Tag: Chelsea’s World of Books Blog

FEBRUARY 21ST, 2024, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH HYBRID AUTHOR AND ACQUIRING EDITOR of BLUE WHALE PRESS, ROSEANNE FRANK, CONDUCTED BY KIDLIT WRITER, BLOGGER & LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

Welcome back to another Feature Interview about kidlit publishing on Chelsea’s World of Books blog. Today is an exciting day! Not only am I coming to you with this terrific information from special guest, Children’s Book Author and Acquiring Editor at Blue Whale Press, Roseanne Frank, but it’s also the anniversary of my book birthday for ADHD AND ME. Hip-hip-hooray!

But before we get started… just in case this is your first time here, let me tell you a little about what makes feature interviews so great…

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT FEATURE INTERVIEWS?

Feature Interviews are an INVALUABLE resource for kidlit writers and illustrators at every stage of their publishing journey. Not only are they a great way to stay current on market trends and learn more about the industry’s ins and outs, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publication from the perspectives of a diverse collection of creators. Personally, my favorite part about these interviews are the connections I’m able to make- and share with you all!

Every month, I sit down with members of the writing community (authors, illustrators, editors, and agents), and we discuss all things kidlit publishing.

Here are a few examples of topics:

  • Writing workshops and resources
  • Diversity in literature and why it matters
  • Where to find support and community
  • How to improve writing craft and set goals
  • How to deal with setbacks/disappointments and WAITING
  • Helpful tips and suggestions for aspiring authors and illustrators
  • Querying agents, contract negotiations, book deals, and time frames
  • And, of course- NEW BOOKS!

So, now that you know what to expect… let’s get into our interview.

Children’s Book Author & Acquiring Editor for Blue Whale Press, Roseanne Frank

Roseanne Frank is a former early childhood educator with a degree in reading and clinical diagnosis. Her journey to publication started in the adult space and spreads across the scope of both indie and traditional publishing. Roseanne is the social media director for the SCBWI Long Island, NY chapter, the founder of the site Parents Love Picture Books, and a freelance editor and writing consultant for Clear Fork Publishing and Kidlit41. In her free time, she enjoys hosting Elements of Picture Book Writing workshops for several local libraries. As of January 2024, she was appointed as Blue Whale Press’ new Editor of Acquisitions. When she’s not doing writerly things, she likes to watch old movies, especially old horror. She has two grown children, a delicious King Charles Cavalier, and a husband who has always been super supportive. She lives on the beautiful north shore of Long Island, NY, and wherever she goes, she has to have trees.

THE BEGINNING: WHY? WHEN? HOW?

Roseanne, it’s such a treat to have you with us today! The first question I love asking my guests is about the beginning. Why? When? How? Could you share the beginning stages of what led you to the wonderful world of literature?

Hi, Chelsea! Thank you so much for hosting me! I’m so excited to be here! My journey into writing is quite circuitous. It started while on the alumni board for the School of Education for Manhattanville College, and back in 2010, they had a call for articles for their newsletter. So, I submitted one on Multiple Learning styles in the classroom. When I saw my work in print, I was hooked! I continued to write articles for the newsletter (links to them are on my website) and then sought out other avenues to write. I found a site called Indies Unlimited. Each week they had a visual prompt for a flash fiction contest – you had to tell a story in 250 words or less. Foreshadowing for future writing endeavors? Perhaps. 

I continued writing weekly for almost 7 years for other outlets and other contests and worked at honing how to tell a complete story that engages the reader in such a short space. I loved flash fiction – still do. It’s like a puzzle to try to write a micro-story that has a beginning that grips the reader, a rising action, and a satisfying ending. Then I leaned into my first love – children’s literature. It was there all along, just…dormant. I wrote a couple of too-long stories and sentthem out with too-long query letters, which – of course – received rejections. Then everything changed when I went to my first SCBWI event and met someone who would invite me to join their local critique group. This group of talented writers has been invaluable, and my children’s writing has improved on the fast track. And what I found was that my experience writing flash fiction was the perfect prep for picture book writing! 


Which came first- being an editor or a writer? Explain.

Writing came first. But editing and critiquing are part of the process of learning how to look at a story, what works, what doesn’t, and why, and how to make it better. By critiquing others’ work you become an active learner of all the elements of picture book writing, and then it helps you craft your own well-written stories. I found that I loved pouring over other writers’ manuscripts and helping them create a story that not just conveyed their story idea but did it in such a way that employed all the exciting elements that make a great children’s book. During the pandemic, I opened a FIVERR account, and now I edit through that platform with a great following of return clients. Then I was added to KidLit411 resource website and as a freelance editor for Clear Fork Press. 


Do you think one benefits the other? Explain.

I can’t stress enough the importance of reading, critiquing, analyzing, and giving feedback on other writers’ work to improve your own. The love of editing came out of writing. But by editing, my writing improves too.


What challenges have you faced along the way, and how have you been able to push forward?

Oh, buckle up for this one. ALICE IN THE PALACE was originally signed with a publisher in 2017. They closed before they even put out their first book. Then it caught the attention of an agent. Sent them more manuscripts and had a phone call. We got disconnected during the call and then (this is CRAZY) they ghosted me. ALICE was then signed with another publisher, which is where I was paired with the awesome illustrator, Ashleigh Heyns. The illustrations were almost done… and they closed. Ash and I continued to submit the manuscript as a team when Clear Fork picked it up. In the meantime, I continued to write and submit, and I signed with Touchpoint Press’ faith-based imprint for WHISPERS FROM GOD, due out this March, again after a long, bumpy road. ALICE is finally out in the world 7 years later. 

How to push forward – that’s a great question because this industry is fraught with disappointment. Two things I felt kept me sane: a great support system (my writing pals), and always working on something else and submitting something new. One rejection in, send two stories out.

“Two things I felt kept me sane: a great support system (my writing pals), and always working on something else and submitting something new. One rejection in, send two stories out.“

WRITING ACROSS GENRES

You mentioned in your bio and application that you started out your career as an author in the adult space. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

I started writing flash fiction for adults. My stories tend to be like Twilight Zone episodes with a Stephen King vibe. I especially enjoy endings with a twist you never saw coming, which is how my adult collection, BITE SIZE READS, came to be. Sometimes my ideas aren’t quite kid-friendly, so writing for adults is a great outlet. Also, I write for adults under RB Frank to keep the genres separate. 


How did you get from point A to point B, point A being the adult space and point B being children’s?

I think learning how to write concisely and effectively made moving to a picture book structure easier than, say, moving from longer narrative writing. So when I started with kidlit, I was already primed to write.


Do you still enjoy writing for both, or have you entirely switched to writing for children?

