8/12/2003

Megan Atwood graduated from the University of Iowa with an English/Anthropology degree and began looking for work in the English field. There was none. Really. Absolutely none. Finally, after a couple of years of unfulfilling and downright depressing jobs, she discovered Llewellyn Publishing. She decided she would work there, and she did.

Megan started four years ago as an intern in their then-subsidiary magazine called Fate. After about 3 months, she was hired on in Llewellyn's acquisitions department as the Administrative Assistant. After 5 months of that, she became their new Submissions Editor. Not long after, she saw an opportunity to begin a Young Adult/Middle Grade line of books and worked for 2 years to achieve this goal. Now, she has an amazing stable of authors and a truly fantastic line of books that is growing exponentially.

During her job search, Megan had begun to study the ins and outs of Middle Grade and Young Adult books, thinking she would try to write books in these genres. Quickly, she found that it was really hard. She discovered that her talent lay in working with authors to develop their work and their genius, and in brainstorming ideas that would appeal to the market.

The research she did, the classes she took, the people she talked with, and the hundreds of books she read made Megan fall in love with the YA/MG genres. There is nothing more rewarding to her then developing an author and a project that speaks to these audiences.

Llewellyn is always on the lookout for new or established Young Adult and Middle Grade authors. As the line grows, they may expand to the younger genres, but as it stands right now, they are only interested in ages 8 on up. They look for nonfiction and fiction books with metaphysical, occult, or paranormal slants. Of course, the main qualification they look for is good writing.

To submit to Llewllyn, first read their very comprehensive guidelines, which can be found on their website at http://www.llewellyn.com. The guidelines are long but worth it. Please read through those and feel free to call with any questions from the guidelines. Megan asks that you do not call simply to discuss your project, if you have not spoken with her before. She does wish she had the time to discuss projects with every author, but unfortunately she does not. The best way to grab Megan’s attention is compliance with the guidelines and an intriguing and captivating cover letter.


[Editor’s note: Due to unforseen circumstances beyond her control, (ie her aged memory cells) Verla Kay was away from her desk and unable to attend this workshop. When she walked into her house and saw the phone blinking, she looked at the clock, realized she'd missed the chat workshop, and fainted.” Gail M. hosted in her stead. Visiting the chat with Megan were three of her authors: Linda Joy Singleton and two co-authors going under the nicks Bren and Jazz. Also joining us was an ancient evildoer known only as Nire, who is also Bren and Jazz’s agent.]

MEGAN ATWOOD: Hi, all. I'm not sure if I should start the workshop now, or wait. Votes?

JEFF S.: Megan, are you the guest tonight?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Yep :)

JEFF S.: Well, then hi!

[Agy woo hoos and stomps her feet in welcome.]

MEGAN ATWOOD: Oh stop . . . Well, continue if you like :)

GAIL M.: What if our speaker introduces herself. I know she is an editor.

MEGAN ATWOOD: Sure. I am an Acquisitions Editor for Llewellyn Publications, and I specialize in the Teen/MG genres.

[Everyone greets Megan in a chorus of various welcomes.]

MEGAN ATWOOD: I like fanfare.

GAIL M.: So, Megan, how does someone submit to you?

MEGAN ATWOOD: You can get our guidelines on our website and read through those and submit via snail mail. Or you can send me a query via email at megana@llewellyn.com.

[At this point, Linda Joy Singleton joins the chat.]

LINDA JOY: Megan, sorry I was late--got a virus in my laptop. Had to race here.

MEGAN ATWOOD: Hi Linda Joy! Just imparting my wisdom. . . . :)

GAIL M.: And what are you looking for at Llewellyn Publications?

MEGAN ATWOOD: We look for submissions in the teen/middle grade genres, fiction or non-fiction, with an edgy, metaphysical, occult, or paranormal slant. And of course, above all else, good writing.

LYNN: So, Dotti is a good role model?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Yup. Dotti is. So is our Linda Joy here, and Bren and Jazz. Ahem.

JAZZ: Bwahahahahaha!

[Editor’s note: “Bwahahaha!” is the net form of evil laughter reminiscent of any over-the-top movie villain. I personally spell it “Mwahahaha!” Because the “m” makes it sound more sinister, you see.]

LYNN: My granddaughter is waiting for the next of Dotti's books.

MEGAN ATWOOD: Topics that include out-of-the-ordinary things is what we look for.

LINDA JOY: My books have a spirit guide as a secondary character--definitely New Age.

JAZZ: In our book (Bren's and mine), I'm Queen of Witches.

BREN: I'm the Shadowalker.

