Presenting...Natashya Wilson, Editor

Name: Natashya Wilson
Title: Editor
Role: Responsible for acquiring Silhouette Romantic Suspense and other series editorial, working with over twenty authors to contract, edit and see manuscripts through the production process.

Who is this woman of mystery?
Let's let her tell us in her own words:

"I first worked for Harlequin from 1996-2000 as Debra Matteucci’s editorial assistant, then assistant editor for Harlequin American Romance and Intrigue. I left for a few years, but came back in 2004 to head the Silhouette Bombshell series. When that series ended--though elements have been 'redeployed' to enrich other lines--I moved on to Silhouette Romantic Suspense working with Senior Editor Patience Smith.

"Before coming to Harlequin, I was a graduate student at Syracuse University, studying magazine journalism, as well as a sales associate at Victoria’s Secret--now that was fun!

"As an acquiring editor, I am primarily looking for SRS projects (all guidelines on www.eHarlequin.com at page bottom, click writing guidelines), and am interested also in anything that might suit our company’s various publishing programs.

"For series projects, it isn't necessary to have an agent. For single title projects from an author new to the company, an agent is required unless your project has been directly requested.

"You may wonder when I became interested in this business. Well, I've been a romance reader since age 9, when I discovered Jennifer Wilde’s LOVE’S TENDER FURY on the shelf of my mother’s friend’s Oregon farmhouse. I hid under the covers, reading it in secret. I’ve been hooked on romance ever since.

"The best part of this job is finding a new author and making that initial call to buy the book! And, reading my authors’ new stories is a joy. I find the most difficult part of this job is rejecting projects. No one likes to hear it, and trust me, no editor likes to do it!

"The most challenging part of the job is juggling all the different tasks needed to get a manuscript through production into a finished book. There are so many steps along the way that must be timed and thought through.

"Acquiring new authors is something that ideally happens throughout an editor's career. Way back when I first became an assistant editor, one of the first new authors I bought was Debra Webb. What a joy that was! This year I found talented newcomer Jennifer Morey, whose first book The Secret Soldier will be released as an SRS in September, 2008.

"As an editor, you're looking for something special that grabs you when you read a manuscript. Debra’s story Safe By His Side featured a heroine with a weak heart who was trying to hide her problem from the hero as they were chased through snowy mountains. Her physical struggles plus Deb’s deft plotting added extra layers of tension to the situation that raised the book out of the pack into something extra-special. Jennifer’s upcoming story, The Secret Soldier, begins in a desert country with the heroine being taken hostage. Jennifer’s intense, powerful style, strong hero and twist-filled plot compelled me to keep reading. I could not put the manuscript down!

"Silhouette Romantic Suspense has built on the solid Silhouette Intimate Moments base into a strong romantic suspense series that features compelling characters caught in intensely romantic, dangerous situations. The romantic relationship is the focus, and the suspense raises the stakes and brings tension to a fever pitch, creating fast-paced, intense romances that readers can’t put down. The stories are not quiet or gentle.

"My advice to writers interested in writing for the SRS line is to pay attention to your chapter opening and closing lines. Ask yourself: Does the first line compel the reader to go on? Does the last line compel them to go to the next chapter? Your first line is your first impression to the editor. Make it count, make it tantalize.

"As for a pet peeve, it's a little thing, but it's the misuse of “Most/More important”! The phrase is so commonly misused that many people think “Most/More importantly” is correct. Once in a while it is, but not very often. But with all the misuse, this poor grammar is becoming accepted. (Now, I’m sure I make a lot of grammatical errors myself, but for some reason, this one just grates every time I see it)

I pinned down Natashya with a few specific questions:

What makes a successful working relationship between author & editor for you?
An open mind and respectful discussion. Trust develops from there.

What are your most memorable books or childhood favorites--why do you think they are special?
My favorite book of all time is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I find it one of the most beautiful, thoughtful stories ever written. The author knows human nature, and the book resonates far beyond the sweet story it tells.

What kind of stories appeal to you now?
Well, I adore romance of all kinds! Outside of that, I’ve been reading a ton of YA lately. Meg Cabot, Stephenie Meyer, Megan McCafferty…these are some of my all-time favorite YA writers.

What kind of films are on your “must see” list when you look at the paper?
Romantic comedies (Enchanted, 27 Dresses etc.) and fantasy dramas (Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter etc.). Absolutely nothing with a sad ending! I know I miss many wonderful, beautiful stories, but the world is full of sad things, and for my entertainment, I want to come away sighing with happiness. Although I did see and love Brokeback Mountain. But mostly, give me happy!

Favorite actors or actresses you like seeing, or do you follow directors?
I adore Ewan McGregor, Nicole Kidman, Lauren Graham, Jon Cusak, Christian Bale, Helen Mirren, Dame Judy Dench, Meryl Streep, Arnold…well, too many to keep listing. Directors I don’t pay as much attention to, and some old favs have let me down with poor screenplays, so…? And, my all-time favorite TV show was La Femme Nikita with Roy Dupuis and Peta Wilson.

Do you have any interesting hobbies or do you collect things we should know about?
Hmmm. Interesting to whom?! I have a horse; I love to ride. I used to love collecting things, but my house is too small, so I had to stop.

Is there something unusual about you we don’t know that we should?
Nope. I’m pretty average! Average cool, that is....

Thank you Natashya!

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