In the writing game, most of us are very aware of the publication process from our side of the desk. But what about what transpires on the editor’s side?

I attended the Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) conference in Perth on February 17th, and got the answer straight from the horse’s mouth.

Julie Romeis, editor at Chronicle Books in her workshop “From Manuscript to Publication”, gave us some insight into her world wehn she was asked: “How do you choose a manuscript?”.

The question arose in response to Julie outlining how intensively she works with an author to get their manuscript to publication standard. And this is before a contract is sighned.

We were all staggered by the number of rewrites and length of time taken in this part of the publication process. Don’t we, as writers, have to have our work up to a high standard before we send it to a publisher? If a manuscript requires so much more work after a preliminary acceptance, how does Julie know that the manuscript in her hand will be a winner?

Julie’s response was simple to her, but mystical to us as writers. “It’s the essence of the story,” she said.

What is “the essence”?

It’s the voice; the quality we all strive for and which cannot be taught. But for Julie – and probably other editors – it’s the vital element in plucking a manuscript from the slush pile.

In saying this, though, Julie did confess that she chose one book because of its title – “Chicks and Salsa” – and her love of Mexican food.

So what’s the answer? How do we find “the essence”?

Perseverance and luck. Oh, and perhaps some homework on the likes and dislikes of editors so that the picture book about fabulous felines doesn’t get pitched to a cat hater!