Anaiah Press Editor: Sean Connell

Bio: I started writing in elementary school, won my first writing prize in middle school, and sold my first piece in college. I took up editing because I enjoy it, and between the writing and the editing I’ve worked on a number of different projects, though none for AP. I also teach writing at a local university.


1.       Tell us how you came to work with Anaiah Press. I knew Eden Plantz through an online writer’s group, and she let me know there was an opportunity.
2.       What does your job entail?  Mostly content edits. It’s my job to look for plot holes, continuity issues, and smaller things like consistent characterization. I also fact check, when need be. Or at least ask the author to.
3.       What do you enjoy most about being an acquisitions editor?  I like working with new authors, helping them get the most out of their manuscript, and helping them become better writers in the process.
4.       What have your experiences been like working with the authors? So far, it’s been great, but so far I’ve only worked with one.
5.       What is the hardest part of being an editor? Reading the same work multiple times. It’s necessary, but it breeds a certain familiarity with the story.
6.       And what is the best part? Reading the same work multiple times, and watching the author make it better each time.
7.       What kind of manuscripts do you enjoy and are looking for, and how can an author submit to you? I’ve been hired to help get the spec fic section going, so anything that falls under those guidelines. I like to read a lot of things, in all genres, so mostly it comes down to telling a good story.
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? Teleportation. Would cut down on the commute.