Roby James of Norilana Books explains why having the idea is only a fraction of the writer’s job
Roby James
Roby James is an editor at Norilana Books, a California-based independent publishing house, 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.
What inspired you to become an editor?
I worked in publishing for quite a number of years as an editor, beginning with copy and production editing, and graduating to content editing. I enjoy it.
How did you come to work for Norilana Books?
I was in a critique group for a number of years with Vera Nazarian, owner and publisher of Norilana, and she asked me to participate in her venture.
Did you receive any formal training?
I was an English major in undergraduate school, a playwriting major in my first graduate school, and one year I helped the compilers and editors with the Chicago Manual of Style.
What makes Norilana Books different to other publishing houses?
Many publishing houses are driven by a “best-seller/high volume” mindset. Norilana believes in short fiction (which has never been a huge seller), and while I’m sure Norilana would not be averse to a blockbuster, the house does not try to buy everything with the best-seller list in mind. Norilana is very author-friendly.
What kind of books does Norilana Books publish?
In addition to reprints of classic work, both in the SF/F genre and outside it, Norilana is dedicated to reviving the anthology marketplace and has initiated a number of theme anthologies published annually.
What happens to a submission once it reaches the office of Norilana Books?
I can only answer for stories submitted to Warrior Wisewoman, the annual anthology I edit. I read and respond to submissions within two weeks, and if I believe a story has potential, I indicate the issues I would like to see the author address in order for the story to be re-submitted.
Of course, if a story does not follow the guidelines (and it’s surprising how many do not), I have to reject it out of hand, but I always hope the author will find an appropriate market elsewhere.
What do you look for in a submission?
1. Following the guidelines.
2. Respecting the reader.
3. Providing a well-written, thoughtful, original story free of stereotypes and clichés.
How can a new author get past the slush pile?
See the answers to the previous question.
Once you have accepted a manuscript for publication, how do you prepare it for publication?
It is copy- and production-edited, then designed for electronic setup.
What is your favourite part of this process?
Interacting with the author to make the story the best possible work.
What is the most challenging part of it?
Exactly the same thing – interacting with the author to make the story the best possible work.
Whose writing has excited you recently?
All the authors in Warrior Wisewoman 2, which is the most recent volume of the series.
What would you say the main challenges are for an aspiring author?
The world of publishing is changing, and so much online content is competing for readers that aspiring to be an author is no longer the same thing as aspiring to make a living as an author. It is harder, as they say in the Internet world, to “monetize” content. Hopefully, that will change.
What advice would you offer an aspiring writer?
Learn your craft. The idea is 5% of the job of writing. The other 95% is what makes a difference.
For more information, please visit www.norilana.com
Other publishing houses and imprints interviewed for this series include Parthian Books,Tonto Books, Dedalus Books, Alcemi Books, Gomer Press, Trapdoor Books, Seren Books,The Friday Project, Chicken House, Wild Wolf Publishing, Anderson Press, Biscuit Publishing, Tangent Books, Libros Libertad and Intellect Books
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