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 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, children's or young adult fiction. 

Is there a genre or sub-genre you’re particularly keen to see?
High paced mystery and adventurous romance; historical cosy crime; romantasy that's heavy on the romance with straight-forward but vivid world-building; Australian contemporary romance 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 the serious issues.

What genre is your personal favourite?
It changes constantly, but I'm really into historical cosy crime and twisty book club fiction from own voice perspectives at the moment.

What is your major turn-off in a book?
When characters feel too perfect or flat, and when the conflict feels contrived or too convenient.

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?
Your pitch is just as much about pitching you as pitching your book, so make sure your pitch gives you the chance to showcase your personality and where your writing inspiration comes from.

All-time favourite book?

Current favourite book?

If your life was a romance novel, what would the title be?

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland 

I just re-read Sarah Barrie's Hunters Ridge series and they're such fun (and spooky) reads!

First Love Summer