I am 97% with kidlit! I veer off to the adult space only occasionally with projects like KVETCH & SKETCH, which is a humorous art therapy and journal activity book – not for kids! And my one foray into the YA space with LEGACY & LEGEND. It’s historical fiction set in the Revolutionary Era on Long Island, with horror and paranormal elements woven in. It was a labor of love, a story that haunted me for a while that I needed to tell. I love that it’s a book for that in-between age group (MG & YA) that everyone says they’d like to see more of.

ROUTES TO PUBLISHING: INDIE VS TRADITIONAL, AGENT VS NO AGENT

Now, you’ve had experience with both independent publishing as well as traditional. Can you share a little bit about both experiences and explain some of the pros and cons of each?

After years of writing flash fiction, I found I had a collection of solid stories. And while organizing the stories, I found that they fell naturally into categories. I decided to self-publish. It wasn’t even a question if I should submit the whole collection anywhere because I had a vision for the presentation that was hyper-specific and really unique; the stories are grouped by how long they take to read. I love irony so although the stories are short, the title is not: BITE SIZE READS: slightly twisted, deliciously dark, really short stories for people with very little time or very short attention spans.

It was the same way with my picture book, THE WITCHES’ DANCE. I did the artwork and I had specific goals for the back matter to include recipes, activities, a read-aloud, and QR codes for links. I felt it was too directive to propose to a publisher, so this was another indie project. 

The pros are that I had complete control over the production and distribution, and I kept a greater percentage of the royalties. The cons of self-publishing is that there is a learning curve to the process. Then there’s marketing – not unlike traditional publishing. My experience with traditional publishing is with a small publisher, and I will say that I do like working with small publishers as they are willing to include the author in all stages of production.

And regardless of which path you take, marketing ALWAYS seems to be a challenge. That’s why I started Parents Love Picture Books. It’s a way for readers and creators to connect easily.


What are some reasons you might recommend one vs the other and why?

If you have a very specific idea about your story and you are not willing to compromise on the story, or you envision the illustrations a certain way, then you may want to consider going indie. One of the services I offer is to work with authors in the creation of their book, compiling the illustrations and text – almost like an art director – and setting it up for publication on whatever platform they’ve chosen. 

If you are a writer with a great story and you’re okay collaborating with an editor and letting an illustrator work their magic (because they do!), then send those babies out and find the perfect home for it!


As someone who has experience with independent publishing, what are some tips and suggestions you’d like to share with other authors or illustrators considering this route of publication?

Have a plan. Learn the process beforehand and the sequence of when things need to be done. I work with a lot of authors who self-publish, and more often than not, authors have the illustrations done before they choose the size of the book or the platform. Then, when we get to formatting, the authors have to pay to have the illustrations re-done because they’re the wrong size or ratio or they’re not the digital quality that is required. 

Have a plan for which platform you want to use and familiarize yourself with their distribution, lead times, and royalty reporting. Make sure you’re okay with all those things.

Edit. Then edit again. Then have someone else edit it.

Make sure your illustrator is excellent. Artwork sells the book first. If you cheap out on the artwork, it will show.

Don’t use Comic Sans. For anything.

Familiarize yourself with other successful indie books and traditionally published books for what makes those books visually captivating.

Finally, your expenses should be for illustrations, editing, and maybe, formatting. The latter you can learn to do on your own. You don’t have to lay out thousands of dollars for an “all-inclusive” service; you can do it! 


Are you currently represented by an agent/agency? If you are agented, can you share what some of the benefits are? If you’re not agented, are you actively querying for representation? Why or why not?

I am not represented and I'm not actively seeking representation at this time, but you never know. This is something that works for me. I feel I have the control to send the stories I want to the publishers that I think will be a good fit. Agents do great work, but I think they have so many clients they can’t represent ALL my stories. They are able to get into closed houses, but for me, right now, I’m okay pursuing smaller publishers.


This is all such brilliant advice, Roseanne. Thanks for giving our readers so much to work with and consider!

“Have a plan. Learn the process beforehand and the sequence of when things need to be done. Have a plan for which platform you want to use and familiarize yourself with their distribution, lead times, and royalty reporting. Make sure you’re okay with all those things.“

“Edit. Then edit again. Then have someone else edit it. Make sure your illustrator is excellent. Artwork sells the book first. If you cheap out on the artwork, it will show. Don’t use Comic Sans. For anything.“

“Familiarize yourself with other successful indie books and traditionally published books for what makes those books visually captivating.“

WRITING BLOGS, WORKSHOPS & RESOURCES

Let’s talk about writing resources & workshops. You mentioned that you’re the social media director for the SCBWI Long Island, NY chapter. How did you end up doing this, and can you tell us what it involves?

The position of social media coordinator for the LI chapter became available not long after I joined SCBWI, and I jumped on the opportunity to take that on. I like being involved and being on the inside of things. For almost 5 years now, I’ve posted on Instagram, X, and Facebook. Sometimes, I come up with posts on my own, share writing or illustrating information, repost events from SCBWI or other chapters, or promote events that we’re hosting. 


For some of our aspiring writers who are very new to publishing and may not be familiar with SCBWI, would you mind telling us a little more about it and all of the things it offers? Why would a writer be interested in joining? What resources and opportunities will they find here?

SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators) has been around for about 50 years. They are a worldwide organization that is dedicated to supporting children’s book writers and illustrators with events, resources, and networking opportunities. They also offer online events, in person conferences, showcases, awards, grants – you name it! You can find your regional chapter on their site scbwi.org. Membership is a game-changer if you’re serious about diving into kidlit.


You also mentioned being a freelance editor and writing consultant with Clear Fork Publishing and Kidlit411 website. Can you share more about this and the specific services you offer?

I edit picture books, novels, and business content. I offer consulting - which can include developmental edits, feedback & critique - for picture books only. Some clients have requested formatting and production services, so I offer custom orders for those services. I actually love doing that because I get to see a book from beginning to end! Anyone interested can find more detailed info on my site rbfrank.com – Consulting & Editing.


It's great to know that you offer these services! And earlier you mentioned Parents Love Picture Books, which is a website that you founded. Can you tell us more about what that is and how it began? What inspired you toward this venture, and when did you start?

Parents Love Picture Books is fairly recent, 2021. I realized that there wasn’t a One-Stop Shop for parents, teachers, or educators to just stop by and peruse new books. There are blogs and posts on social media and Amazon but not one place where they could see suggestions in one place categorized by fiction and non-fiction. It’s a simple site. New books highlighted on the homepage, a section for non-fiction, and an archive. Each book cover is clear and has a clickable link for easy purchase. A win-win for everyone!


I love that you saw the need for this and took it upon yourself to provide it. Congrats on such a wonderful idea!
But that's not all you offer in the way of resources. You also take an active interest in your local libraries. (Which, being a librarian myself- I am cheering for! I wish we lived closer so I could host you in our library!) 

