Interview with Editor, Gail Delaney with Desert Breeze Publishing

I would like to introduce my wonderful editor, Gail Delaney, with Desert Breeze Publishing. I must say that Gail is the most wonderful editor I have ever had. I am honored to have her today on my blog. So, Gail let's get started

First, tell me something about yourself

Well, I've been a published author for about six years now, though it seems longer at times. I write in multiple genres, including contemporary, suspense and epic sci fi. I've been married for 18 years to the first boy I ever kissed and have two great kids - both who seem to have the writing bug. I lived in New England my entire life until 2008, when we moved to California on little more than a whim and a hatred for snow.

What inspired you to become an editor?

I hadn't actually ever thought about it until a few years ago. I'd been in critique groups, but after being published at a previous publishing house - now closed - the Editor-In-Chief approached me about editing. She said my writing was so clean when she got it, and I did my own editing, that she thought I'd do well. I was an editor for a few months, then promoted to Executive Editor.

After that company closed, I considered working as an editor for another established house, but then decided to open my own publishing company.

What line of books are you editor for?

I edit all books at Desert Breeze Publishing, so all lines come to me. In previous positions, I was the suspense and science fiction editor.

In your tenure of being an editor, what is most challenging?

On a personal level, finding a balance of time between editing others' works and writing my own. J On a professional level, authors who disregard our style sheets or house styles. It makes an edit more challenging when you're consistently reminding them what is and what isn't acceptable.

How long have you been an editor with Desert Breeze Publishing?

Since we opened. Just over a year now.

If a person is interested in becoming an editor, would they need a degree or any special training?

When the time comes to bring on editors, I am going to look for a few things. A degree in English isn't required, but I would like some level of secondary education. And I want an editor who is committed to editing at the same level as I am. I demand a great deal, so they would need to be ready for that. In this industry, I've been told by my authors and fellow peers that I'm not a typical editor. When it comes time to bring on staff, they'll be expected to be 'not typical' as well.

As an editor, what advice would you give to an aspiring author?

Never think you've learned all you need to know to be a successful and skilled author. Even as an editor, there is always something new I've learned to strengthen the work I'm editing. As an author, you never ever know enough to be good enough. That being said, grow a thick skin and hone your listening skills. If someone offers to help, listen. It doesn't mean everything they say will work for you - especially when it comes to voice - but craft... there's always something to learn.

When submitting a manuscript what are key things you look for?

First, an intriguing story. Second, that they fall without our guidelines - no erotica, no sex-oriented plot lines. Third, that they submit a manuscript to our house style.

As an editor, where do you see yourself in 5 Years?

Hopefully, working a little less to be honest. I hope to have a nice size staff, and while I intend to look at all manuscripts before and after editing, I hope to not be editing every book. By then, I hope we're doing far more books a month as well.

What did you do before you became an editor?

I was a writer in my 'off' time. My day job was at an investment company in the Boston area.

You are also an author, so tell us about your books.

I write several genres, but my most recent release is a contemporary romance titled Something Better. I jokingly call this the book I said I'd never write. I thought I was 'done' writing contemporary romances... and this is contemporary. I said I'd 'never' write a Hollywood-based book, and I'd never write a main character who was 'famous' in some way, and I'd never write a heroine who was a writer. It was too Mary Sue. If you're not familiar with that term, it means when an author writes themselves into a book. This book as all those things... it's set in Hollywood, the hero is one of the hottest, most sought celebrities of his day, and the heroine is... you guessed it... a novelist. There are other things, too... like when and how a first kiss should happen. But, I don't want to get into that too much.

The blurb is as follows:

Andrea Parker made a career out of romance, except hers was the kind that happened between the pages of a book. Or, now, on the big screen when her best selling novels are adapted to film. Just because she writes romance doesn't mean she believes in happily ever after.

David Bishop's face---and okay, yeah, much of his body---is known world wide as the Hottest Bachelor in Hollywood. But just like the rest of the world, he is smitten with the brilliant and talented Andi Parker. Little did he know the easy part would be convincing her to give him a chance

Just like in the novels, enter the 'dastardly bastardly' villain to screw up their potential Happily Ever After.

Where can your books be found?

All my past and future books will be published at Desert Breeze as far as I can see. I've had my books at other houses - the last of which shut their doors unexpectedly, leaving its authors as orphans - and to be honest, I've come to accept that I'm a control freak when it comes to my books. I was tired of being told to sex them up, tired of awful cover art that would supposedly 'sell' the book because there was a bare male chest on it. When I decided to open DBP, my books were actually still with another company - but combine my new publishing house with the closing of the other - and I made the choice to publish them under DBP.

As an author, are there a certain writers software you would suggest to aspiring authors?

As a total pantser who couldn't use a plotting program to save her life... all I recommend is Microsoft Word. LOL I've tried using those programs when my sweet, supportive husband bought one for me... but they just don't work for me. I just 'go with the flow' when it comes to my writing.


My personal website (although pathetically behind in updating) is http://www.gaildelaney.com/

Okay everybody give Gail big thank you for giving us a wealth of information. Also, make sure you thank your editor, especially Gail, for the wonderful and hard work they do.

Thank you Gail, for giving my book, "Native Spirit" the chance if deserved. You are the best as far as editors go. I know "Native Spirit" comes out in Feb 2011 and I know that it will be a success.

Also, here is the link to Desert Breeze Publishing: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/StoreFront.bok

Walk in harmony,

Melinda