Why I Don't Acquire Sci Fi, and the other Mysteries of Life

I have been asked a lot as to way I limit my searches to women's fiction and romance. Along the same lines, I have been asked why I even limit the romances and don't acquire certain genres, specifically sci-fi, fantasy, inspirational and erotica. I have to say, I am really not unlike any other agent or editor out there. I have parameters that I work with for very specific reasons.

When I eliminate specific genres, it isn't that I don't like reading the stories every now and then, it is simply because I haven't figured out all of the twists and turns of that genre. As all of you know, I am a big fan of dissecting novels and figuring out what makes a book tick. With some of these genres, what makes the story tick is really unique and unlike a lot of other stories out there. Take sci-fi and fantasy for example. For the most part, these readers have very specific tastes. If an author doesn't "nail-it" with that story, the book is a goner.

For me as an agent, I am certainly not going to sign an author in a genre that I am not overly comfortable with selling. I may love the story, but if I haven't quite figured it out, then my sale of that book will be awful. I should note there is a parallel here to all of the things I have told you as authors. Just having a good story is not enough.

I have also limited the types of book I acquire for simplicity. As many of you know, just keeping track of the romance industry is tough. Genres shift, editors move, trends (if there really are any) are always a moving target. When I opened Greyhaus, I realized this tendency with this genre and I have never regretted the decision.

I guess finally, there is that element of having to like a genre to promote it. There are many times I have rejected a story, not because the story wasn't good, or that the writing was bad, it was simply because I wasn't drawn to it. Agents have to love a story to want to keep calling editors and pushing for it.

I hope that answers a few of those questions...

Now to answer a couple more mysteries of life...

• Krispy Cream doughnuts are perfect for making Bread Pudding.
• Multi-tasking is the key to success
• The weather in the Pacific Northwest is not always rainy.
• The Seattle Mariners really are the most polite MLB team out there.
• Slice Anise in small pieces and saute with butter, salt and pepper, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese - yum.
• Scott's favorite gift is a Starbucks Gift Card

Think that covers it.