Let's talk about what role you play with your local libraries. Which is, hosting an Elements of Picture Book Writing workshop for multiple libraries in your community. Can you tell us how this all started? Is it something you do independently, or is it a partnership program? Do you create the materials yourself or use templates/information from a specific website or place? I'd love to learn more about it!

Teaching is always in my blood. Whether it’s kids or adults, it doesn’t matter. I enjoy being part of the learning process for both. I approached a few libraries with the idea of hosting a picture book writing workshop for adults (since I hadn’t seen one). 

I run two workshops; one in the evening and the other during the day. The workshops are student-driven, and we focus on their work and the elements that make a picture book work. To start each class, I read a mentor text and then ask open-ended questions to determine where they are in the writing process. Are the participants looking at the superficial elements, or are they recognizing the deeper levels like pacing, language, page turns, and the relationship between art and text? Then I know how to proceed in our discussions, and we workshop their stories with everyone’s participation.  


Wow, Roseanne. What a superstar!  I love that you (again) saw a need that wasn't being met- and filled it. So, okay. You take notice- you decide what you want to do. Then what? What was the process like for getting into the library, and what kind of responses have you received from your attendees?

Approaching libraries is a lot like querying. I sent out emails with a proposal, and then I waited. The response from attendees has been great, and I’m so pleased about that. Our groups have people who return every session. I’ve come to know them and vice-versa, and they make hosting these writing groups so enjoyable. They’ve become not just a writing group but a social, engaging group. We eat lots of chocolate.

You can't go wrong with lots of chocolate and great company. I'm sure you're writing participants are very grateful to have a free program like this to help aid them in their writing careers! For these workshops.. are they something you regularly host, or is it a one-time event that you’ve done for various locations?

The sessions are 6 classes: one session in winter, two in spring, and two in fall. Right now, I’m in two libraries.


So cool! While we're on the subject of workshops… have there been any workshops that you’ve attended that you really enjoyed and would recommend to other writers/illustrators? If so, which ones were they and what made them special?

Any of the SCBWI events are great. I’ve attended webinars or in-person events from the parent SCBWI or virtual through other regional chapters. I find they’re affordable, and they always over-deliver! I love Rosie J Pova’s events, Storytime Sprint, Picture Book Summit, and Julie Hedlund’s events. Kidlit411 site and social media groups are invaluable for information and upcoming workshops. The blog Writer’s Rumpus has an extensive list every month of events and opportunities for writers and illustrators. The kidlit community is incredibly giving, and you can find lots of free opportunities on social media.


Can you share three (or more) resources or practices you’ve found to be most helpful on your writing journey?

Three things that I do that really help in all aspects of writing are:

-	Read a lot of picture books. 
-	Be part of a great critique group.
-	Be involved, whether it’s attending in-person or virtual events. Networking is invaluable, and you really get a pulse of the ebb and flow of children’s books and the market.


Do you have any suggestions or words of wisdom you’d like to share regarding workshops, resources, or something else?

When you read picture books, read them as a writer. Approaching a book as a reader is different than reading as a writer. Put your writer hat on and ask yourself questions about the elements that make your mentor texts work. How is the pacing? Is there an interesting use of language? How does the author build tension? How do the illustrations help tell the story, and why did they make those choices? Recognizing what works in other’s stories will help you in your craft as well.

So well put!

Read a lot of picture books. Be part of a great critique group. Be involved, whether it’s attending in-person or virtual events. Networking is invaluable, and you really get a pulse of the ebb and flow of children’s books and the market.

NEW VENTURES ON THE HORIZON: PUBLISHING HOUSES & SUBMISSIONS

If I remember correctly, January 2024 was the official announcement of your new position as Editor of Acquisitions at Blue Whale Press. Congratulations! How is that going? **Update for readers: Roseanne's official post for her position went out YESTERDAY- February 20th, 2024!**

So far, so good! Blue Whale is an imprint of Clear Fork Press, and Callie Lovvorn is the founder of both. From the very beginning, we had a similar vision for the imprint and are working to build a great front and back list.


What type of work does this position involve, and what kinds of stories are you/this publishing house looking to acquire?

I read submissions, and once acquired, I work with the authors on any edits to get it in the best shape for publication. We are looking to acquire STEAM and STEM chapter books, middle grade, and Hi-Lo. I’d love to see neuro-diversity characters who are part of the story, not the focus of the narrative. All kids should see themselves represented. I’d love a mini-Indiana Jones or a math whiz, as in the TV show NUMB3RS. I’m fascinated by cryptozoology, lost worlds, space, art history, and time travel (ie, Time & Again by Jack Finney or A Wrinkle in Time). We’re also excited to look for books that fill a niche of the lower YA genre. You can go to the Clear Fork or Blue Whale site or my MSWL.


Is your agency open to unsolicited submissions? If not, how can people submit?

We do accept unsolicited. There are gems out there. I know it! Please read and follow the submission guidelines on the website. We’ll be open at certain times of the year, so follow us on social media. **Note for readers- Blue Whale and Clear Fork websites are currently under maintenance during this relaunch time- please be patient. Once links are up and running correctly, I will post them here. **


Is Blue Whale Press a traditional publishing house or a paid-for self-publishing guided service and platform? And can you explain the difference between the two?

Blue Whale is a traditional publishing house, so we don’t offer advances but royalties from sales. The difference between a traditional house and a self-publishing or “vanity” press is that we don’t ask for any money upfront. The publisher gets paid when they sell books. 


Any manuscript no-nos or tips you’d like to share with our readers?

Please, please, know how to format your manuscript. Following the guidelines shows me you are familiar with the industry and are taking the time to present your work in its best form. The query letter I’m not so particular as long as it includes all the information somewhere in it. There is a HUGE collection of resources and links regarding submissions on my site. Feel free to stop by and take a look!

Please, please, know how to format your manuscript. Following the guidelines shows me you are familiar with the industry and are taking the time to present your work in its best form.

BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!

We've finally arrived at my FAVORITE part- the books! Can you tell us about your books and how they came to be?

Thank you so much for asking and for giving me an opportunity to highlight my work.

My kids and teaching littles are the inspiration for my children’s books. You just have to be present to see the unfiltered imagination that sparks ideas that, for us adults, have been tucked away. I’ll see a situation, and when I recognize an idea or theme, I ask those ‘what if ’ questions.  One ‘what if ’ question leads to another until a story forms. Then I flesh out the characters, themes, and layers.

ALICE is about a princess whose imagination gets her into a bit of trouble with the king, and when he says, “No more pretending,” Alice isn’t Alice, and the palace is not the same. It’s a celebration of the joy of imagination and being your authentic self.

THE WITCHES’ DANCE was a poem I wrote for my kids one Halloween. It is about the witches who come to the clearing on Halloween night to dance around the firelight for their festive ball. It’s written in fun rhyme, and I include activities and a link to a read aloud with sound effects from Smarty Pants Magazine.

