The Poisoned Pencil, a New YA Imprint from Poisoned Pen Press

Yesterday we briefly mentioned that Poisoned Pen Press was creating a new young adult imprint, The Poisoned Pencil. Today we received the full press release from the publisher with more details.

"Our goal with The Poisoned Pencil is to publish young adult mysteries that are fast-paced and relevant to today's teens — books that adults will also want to read," said publisher Jessica Tribble. The Poisoned Pencil is particularly interested in works with off-beat approaches and narrative choices that reflect the complexity and ambiguity of today's world.

Veteran editor Ellen Larson will serve as editor of The Poisoned Pencil. And with the first books expected to be published in Fall 2013, the new imprint is actively seeking manuscripts of between 45,000 to 90,000 words in all traditional mystery forms.

"Anything goes," says Larson. "As long as the protagonist is between the ages of 12 and 18, it's young adult. I'm excited to begin reviewing submissions, seeing what's out there, and building our list."

For more information about submitting manuscripts, see The Poisoned Pencil submission page on the publisher's website.

Members of the news media wishing to request additional information about The Poisoned Pencil are kindly asked to contact Maryglenn McCombs by phone: (615) 297-9875, or by email: maryglenn@maryglenn.com.