27 Jan 2008 at 5:29 pm Margay

Megan,
As others have said before me, this is a great post. It is always a great learning experience to connect with people in the know this way. My question is about genres. Lately, my ideas have been all over the board – I have one that might be considered paranormal, one that might be romantic suspense, and others that are mainstream – but I don’t necessarily think in terms of what genre it is when I write the story; I just write what comes out. How do I keep from being pigeon-holed in one genre when I submit to agents/publishers? Or should I submit different works to different publishers? Thank you, Margay
on 27 Jan 2008 at 5:54 pm Bridget

Hi, Megan.
What do you think about superheroes in paranormal romances?
Thank You,
Bridget
on 27 Jan 2008 at 11:08 pm Marissa Scott

Hi Megan,

Thanks for taking the time to answer questions. I only have one. Is there one specific genre right now that is not very popular, making it harder for new or not-yet-established authors to break into that market? Say, straight contemporary for instance.

Thanks!

Marissa Scott
on 27 Jan 2008 at 11:23 pm Mai Christy Thao

Hi Megan,

Thanks for the great post. And trust me, on our end (the writer’s end), it feels like everyone IS writing a manuscript too. But it’s a good thing we’re all so supportive of each others’ achievements and sucess.

Everyone here has asked fantastic questions, but I’d like to throw in two more. How much of an impact, if any, does contest wins/finals in a query letter make in regards to your desire to see more of the manuscript? And if you come across a manuscript that you enjoy but feel something needs to be changed (either a plot or characterization problem that you feel could hinder the book’s success), do you pass on that manuscript because it’s not near perfect yet, or would you be willing to request edits and make your decision after those edits are turned in?

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to be with us!

Mai Christy Thao
on 28 Jan 2008 at 4:20 am Linda Nightingale

Read your comments with great interest, especially that paranormal is still hot. I’m a semi-finalist in the Amazon Breaththrough Novel Contest with a paranormal (vampire).

How willing are you to work with an author on a happy ending (or not?)

Thank you for your time. We all appreciated it and learned from it!
on 28 Jan 2008 at 5:29 am Mary Marvella

Thanks, Megan,

You had some great info for us. I heard you folks worked 24/7!

Would Pocket look at a reincarnation story? No super hero or heroine with powers or a taste for blood or fresh kill.

Mary Marvella
on 28 Jan 2008 at 6:12 am Diane

Hi Megan
Thanks for your great post and insight.
I’m interested in your opinion on how the current market for single-title romantic suspense compares to the paranormal and historical markets. In other words, can you give us a feel for which sub-genre is selling best?
Thanks so much,
Diane
on 28 Jan 2008 at 11:38 pm Megan McKeever

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for all your awesome comments. I’ll get back you you ASAP!
on 28 Jan 2008 at 11:59 pm Megan McKeever

Okay, here’s a start… More soon!

“How far do you need to read before you give up on a manuscript?”
That depends; I usually try to give it a fair reading because, as you mentioned, sometimes a book just doesn’t open that strongly and this is something that can always been fixed in the editing stage. I guess the main reason I stop reading a submission early into it is if it is clear that this isn’t something that would work on our list – not what Pocket publishes, too close to something else we already have, etc. Otherwise I always try to make it to at least page 100, if not further. Still, I don’t want to underestimate the importance of a good opening hook!

“Is there a place in the market for a not-so-old-fashion ghost story?”
This is similar to the question about whether we would consider “light” paranormals, and the answer is yes! Right now our paranormal list has everything from werewolves and vampires to straight time-travel and if the story is good – and sexy – it will definitely be a contender.

“How would you differentiate between what we often refer to as mainstream with romantic elements and what you referred to as women’s fiction?”
This is somewhat a difference in semantics, but women’s issue fiction doesn’t necessarily rely on romance to make the story work. It is mainstream fiction, and may or may not have a hunky hero.