LEGACY & LEGEND started as a nightmare I had one night. Literally. I wrote down that one scene and then built the story from that. I wove in elements I love like horror, paranormal, history, and Celtic lore. The back matter is extensive, referencing real locations, legends, and religion.


For your children’s books, how did the illustration process work? Explain. 

For THE WITCHES’ DANCE, I did the artwork. I was an art major and still work in various mediums. It was created with watercolor and collage.

For ALICE, I found Ashleigh Heyns from the publisher’s list of illustrators. It was a very collaborative process with the publisher and Ashleigh. Ashleigh is patient and super talented, and she was a joy to work with. Highly recommend working with her if you get the chance.


Any last words you’d like to share with those reading today?

-	Comparison is the thief of joy. Everyone has a different path and their own timeline.
-	Keep writing. 
-	Not every story is a winner. Some are just practice, and that’s okay.
-	YOU CAN DO IT! You can!


Thanks so much for joining us today, Roseanne. Your interview answers were just terrific and I hope they can help others who read them today.

But that’s not all. We still have ONE final item left on the agenda. And that is THE GIVEAWAY!

GIVEAWAY PRIZE

Roseanne is offering the following giveaway prize:

Critique, feedback, and one revision review for a non-rhyming picture book under 1,000 words OR an above-the-slush submission to Blue Whale at any time. (Please make sure the story is a fit for the imprint). View sample books HERE.

The winner can choose either one. Please put “Chelsea’s World of Books Blog” in the subject line.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

During the month of February 2024: Deadline: February 29th 2024 12PM CST

  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.)

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 (current month/year entry was posted).

Did you enjoy this interview? Thank the author & host by purchasing their book or requesting it be purchased by your local library! Already own a copy? Consider leaving a brief review. Using the sponsored links below not only supports the author, but helps support this blog.

Roseanne Frank Books

Children’s Books

Adult Books – Under RB Frank

Chelsea DiCicco’s Book

Celebrate Malory’s 3-year book birthday by purchasing your copy of ADHD and Me today!

Connect with Roseanne

Website: rbfrank.com

Parents Love Picture Books

X (Twitter) @writingoutloud2

Instagram – @writingoutloud

Facebook – RBFrank

Blogs Versus Newsletters

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Resources for Writers & Illustrators, View all blog posts

Hello friends!

Welcome, welcome.
If you’re here, that’s exciting because it means that maybe you, too, are curious about growing your blog and/or newsletter… and the only way to do either is to learn about it. So, have a seat, and let’s learn!

If you’re like me, maybe you’ve heard about these authors having newsletters and thought…

I don’t have one of those… but maybe I’d like to.
If only I knew what it was.
Alas, I’m going to clear that up in one easy blog post!

BLOGS VS NEWSLETTERS

Let’s start with the elephant in the room: what’s the difference between a blog post and a newsletter?

BLOGS:

A blog is a space for you to create and share content via “posts” or “entries” with your audience. What content you share is up to you. Blogs can be written and uploaded on a whim or be scheduled to go out at specific times. You can create as many blog posts as you’d like.

For my blog posts, I have some that go out randomly (like this one) and others that are scheduled- (like my feature interviews, which are a bi-monthly segment that goes out on the first and third Wednesday of each month).

Blog entries can be subject-based and organized by categories in your blog. Or, if you only blog about one thing *or have no theme at all, but it’s just a general journal-style format* then you don’t need to worry about that.

For my blog posts, I have them organized by category on my blog homepage so that my readers can quickly find what they’re looking for. Some of my topics currently include: book recommendations, feature interviews, my writing journey, parents and educators, or, if you’re feeling like taking a random tour through everything I have to offer, I also have a category that says view all blog posts.

NEWSLETTERS:

Unlike a blog post, a newsletter is not something that everyone has access to or can visit- like a public blog post on your page. It’s a specifically curated letter between you and your subscribers. This adds a level of intimacy with your readers. And it’s a great place to express your gratitude!

Keep in mind that newsletters are meant to be brief- I mean VERY brief- so don’t go on and on (like I’m doing now). Simply say “thank you” and get outta there!

Speaking of brief, let’s talk specifics. How long should your newsletter be?

Your newsletter should be roughly 1-2 paragraphs (3 tops).

The purpose of your newsletter is to present your audience with a summarized recap of what you’ve already shared in your blog posts.

Which answers another question you might have had…

Which comes first, the blog post or the newsletter?

The answer is: THE BLOG POST!

Your newsletter is designed to whet the appetite of the reader and get them to CLICK that link and read your blog post (if they haven’t already.)

Here’s a rough sample of what your newsletter might look like:

You get the gist.

Last but not least, a newsletter is typically scheduled to go out on a specific day/time.

Some choose to have a bi-monthly newsletter to keep their readers informed regularly.

For my newsletter, I choose to share it ONCE a month.

I have it scheduled to go out on the LAST Friday of each month.

Which brings me to some exciting news!

Are you ready?

Here it is…

My first-ever author newsletter will be going out this coming Friday, January 26th, 2024!

GASP.

And I’m celebrating with gifts!

For everyone who joins the newsletter list before or by this coming Friday, January 26th, 12PM Central Time, I’ll be offering a special author opportunity: an in-depth picture book critique: fiction/600 words or less/non-rhyming.

Not an author?

Not a problem!

Substitute prizes are available!

HOORAY!

FAQS

Q: I’ve already subscribed to the newsletter. Will I be entered?

A: You’re already entered!

Q: I’m not sure if I’m subscribed to the newsletter or just the blog?

A: Here’s how to check…

Visit the blog homepage.

When the pop-up prompt box appears asking if you’d like to sign up for the newsletter, type your email into the box. If it tells you “you’re already subscribed,” then you’ll know for sure. And if it doesn’t, make sure to check your inbox and confirm your subscription so that you won’t miss out on the prize opportunity!

HOLD THE PHONE… I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS.

LIKE… FROM THE STANDPOINT OF THE BLOG READER VS. THE BLOG WRITER...

WHAT’S THE BENEFIT OF SUBSCRIBING THE NEWSLETTER IN ADDITION TO THE BLOG?

That’s a great question! If you’re a human being, chances are you have a busy schedule. Which means you might not have the time to read EVERY blog post.

The benefit of the newsletter is essentially that it’s a time saver.

How?

A newsletter allows you to quickly see what topics were discussed and which (if any) you’re most interested in checking out. And instead of having to manually scroll through blog articles to find the one you want, all you have to do is click the link in the newsletter to whichever article you’re interested in.

