As a novelist and avid reader, I’ve been drawn to books for my entire life. My college career, which was decades ago, was focused on acting as I’m quite talented at singing and dancing. My theatre degree required several sections on writing plays and one acts. I was bit by the writing bug from that moment on and have never looked back.

As the Managing Editor, I keep track of the process of publishing all the way through to a book’s launch. I keep open communications with my editors and the authors they are working with to make sure deadlines are met. I am the final quality checker for all books we produce. If I feel strongly about the direction of a book, I will also provide suggestions for interior artwork and cover artwork. Basically, my job is to make sure the final product shines to its upmost best, which is my favorite part of my job—finding that diamond in the rough and taking it to its fullest potential.

I have worked in the publishing industry for over a decade. My book cover for Ezekiel’s Brain by Casey Dorman for our NewLink imprint won a Sci-fi award for originality. The Voyage of the Dephi Series that book is connected to has received tons of praise and has a growing fan base.

I’m a huge believer in the unknown author. If I see potential in your work, you will have no greater advocate than me in making your novel the best it can be. Though we are a traditional publisher and have the final say in decisions, I want our authors to be pleased with the final product so their feedback throughout the process is always considered.

What advice would you give to authors looking to publish their book with Mystic Publishers, Inc.?

Never stop writing…even if your work is rejected, write something else. Find a beta group of trusted people to read your work before you submit it to publishers. Their feedback can be a great tool in helping you hone your skills. When you do finally decide to submit to Mystic Publishers Inc., know that you will get an honest assessment of your work. We don’t send out form rejection letters. If we are passing on your work we will tell you why, and sometimes we even will give you the opportunity to resubmit if you choose the reedit the manuscript for the critiques given.

Janelle Evans is the author of the Rory’s Choice Series, (Rory’s Choice, Consequences, Thorns of Revenge) and the novel Stuffed Souls. Beyond her obsession with YA novels, she works in the publishing industry as an editor, which can sometimes feel like a therapist, for all kinds of authors—from the fledgling to the pro. She’s always loved reading and writing and finds it a wonderful miracle that she gets to spend her days doing both.