“What makes you sit up and go ‘wow’ when an agent sends a query your way?
Is it the plot, characters, author’s voice, or a combination of all elements? I imagine your answer would be all three.”
Yep, you got it! Obviously there isn’t one clear thing that makes a book work, so I just go into reading a submission with an open mind, and always hopefully that I’ll fall in love with the story.

“How would you finish this sentence: ‘I’ll set my hair on fire if I see one more….?’”
Letter from a prisoner? Sorry, forget that I wrote that… You know, it’s hard to say as writing trends are so cyclical. A few years ago, we were inundated with a specific type of genre book (and all the copycat versions), now we don’t get many of those types of submissions and they’re starting to become popular again. You never know!

“Is there any sub-genre that makes you cringe when you see it in a query letter or in the header of a manuscript? What one intrigues you the most or is your personal favorite?”
See above. As long as it’s appropriate for our list, I go into it with an open mind. You guys are so creative, you can make most anything work!

“How would you recommend someone send a query or partial to an editor from Pocket who judged a contest, didn’t think it was right for your company, but was interested in seeing something else. I tried sending a new piece in, but it got rejected and sent right back without the editor seeing it because it was unagented.”
How unfortunate that it was sent back. All publishing houses receive a ton of query letters and unagented submissions on a daily basis, even when our policy is that we don’t take them. The best thing you can do is clearly write on the outside envelope “Winner/semi-finalist in the BLANK contest!” or something else similar. If the editor specifically said they are interested in seeing more of your work, try to make sure your partial will stand out from the regular deluge.
on 30 Jan 2008 at 12:45 am Megan McKeever

Back again with more…

“Does writing fiction some people find disturbing or too explicit, turn off editors/agents toward your other work?”
To answer from Pocket’s perspective, not at all. We have a good number of authors who write both erotica and straight romance and it works quite nicely. We like to see that an author whose writing say historical romance can write in a sexy way, even if it’s toned down for that genre. Still, there are some authors who chose to write under a different name for a different genre, and that works to. So to answer your question, I don’t think you need to separate the two if you don’t want to but you know best which imprints/lines you are aiming for.

“Would you consider a time travel as paranormal or does it have to be the vampires?”
We love time travel! The term paranormal is sort of far reaching and definitely doesn’t have to mean vampires or other creatures of the night. And to answer all the questions about light paranormals, I think there is certainly room in the marketplace for them.

“I’m curious if there is room at Pocket for dark, gritty, X-files style of paranormals: off the wall and strange, a little (okay more than a little) weird, and downright creepy.”
Wow, you’re selling me already! Again, if it’s well written, interesting, and definitely on the sexy side we consider it. Of course, we’ll have to see how creepy…! You want to make sure you don’t turn your readers off.

“What do you think about superheroes in paranormal romances?”
I love it! If you can do it well, you can have a lot of fun with this. Superheroes, as you know, are really hot right now.

“How much of an impact, if any, does contest wins/finals in a query letter make in regards to your desire to see more of the manuscript? And if you come across a manuscript that you enjoy but feel something needs to be changed (either a plot or characterization problem that you feel could hinder the book’s success), do you pass on that manuscript because it’s not near perfect yet, or would you be willing to request edits and make your decision after those edits are turned in?”
Contest wins are great and should certainly be included in your submission letter bio. I’ve judged many contests and know the quality of writing they generate, so that resonates with me. As for the second question, I guess this depends on what the specific problem is. I think most editors don’t mind working hard with an author to make their book better – and hopefully the author is also willing to make those changes – so if there is a lot that’s really good with a manuscript, most editors will overlook the problem areas when thinking about whether to acquire.
on 30 Jan 2008 at 1:36 am Chelle

Thank you so much for your time! I tried to look up submission information and can’t find anything listed for word count or an editor listing with address. Any additional info that you could supply would be great! I’d love to send a partial if it’s an option?
on 30 Jan 2008 at 4:28 am Zoe Winters

Thanks! I know its overwhelming to get that many questions at once.
on 30 Jan 2008 at 6:33 am Laura Iding

Thanks for your time Megan. I didn’t ask a question but appreciated reading your responses.