Example: let’s say you’re a freelance illustrator looking for tips from other illustrators on how to get your start in the kidlit world. But the first article during the month is about a traditionally published Middle-Grade author. Maybe that’s not something you’re looking to read. But the following article is about – guess what- a children’s book illustrator who got her start in kidlit through freelance illustrating- and she has tips! That’s your article! From the quick summary in that newsletter, you’re able to click the link and read more.

Pretty cool, right?

So, now that you know the differences between the two and how GREAT a newsletter is, why not subscribe today?!

p.s. Curious about ways to get started setting up your blog or newsletter? Let me know in the comments! OR maybe you have tips on how to get started… drop those links in the comments below to share the knowledge with fellow creators!

JANUARY 17TH, 2024, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR AND LIBRARIAN ELAINE M. ALEXANDER, CONDUCTED BY KIDLIT WRITER, BLOGGER & LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

Hello again, and welcome back to the second Feature Interview of January 2024 on Chelsea’s World of Books Blog. Isn’t it nice to chat more than once a month? In line with our educational aquatic theme for the month, I’m talking with guest children’s book author and librarian Elaine M. Alexander. Elaine is the author of another splish-splashy ocean adventure entitled Anglerfish: The Seadevil of the Deep.

But before we get into the interview… just in case it’s your first time here, let me tell you a little about what makes segments special.

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT FEATURE INTERVIEWS?

Feature Interviews are an INVALUABLE resource for kidlit writers and illustrators at every stage of their publishing journey. Not only are they a great way to stay current on market trends and learn more about the industry’s ins and outs, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publication from the perspectives of a diverse collection of creators.

Every month, I sit down with members of the writing community (authors, illustrators, editors, and agents), and we discuss all things kidlit publishing.

Here are a few examples of topics:

  • Writing workshops and resources
  • Diversity in literature and why it matters
  • Where to find support and community
  • How to improve writing craft and set goals
  • How to deal with setbacks/disappointments and WAITING
  • Helpful tips and suggestions for aspiring authors and illustrators
  • Querying agents, contract negotiations, book deals, and time frames
  • And of course- NEW BOOKS!

So, now that you know what to expect… let’s dive into our interview!

Elaine M. Alexander Bio

As an author and a librarian, books play a big role in my life! Anglerfish: The Seadevil of the Deep is my first nonfiction picture book. It has received both an SCBWI Barbara Karlin Grant and a Katherine Paterson Prize and was a Gold Medalist for the Bank Street College’s Cook Prize.

I’m pleased to share that I’ll have a second fishy tale coming out in 2025 featuring the giant cuttlefish, to be followed by one on fireflies in 2026! The shy giant Pacific octopus will make an appearance in a future book, too!

A fan of dark mysteries and the natural world, I am fascinated by all things extraordinary and unique. I write stories for all ages. I have one published teen novel, Death at Deacon Pond, and two historical novels that I am hoping to find a publisher home.

Currently the Assistant Director/Children’s Librarian at Deep River Public Library, I love sharing the joy of reading to the community I serve. I’ve been known to dress up in character for storytime and I have an impressive collection of costumes and props, from superhero to Mrs. Claus. If you are interested in a specialized storytime, contact me for more details.

THE BEGINNING OF IT ALL

Elaine, I’m so excited to have you on the blog today! I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed Anglerfish: The Seadevil of the Deep. Being a big nerd for science and animals- and of course, a lover of the ocean, it’s no surprise that I was hooked the moment I saw this one. And, I might add, it was released at the perfect time for our Summer Reading Theme in the library for 2022: Oceans of Possibilities. 
But BEFORE we delve too deeply into the underwater world of your stories… let’s go back a little to what began your journey. How did you arrive here in the lovely, exciting world of children’s publishing?

I had encouragement from others! First, I took an advanced class with the Institute for Children’s Literature and wrote a novel. Second, when I was completing my undergraduate degree, I took a writing class with Dr. Lisa Fraustino, who is also an accomplished children’s writer. It was in her class that the first draft of Anglerfish appeared.

Have you always been a reader? 

Yes. In fact, I was the only kid in my first-grade class who asked the teacher if I could take on more homework to learn to read faster. How’s that for motivation? I knew that reading was the key to unlocking a secret world that I wanted to be a part of. 

Have you always enjoyed writing stories?

I credit my fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Dempsey, for sparking my interest. She had the entire class writing stories and different forms of poetry all year long and even “published” the best of the lot. I still have my mimeograph copy. (Yes, mimeograph. I’m that old)!

I’m sure being a librarian has played a part in your love of reading and writing- and vice versa, I’m sure your love of reading and writing played a role in you ending up working in a library. Can you tell us, from your perspective, what it’s like working in a library and being a children’s book author?

It’s certainly fun when patrons come in to get my book and realize that I’m the author! When Anglerfish was nominated for the Cook Prize, the Deep River Elementary School media specialist, Karen Macione, was so excited that she immediately made sure that the students participated in voting. It was wonderful to get that kind of support and enthusiasm! I’ve also found that I’m a resource for other writers who reach out to me for help. 

What are some of the benefits of being both a children’s librarian and a children’s book author? In what ways do these two career paths intersect? Do they help one another?

One of the best benefits of my dual careers is that I get very familiar with trends in the marketplace. As a librarian, I curate the collection for all stages of youth. I can see what books are popular with our user community and identify what books are needed based on the way our collection is used. It is also invaluable to be able to get research materials for new projects through the library!

Have you always known that you wanted to work in a library? Have you always known that you wanted to be a children’s book author?

No, but I should have! I was an AV aide for the library in elementary school. I used to ride my bike to the public library and the bookstore and spend hours there. I thought I was destined to be a teacher. The universe chose differently. 

I’ve known for a long time that I wanted to write. I started to lean toward children’s writing in my twenties. I think we all have an appreciation for the immediacy of a child’s experiences and the way that books help explain and share that worldview. It’s truly a special thing that gets harder to hold onto as an adult, but ironically something we all long to keep reaching for. 

Which came first, and how?

Writing came first. Librarianship was something I kind of stumbled into. I was working as a local reporter, and I would visit the libraries in our readership area to cover local events. I met Susan Rooney, a children’s librarian, and we started talking, comparing our career notes. She happily purchased my teen novel for the library. When a job opening came up at that library, I jumped on it, even though it was an entry level job. But fate is a funny thing. Although I have worked at different libraries during my tenure in Library Land (as I like to call it), I am currently working for that same librarian, Susan Rooney, at the Deep River Library. It’s no coincidence that she’s also included in my dedication for Anglerfish. She encouraged me and my writing long ago, and I never forgot that. 

I love learning little tidbits like this! How very cool to be working with your early-on fan and cheerleader.
What was the final spark that led you into publishing, and how did it begin?

