Behind the Book: Insider Tips from Editor Hannah Kimber
Guest Bio: Hannah Kimber is an associate editor of children's books at Andrews McMeel Publishing. She acquires middle grade graphic novels and prose, as well as some young adult literature, with a special interest in light fantasy, light horror, and slice of life friendship stories. When not working, Hannah enjoys reading, rock climbing, hiking, and running.
Key Discussion Points:
Name Update and ALA Conference: Hannah recently got married and updated her name to Hannah Kimber. She expressed her excitement and also shared her feelings of FOMO about missing the American Library Association (ALA) conference, which she described as a joyful event filled with librarians and book lovers.
Making Book Submissions Stand Out: Hannah emphasized the importance of a concise, attention-grabbing synopsis for book submissions. She prefers a brief, movie-trailer-like synopsis over lengthy outlines. Authors should include a separate proposal document with comparative titles, marketing ideas, and future series plans. A well-organized proposal helps her quickly understand the project’s scope and market placement.
Acquisitions Process: The acquisitions process at Andrews McMeel involves several steps: initial review by the editor, discussion with the editorial team, and an acquisition meeting with sales and marketing teams. Hannah highlighted the importance of research on the author’s background, previous sales track, and appropriate comparative titles. A well-prepared proposal document can significantly ease this process.
Sensitivity and Authenticity: Hannah stressed the importance of sensitivity readers and authentic representation in children's books. While Andrews McMeel focuses on fun, inspirational, and humorous books, they do not shy away from sensitive or difficult topics, provided they are handled appropriately for the age group and with authenticity.
Identifying Trends: Hannah discussed the importance of identifying upcoming trends and listening to what kids are interested in. She highlighted that children’s interests often shape future cultural trends and encouraged authors to experiment with these trends in their stories.
Practical Advice for Authors: Hannah advised authors to trust the publishing process and communicate openly with their editors. She emphasized that publishers are invested in the authors’ success and that understanding the strategy and timing of book releases is crucial.
Conclusion: Hannah Kimber provided valuable insights into the editorial and acquisitions process at Andrews McMeel Publishing. She highlighted the importance of well-prepared submissions, understanding market trends, and maintaining open communication between authors and editors.
Mentioned Links:
Beth McMullen
Author
Beth McMullen is the author of the Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls series , the Lola Benko, Treasure Hunter series, and The Secret of the Storm series (Aladdin/S&S).
She is also the author of the Spy Mom series (Hyperion).
Beth lives in Northern California with her husband, kids, and very grumpy cats. She's obsessed with podcasts and might give up writing in order to have more time to listen. Could happen.
From Ghosts to Gatekeepers: Publishing Insights with Agent and Author Carey Blankenship-Kramer
