APRIL 3RD, 2024, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR JENNIFER RAUDENBUSH, CONDUCTED BY KIDLIT WRITER, BLOGGER & LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

It’s officially April! Summer is just around the corner. Which means the library is buzzing with activity… and so is the kidlit world. Today, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to our first Feature Interview guest of the month, Jennifer Raudenbush. Jennifer’s debut picture book, IN THE PALM OF MY HAND, was launched in March of 2023. If you don’t already have a copy, be sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the interview!

Before I jump into our interview, though- if this is your first time visiting my blog or the feature interview segments, welcome! I’m glad you’re here, and I hope you’ll visit again. To give you an idea of what’s in store, here’s a brief overview of what feature interviews are all about and why they’re so valuable.

WHAT ARE FEATURE INTERVIEWS AND WHY ARE THEY SO GREAT?

In a nutshell, here’s what a “feature interview” is. Every month, I sit down with literary professionals –authors, illustrators, editors, and agents– at all stages of their careers- from newly debuting to well-established, seasoned best sellers- and we discuss all things kidlit publishing. (Many of my guests are also former or current educators and librarians!)

These interviews are a great resource for kidlit writers and illustrators no matter where they are in their journey. Not only do they offer current information on market trends, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publishing from a diverse collection of creators and perspectives.

Here’s a list of just a few of the helpful things we discuss:

• Where to find both FREE and PAID for writing memberships, craft workshops, contests, and other resources
• How to query agents and editors and what they’re looking for
• Where to find kidlit community and support from other writers or illustrators
• Diversity, empathy, and kindness in kidlit and why it matters
• How to improve your skills and set goals
• Writing across genres
• How to deal with setbacks/disappointments and WAITING
• Helpful tips and suggestions for aspiring authors and illustrators
• Pros and cons of small publishers, hybrid (or indie) publishing, and being agented vs. unagented
• What to do after you sign with your first agent – and/or make your first book deal
• How to promote your books as a debuting author or illustrator
• Behind the scenes of hosting author events- library/school visits
• How to get your books into bookstores & schools
• And of course- during each feature interview segment- we share new publishing deals & host giveaway prizes for our readers!!! ** Giveaway PRIZES and instructions on HOW to enter are listed at the bottom of each interview**

Not that we’ve shared a little about what’s in store… it’s time to jump into our interview!

WHERE YOU’RE AT AND WHERE YOU’VE BEEN…

Jennifer, it’s such a treat to have on Chelsea’s World of Books today. Thank you for joining us. One of the coolest parts of looking over my applicants last year in preparation for the 2024 lineup was seeing geographically where all of my entries were coming from. So, let’s start with that. Where are you currently living- and if it’s different from where you’re originally from, where was that?

Hi, Chelsea. Thanks so much for having me today! I was born, raised, and still live in beautiful eastern Pennsylvania. I love nature, and this area offers amazing views and hikes.

How long have you been writing? Have you been writing since you were a kid, or did your love for writing spark later in life? 

I was always a big reader and learned to read before kindergarten. When I was a kid, I created a lot of cards and some stories, but mainly I became interested in writing in middle school and high school. I was a co-editor of both my high school newspaper and yearbook. I later majored in English Literature at Sweet Briar College in Virginia. While in college, I made my first picture book dummy, even though I truly had no idea how to write a picture book. It was the seed of my writing dream.

When did you first know you wanted to pursue publishing as a career? How old were you?

A well-meaning family member talked me out of becoming a writer (due to the income), so I became a speech-language pathologist specializing in pediatrics at a local hospital. But, like I said, I was always interested in reading and writing.

Was there anyone/anything influential that impacted your choice to pursue publication… or maybe spurred your love of literacy/writing?

I had two wonderful English teachers in high school, Mrs. Karpulk and Miss Beatty, who cemented that love of literacy deep in my bones. Both encouraged my writing, and I owe a debt of gratitude to them for pointing out that writing was a great strength of mine.

Are you the only writer in your family/friend group- or are there more writers in your midst?

I had been the only writer in my family. However, two years ago, my talented artist sister, Amy Kristen Moore, began working toward becoming an author-illustrator. Due to critique groups, I now have many writer friends! And honestly, I spend so much time with them, they begin to feel like family.

When – and how- did your path to publication truly begin? 

In a 2014 seminary class, we did an exercise in which we had to write our own obituaries. It wasn’t as morbid as it sounds! I had to fill in the blank, “The thing I most regret never having accomplished is ___.” Right away, I knew the answer was not having published a children’s book. 