The Rutgers University Council on Children’s Literature conference was a big catalyst to my latest publication. If you’ve never been to RUCCL, it’s a unique conference. You need to apply with a writing sample in order to attend. You are matched with a mentor based on your writing sample, and you are allowed to submit to other editors and agents. Initially, I was disappointed because my mentor never responded after the conference. But, I ended up sending Anglerfish to an editor on the list who did me a great kindness – she passed my book onto another editor at Candlewick who loved it. When all the pieces come into place, and an editor loves your book – that’s an amazing thing.

BEHIND THE SCENES: FIRST DRAFTS & QUERIES: FACING REJECTIONS & CHALLENGES

Can you tell us a little about your querying process? When did you first decide you were going to take the plunge? 

I always believe in doing my homework first, so after I had a manuscript completed, I researched publishers before drafting a query. I also rewrite my queries depending on who I’m querying. I like to personalize it if I can.

So, you’ve made the decision. Now what? Where did you go to find agents?

I started out in publishing without an agent and sold a teen book to a small publisher. Later, when I was interested in being agented to expand the market I could submit to, I used resources like SCBWI or Agent Query to curate a list. 

What kind of response did you receive when you first started querying?

Lots of rejections, but some of them were very encouraging, and a few wanted to see more work.

Do you remember how it felt to send your first query letter? Do you remember how it felt  receiving your first query rejection? 

Initially, it all feels scary to put yourself out there, and rejection seems so crushing and unfair. Your skin gets thicker, and I think all writers know that chocolate is your friend when you get a rejection.

Were any of the manuscripts you queried early on ones that you’ve since been able to get published? If so, which one(s)?

Anglerfish was one that I had queried early on and rewrote many times until it finally found a wonderful home. 

Were there any query mistakes that you made early on that you realize now and wish you had known before? 

Obsessing over sent queries. Don’t do it. Or try not to. 

How many queries do you think you sent out before you found your agent match?

I currently do not have an agent. When I did have an agent, I think I sent about 40 queries before I had an offer. 

How did you end up with your current agent/agency?

I am currently without an agent. What I learned from having one in the past is that it is very important to find someone who is a good match for you. I’ve just now reached a point where I’m starting to consider if I’d like an agent again, and I’ve been very selective in who I query. 

Thank you for sharing this, Elaine. I think this is a fantastic piece of information for writers and illustrators to take note of. Making sure that you’re paired with the right agent is so incredibly important- and worth the wait.

“What I learned from having one (an agent) in the past is that it is very important to find someone who is a good match for you.”

WRITING COMMUNITY, INVALUABLE RESOURCES & MOTIVATION

When you first started out, were you writing alone?

Yes. I don’t think it has changed that much!

Did you have anyone to use as a sounding board or to get feedback/critique on your work?

Yes. I used to have a great online critique group. I think any of those writers would still be there to read if I asked. Currently, for my STEM picture books, I ask a scientist/expert to read my manuscript for accuracy.

Where did you go to find your writing community?

SCBWI Blueboards – a wonderful source for new writers. Locally, I’ve met some people through bookstore events, and I try to stay in touch via social media.

Did you receive any helpful suggestions along the way? If so, who gave them, and what were they?

The writing class with Dr. Lisa Fraustino pointed out many wonderful resources, from SCBWI to The Purple Crayon. The advice I received was that finding out about the world of children’s literature will require doing a lot of research. These sites are filled with helpful tips. Study what others are willing to share, and keep improving your writing.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early on in the kidlit journey, and how were you able to overcome them?

Rejection. You get rejected a lot. The only way I know to face that is to grumble and complain to yourself and to your writer friends, but ultimately…. MOVE ON. 

This is easier said than done. But seriously: Move on. 

Did you ever experience any moments of self-doubt where you questioned if you should continue down the publishing road? If so, what helped you to get back on the horse, so to speak, and keep going?

Absolutely. 

What helped me:

My online critique group: Robin, Amy, Jodi, and Shelley–fabulous writers and human beings. 

My virtual writer friend and amazing author, Jo Treggiari. 

My family and friends. 

My innate stubbornness. Stubbornness is also known as persistence. You need to be persistent to get up and keep going. 

If you had to share the top three most invaluable resources that have helped you as a writer, what would they be?

I mentioned SCBWI and The Purple Crayon. I also think the Facebook group KIDLITT411 is a good resource.  

Was the choice to keep pursuing your dream of publishing worth it? Explain.

Yes. I had a long-time gap between selling a teen novel and selling Anglerfish. I came so close, so many times, to selling Anglerfish before I finally sold it. I was crushed each time that happened, but I kept a lot of my angst to myself. But I learned through the process. I used to focus so much on a submission, but I don’t do that anymore. I’ve reached a life stage where I am grateful for what I have. Nothing is guaranteed. Keep working toward the goal and try not to waste too much angst on things you can’t change – like those rejections. 

Perfectly said!

“Keep working toward the goal and try not to waste too much angst on the things you can’t change—”

If you could share a single piece of advice with newly aspiring authors or illustrators, what would it be?

Write the first draft for you. Revise the manuscript with others in mind. And don’t forget to find joy and personal accomplishment in the process.

AUTHOR VISITS: LIBRARY VISITS, SCHOOL VISITS, BOOKSTORE VISITS

Okay, Elaine, we want to hear all about the author visits. Can you share a little bit about your author visits? School/library/bookstore- you name it! What do each of these visits look like for you? How long do they last? How do people book them? What have your experiences been like? 

Since I have experience as a children’s librarian, I visited some local libraries and did a 30-minute story time with my book that included a reading, some music, a flannel board of the ocean layers, and a craft. Those visits were fun and certainly in my wheelhouse. 

I’ve also done a few bookstore visits. I’ve had some that reached out to me others that I needed to follow the store protocol to set up. Once you’ve established contact, I find that the independent bookstores are so very welcoming. I’ve been asked to do a few events and festivals. Sometimes, it’s more of a meet-and-greet. Other times, you might be asked to do a reading. I always say yes when I can. Indie bookstores are filled with people who are so excited to promote books. They are people you want to collaborate with!

“Indie bookstores are filled with people who are so excited to promote books. They are people you want to collaborate with!”

Coming from the seat of a former children’s librarian myself and now working as my library’s social media manager and outreach and events coordinator, I’m familiar with how library author visits are set up. But, coming from the side of the desk of a new author who doesn’t have this experience and who’s looking to start booking events, can you share some of the ways you’ve done so in the past and suggestions you might have on how to go about this?

I’m a bit of a newbie on author visits, too! My best success at arranging local library visits has been to forge a personal connection. After that, I’d say it’s good to have a set program in mind. Librarians always want to know what you’re going to do besides read the book. So, having a program planned is important so that the library knows how to market you!

“…forge a personal connection…have a set program in mind…”

Let’s talk about the green side of things… and I don’t mean the seaweed. I mean the dollars! I think it’s fairly common not to think as much about the “business” side of being an author, because we’re so swept up in the romance of the dream of having our books published. Which is WONDERFUL. And MAGICAL. And GREAT. 

