Lucia, again, thank you so much for taking time from your busy schedule to answer questions.
Here are Lucia's answers in no particular order.
First, Avon Red.
We have launched Avon Red this June with two collections: PARLOR GAMES, which are three historical stories and IF THIS BED COULD TALK, which are three contemporary stories (with some paranormal). Then, starting in September, we will be publishing one Avon Red title each month.
Editorial is flexible in that we have single titles by single authors, or collections by "author collectives". If you wish to submit individual projects to Avon Red, make sure sure it's approximately 60,000-70,000 words in length. If you are submitting with a group, the total word count should be 60-70K.
The best way to determine the level of sensuality in Avon Red is to read the stories themselves, but these books are definitely EROTIC, though there is a thread of romance coursing thru the stories.
We're seeking all types of settings--futuristic (though I personally find these hard to pull off), historical, and contemporary.
You can submit partial mss--three chapters and a synopsis-- to any Avon acquiring editor, or you can query any Avon editor (2-3 pp synopsis).
OTHER QUESTIONS Avon isn't starting a paranormal line--we don't publish lines anyway. We leave that to Harlequin, which is starting such a line, but that's all I know! We do publish paranormal romances as part of our regular paranormal program, however.
As for paranormal: I am the wrong person for paranormal. I'm too practical to believe in vampires, ghosts, etc., and I don't really find them at all sexy (scarey, yes, sexy, no way). Other editors here, especially Erika Tsang, love that stuff and know just how to publish it--and well. So keep the other editors in mind for the woo-woo material!
Regarding suspense, my philosophy isn't to subdivide that category--or any other category--to the point of tininess. Each book we publish must stand on its own, and definitely be able to hold its own, in a larger part of the market. However, would you call Stephanie Laurens "historical romance mystery"? I wouldn't! So think broad--because you want the broadest number of readers anyway--romantic suspense, paranormal, comedy, or historical romance.
Chicklit: Truth is, these days the best and brightest survive, and, generally, those books must appeal to a larger audience -- not just 20somethings. Also, and I know this is frustrating, authors who have an amazing platform (downtrodden assistants to famous starlets; those with media connections), still hold appeal. I think, truly, that Assistant stories (gay best friend, her odd attraction for a man you just know is going to dump her!) became a fast cliché. However, you also need to watch for what I think of as the "new cliches"--not the least of which is the 40something woman whose lived lived lived for her house, her kids, her hubby--who dumps her for his secretary!
The Avon Trade imprint is broadening its horizons, too, publishing more non-fiction, more reprints from hardcover, and a wider range of stories than ever before. You'll really begin to notice this in January 2007! We are definitely still seeking original voices!
Why Erotica? My personal opinion is that romance just became too tame, too politically correct. This also helped support the rise of paranormal books--especially vampire books. After all, it doesn't matter if you succumb to him...you can't help yourself! He has powers!
Also, there is a new acceptance of female sexuality in our culture--I even see the historical romances I edit sell better if they are much, much sexier than ever before!
Interesting, the other hot market right now are inspirationals!
Finally, how I became an editor: I graduated from college and I could type really fast. Truth is, I read an article in GLAMOUR or COSMO that said "Ten Things you can Do with your Liberal Arts degree!" and being an editorial assistant was one of them. I started at Harper and Row in 1981 and I made $9,000 a year. You read that right! Then I went to Berkley, then Harlequin, then Avon, then Avon merged with Harpercollins, so I've come full circle.
It's rougher now. I hire assistants who have publishing degrees.
