June 17, 2024

ENCORE EDITION! Insider Secrets to Getting Your Book Published, with editor Erinn Pascal

34 minutes

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ENCORE EDITION! (One of our favs from season 2!)

Erinn Pascal is the Senior Editor for Kids Books and Licensing at Andrews McMeel Universal. She has previously held editorial positions at Scholastic, Disney, and Simon & Schuster. Erinn grew up in Pembroke Pines, Florida, and holds a BFA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College. When she's not editing, Erinn enjoys veganizing family recipes, taking her mini Bernedoodle, Obi, to the dog park, practicing Pilates, and shopping at local farmer's markets. She currently resides in Los Angeles.

Key Discussion Points
1. Making Submissions Stand Out: Erinn emphasizes the importance of thorough research into the recipient of a submission, knowing their preferences, and understanding their existing catalog. She highlights the necessity of clear communication regarding an author’s goals and vision for their book.
2. Trends in Publishing: Erinn discusses the current trends, including the popularity of manga, anime-inspired art, horror, and graphic novels. She also notes the value of niche markets and creative stories.
3. The Acquisition Process: Erinn outlines the detailed acquisition process at Andrews McMeel Universal, from initial submission reviews to final decisions, including the role of sales and marketing teams.
4. Author Platforms: The discussion touches on the importance of an author's platform, noting that while a large following can influence print runs, it is not the sole factor in acquisition decisions. The content of an author’s social media is also considered, especially for children's book authors.
5. Diversity and Inclusion: Erinn expresses her interest in acquiring books that normalize different neurodivergences and religious minorities without making them the central theme of the story.

Conclusion
Erinn Pascal offers valuable insights into the publishing industry, from crafting standout submissions to navigating current trends and understanding the acquisition process. Her emphasis on meaningful partnerships between authors and editors, along with her commitment to diversity and inclusion, provides a comprehensive view of what it takes to succeed in today's publishing landscape.

Mentioned Links
- Visit Andrews McMeel Universal
- Follow Erinn Pascal on Twitter for updated manuscript wishlists