MEGAN ATWOOD: I think these sorts of topics really appeal to these audiences. Any other questions about Llewellyn specifically, or submitting in general? Or my job? Or, I could dish about Linda Joy. . . .

[Linda Joy grins at Megan.]

ELAINA: I have a question.

MEGAN ATWOOD: Yes, Elaina?

ELAINA: Being an editor in the field that you're in, what do you look for in books, as in writing? Do the books need to be appealing in someway to catch your attention?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Yes. They need to have some sort of hook and a new idea.

K28685: How often does the slush pile get read?

MEGAN ATWOOD: I read the slush pile every day. This is the advantage of working for a smaller publisher. Every submission goes through me and I get to work the authors personally when I feel there is potential.

AGY: Does Llewellyn do picture books? I thought they didn't, but has that changed?

MEGAN ATWOOD: No, they don't. Too expensive for us, and we don't have that presence in the market.

JEN: What role does the author background form you ask for play when you read submissions, Megan?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Jen, it helps us determine whether the author is a promoter. To be honest, I take it very seriously if someone is in SCBWI. That normally means my job is easier.

AGY: Do you have need for illustrators?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Agy, yes we do. We're always looking for fun and funky illustrators to add to our repertoire.

BREN: How many YA's do you publish a year, or plan to, Megan?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Our plan is to get one out once a month, Bren. But, I'm a little more ambitious than that. . . . :)

[At this point, Nire joined the chat as well.

BREN: Nire's here! I've got my sword!

JAZZ: The evildoer has arrived!

NIRE: Hehehe. I'm here, and I'm evil.

MEGAN ATWOOD: I'll say. . . .

JEN: So Megan, if someone is a member of SCBWI and is willing to do whatever it takes to promote their work but has not published before. . . .

MEGAN ATWOOD: Jen, I look at it much closer and consider helping develop the author.

JEN: OK, thanks for your answers :)

LINDA JOY: Don't you have a new YA coming out soon, Megan? That might be an example of what you're doing.

BREN: That's us LJS--I'm DF :)

MEGAN ATWOOD: We have several coming out. A really good fiction book coming in November is BLUE IS FOR NIGHTMARES by Laurie Stolarz.

MAGGIE: How about authors overseas?

MEGAN ATWOOD: We look at everyone, Maggie. But overseas authors have a more challenging time promoting in the States.

MAGGIE: Can you explain that? I am an American and visit the states regularly.

MEGAN ATWOOD: Maggie, that would work well, then. It is just harder to get promotional opportunities if your author is not there to get them.

JEN: What kind of personality types do you most like to work with on a personal level, Megan?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Jen, fun people. Someone the exact opposite of Bren, Jazz, Nire, and LJS.

[People in the audience laugh at the joke.]

BREN: Hey! That's me!

JAZZ: Pppphhhhttt.

NIRE: Oh, great, show up to heckle and get heckled!

JEN: Pretty brave hiding behind a computer screen, Megan. They're gonna gang up on you in person!

MEGAN ATWOOD: I'm kidding, of course. People who are willing to look at their work objectively are a big draw. Professional people with a sense of humor.

LINDA JOY: Megan is the nicest editor I've ever had--and I've published 25+ books.

MEGAN ATWOOD: I am really nice. :)

LINDA JOY: LOL . . . and modest!

NIRE: Megan's my favorite editor I work with! Nobody else calls me the Ancient Evildoer.

JAZZ: Nire is an agent incognito, so when she says Megan is a wonderful editor, believe her. Even if she is evil.

BREN: Megan is fun.

MEGAN ATWOOD: I love working with these age groups, and I love the authors (and agents!) I get to work with. This is a fairly new line, so we get to do some fun and innovative things with it. They make fun of me here because I always use the word "edgy".

KATE I AM: Is there anything that makes you flip a manuscript without looking? Like unprofessional cover letter?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Yes, for sure. Just recently we had a woman write to our webmaster and about 25 other publisher's websites. She said she was "lost" in our website. When one of the people responded, she said "Just kidding" and said that was her gimmick to get noticed by the companies. Gimmicks are not needed, definitely :) Also, kateIam, authors who get mad at me for not getting to them shortly are a kind of pet peeve for me.

KATE I AM: How long is your response time usually?

MEGAN ATWOOD: We say about 2-6 months, but we normally get back in about one month. (Shhh, don't tell!)

GAIL M.: Are you getting too many submissions like other publishers complain?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Gail, never too many!

NIRE: Ooh, Megan, I can't believe you said "never too many"!

MEGAN ATWOOD: Nire, I'm a glutton. . . .

NIRE: Well, thank goodness you are.

