A senior acquisition editor at Blackstone Publishing, Marilyn Kretzer has over thirty years of experience in the publishing industry. Her roles have ranged from acquisitions and rights sales, including international, subsidiary rights, and editorial acquisitions and contracts. She has a strong network across the industry, including with agents, editors, and rights professionals. Previously, she held key roles at Sterling Publishing as Rights and Editorial Director and at Scholastic as Acquisitions Manager. While caring for her mother, she held freelance and contract positions, including audio licensing for HarperCollins, author acquisitions for Callisto Media, and business development for Devar Entertainment (a tech company specializing in AR for books).

How did you first get your start in publishing and make your way to Blackstone as an editor? 

I started my career at Reader’s Digest as a subsidiary rights assistant, clearing rights for condensed books, magazines, and music books.  From there, I went to Penguin/Putnam and, finally, Sterling Publishing (now Union Square & Co.) for 18 years as a subsidiary rights director and editorial director. I then realized how much I loved acquiring and working with authors. I wanted to work with Blackstone Publishing since they started their print division. They are independent, scrappy, and genuinely care about their authors. 

“Everyone works together to make a book happen.”

What’s it been like working with the team at Blackstone Publishing?  

The team is fantastic at Blackstone Publishing. Everyone works together to make a book happen. Sales and editorial work extremely closely together to make sure what is being acquired is what everyone wants and feels passionate about. They listen to the authors and go the extra to ensure the finished book is what the author envisioned. 

What do you feel makes Blackstone Publishing unique as a publisher?

We are an independent publisher. Everyone gets involved in the acquisition process from the begging—our CEO, Sales, Marketing, and Publicity. We want to make sure not only is it a book we can sell but that Blackstone is the right home for an author.   Because Blackstone Publishing is more than just a publisher or a one-book stop, we are a home for authors. 

How’s it been working with Bryan Chick on his book WAYFINDERS?

It was fantastic working with Bryan Chick. Bryan is open to suggestions, discussing his thoughts, and working through any concerns. WAYFINDERS is an awesome adventure tale for middle graders. 

How’s it been working with Colleen Houck on her book TIGER’S TALE?

Colleen Houck is a total pro. I was part of the team who worked on the TIGER’S CURSE.  Colleen has incredible vision and is open to revisions but stays true to her work. 

What are the qualities that make for a good author?

That varies. Everyone has a story to tell, whether it is fiction or non-fiction. Not everyone can write. An author must be able to write so the reader is along with them.  It should be like being in a raft rather than being on the side of a river watching the raft move.

 “A literary agent should be a bit like a Mama Bear…”

What are the qualities that make for the best literary agents?

A literary agent should be a bit like a Mama Bear, on the lookout for their authors, fighting for what is needed, and knowing how to improve and curtail their client.  Especially important for starting authors as their first experience should pave the way for them to want to write more. 

Are you on the lookout for any particular kinds of books now?

In fiction—looking for unique voices in sci-fi/fantasy, thrillers.

In nonfiction—motivational, self-help.

“Write from within.”

Any advice for hopeful writers looking to become published authors?

Keep writing. If you don’t start, you will never get there. Don’t let someone tell you what you should write.  Write from within.

Are you reading anything good for pleasure at the moment? 

I just bought Emily Henry’s new book. 

Can you finish this sentence? I love reading because…

…it can transport me to new worlds, meet new people, and make new friends.