Editor P And Q With Kathryn Lye

Every Friday, we're welcoming editors from different Harlequin lines to tell us some of their peeves and to answer our questions. We've sent them some of our most commonly asked questions, and provided you with their answers. While we can't guarantee that the editors will be able to stop by to answer additional questions, please do share your thoughts below. If you have questions you'd like us to ask in future editions, please send them directly to Dream.

And now... Introducing Kathryn Lye, editor Harlequin Blaze

What most distinguishes your from the other lines (especially lines that

may be similar to yours)?

Blaze has the sexiest contemporary romances that Harlequin offers. In terms of characters and stories we prefer to focus on heroes and heroines who, while confident and multidimensional, are ones that readers will be able to still identify with and aspire to be like, and as such we tend to stay away from the reclusive Italian billionaire, for example, or the shy demure female. The same sort of thing applies to plotlines and themes.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SUBMISSION PET PEEVE?

Submissions that are not suitable for us. There are guidelines posted on the website to help direct authors with respect to their submissions.

IF YOUR LINE WAS A TV SERIES, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE?

Girls, if it featured characters in their mid to late 20s and early 30s.

What's your favorite part of being an editor?

Brainstorming with authors about new ideas or problem solving current manuscripts.

WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?

Lots of e-mail--queries from colleagues, other departments, authors and agents. Lots of reading! Lots of meetings--we spend a significant portion of our day working on how to build the best relationships with authors, agents and readers.

WHAT'S THE MOST RECENT BOOK YOU'VE READ FOR PLEASURE?

Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow.

WHY DID YOU BECOME AN EDITOR?

I have a deep passion for books and empowering people through reading.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES?

I like professional soccer and I am a tea addict.

WHAT TYPE OF CHARACTER/PLOT ARE YOU DYING TO SEE?

A tough question! Something that is unpredictable but not over the top.

What's the one question you wish people asked and what is your answer?

Q:Why should I continue to improve as a writer and storyteller when there are instant successes out there?

A:Having instant success is great, but rare. To have real success and last in this business you need to work on your craft. Your commitment will easily show you're a standout.

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