But… the reality is… it is a business. 

So, instead of shying away from the topic altogether- let’s talk about it! How do you go about author fees for your visits? What kind of packages do you offer, and how would you advise authors or illustrators go about setting up these boundaries for their visits?

Libraries are on tight budgets, so I factored that in when booking storytimes at libraries and kept the fee reasonable for my time. 

I have only visited one school, which had a specialized alternative program. They were doing a unit on sea creatures and implementing an art lesson, so they wanted me to read the book and have time for questions. 

I would advise authors to factor in what they might be providing to a school in terms of time and lesson planning and come up with a reasonable wage. 

From the viewpoint of a librarian (which libraries are all about providing to the community at no expense), what are your thoughts on paid author visits? Why are they important, and what purpose do they serve?

As a small library, I can rarely offer more than a modest fee for an author. Exceptions tend to be if they have a fully fleshed-out program. For example, we had an author and former educator (Nancy Tandon) who did a fantastic writing program for our library last summer. The program was more than just a reading from her latest middle-grade novel, so it greatly benefited the attendees who were inspired to write. I think author visits can help patrons be introduced to books that they might be unfamiliar with and possibly inspire people who are interested in becoming creators.

I completely agree with you!

BOOKS

And now we’ve arrived at my favorite part- the books! Can you share a little about each of your books and the inspiration behind them?

Anglerfish started as a homework assignment. We were challenged to write a nonfiction piece that might be suitable for a magazine or picture book, and my son was crazy about Finding Nemo, so I chose the anglerfish. Since then, I have been inspired to write about creatures that I want to know more about. If I’m curious, surely someone else will be, too!

What do you hope to share with your readers in each of your books?

Honestly, I hope that they are inspired to look at the creatures I write about and see the beauty of the natural world. Every living being on our planet is amazing in its own way. 

Do you have any favorite illustrations in your stories? If so, which ones are they and why? 

Anglerfish is the only book currently out in the world, so it has the honor of being my favorite! Fiona Fogg is a talented artist, and it’s difficult to pick just one spread. I love the cover and the bright depictions of the young anglerfish. But I would say the last page, with anglerfish alone, really depicts her life. I had a Goodreads reviewer say that she felt a little teary after reading the book, and she couldn’t say why. I’d say it was that page! It’s brilliant.
“This page depicts Anglerfish’s lonely life.”
“I love Fiona’s bright artwork of the fry!”
Any last words of wisdom for those reading your interview today?

Stay curious about the world around you.

AND NOW… IT’S TIME FOR SOME MORE FUN PICTURES

“Release day!”
“Student artwork from the Steward School.”
“A school posted this picture, so I don’t know this child’s name, but I hope every kid is this excited to read Anglerfish!”
“The Cook Prize!”
“A library patron that was excited by my book!”
MORE little fans! “A popular writer whose daughter loves my book because she identified with angler’s ability to light up the dark.”
Readasaurus Book Reviews.

It was fun to get recognition from Senator Murphy.

I appear to be simulating Anglerfish’s ability to open their jaws to swallow large prey! River Bend Books Author Stage.
Liam, who wants to be a librarian, at the Salem Public Library author visit.

Thanks so much for joining us today, Elaine.

But we’re not quite finished. There’s still one last item on the agenda. And that is… the GIVEAWAY!

GIVEAWAY PRIZE

Elaine Alexander is offering the following giveaway prize(s).

Yes- you read that correctly. There are TWO prizes! Well… technically, three. For ONE lucky winner!

Drum roll please…

And the prize is…

A school visit (in person- within a 20-mile radius of her home in CT or via Zoom) and a signed copy of Anglerfish and the accompanying audio CD. So, make sure to enter the giveaway during the month of January for your chance to win! (Tag your teacher friends below!)

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

During the month of January 2024:

  1. Subscribe to Chelsea’s World of Books blog
  2. Like this Feature Interview
  3. Leave a comment below letting me know you’ve done 1-2.

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 PRIOR to this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your comment below this post.

Did you enjoy this interview? Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing one of their books below! Using these sponsored links also helps support this blog.

Elaine’s book

Nonfiction Picture Book: Anglerfish: The Seadevil of the Deep

YA Mystery: Death at Deacon Pond (It’s out of print, but I still have copies if anyone is interested!)

Keep your eyes peeled for Elaine’s coming books: Giant Cuttlefish will be out in 2025, Femme Fatale of Fireflies in 2026, followed by Giant Pacific Octopus with a publication date still to be determined.

Chelsea’s book

Neurodiverse Picture Book: ADHD and Me

Connect with Elaine M. Alexander

Visit her website: elainemalexander.com

Visit her Facebook: @elainemsalexander

Visit her Instagram: @elainemalexander

JANUARY 3RD, 2024, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR DEBRA KEMPF SHUMAKER, CONDUCTED BY KIDLIT WRITER, BLOGGER & LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

Hello, writing friends, and welcome back to Chelsea’s World of Books blog. Can you believe we’re in the new year ALREADY? And to get things started, we’re diving into 2024 with a very special guest; Children’s Book Author of one of our favorites, FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, Debra Shumaker!

But before we get started… just in case this is your first time here, let me tell you a little about what makes segments special.

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT FEATURE INTERVIEWS?

Feature Interviews are an INVALUABLE resource for kidlit writers and illustrators at every stage of their publishing journey. Not only are they a great way to stay current on market trends and learn more about the industry’s ins and outs, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publication from the perspectives of a diverse collection of creators.

Every month, I sit down with members of the writing community (authors, illustrators, editors, and agents), and we discuss all things kidlit publishing.

Here are a few examples of topics:

  • Writing workshops and resources
  • Diversity in literature and why it matters
  • Where to find support and community
  • How to improve writing craft and set goals
  • How to deal with setbacks/disappointments and WAITING
  • Helpful tips and suggestions for aspiring authors and illustrators
  • Querying agents, contract negotiations, book deals, and time frames
  • And of course- NEW BOOKS!

So, now that you know what to expect… let’s get into our interview.

Debra Kempf Shumaker started reading at the age of four and hasn’t stopped since. She grew up on a small dairy farm in Wisconsin but now writes fiction and nonfiction picture books from the suburbs of Northern Virginia. She is the author of the nonfiction rhyming FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, and PECULIAR PRIMATES (Running Press Kids, 2021 & 2022), a social-emotional learning book, TELL SOMEONE (Albert Whitman, 2021), and the upcoming WIND IS (Kids Can Press, 2024). Debra is also the co-host of #PBPitch, a Twitter pitch party for picture books held every February, June, and October. When she isn’t reading or writing, she enjoys hiking, gardening, and watching Jeopardy. Visit her online at www.debrashumaker.com, on Twitter at @ShumakerDebra, and on Instagram at @debrakshumaker.

