REUTS Acquisitions Editor: Kisa Whipkey

Bio: Kisa Whipkey is a dark fantasy author, a martial arts demo team expert, and a complete sucker for Cadbury Mini-eggs. She's also the Editorial Director for YA/NA publisher, REUTS Publications. She developed a passion for storytelling at a young age and has pursued that love through animation, writing, video game design, and demo teams, until finally finding her home in editing. She believes in good storytelling, regardless of medium, and applauds anything featuring a snarky lead character, a complicated narrative structure, and brilliant/uncommon analogies. Currently, she lives in the soggy Pacific Northwest with her husband and plethora of electronics.
Her personal blog--featuring sarcastic commentary on all things storytelling--is located at www.kisawhipkey.com. Or connect with her via Twitter: @kisawhipkey. And, of course, to learn more about REUTS Publications, please visit www.reuts.com.
1.      Tell us how you came to work with REUTS.
Well, that’s kind of a long story, and since you’ll see me again in my main role as Editorial Director, I’ll save it for that. The short of it is this: I answered an ad on Deviantart.com and the rest is history. You’ll see. ;)The way I ended up in acquisitions specifically is a little different though. Like I said, I’m primarily the Editorial Director, so I was hired as an editor first. Acquisitions came second. We quickly decided that we wanted to do acquisitions via a panel system, rather than the traditional format where each acquisitions editor makes decisions independently, and then has to sell the rest of the team on a manuscript. And since each of the directorship roles brought something unique to the table, we decided to make that our acquisitions panel and cut out the middle step.How does this pertain to the question? Like so: I was brought into acquisitions to speak on behalf of the Editorial Department and cast my vote accordingly. Which is the perfect segue into the next question, no?
2.      What does your job entail? 

Pretty much what you’d expect—I read incoming submissions, analyze them, and respond based on my assessment of where they fit in the market and how much editorial work they’re likely to need. I also get to attend conferences and connect with authors in person, as well as scouting for new talent in a variety of places.

This job embodies the glamorous side of publishing everyone envisions when you say “editor.” But it’s definitely not all sunshine and rainbows. We’ll get to that in a moment, though.


3.      What do you enjoy most about being an acquisitions editor? 

Meeting new authors and discovering manuscript gems waiting to be snatched up and introduced into the world. Seriously, it’s like literary archaeology. And who doesn’t want to feel like Indiana Jones?
But beyond the thrill of the hunt, I’d say that there’s something amazing about helping someone’s dreams come true. The joy of handing someone that long awaited “yes,” of offering them the validation their hard work deserves, is one of the best feelings in the world. Second only to watching them step into the limelight on release day. ;)
4.      What have your experiences been like working with the authors?

Generally good. I enjoy the enthusiasm, the hope, the passion people have for their stories. I find storytelling to be magical, so meeting fellow people who share that love is always fantastic. And I’m always so honored when someone entrusts me (and REUTS) with their baby. It’s a privilege, and I take that to heart.


5.      What is the hardest part of being an acquisitions editor?

I could say the expected response—the rejections—but that’s actually not the hardest part for me. It’s not fun, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not the part of the job that bothers me most. That would actually be the heartbreak that comes with falling in love with a manuscript, and then having it ripped away because the author was never serious about working with us. (As opposed to someone who is, but then goes with a different press instead. That’s also heartbreaking, but understandable.)
I don’t know if this is common in other parts of the industry, but I know it plagues the small presses, and it’s a behavior I find unsettling and disrespectful. An agent’s or editor’s time is an extremely limited resource and therefore valuable. I, for one, would rather give that time to people who appreciate and deserve it, rather than those who are looking to leverage my enthusiasm into a better deal elsewhere. Authors, you know how little you like being told no? Well, that’s a two-way street. Why give me something, let me fall in love with it, and then break my heart? Trust me, I don’t forget that, and it tends to tarnish your future chances with me. As I think it does for any editor or agent. And here’s something else to keep in mind—publishing is a small world, and we talk.
6.      And what is the best part?

Oh, I guess I kind of answered this one already, didn’t I? The best part is hands down the moment I get to give someone their dream on a shiny platter. I mean, I love that feeling of completely swooning over a book, and the book hangovers that go on for days, but for me, it’s really all about the author. I want to give them their moment in the sun. It’s not about my payoff; it’s about theirs.
7.      What kind of manuscripts do you enjoy and are looking for, and how can an author submit to you?

I’m a fan of a wide range, from historical fiction to sci-fi, fantasy to romance, and even mystery. My favorite genres are definitely fantasy though, preferably of the dark variety. I’ve seen some strong contenders in the high fantasy realm lately, but I’d still really like to find some more dark fantasy. The twistier, the better. If you’re the Gillian Flynn of the fantasy world, I want you. I’m also looking for brilliant magic realism, intriguing meta-fantasy, and witty contemporary pieces.
Authors can submit to me with a query and the first ten pages of their manuscript via our online submission form or through kisa@reuts.com.

8.      Last question; If you were suddenly struck by lightning/bitten by something/exposed to toxic waste, and ended up with super powers, what would it be and why?

This answer varies depending on the day (I love super heroes!), but right now, I would have to say something like super speed or time-morphing. Anything that would let me cram even a few more hours into my crazy, whirlwind life. That’s the little known downfall of being an editor—of any type—by the way. It’s not all glamour and reading. It’s a lot of intense work, and you’re always scrambling to catch up. So a time-based power would definitely be the one for me.