Interview with Donna O'Brien

We are going to share a short interview with each of our guest judges this week to help you get to know them better.

Here's a reminder of what Donna is looking for in a manuscript at this time.

Currently, we are looking for voice rather than specific genre requirements, though we are primarily a boutique publisher of high quality fantasy, futuristic, and paranormal fiction. We are interested in urban fantasy, dystopian, futuristic science fiction, steampunk, mind-bending time travel, space operas, mythological as well as historical retellings with a twist, epic high fantasy, and the paranormal. We are also interested in paranormal categories of suspense, thrillers, gothica, and mystery. CMP also accepting submissions in the YA and New Adult categories of the above mentioned genres.


1. How did you decide to get into editing/publishing?

I was previously in the legal field, doing lots of research, writing and editing. I've always loved books and had the opportunity to join Crescent Moon Press in applying my skills in a much more enjoyable way.

2. Why did you choose the publisher you are working with now?

Crescent Moon Press had an excellent reputation for publishing quality manuscripts and had a fairly wide range of genres. The owners are both extremely wonderful women and are the most excellent bosses I have ever had.

3. What's your favorite part of the job?

Finding THAT story! The one that's unique and gripping yet is told so well that you are instantly transported into the author's world.

4. What is your current favorite book that you could read over and over?

Oh gosh! Just look at all the latest releases on our website and you can see why I would have a hard time picking just one. *grins*

Update on School's In Query Judges

Life is funny. In preparation for this contest, we sent out many queries in search of judges for you. And you know how we like to complain about no response from agents and such? Well, we now have a new appreciation for the issues they have to deal with email on a daily basis.

We missed an email from one of our judges! We've rectified the situation and wanted to take this time to remind you who our wonderful judges are and what they are hoping to find. 

Krystal Wade from Curiosity Quills
Andrew Buckley from Curiosity Quills
Nancy Bell from MuseItUp Publishing
Amy Lichtenhan from SapphireStar Publishing
Donna O'Brien from Crescent Moon Press


Krystal--I love older mc's (18+)! I'd like to see some good dystopian, more male mc's too, and then of course anything scifi/fantasy/paranormal with something new and unusual.

Andrew--I’m looking for adult fiction be it paranormal, sci-fi, fantasy, urban fantasy and/or anything quirky or humorous. No YA or NA please. I like strong protagonists with a unique voice and wonderfully evil antagonists. Please, please, please, no in-your-face sword and sorcery type pieces. They’ve been known to cause sharp pains in my posterior. I’m also looking for cookies. Oatmeal raisin are my favorite.

Nancy--MuseItUp is looking for more dark fiction, horror, as we are light in that department. However, romance, historical romance, YA/MG from a male POV that will entice that sector. Of course, we are open to anything that is well written and crafted. We don't publish literary fiction or poetry.

Amy--We're especially interested in contemporary romance and paranormal romance at this time, although we are accepting submissions in all fiction categories.

Donna--Currently, we are looking for voice rather than specific genre requirements, though we
are primarily a boutique publisher of high quality fantasy, futuristic, and paranormal fiction. We are interested in urban fantasy, dystopian, futuristic science fiction, steampunk, mind-bending time travel, space operas, mythological as well as historical retellings with a twist, epic high fantasy, and the paranormal. We are also interested in paranormal categories of suspense, thrillers, gothica, and mystery. CMP also accepting submissions in the YA and New Adult categories of the above mentioned genres.