EPISODE 91: Finding Your Perfect Match with HarperCollins Editor (and Author) Sara Schonfeld

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer sit down with Sara Schonfeld, a senior editor at Harper Collins, to discuss the parallels between publishing and dating. Sara delves into her process of finding ‘the one’ manuscript, what she looks for in submissions, and how she balances personal taste with market demands. She shares her proudest moments, handling rejection, and offers insight and advice for both aspiring and established authors. This engaging conversation is filled with humor, relatable anecdotes, and practical tips for navigating the publishing world. 00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers 00:31 Introducing Sara Schonfeld from Harper Collins 01:07 The Publishing Meet Cute 03:12 What Editors Look For in Submissions 08:32 Handling Rejections and Ghosting 10:58 The Editing Process and Author Calls 18:46 Dealing with Breakups and Cancellations 20:04 Silver Medalist Syndrome 21:01 Rejection in the Publishing Industry 21:18 Breakup Rituals and Sad Playlists 22:13 Dating and Book Comparisons 22:53 Balancing Personal Taste and Market Pressures 28:37 Proudest Author Relationships 31:00 Lightning Dating Round 33:08 Advice for Authors and the Future of Publishing 34:41 Conclusion and FarewellF​ind out more about Sara Schonfeld here!For a deeper dive into first pages and how to make an editor or agent fall in love, see our Episode 91 Deep Dive post here! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com