E is for Editor

I used to think editors were scary people. Larger than life. Untouchable.

Then I became one, and the illusion was shattered.

Yes, editors have the power to make your dreams come true or crush them. But believe me when I say, editors don't like to reject your manuscripts. It really does hurt us, too.

For most, the editing process can be scary and overwhelming. It's my job as an editor to make sure it's not :) I'm a firm believer that the author / editor relationship cannot function or be successful without mutual respect and communication. It truly is a unique situation. You, the author, are trusting me, the editor, with something very close to your heart. You've worked months, maybe even years, on your story and now you're entrusting it to a complete stranger. Personally, I take that very seriously. And for that reason, I always encourage my authors to talk to me. Whenever. About whatever. My virtual door is always open to my authors. 

Have you ever wondered exactly what an editor does? I mean, yeah, you know we editor your books, but what else do we do? 

I can't speak for other presses, but at Anaiah, a Senior Editor is responsible for:

• Performing developmental/content-level edits and should maintain his/her own list of active authors.
• Assessing submissions to assigned imprint
• Meeting editing deadlines
• Acting as author liaison to the editorial department
• Maintain an active social media presence (with special emphasis on Twitter)
• Responsible, engaging blogging is encouraged, but not required
• Reporting to Executives and Managers as follows:
• Attend staff meetings (as needed) – in person or via video chat (for telecommuters)
• Upkeep of department databases and status sheets via the Anaiah Press intranet

Have you ever wanted to be an editor? Do you think you have what it takes? If so, I'd like to hear from you! I'm on the hunt for a few good editors for our Romance (adult) and Surge (YA / NA) Imprints. Interested? Send me an email with your prior editing experiences (preferred but not required), which imprint you prefer, and why you want to work with Anaiah Press. 

Please send to: KaraLeigh.Miller (at) anaiahpress (dot) com 

Open for Submissions

As many of you know, I've taken a new position as Managing Editor of the Surge Imprint at Anaiah Press. I'm very excited about this new endeavor, and I'm even more excited to start building my client list. So, I thought I'd take a moment and detail exactly what I'm looking for in both an author and a book.




In an author, I'm looking for someone who is:

• fun, easy -going, has a good sense of humor, and is excited about the editing process
• willing to learn and work hard to make their book(s) the absolute best it can be
• able to meet deadlines and willing to openly communicate should issues arise 

In a book, I'm looking for something that:

• keeps me turning the pages into the wee morning hours
• keeps me thinking about it long after "the end"
• puts me through a range of emotions. I'm a real sucker for a book and characters that can make me cry

My specific wish list:

• YA or NA with strong romantic elements. I prefer books where the romance is the primary focus.
• Contemporaries are my absolute favorite, but I do occasionally like a good dystopian or fantasy.
• I would love to see a YA romantic suspense.
• A cross between Nancy Drew and Sweet Valley High.
• Strong heroes and heroines.
• I prefer 3rd person POV that tells the story from both the male & female perspectives, but will consider 1st person POV stories.

Things I will *NOT* accept or consider:

• Excessive cursing
• Premarital sex or heavy making out
• Underage drinking and/or drug use
• Anything that promotes an anti-Christian message (This means no voodoo, witchcraft, or made-up religions)
• Unnecessary violence

For full Anaiah Press Submission Guidelines, go HERE!

If you have something that you think is a good fit for me, then I invite you to query me directly at:
karaleigh.miller (at) anaiahpress (dot) com

I look forward to reading your submissions!