1. How did you get started in the publishing industry? 

I answered an ad in the New York Times for an editorial assistant position. I had to pass a typing test to get hired! 

2. For those who don’t know, what are your duties as editor? 

Basically, editing manuscripts, writing cover and promotional copy, sometimes developing book or content ideas and finding the right writers to execute these projects. 

3. What is the difference between freelance editing compared to a contract job with a specific publishing house?

A freelance position is generally paid hourly and you’re hired on a project basis, as needed. An on-staff editorial position usually comes with medical and retirement benefits and a salary versus hourly pay.

4. How do you write movie novelizations? It is basically describing the movie in book form, but are you allowed any creative leeway? 

 You adapt the text to fit a book and audience format such as middle grade or YA. Very little creative leeway is allowed; you must follow the plot of the movie script and be faithful to the characterizations. 

5. And I see from your credits, you’ve written in various genres from Rachel Ray’s cookbook to topical teen fiction like Overexposed; what is your favorite genre to do? 

I especially enjoy writing fiction for YA and middle-grade readers. 

6. What draws you to children’s fiction?

I’m not sure! Perhaps its inherent optimism and the challenge of trying to capture a child or teen’s POV. In some ways, I still feel like a kid, trying to figure out myself and the world around me.

7. In your work with the Magic Attic Club, you were one of several authors on the same series, how does that work? 

We were each assigned different stories based on certain characters (dolls) and their activities.

8. What is the One on One Plus conference? 

It was once a writers conference at Rutgers University for kid-lit writers and illustrators. 

9. What do you do as a mentor with One on One?

I used to read writers’ work and offer feedback and encouragement.

10. Do you have a favorite book you have written or edited? 

Too many to choose from! 

You can learn more at her website: https://susankorman.net/