Christine Goff Gets The Third Degree

an Interview by John Broussard

 The following is an interview with Christine Goff, Editor of The Third Degree, official publication of Mystery Writers of America, Inc.

Broussard: Tell us about The Third Degree.

Goff: The Third Degree is an eight-page newsletter published ten times a year and mailed to Mystery Writers of America (MWA) members in the United States, Canada and eight countries overseas.

Broussard: Why was The Third Degree first published?

Goff: MWA is a non-profit professional organization that serves over 2,000 writers in all categories of mystery and crime fiction. Several of its purposes are: to promote and protect the interests and welfare of mystery writers; to advance the esteem and literary recognition of the mystery genre; and to circulate important information regarding the mystery genre among the members. MWA created The Third Degree to help meet these objectives and to provide an informative source of current news and items of special interest to the membership. The Third Degree serves as the main vehicle of communication within the Mystery Writers of America, Inc.

Broussard: What is your background in editing/writing/publishing?

Goff: I began my writing career in non-fiction, penning columns for several local newspapers, and articles for regional and national publication. During the pursuit of my fiction career, I edited and worked graphic production for two publishers: Chockstone Press, a rock- and ice-climbing guide publisher based in Evergreen, Colorado; and Living the Good News, a Christian publishing house based in Denver, and a subsidiary of Moorehouse Publishing. In 1998, I sold my three-book, bird-watching mystery series to Berkley Prime Crime. The first book in the series, A Rant of Ravens, is due out in October 2000. The second book, Death of a Songbird, is scheduled for release in July 2001.

Broussard: Where does the material for The Third Degree come from?

Goff: We have a number of regular contributors: G. Miki Hayden contributes "The Market" column; Janet A. Rudolph writes the "Marketing Your Mystery" column; William E. Chambers, the Executive VP of MWA, writes "Vital Signs," a column announcing member authors’ current releases/publications; Katie de Koster contributes the "Cybercrime" column; P.J. Liebson writes "Chapter News" (there are currently nine active chapters throughout the U.S.); Donald Maass gives us the "Agent Dossier;" and Mary Beth Becker, the Administrative Director of MWA, contributes "Fresh Blood," a column naming the newest members of MWA, their MWA chapter, and their current membership status. In addition, the previous editor, Michael Jahn, contributed articles on a regular basis. I plan to follow suit, though at the moment I have enough submitted material to fill several issues. Still other things come in from writers all over the country, and some material is reprinted from other sources. I'm open to accepting any material that is of particular interest to mystery writers and/or directly relates to the mystery genre.

Broussard: Who decides what goes into The Third Degree?

Goff: I do, though MWA does have a newsletter committee that I can bounce ideas off of.

Broussard: Do you have any plans for a website?

Goff: Mystery Writers of America currently has a website, though we do not have the newsletter posted at this time. MWA can be found at http://www.mysterywriters.net. This site also serves as a link to the MWA chapters across the U.S. I am currently President of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of MWA. Our chapter website is http://www.mystery-tales.com.

Broussard: What are the most common reasons for rejecting material for The Third Degree?

Goff: The length of the article. We have such limited space and so much material, it becomes hard to publish articles over 1,000 words in length and still provide a variety of information. Also, content that doesn't meet the needs of, or isn't specific enough to, mystery writers.

Broussard: What is the one bit of advice you feel is most important for someone wishing to submit material to The Third Degree?

Goff: Be sure your submission is timely, of interest and no more than 1,000 to 1,200 words in length—unless it can be printed as a two-part article.

Broussard: How should someone submit material to The Third Degree?

Goff: I can be reached at coclg@msn.com, or Christine Goff, Editor / The Third Degree / 732 Meadow View Dr. / Evergreen, CO 80439. Please note: The Third Degree does not pay for written material. If your contribution is used, I will happily send you a copy of the The Third Degree issue where your article appears, provided you have supplied me with your snail-mail address. All submissions should be accompanied by a one or two line biography to be printed at the end of your article along with the name you want in your byline.

Broussard: What is your vision of The Third Degree for the future?

Goff: I hope to maintain the high standard of quality previously established, and perhaps enlarge the publication. We have recently opened the The Third Degree to advertising to help offset rising publication costs, and this may enable us to expand. Anyone interested in rates should contact me directly.

Broussard: What do you see as the future of writing, editing, and publishing in general?

Goff: I know others may give a bleak prognosis, but I feel quite optimistic. Consolidation by the larger publishers is shrinking the number of houses, but most continue to publish the same number of books, and some lines have even expanded. The e-book stands to have the most significant impact, though what that impact will be remains to be seen. I think there will be many readers who purchase e-books for the convenience of carrying several books in one small package. Yet I still believe many will purchase actual books for the feel of turning pages. A good portion of consumers will buy both. As for mysteries, I think they are here to stay.

Broussard: In the time that you have been writing/editing/publishing, have you seen any changes in the kinds of mystery books being published?

Goff: Yes. I think in recent years there has been a trend toward more character-driven fiction. In the past, mystery fiction was more plot driven — the key element being the puzzle. Now, readers seem to want more emphasis placed on the character interactions, motives, etc. That's not to say that plot is no longer important—just that readers demand a better blending of plot and character.

Broussard: How does one subscribe to The Third Degree?

Goff: To subscribe, you must be a member of Mystery Writers of America. Membership applications are available from Mary Beth Becker, MWA's Administrative Director. She can be reached at: Mystery Writers of America / 17 E. 47th St. / New York, NY 10018, or you can call her at (212) 888-8171. You can also apply for membership through the website at http://www.mysterywriters.net.

-- JB