What Editors Really Look For, with Alison Romig: First Pages, Comps, and Connecting with Readers

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Episode Summary
In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa talk with Alison Romig, Associate Editor at Delacorte Press, about middle grade and YA fiction. Aspiring authors will gain insight into what editors look for in first pages, how to use comps effectively when pitching, and how to navigate the ever-evolving publishing landscape—especially in middle grade.

Guest Bio
Alison Romig is an associate editor at Delacorte Press, where she edits middle grade and young adult fiction. Since joining Delacorte in 2019, she’s worked with New York Times bestselling authors Lindsay Curry and Catherine Quinn, among others. A lifelong fan of horror, she lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Key Discussion Points

• How horror became Alison’s lifelong reading passion—and why the genre is having a major moment
• What makes a first line or first page irresistible to editors
• The hidden power of accurate comps in query letters and what they reveal about your audience
• Common mistakes in submissions (and why most novels start in the wrong place)
• Balancing multiple POVs and keeping the story cohesive
• The editor–author relationship: collaboration vs. prescription in editorial feedback
• How sales track and market “weirdness” factor into acquisitions—especially for middle grade authors
• Alison’s top wishlist item: horror romance, from chilling to cozy

Conclusion

This episode reminds writers that a strong editorial partnership is built on trust, open communication, and shared creative vision. Whether you’re writing middle grade, YA, or exploring new genres, Alison’s insights demystify the submission process and empower authors to craft stories that truly connect with readers—and maybe even give them a good scare.

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