I researched writing children’s books and found SCBWI. I joined an online eastern PA SCBWI critique group in the fall of 2015 and began writing (not great) picture book manuscripts. The group fizzled out, but one of the members, Becky Scharnhorst (who has now published several books!) and I continued on. We decided to meet in person at the Highlights Foundation workshop Picture Books & All That Jazz, led by Leslie Helakoskie and Darcy Pattison, in June 2016. While there, we formed a new critique group with three other writers: Rose Cappelli, Jen Fier Jasinski, and Karen LaSalvia. We call ourselves The Highlighters, and we’re still going strong!

I noticed in your bio that you’ve also done publishing in children’s magazines as well as some poetry anthologies. That’s so cool! Can you tell our readers a little more about that writing journey and how you were able to get your footing there?

I read poetry almost every morning, and I consider myself a poet. I’ve always enjoyed reading poetry, and I started writing it just for myself in graduate school. Eventually, I took Renee LaTulippe’s Lyrical Language Lab class. After that, I researched children’s magazines and submitted some poems. It’s similar to the process of querying. You see what topic and/or type of poetry a magazine, journal, or anthology wants and submit something you think might fit. 

I’m not 100% about this, but I’ve heard it rumored that agents generally shy away from things like magazines and anthologies because they’re typically smaller deals, which equals less money on their end. So, for your published magazine stories and anthologies, was that something you did on your own before getting literary representation, or is that something your agent was able to help you with? 

Yes, I think you are correct. At least, it was correct for my previous agent. She added a line in my contract that I was in charge of any poetry submissions/publications. 

Do you have any suggestions for writers or illustrators who may be interested in publishing for magazines, writing poetry for kids, or participating in anthologies? Any good places to go or other tips on learning the writing craft that you recommend?

First, I would encourage people interested in poetry to read a lot of it. Then, practice writing it. In addition to the Lyrical Language Lab, the Highlights Foundation, and other places that offer classes or workshops on poetry. I haven’t taken it yet, but Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong offer some workshops on poetry and anthologies. Occasionally, I’ll do an online search on “poetry calls for submission” to see if I have anything in which one of these publications might be interested. 

“I had two wonderful English teachers in high school, Mrs. Karpulk and Miss Beatty, who cemented that love of literacy deep in my bones. Both encouraged my writing, and I owe a debt of gratitude to them for pointing out that writing was a great strength of mine.“

“I would encourage people interested in poetry to read a lot of it. Then, practice writing it. In addition to the Lyrical Language Lab, the Highlights Foundation and other places offer classes or workshops on poetry.“

EARLY STAGES: HIGHS AND LOWS AND CONQUERING MOUNTAINS

Everyone says it- and there’s a reason for it: PUBLISHING IS A JOURNEY. And it’s not for the faint of heart. It requires grit. Tenacity. Perseverance. Passion. And true determination. 

Don’t get me wrong… kidlit is a FANTASTIC place. In fact, it’s my favorite place! It’s filled with so much beauty. But, with the highs come the lows, and taking the waves with grace and patience is an acquired skill. A skill that has to be learned and continually put into practice. So, let’s talk about that.

Why would you say patience is a required skill in publishing? And was this something easy for you to put into practice?

Patience. Right. When my teenage son was a toddler, I prayed for patience. I soon learned to stop doing that because it seemed God was giving me lots of opportunities in which to practice it! Unfortunately, publishing abounds with opportunities for which patience is required. I found I needed an abundance of patience at every stage: writing, revising, receiving critiques, querying, submitting to editors, publishing. I wouldn’t say it was or is ever easy for me, but I have no control over making anything move faster, so I have learned to accept it, even though I don’t like it.

Speaking of patience… can you share a little bit about the early stages of your publishing journey – beginning with the query trenches? (Trust me- they’re called “trenches” for a reason). And for some readers who may be unfamiliar with what the query “trenches” are, can you explain briefly what that expression means- and any words or wisdom you have on how to successfully navigate this tough terrain?

I’m certainly quite familiar with the query trenches—that painful place of spending the amount of time you’d put into a part-time job to research and send your book babies to agents, then wait (often months, even over a year, in some cases) to be told mostly no or to hear nothing back at all. It’s difficult. It’s arduous. It hurts. I’m back in the query trenches right now. More on that later.

Do you recall the first rejection you received? And what was your thought process?

