S1: E6 Aje Roberts on Writing the Book of your Heart

In this episode of Conversations on Craft, Hayley King sits down with Aje Roberts, Senior Commissioning Editor at Tor Bramble and judge for the Ascent Novel Prize, for a deep dive into the messy and magical world of publishing. Aje shares what she looks for in submissions, how she builds long‑term author careers, and why intersectional, diverse voices matter more than ever. Learn how to craft a unique hook and discover what happens at an acquisition meeting. We talk tropes (including the infamous “only one bed”), dream acquisitions, book‑to‑screen adaptations, and the reality of working across authors, agents, and editorial teams. R.J. also lifts the curtain on how she scouts new talent, nurtures relationships, and champions writers beyond the debut.Whether you’re querying or a published author, this episode is full of insight, encouragement, and industry clarity. What we cover•             What a Senior Commissioning Editor actually does•             How submissions stand out in a crowded market•             The role of agents and how the author–agent–editor trio works•             Why fantasy has such a long tail in publishing•             How editors support authors beyond the debut•             Practical steps for championing diverse voices•             Tropes we love (and pretend to hate) 00:00 Introduction to R.J. Robert and Her Role06:36 Building Relationships with Authors and Agents09:52 Promoting Diverse Voices in Publishing12:16 The Balance of Acquiring New Authors14:35 Advice for Aspiring Writers16:23 The Editing Process Explained19:43 Insights into the Acquisitions Meeting21:51 The Joy of Editing and Book Design24:56 The Importance of Structural Edits26:09 Advice for Aspiring Writers28:06 Writing from Authenticity30:05 Finding Authors in the Digital Age31:01 The Instinct for Storytelling32:32 Crafting Irresistible Hooks34:52 Believing in Yourself as a Writer37:07 Navigating the Publishing Landscape38:31 Trends in the Publishing Industry40:22 The Balance of Romance and Fantasy42:13 The Future of Publishing44:01 Final Thoughts and EncouragementTo learn more about Ascent Novel Prize visit Ascent Novel Prize | international writing competitionOr follow us on social media: Ascent Novel Prize (@ascent_novel_prize) • Instagram photos and videos