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Talking to Publishers 9

Magazine

Maria Maloney

Lodestone is a new imprint, which offers a broad spectrum of subjects in YA/NA literature.

Compelling reading, the Teen/Young/New Adult reader is sure to find something edgy, enticing and innovative. From dystopian societies, through a whole range of fantasy, horror, science fiction and paranormal fiction, all the way to the other end of the sphere, historical drama, steam-punk adventure, and everything in between (including crime, coming of age and contemporary romance).

Publisher Maria Maloney says: "We welcome submissions and have a few guidelines and words of advice. Teenagers, 13-18, are reading Lodestone books, and as an author it's teenagers you need to speak directly to (not at). Teenagers have problems and, whatever the genre, so should your characters. Think back to when you were a teenager yourself and try to get right into the teenage psyche. Should you have forgotten how to do this owing to advancing old age, then get out there and observe! Teens should act like teens; however, this doesn't mean they should lack intelligence or any maturity. However, they can be unpredictable, emotional, risk-takers, rebels, can make uninformed choices, and are generally high on hormones. YA books are more often written in present tense, and although this is not a strict requirement, it is something to consider.

"The best piece of advice we can offer is: Read, read, read! Read lots of books in the genre you're writing, YA of course, but this can crossover into the pre-teen and new adult age ranges. Depending on the age aimed at, don't be afraid to address issues that affect teens: death, suicide, drugs, violence, racism, sexuality, alcohol, love, sex, pregnancy and mental health problems. Avoid preaching and if there are lessons to be learned let this learning come about naturally through the medium of your story rather than through pointed dialogue or author intrusion.

Although it's said that nothing is entirely original - don't copy, avoid clichés and be unique - but don't forget that in the end you are storytelling, and although good characterisation is needed, so is a good strong storyline, together with a good pace, conflict and a sense of adventure. Remember if your story bores you, then it will certainly bore your young adult reader."

Proposals should be made via the website in the first instance. www.lodestonebooks.com

No advance. Royalties paid twice yearly.

Blog: http://www.lodestonebooks.com/blogs/lodestone/hello-world/

Maria Moloney is the publisher of Our Street BooksAn Imprint Of John Hunt Publishing. For children of all ages, deliver a potent mix of fantastic, rip-roaring adventure and fantasy stories to excite the imagination; spiritual fiction to help the mind and the heart grow; humorous stories to make the funny bone grow; historical tales to evolve interest; and all manner of subjects that stretch imagination, grab attention, inform, inspire and keep the pages turning. Our subjects include Non-fiction and Fiction, Fantasy and Science Fiction, Religious, Spiritual, Historical, Adventure, Social Issues, Humour, Folk Tales and more. (children's books), Lodestone Books and Dodona BooksAn Imprint Of John Hunt Publishing. Offers a broad spectrum of divination systems to suit all, including Astrology, Tarot, Runes, Ogham, Palmistry, Dream Interpretation, Scrying, Dowsing, I Ching, Numerology, Angels and Faeries, Tasseomancy and Introspection (astrology, numerology and divination). Working for John Hunt PublishingExplore the "Our Imprints" section to learn more about our uniquely qualified publishers and their supporting teams. for 5 years, she is a publicist, publisher, writes reader reports and is a copy editor. She is the author of five MBS books, and a children's fantasy novel and also teaches creative writing. Maria has a BA (Hons) degree in Imaginative Writing and Literature, and has studied both Writing and Research at postgraduate level. She lives in Ireland.

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