AGY: What’s some other reading for an idea of what you're looking for?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Agy, I hate to be so vague, but really I'm just looking for good writing. Check out BLUE IS FOR NIGHTMARES in November.

AGY: Cool beans, Megan, I write more literal stuff right now, but have always loved paranormal. Who knows Linda Joy, maybe a run for your money, lol.

JAINA: Agy, not if I beat you to it. ::scratching out "dog" in manuscript and writing in "ghost"::

[The audience laughs at Jaina’s joke.]

JEN: Do you ever just know when you've got something? Or is it a slower type thing for you?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Jen, absolutely. You can just tell.

ELAINA: Megan, being an editor, what is the greatest thing about you job?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Elaina, I love this question! But I could go on and on and on. I love reading the books out there a lot. But mostly, I love working with the authors and developing ideas. This job is absolutely fabulous.

JAZZ: She's been wonderful to work with so far. Fun on the phone. Good concrete feedback.

ELAINA: I am thinking of becoming an editor or teacher.

NIRE: Editor = Teacher.

ELAINA: Different to me Nire, second graders really don't write unless told to.

NIRE: Gotcha, Elaina--but as an editor you'd use the same heart skills.

MEGAN ATWOOD: True, Nire. For an evildoer, you're awfully nice.

[Nire laughs.]

AGY: Megan, you seem to have a good turn around time from getting the manuscript to the shelf.

MEGAN ATWOOD: Right now we do, Agy, but as I acquire more titles, we'll probably be slower :)

LINDA JOY: It'll be a year till my books come out.

ANNE MARIE: Megan, if you wouldn't mind, could you comment on the quality of slush? There seems to be a general belief that 90% of slush is really bad. Do you find that to be true or is that an exaggeration?

MEGAN ATWOOD: I have to admit, there are a lot of bad submissions out there. But to be honest, much of the slush is bad not only because of writing, but also because of poor placement. Meaning, their work will not fit with our company.

ANNE MARIE: So they're targeting the wrong publishers?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Exactly.

ANNE MARIE: Or for you, things without the supernatural slant?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Yes and no. What I get a lot here is people trying to "teach a lesson" in a fiction story. BIG pet peeve. . . .

GAIL M.: Will you talk more about the "teach a lesson" peeve?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Learning something when you're reading is a wonderful thing. But if you are writing fiction, it shouldn't be the focal point of the book. Does that make sense?

LYNN: No modern-day SCARLET LETTER.

AGY: Do you prefer queries?

MEGAN ATWOOD: I actually prefer full manuscripts, but that gets expensive for authors and will happily accept queries.

JEN: How often do you request a manuscript as a result of a query?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Jen, I would say about 1/5 of the time.

DELLA RF: Megan, would you "define" your genre, what you're looking for (and NOT looking for) at Llewellyn? Thanks!

MEGAN ATWOOD: Supernatural, paranormal, and metaphysical submissions is what we look for. But this encompasses a LOT of things. For instance, HARRY POTTER would have fit into our genre.

AGY: CORALINE?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Absolutely, Agy.

AGY: Or something with a bit of a mythical story to it, or do you stay away from fantasy?

MEGAN ATWOOD: We do do fantasy.

JAZZ: Our story that just sold to Llewellyn is contemporary fantasy.

LINDA JOY: My midgrade is contemporary paranormal.

NIRE: Megan, say something about your committee process, which is so different.

MEGAN ATWOOD: Actually, our committee process has changed a bit. Maybe there is a more specific committee question?

NIRE: Well, your process of approval by committee seems more . . . formal . . . than at other houses, is that right? More structured?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Nire, I see what you mean. Yes, it is a bit more formal. Although right now we are in the process of giving more power to the Specialists who handle the submissions.

NIRE: Oh, that's very good news. More power! Bwahaha!

MEGAN ATWOOD: I agree :)

LINDA JOY: I know with my midgrade that just sold to Llewellyn it went through about 6 months of review.

BREN: Can you explain how your committee process works?

MEGAN ATWOOD: The committee process has changed for us, so it's much different now than it used to be. Submissions come to me and I decide whether to go further with it. Once I have an outside reviewer review it, I give that to the committee and we send it to a different committee. (We like committees.) At that committee, we decide whether or not to contract the book. We also talk marketing and publicity there.

BREN: Can you explain your vision meetings?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Our vision meetings are where we contract books. We have the owner of the publishing company and several others reading the book and deciding how best to market and promote it. Also, what sorts of revisions may need to be done.

