JOHANNA BAKER
Johanna Baker has worked in publishing for nearly ten years. She currently works for HQ Books, a division of HarperCollins, as Commissioning Editor. Johanna loves reading about complex female characters with interesting perspectives, and can often be found waxing lyrical about the importance of romance and genre fiction in literary spaces, and their ability to inspire, engage, and entertain.What is Johanna looking for?
What is the minimum word-count your agency takes, or your publishing house requires?
Single title only (80k and upwards)
What sub-genres or genres are you not looking for?
I am not currently looking for paranormal romance, science fiction, horror, children’s or young adult fiction.
Is there a genre or sub-genre you’re particularly keen to see?
High-paced mystery and adventure romance; queer romance from own-voice authors; romantasy that's heavy on the romance with straight-forward but vivid world-building; romantic comedy dripping in chemistry that speaks to the light and fluffy while also addressing the real complexities of life; general fiction with a strong hook that uses a clever high concept to address serious issues.
What genre is your personal favourite?
Is it wrong to just say romance? I'm a firm believer in happy, uplifting endings, no matter the genre.
What is your major turn-off in a book?
When the conflict feels contrived, especially in overusing miscommunication or when characters make too many decisions based on unfounded assumptions.
What is likely to really knock your socks off besides an engaging voice and well-written book?
A book that gets me invested in the characters enough to make me cry.
Any advice to your potential pitchers?
I'll probably ask you for a clear one-liner that captures the key hook of your manuscript, and also what books I would find sitting next to yours on the shelf if I went looking for it in a bookstore.
Get to know Johanna...
All-time favourite book?
Current favourite book?
Favourite tropes?
Favourite movies?
Favourite TV shows?
Random fact about Johanna:
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus and Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Enemies to lovers, Only One Bed and Grumpy/Sunshine
You've Got Mail, Pride and Prejudice (either version), Hidden Figures, The Holiday and Kindergarten Cop
Gilmore Girls, Not Dead Yet, Stranger Things
I exclusively listen to audiobooks on 1.3x speed
In the spirit of reconciliation, Romance Writers of Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia, and their connections to land, sea, and community. We pay our respect to their Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.