March Madness presents: MARY HAMILTON, SAMHAIN EDITOR

Bio: Mary’s earliest book-related memory was curling around a pillow and listening as her older brother read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. One day she demanded she get a turn narrating: she wanted to be the first to find out what was going to happen next. She’s been an avid reader ever since, experimenting with genres to discover new favorite authors. She especially enjoys unique historicals, paranormals with complex worldbuilding, romances where the hero and heroine are equals, and suspense novels with a twist. Mary loves books that take a chance and still prefers to be one of the first to find out if there’s going to be a happily ever after.
Links to lines you acquire for:
Samhain Guidelines
http://www.samhainpublishing.com/submission-faqs/
http://www.samhainpublishing.com/special-calls/

Bragging rights on the court. Hold the trash talk. My editor is in the house!

Mary, thank you so much for participating.

Q: I have beer, soda, wine and water. What’s your preference of beverage for the game tonight? Ice/ no ice?
A: Thanks so much for having me! I’ll take a glass of chilled white wine, please.

Q: Are there any prize collectables (books, awards, etc.) on your bookshelf at home that make you beam with pride?
A: Many, many more than there should be. I’m a collector by nature and love to travel, so my walls and shelves are crammed with pieces from all around the world. Some of my favorites right now are my Israeli carved table, my collection of Moroccan tea glasses, my Maasai wedding necklace, and my antique Egyptian mosque lamp. I never leave a country without way too many mementos, and I’ve been told that stepping inside my apartment is like entering a Berber tent.

Q: Every great coach has a story as to how they got started in the game. When did you first realize that you loved books and wanted to edit them?
A: I was sitting in Tort Law, taking notes on my laptop, when I suddenly looked up and realized how poorly I fit in. Everyone—and I do mean everyone—looked the same. They had the same business-casual clothes, the same carefully styled hair, the same look of steely determination. Pardon the clichéd generalization, but to me, they already looked like they could eat me alive. And here I was wearing jeans and a geek-chic t-shirt with my hair dyed bright peach, wishing I could be out of the law school basement and in the sunlight. I realized I didn’t fit in, but it wasn’t until I moved to New York (after leaving law behind) that I found out where I did fit. Publishing was such a wonderful change; it was exactly the kind of creative work I enjoyed.

Q: Can you describe a typical day for an editor? The routine, the workout…
A: My day is atypical, actually, because I am considered a part-time editor. I wake up far too early, get dressed, and brave the subway into the city. If I manage to score a seat, I’ll use that time to edit a few printed pages. If not, I’ll do my best to sway with the motion of the train and read submissions on my ebook reader. I do the same when I head back to my apartment around 6:00. When I get home, I log into my e-mail and check to make sure everything is going well with my authors. If there’s a problem, I try to see to it right away. If not, I check to see how I’m doing against my editing schedule and either get a bit of editing in or finish up various office tasks and shut down. My weekends are where I get the most work done. On Saturday and Sunday, I crawl out of bed a little later than usual, curl up at my computer, and get some real editing done with occasional breaks to refresh my tea or take a walk around the neighborhood.

Q: Samhian has been a winning team for 5 years and recently changed up its game plans and updated its look. What can we expect to see from Samhain in the future?
A: There are a lot of exciting changes, both recently completed and on the horizon. Of course, everyone knows about the addition of Heather Osborn to Samhain. She has brought with her a wealth of experience from years in the industry, and her addition has really shaken things up in incredibly positive ways. The addition of Don D’Auria is also a welcome change. He is heading up the new horror line, and you can expect some terrific books appearing under his guidance later this year. We’ve also just begun a Retro Romance line that I am extremely excited about. Samhain is purchasing digital rights to classic 70s, 80s, and 90s romance in order to bring some of the greats to a new audience. I personally can’t wait to re-read some of my favorites on my Kindle!

Q: Word on the street is that there is a new kid on the court. Can you tell us more about the Horror line coming out? What are you looking for that will make a slam dunk?
A: Sure! Don D’Auria is in charge of the new Samhain horror line. At core, he’s looking for a unique, gripping story—historical, contemporary, what-have-you—with a strong, can’t-be-ignored hook. The hook is pretty key, so potential authors should make sure they focus on coming up with something really strong. They should also keep in mind that these are not meant to be fantasy or science fiction books, though the lines do occasionally blur.

Q: As an editor what are you looking for from writers? What elements of style catch your eye and make you want to draft a new player to the Samhain team?
A: I’m always on the lookout for something unique. I like seeing a fresh take on a tried-and-true concept, whether that’s setting or plotting or characterization. As I mentioned, I’m something of a globetrotter, so carefully researched historicals in unique settings have my attention immediately. I never say no to a really fresh suspense, contemporary or paranormal, however! Once you’ve got my attention with your unique take on the genre, I’m looking for characterization and tone. If I really believe in the hero and heroine, I won’t be able to put the book down. That’s a sure sign that I need to publish this author straight away!

Q: Is there anything in particular that you are looking for right now that would score in the last remain seconds and bring home a trophy? Anything you consider a rookie mistake that would send them back to the benches?
A: Like I mentioned above, I am actively searching for well-researched, unique historicals. I love UK-based Regencies and Victorians as much as anyone else, of course, but I’m really after something that I haven’t seen before. Why not a story set in ancient Japan? Or Victorian-era China? Or British-occupied India? Or Kenya during the Big Game years? Gay or straight, I have my eyes open for something truly one-of-a-kind. Samhain is able—eager—to publish in multiple Romance genres, and I’m eager to help usher in more cutting-edge historicals. As for rookie mistakes, I’d caution against new authors relying on genre staples without understanding what makes them work. I’ve read countless incredible books about the alpha male and the feisty heroine. I’ve also read my share of submissions where alpha crosses the line into abusive and feisty becomes irrational and grating. Be aware of the genre gems, but also learn how to use them when creating your own realistic characters. Finally: be careful of having characters be hot for each other instantly without any emotional charge. It works in some cases, but there’s a good chance it will fizzle out too quickly.

Q: Samhain has both print and e-books. How do you like to read your books, paper or plastic e-reader? Are there any books in queue right now on your TBR pile?
A: I really hate to choose one over the other, honestly. I rely on my Kindle because I travel so much, both at home and abroad. It’s so much easier to carry a bunch of books all wrapped up in one slim package. That said, there will always be something special about a paperback book. The smell, the feel, the overall sensation of reading is so different with a classic bound book. So really, it all depends on where I am and what I need at the moment. As for my reading queue, it is sadly being ignored in favor of submissions (which I’m sure you’re glad to hear!) But I did recently re-read The Hunger Games.

Q: Last but not least, if you could coach a bunch of writers and give them a winning pep talk like in the movie Hoosiers, what would you tell them?
A: Oh God. Unfortunately, I’d be the worst inspirational coach ever. I’d just point to the field and go, “There! Go get ‘em, guys! Win!” Maybe while playing Eye of the Tiger to really get them going. But for authors, I’ll give it a shot.

Be original, be creative, and be true to the story you want to tell. Even if it’s not the story I’m looking to buy, someone out there almost certainly is. Keep trying and good luck! …Go get ‘em, guys! Win!

Whoo hoo! Can’t wait for the new line of books and the fascinating year ahead.
Thank you so much for coming out and celebrating March Madness with us.

Please check the guidelines at Samhain Publishing, if you would like to submit your manuscript.

Questions? Comments?