Today we hear from Natalie Hanemann, a senior editor who works with some of Thomas Nelson’s YA projects.

Tell us a little about yourself!

I’m married and have two small children—five and one. I’m a Food Network junkie and torture my family by watching Iron Chef re-runs. The kids just want to watch Playhouse Disney. I’ve worked in publishing for almost 10 years, five years here at Thomas Nelson. I love fiction. I love God. I pinch myself sometimes on days where I’ve been able to dive deeply into both. And the art and science to storytelling is endlessly interesting to me. Specifically, I’m passionate about Romances and Historicals.

Even though I’m sure no day is “typical”, can you tell us about what your “day at work” is like as a fiction editor?

I spend two days every week working from home. On those days, I editing manuscripts. I read from a bound printout and make notes in the margin. And once or twice a month I’ll take proposals home and go through a handful at a time.  The other three days, I’m in the office checking email, writing copy, reviewing covers, attending meetings, and talking with authors on the phone.

Are you actively acquiring YA? What’s on your wish list as far as YA Novels go?

Yes. I’d love to acquire a YA project (or two!) for young girls that accurately reflects what today’s teen life feels like, especially for a Christian. Next weekend I’m going to Atlanta to for the Revolve conference in the hopes that I’ll be able to see first-hand what struggles our young Christian girls are facing today.

What do you see way too much of?

Fantasy.

Are there any common problems/mistakes that you see in YA manuscripts?

Two things to keep in mind when writing YA: authenticity and remembering your end reader.

As far as Christian content goes, what do you look for?

I love reading stories where the protagonist goes through a spiritual journey. The journey has starts and stops and takes you to unexpected places. By the end, she’s no longer in the same place spiritually that she was at the beginning. She’s evolved and matured. When the protagonist stops to listen to what God is saying to her – that’s so inspiring and can reach the reader in a personal way.

Your website states that Tommy Nelson is not open to unsolicited submissions. Do you participate in any conferences where writers can meet you face to face?

Thomas Nelson annually attends ACFW. And if the writer has an agent—and every writer should!–that agent can submit your proposal as soon as it’s ready.

Many agents will not consider writers who write only YA, so are there agents (who enthusiastically represent YA) that Tommy Nelson does work with that you might recommend writers to look into? Other ways to be considered?

There are agents who represent YA authors. I can’t disclose names, but they are out there. My suggestion to the writers is to know your brand. That is, be able to say, no matter how many novels I write, they’ll always have these same elements – or more accurately be able to say to the reader, no matter how many novels you buy, you’ll consistently have this same emotional experience. Once you know your brand, compile a list of three comparable authors in the marketplace WHO ARE SUCCESSFUL (don’t say Stephanie Meyer or J.K. Rowling). Be able to name what makes you distinct from them. Come to your agent meeting prepared with this information. The YA genre is growing and has never been so popular. Agents know this and if they’re smart, will take the time to give you a fair shot.

Describe your dream author.

It’s a balance between having confidence but not arrogance.  Between knowing you have talent but always being willing to listen to other people’s suggestions. I love authors who see the relationship with the publishing company as a partnership. We have so much to offer each other and hand in hand, the sky is the limit. As in all relationships, so much comes back to love, respect, and hard work.

Any other bits of advice you’d like to share with YA writers?

As Bobby Flay says, “Just keep doing what you’re doing.” And remember, you’re offering hope to a group that desperately needs it.

Thanks Natalie! We so appreciate you taking the time to share your insight and expertise with us! Great stuff!