I don’t remember the first rejection specifically, but I do remember feeling a bit like a real writer because I knew writers received a lot of rejections.

What made you continue going and want to try again?

Well, if you want something bad enough, you’re going to get back up on that horse and try again, right? As much as it hurts, if you’re a writer and you want to get published, you have to try, try again. If it’s too tough on your mental health, you may take a break for a while. But eventually, if that’s your dream, you’re going to have to try again.

Rome wasn’t built in a day… and books aren’t published in one either. It’s a long process. People who don’t work in publishing often have little clue as to just how much goes into ONE book deal and how much TIME goes into it as well- especially in the kidlit arena, where you’re also dealing with illustrations and art directors and all that fun stuff. The time can be challenging- even for authors who have been published and at this for years. Can you share any tips on what helps you pass the time?

My biggest tips are to continue reading, creating, and writing new/other works. Like many people, I fall into the constant email-checking trap. But that’s not going to help. It’s a much better strategy to do your best to forget about the thing you’re waiting on and get lost in another project.

Speaking of time… it takes time to climb a mountain. And publishing is, without question, a big mountain to climb. As much as we love hearing the successes- and we really do- and celebrating those positives with our fellow writing community, sometimes only hearing the good stuff can be disheartening to those who might wonder- “is it only me who’s struggling?” Is it easy for everyone else?” So, often in my interviews, I like to share both sides of the story. Because hearing the happy stuff can be just as important as hearing the hard stuff. What challenges have you faced in your writing career, and how were you able to overcome them?

I’ll talk more about a major challenge below. Suffice it to say, I felt I was moving backwards rather than forwards in my author journey. The way I’m overcoming it is to continue to write and create stories: poems, picture books, and middle-grade novels.

Now that we’ve conquered the mountain… I’d love to hear about the view from the top. It’s time for celebration!

“Publishing abounds with opportunities for which patience is required. I found I needed an abundance of patience at every stage: writing, revising, receiving critiques, querying, submitting to editors, publishing. I wouldn’t say it was or is ever easy for me, but I have no control over making anything move faster, so I have learned to accept it, even though I don’t like it.“

“As much as it hurts, if you’re a writer and you want to get published, you have to try, try again. If it’s too tough on your mental health, you may take a break for a while. But eventually, if that’s your dream, you’re going to have to try again.“

“My biggest tips are to continue reading, creating, and writing new/other works. Like many people, I fall into the constant email-checking trap. But that’s not going to help. It’s a much better strategy to do your best to forget about the thing you’re waiting on and get lost in another project.“

CELEBRATING THE VIEW: POSITIVES IN PUBLISHING

When did you sign with your first agent, and who did you sign with? (Agent/agency?)

I signed with my first agent in November of 2020. Unfortunately, I left her last May, so I’d rather not share those details.

Can you tell us how it all happened? Was it through regular querying? A contest? A special conference or query opportunity link? Etc.

I had done an Inked Voices picture book workshop with this agent. She really liked my story and messaged me to query her with it. I wasn’t sold on the changes she wanted, so I took a year before making them and querying her. 

What was your agent call like, and when did you know that they were the right agent for you? Explain.
She said many flattering things about my writing. We discussed how she communicates and the ins and outs of the contract.

Finding an agent can be difficult. And having any offer can be tempting. But – is it the right offer? Can you tell us, in your own words, why having the “right” agent is so important? And in your opinion, what makes the “right agent” “right for you?”

Oh, my, Chelsea, you are so right! In my opinion, it’s quite difficult to tell if you are the right match for an agent based on your research of that person or from the call. You often truly won’t know until you begin working together. And sometimes, unfortunately, the relationship doesn’t work out. In my case, it didn’t work out. 

Knowing how difficult it is to get an agent, I was afraid to leave. It was an extremely difficult decision, but it was the one I needed to make.

Okay- now you have your agent. It’s time to enter the submission period. What was that process like?

I signed with my agent in early November 2020. We went out on submission with IN THE PALM OF MY HAND mid-January of 2020, and heard that one of the six editors she sent it to was taking it to her team. Mid-April, Running Press Kids made an offer, and I was through-the-moon excited!

About how many manuscripts did your agent send out on sub once you signed, and to roughly how many publishing houses/editors? And what was the timeframe like?