ELAINA: Megan, is it true when a author gets accepted by a publishing house they need to market their own book to stay in print?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Elaina, marketing their own book is very important to the process. But the publishing house normally works with the author to get the best promotional spots. It should be teamwork.

JEN: What kind of attributes would make an author easier to promote? Besides availability.

MEGAN ATWOOD: Authors who have connections are nice, obviously. SCBWI is great for that. Also, those willing to do what they can and who have creative ideas are fabulous.

LYNN: How about previous experience as Community Relations Manager in a bookstore?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Experience in any of the areas of the genre is always helpful.

CHRISTINE: Why is it necessary to put a new chapter on a new page?

MEGAN ATWOOD: It's good for the eyes. And for the pacing of the story when you're reading. Also, when editors work with the script on disk, they have nice breaks.

LINDA JOY: I noticed in Australian books that the chapters run together on the same page.

JEN: What information would you want in an email query?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Jen, a very short synopsis of the book (in that catchy cover letter way), author information, and market information.

KATE I AM: Silly formatting question--do you prefer indents at the beginning of paragraphs?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Personally, yes.

LINDA JOY: Megan, you've contracted psychic, witch, fortune-teller, and even an alien book--are there any topics you'd like to see?

MEGAN ATWOOD: I would like to see something about dreams. Also, about a haunted something. . . . Any new and quirky take on a topic like that.

DELLA RF: Megan, how "young" are your books? Would you consider an early chapter book? Say, at the same level as the MAGIC TREE HOUSE books?

MEGAN ATWOOD: We’re not doing chapter books at this time.

LINDA JOY: FORTUNE TELLER CLUB is probably the youngest Llewellyn is doing from what I see.

MEGAN ATWOOD: Linda Joy, you're right.

NIRE: Megan, could you say more about "edgy" books--you said they tease you about using it all the time, and you encouraged Bren and Jazz to make theirs edgier. What is edgy to you? What's too edgy?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Edgy is being able to break away from some of the formulas out there. Edgy is not being afraid to get down and dirty in your text. Too edgy is trying to be sensationalist just for the shock value; not for the "real" value.

LINDA JOY: Megan, anything you want to share that hasn't been brought up?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Not really, Linda Joy. I'm actually still at work, so my brain is a little dead :)

NIRE: Pretty impressive that this is the dead-brain version. You should see her living.

MEGAN ATWOOD: That's right! Nire, you're too kind. Nire, Lyra, Bren and Jazz, it's so good to see you in here. You are all wonderful, you know that?

NIRE: (I’m pretending to be kind so nobody will know I'm the Ancient Evildoer.)

BREN: Jazz, we've got to trap Nire in that dang sanctuary again.

NIRE: Ooh, sounds like plans for L.O.S.T., book 2! (Good agent, getting in last-minute plug.)

LINDA JOY: Megan, I only know of one series you're doing with a male point of view--are you going to try to get a male audience more in the future?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Lyra, yes. Good question. We are looking for a more male angled series.

NIRE: Does Llewellyn reach male audiences much, or is more of the readership female?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Most of the readership is female, but I was surprised when I got a bunch of responses from a teen survey we sent out that were male.

JAINA: Megan's so nice, I wish I had something to send! I do have a title, based on what you said you wanted . . . "A Dream of Haunted Somethings."

NIRE: Jaina, LOL!

MEGAN ATWOOD: Jaina, I can't wait :)

ELAINA: Megan, what is the best selling book right now at Llewellyn Publishing?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Elaina, SOLITARY WITCH.

NIRE: That's for adults or juveniles?

LINDA JOY: That's non-fiction, isn't it?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Juveniles. Actual age group, 16-24. Non-fiction.

DEETIE: Megan, do you consider the 16-24 group really a crossover group?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Yes, depending on the project.

DEETIE: And do you market to both juvenile and adults, and market on both lists?

MEGAN ATWOOD: Yes, to both questions.

DEETIE: Interesting, Megan, not many publishers are doing that yet.

MEGAN ATWOOD: Well, folks, I do need to get going. I have to close the building down still :)

[The audience breaks out into applause and Thank Yous.]

JEFF S.: Megan, does Llewellyn consider itself a religious publisher at all? Sorry to chime in extremely late. Just occurred to me.

MEGAN ATWOOD: Yes, but not exclusively.

[The goodbyes continue.]

VERLA KAY: Megan, I have to apologize profusely for my absence. I can't say I'm sorry enough! (Would it help to tell you this is the first time this has ever happened with me?)

MEGAN ATWOOD: No apologies necessary, Verla. Thank you to all for your questions! You were wonderful to chat with. Feel free to ask me questions at megana@llewellyn.com. Happy writing all