by Alyson Heller
As I dodged shoppers last Friday at my local mall, I came to realize that trying to find that next “big thing” in publishing is like to trying to find a great pair of shoes on sale—really hard to do, may cause some panic attacks, but once in a while, you will find the perfect fit.
We editors have a love/hate relationship with that “thrill of the hunt”—with every email from an agent, we hope that once we click open the attachment or email, there will be a pitch or manuscript so amazing, we will have to stop our day to read and convince our powers-to-be to let us acquire it. Most of the time, it isn’t quite what we are looking for—it might not be our taste, or in line with our house publishing strategy—but every once in a while, there is a pitch or idea that makes us pause our day.
For me, I always have that gut feeling—much like that fabulous piece of jewelry that draws your eye, I just know that I absolutely have to try to make sure that particular manuscript gets to stay with me, knowing that I would be so very bummed out if I couldn’t work on the project. There’s usually a unique hook—an idea that hasn’t been done over and over and over again—or a character that I immediately fall in love with that triggers that feeling. I also try to see if there is something timeless about the story; a book that you know readers will think is still relevant to their world 10 years from now—the little black dress of publishing, so to speak.
Of course, love for the idea isn’t enough to propel that manuscript into something that can go directly from my in-box to the local bookstore. Even though this may have caught my eye, I need to make sure that the story ultimately can fit into the overall marketplace and fit in with our list. That means a revision or two (sometimes 3!), making sure that the author shares our vision for their project, and coordinating the best PR possible for the title.
Though writing may seem like a solitary endeavor, the editing process is a team effort, and one of the great joys I have with my job. Even though it can be daunting, that chase, that knowledge that another fantastic story for kids could be sitting with me (or a member of my terrific team), is what keeps me going—and what makes this crazy, wonderful, unpredictable world of publishing so great. There’s nothing like finally seeing that finished product hit the shelves—and knowing that book will hopefully be someone’s perfect fit.
Alyson is an assistant editor with Aladdin Books, a kid-centric imprint featuring titles with strong commercial appeal for readers of all ages up to tween.
Alyson was part of the S&S Associate’s Program before landing her job with the Aladdin imprint and becoming part of a wonderful team. Alyson works on everything from picture books through middle-grade novels. She has had the privilege of working with some fantastic authors (and agents!) during her time with S&S. Some new and upcoming titles that she has edited or co-edited include Just Add Magic by Cindy Callaghan, Odd Girl In by Jo Whittemore, Sprinkles and Secrets by Lisa Schroeder, Cold Case by Julia Platt Leonard, The Monstore by Tara Lazar and I Loathe You by David Slonim.
In addition to her love for reading and writing, Alyson is also a huge fan of traveling, baking, eating things that are bad for you, awful reality t.v., and all things sparkly. She currently lives in Connecticut.
Simon & Schuster has generously donated several picture book prizes for PiBoIdMo. Winners for the titles below will be announced on December 4th, randomly selected from those who completed the 30-ideas-in-30-days challenge. Thanks to Alyson and Simon & Schuster for the prizes!
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December 2, 2010 at 11:40 am
Lynne Marie
Dear Allyson! Just loved this bird’s eye view! Thanks for sharing it 🙂 And just love many of these books — can’t wait to discover what’s under the cover of those I don’t know!
December 2, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Kimberly Lynn
I could only imagine the “thrill of the hunt” from an editor’s perspective. I know that I feel that way shopping for picture books, though. Cheers!
December 2, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Beth MacKinney
When an editor finds a manuscript they like, there’s a thrill on both sides, but in today’s publishing world, the writers have to make it past more than just the editor. You’ve got to get by the editorial board too. My book was quirky and got the editor’s attention, but it didn’t quite fit the publishing target of the house as a whole, so was declined after several months. I guess you just have to know it’s part of the business and enjoy the thrill while it lasts!
December 2, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Kelly H-Y
Great post, and such generous prizes!!! So nice!
December 2, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Linda
Thank you for participating and the donation of books!
December 2, 2010 at 5:53 pm
tammi sauer
Great post. 🙂
Thanks for being a part of PiBoIdMo!
December 2, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Catherine Johnson
Great post. Let’s hope there’s a lot of sparkle in all our ideas this month. Awesome prizes! Thanks
December 2, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Diandra Mae
Great post! Thanks Tara and Alyson! This last month has been so inspiring in so many ways!
December 2, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Michelle Dennis Evans
Thanks for the insightful post. Very cool prizes
December 3, 2010 at 12:27 am
Amy D.
Thanks for the thoughtful post. It is nice to know that the excitement we feel when we seal up our manuscript and send it off is felt on the other side too.
December 3, 2010 at 2:50 am
Top 3 Hmm… did someone have a book launch this week? ;) « Kangaroobee's Blog
[…] Heller from Aladdin Books wrote a great post on Tara Lazar’s blog and what a giveaway! https://taralazar.wordpress.com/2010/12/02/alyson-heller/ Thank you again to Tara for making all this […]
December 3, 2010 at 5:48 am
katswhiskers
Always enlightening to hear the editor’s perspective. Two sides of the same book.
I have to say that being a bit of a kat myself, that ‘Square Cat’ has tweaked more than a whisker of curiosity in me… >^,^<
December 3, 2010 at 7:42 am
Megan K. Bickel
What a great insight and fabulous prizes! Thank you for both!
December 3, 2010 at 10:49 am
Heather Kephart
Alyson! BOSS BABY? Are you kidding me? We loved that. I have a strong love for Marla Frazee that borders on the irrational. Giggled out loud when I read the title DINOSAURS LOVE UNDERPANTS. I just posted a blog about places I find underwear around the house. Just goes to show that NOTHING is off limits! If done well, of course, with a fun twist that Preschoolers will just love.
Thanks for explaining what the magic means to you, and your process. We’re lapping it up with our dry tongues, trust me! Take care.
December 3, 2010 at 11:09 am
Mona Pease
Great post, generous prizes.
Thanks so much
Mona
ps…can Dec 4th, prize day, be our last day or is there some way we can S-T-R-E-T-C-H this out?!?!?
December 3, 2010 at 11:19 am
Catherine Denton
How fun to see it from your perspective! Thank you for sharing. I’m salivating over those picture book prizes!
December 3, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Stephanie Shaw
Thank you, Alyson. Truly, it is good to be reminded of what happens after we send our very special, very unique, beautifully written and sure-to-be-the next-best picture book off at the post office.
Tara, you have done an amazing job of selecting guest bloggers. Every one of them has been a gem. Thank you!
December 7, 2010 at 11:03 pm
Ellen J
YAY Aly! What a wonderful piece. I can’t believe this is legitimately the first time I’ve read your writing.
Thanks for sharing Tara!
January 9, 2011 at 10:44 pm
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