Anna Alessi of Sparkling Books stresses the importance of a promising opening chapter
Anna Alessi is a publisher at Sparkling Books, an independent publisher whose authors include Nikki Dudley, whose novel Ellipsis is due out in May 2010. Anna explains how a bit of sparkle, well thought-out query letter and some promotional know-how can help a new author’s chances of publication.
Lance Schonberg of Library of Sci-fi & Fantasy Press, advises us to focus on character and plot, not genre
Lance Schonberg is the editor of the Distant Worlds and Distant Realms novella anthologies produced by the Library of Science Fiction & Fantasy Press. In his own time he writes genre fiction short stories. He tells EssentialWriters.com how getting involved in a forum thread led to him being employed by the Sci-fi imprint.
Imran Hanif of Strand Publishing describes the excitement of launching a new book
After 18 years in the military, Imran Hanif took a Master’s degree in Business Administration and founded Strand Publishing in 2009. He is now the managing director of the London-based publishing house. He urges us to stop moaning, keep writing and to read publishing house guidelines before submitting our writing.
Alessandro Gallenzi of Alma Books advises aspiring writers on how to prepare a compelling novel proposal
Alessandro Gallenzi is the founder and publisher of Alma Books, a publishing company that specialises in contemporary fiction. He also runs Hesperus Press and Oneworld Classics, and is the successor of John Calder at the helm of Calder Publications. He explains the value of a publishing house where editors outnumber non-editorial staff.
Mara Bergman of Walker Books takes us through the book publishing process
Mara Bergman is Senior Commissioning Editor at Walker Books, an independent publishing house focusing on children’s books and young adult fiction. The company was established by Sebastian Walker in 1980 and now creates more than 300 books a year. Mara gives us some tips on how to ensure our submissions make a good first impression.
Roby James of Norilana Books explains why having the idea is only a fraction of the writer’s job
Roby James is an editor at Norilana Books, a California-based independent publishing company, founded in 2006. The company specialises in young adult fantasy and speculative fiction, as well as anthologies. Roby edits the annual Warrior Wisewoman anthology. She describes her search for “well-written, thoughtful, original” stories.
May Yao of Intellect Books describes her love of helping authors “to disseminate their ideas”
May Yao is an Associate Publisher and director at Intellect Books, an independent academic publisher, publishing scholarly books and journals. The publishing company has offices in England and North America. May tells us about her search for academic authors presenting new ideas in new ways.
Manolis Aligizakis of Libros Libertad describes his passion for “the music of words”
After working as an iron worker, train laborer, taxi driver and stock broker, Manolis Aligizakis achieved his dream by founding Libros Libertad, an unorthodox publishing company in British Columbia, Canada. Manolis tells us about the pleasures, and pains, of running a truly independent publishing company.
