Comments on: Meet Senior Editor Selina McLemore

By: Ani Palacios Mc Bride

Ani Palacios Mc Bride — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:50:43 +0000

Hi Selina, I’m a Latina writer with two novels. My topic is immigrant stories (immigrants who are succesful professionals, not the traditional Tex Mix, Spanglish, boohoo, barrio story that is not of interest to Latin Americans who have a culture of reading) and I write in Spanish. I can’t tell by the interview if Grand Central publishes in Spanish. If so, would you be the editor to contact? Thanks!

By: Kat Sheridan

Kat Sheridan — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:34:31 +0000

Hi, Selina! In a world where the norm seems to be romantic comedy these days, it’s refreshing to see someone who actually likes manuscripts that take a walk on the dark side, I love writing dark, old-fashioned gothic romances–the kind with the single light blooming from the forbidden tower and the crazy pyromaniac stalking the hallways late at night. Brooding heroes, intrepid heroines–sigh. LOL! I do love dark romances, and am hoping to find more on the bookshelves soon! I’ll be sure to check for the authors you’re publishing!

By: Jordan Summers

Jordan Summers — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 03:12:28 +0000

Hi Selina, You mention you’re looking for dark paranormals, the darker the better. Are you looking for hybrid urban fantasy romances?

Thanks,

Jordan

By: Patricia McLinn

Patricia McLinn — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:50:06 +0000

Welcome and thank you, Selina, from a fellow NU grad . . . though perhaps just a year or two before you (g)

By: Selina

Selina — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:27:12 +0000

Hi Debbie,

No, you’re not wasting your time. Contests and conferences can be exceptions to the agent rule. I have requested manuscripts I’ve judged in contests before, and from authors who have pitched to me at conferences. And while I can’t say I’ve bought one of these projects recently, I have bought them in the past. But, even if a contest doesn’t lead you directly to a sale, remember that you can get valuable feedback that will help your writing. And down the road when you do sign with an agent, it’s likely I’ll remember your work.

By: Debbie K.

Debbie K. — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:32:08 +0000

Hi Selina:
Like a lot of unpublished writers, one of the strategies I use to get my work in front of editors is to choose contests based on the editors/agents who judge the finals. Since GCP only accepts agented submissions, am I wasting my time if I choose contests where someone from GCP is a final judge?
Thanks,
Debbie

By: Selina

Selina — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:16:24 +0000

Hi Vella, thanks for your comment. I don’t think your question is politically incorrect, and besides, it’s very commonly asked. GCP only accepts agented submissions, even from published writers.

Michelle, awwww, you remember how much I love flattery!

By: Michelle Gagnon

Michelle Gagnon — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:40:42 +0000

I was lucky enough to have Selina edit my first manuscript, and all I can say is that she’s one of the best in the business and a darn nice person too.

By: Vella Munn

Vella Munn — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:22:28 +0000

Hi Selina,

Thanks for the upbeat post. Hearing that there’s no doom and gloom at Grand Central is the perfect pick-me-up for this foggy day.

As a writer who has reinvented herself several times, I’m glad you have an open mind about someone working for more than one publisher. In my case, its a matter of economics and being able to produce more than one publisher can put out.

Do you consider submissions directly from published writers or is an agent necessary? (Can’t think of a politically correct way to ask)
Vella