I had an options clause, so we waited a year to send a second book to my publisher. My editor loved it, but she said they had to wait until they saw the sales numbers on pre-orders for IN THE PALM OF MY HAND. At that point, we sent a different, rhyming manuscript on submission. We received some great feedback but no takers. I was also learning to write middle-grade novels. My agent had her new assistant read my (third) middle-grade manuscript. I revised per her notes, and we sent that on submission to approximately nine editors. One of those was interested but had something too similar. So, in the 2 ½ years I was with my agent, she sent my options clause picture book to my editor and one picture and one middle grade out on submission. It’s a tough business.
 
By the way, I’m currently revising my fifth middle-grade novel. It’s contemporary with a twist of magic.

Who was the first publishing house/editor who you made your first book deal with?
As I mentioned, it was Running Press Kids (local to me in Philadelphia). My editor was Allison Cohen. She was truly magnificent to work with and extremely kind.

Okay… now, you have a bite! It’s your FIRST book deal. Walk us through the details… Tell us all the feels! 

The team at Running Press Kids were all wonderful, including my publicist Becca Matheson. They treated me with respect and care. If I ever had a question, they were quick to respond.

Your debut, IN THE PALM OF MY HAND, came out in March 2023. We’d love to hear all about it! Can you give us a brief description of the story for readers who haven’t yet read it?

I’d love to! The blurb is: "On an ambling walk, a child discovers they hold the promise of larger worlds—forests and meadows—in the palm of their hand. An acorn becomes a tree within a woodland wonderland. A grain of sand becomes a sandcastle in a kingdom of imagination. By exploring nature’s tiniest details, they learn even small things, including them, contain infinite potential."

It received wonderful reviews from Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal! Isabella Conti from Milan, Italy, is the illustrator. Her paintings are simply magical . 

What was the inspiration behind writing this, and what do you hope to impart to your readers?

Besides being a nature lover, I also love poetry. The book was inspired by the opening lines of William Blake’s poem “Auguries of Innocence”: 
To see a World in a Grain of Sand 
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower 
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand 
And Eternity in an hour. 

I imagined how I might interpret this concept for a child. The story starts simply with an acorn in the palm of a child’s hand and builds into a forest and wider concepts of connectivity. Over time, a vast forest may spring from a single acorn. By extension, the child realizes the universe of possibilities growing inside him. This self-esteem boost provides a natural entryway into discussions about children’s passions and dreams. It gives them a chance to reflect on how they can reach for the stars and accomplish their hearts’ desires. I also hope readers notice the connectivity of the natural world.

Speaking of which… how has your story been received since your launch last year? 

Everyone who reads it seems to really like it. I’m grateful that Running Press Kids published such a beautiful book. 

Have there been any particularly exciting/memorable moments? 

I had my launch party at my local library. It was a blast and a much-needed celebration after so many long years of struggle. People have privately sent me pictures of their kids holding the book, and these photos have meant a lot to me. I’ve done book festivals, a librarian conference, a teacher and reading specialist conference, library events, school visits (virtual and in-person), book store events and signings, and recently my first Family Literacy Night. My favorite part of these is seeing children enjoy the book I’ve had a hand in creating. 

What has your favorite part of the publishing process been? Explain.

My favorite part of the publishing process has been finally getting to hold my published book. It was a surreal moment. But I don’t take it for granted. Every time I talk about IN THE PALM OF MY HAND, I feel a little thrill.

LAST WORDS

If you had to sum up publishing wisdom in just a few last words… what would you tell others who are pursuing publication?

Don’t give up!

Can you tell us three random things about you that not everyone knows? If you want, they can be two truths and a lie… but you’ll have to give us the answer to which one is the lie. 

I attended Space Camp before my senior year of high school. I was a United Methodist pastor. I’m completely in love with my Westie pup, Mazy. These are all true . 

Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Chelsea. I truly appreciate it!

It was my pleasure! Thank you so much for taking the time out of your schedule to be here with us today and share so much of your heart with us. Sharing this stuff can be vulnerable and we certainly appreciate your honest and kind words. And we are so happy for you and your story, IN THE PALM OF MY HAND. Speaking of which… it's now time for the GIVEAWAY!

Jennifer is offering the following giveaway prize: a signed copy of her debut picture book, IN THE PALM OF MY HAND.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

1. Subscribe to the blog
2. Like this blog post
3. Comment below, letting me know you’ve done BOTH. (Please note: If the guest is offering more than one prize, please specify which prize you’d like in your comment.)

Deadline to enter: April 30th, 2024, 11:59 PM CST

And that’s it!

FAQ:

What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed before this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your COMMENT below this post within the deadline (the current month/year entry was posted).

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