THE SPARK THAT STARTED IT ALL

Debra, I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to find your name among the many stuffed in my submissions box for the 2024 Feature Interview lineup. Being a librarian and kidlit writer myself, I’ve had and witnessed many delightful read-alouds of your stories. Something that I love about your writing style is how you blend education with fun- and, to top it all off, you incorporate rhyme! Which is something that I think only the real wizardly kidlit writers of the world can successfully tame. But before I go off on a tangent on your books (I promise we’ll circle back to it), I’d love to start our conversation today by asking how you landed in the world of children’s publishing. What was “the spark that started it all?”

First, thank you so much for your kind words! I love hearing that read-alouds with my books are delightful! As far as “the spark,” as many writers can relate, I’ve always loved reading and had the “some day” dream of writing a novel. When I married and had kids, I took a step back from my corporate job and became a stay-at-home Mom. I took the kids to the library several times a week, checking out dozens of picture books. And I was floored. I didn’t remember picture books like those when I was a kid. And I fell in love with picture books. I decided that I was going to figure out how to be a part of the picture book creation. My kids are in their upper teens and twenties now, so it took a while, but I figured it out!

Can you tell us a little bit about what kinds of stories you write and why you write them?

I write both fiction and nonfiction picture books. So far, I’ve had more success with my nonfiction books. But I write whatever strikes my fancy. Many ideas come from some random fact that I read about or some emotions I’m feeling—wonder, joy, fear, sadness, or a complicated mixture—and want to write a story to give a place for kids to either find that wonder or explore their complicated feelings, too. And sometimes, I write a story because an editor asked for a specific story. 

I understand that you grew up on a small farm with eight siblings, and you’ve always loved reading. Can you tell us a little more about your childhood experiences with books and maybe share some of your favorites?

Growing up, as I did, we didn’t have a lot of money. But my Dad loved reading, so somehow, we always had books in our house, mostly from rummage sales or from people who knew we had a big family and wanted to pass down books from their family. I also loved Library Day and Scholastic Book Fairs. I don’t remember reading too many picture books, but I remember reading lots of easy readers. My favorite were Disney Encyclopedias. I spent hours and hours reading those!

I mentioned before that I’m a librarian… and I noticed on your website that your favorite day of each week as a young girl was “library day” at school. Which makes me so happy- mine was too! Can you tell us a little bit about the magic you experienced as a young girl in the library and what memories stand out most to you to this day?

As I mentioned, money was tight. Also, there were no bookstores nearby. I depended on Library Day during the school year and the Book Mobile (that we would bike to in the summer) to have new books to read. I remember the awe of walking up and down the bookshelves and picking as many as I could fit in my arms. I loved horses and probably read every horse book the library and Book Mobile had.

Now we’ve talked about the past… let’s fast-forward a little. Before becoming a children’s book author, what was life like? What kind of work did you do? And what were the events that led to the switch to writing as a career?

My first career out of college was as a Registered Dietitian for a nursing home. I eventually moved on to training healthcare software to staff in nursing homes, then staff development training for a healthcare software company. Not publishing-related at all. But sometimes, I took writing classes at community colleges because I dreamed of writing a novel someday. After having kids, becoming a stay-at-home Mom, and taking my boys to the library, the spark was ignited, as I noted in the first question. It took me a few years to call myself a writer, and a lot more years to finally get that byline in a magazine, and many more years before getting my name on a book!

THE PROCESS: QUERYING AGENTS/SUBMITTING TO PUBLISHING HOUSES

What was the publishing process like for you? Can you share a little about your experience with querying agents? When did you begin your publishing journey? When/how did you find your agent agent/agency match? 

The publishing process was very long. I started writing for kids in 2007, but with three boys in 3 ½ years, very sporadically. Once they started school, I started being more intentional in finding time to write. At first I wrote both picture books and magazine articles and did find success with a few articles in Boys’ Quest, Fun for Kidz, and Spider. By 2011, I had joined SCBWI and started seriously submitting picture books to editors then agents. Participating in challenges like PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) and 12 x 12 greatly improved my writing and my understanding of publishing. Around 2015, I finally started getting champagne rejections and requests for R&Rs (revise and resubmits), but didn’t connect with an agent until 2017. That was Natascha Morris with BookEnds Literary. I submitted one of my fiction stories to her through the normal query process. She loved it and asked for a few more, then offered representation. (After she sold my first two books, she did leave BookEnds. I am now repped by James McGowan with BookEnds.)

Once you signed with your agent/agency, what was the submission process like? 

The benefit to having an agent is to have the doors to bigger publishers open up. But having an agent also meant that every story I wrote did not necessarily go on sub. She had to feel confident in it, too. But I loved being able to put all my focus on my writing instead of researching agents or houses that took unsolicited subs.

How long did it take to receive your first book deal?

I first signed with Natascha in July of 2017. After a few revisions, she subbed that first story widely. I had several R&Rs, and it went to acquisitions to around 4 or 5 houses, but we never sold that book. It was 18 months and four other manuscript submissions later before we finally found an editor who gave me a YES. And that was for FREAKY, FUNKY FISH in January of 2019.

RESOURCES & WORDS OF ADVICE

The beginning stages of the writing journey is a very tender time. It’s a time for learning and growth. Like everything in life, real growth comes through patience and trial and error. And it can be difficult. Rejections sting. Waiting is hard. But, the further along you go, the stronger you get and the more you learn. What has been your biggest challenge in the kidlit publishing arena, and how have you been able to overcome it?

Rejection is hard. The one thing writers can’t control is agents or editors deciding to take on your book. One thing I could control was to continue to work on my craft and to continue to write and submit. I continually reminded myself that agents and editors were rejecting my stories, not me personally. 

If you could share a piece of advice with newly aspiring authors or illustrators, what would it be?

I tell every aspiring picture book author to type up the text of picture books they love. (And that have been published in the last few years.) It’s the best way to get a feel for voice, pacing, page turns, and so much more. By doing this, it will become more innate when they write. Plus, if the book they are typing up has both an author and an illustrator, aspiring authors can get a better idea of how the manuscript looked when it was bought as a text-only document. Odds are, there was a lot of room left for the illustrator. I’ve typed up more than 300 books since 2015, and I continue to do so on a regular basis. My first drafts have improved so much because of this exercise.

Speaking of words of advice… let’s talk a little bit about writing community and resources. What are some of the best resources you were able to find when you started down the road to kidlit publishing?

In my first few years of writing, I didn’t know where to get ideas. I only had two manuscripts that I worked on over and over again. Thankfully, I stumbled upon Tara Lazar’s PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) which has now morphed into StoryStorm that happens every January. It trained my brain to always be on alert for ideas, and now I have more than I can handle. Shortly after my first PiBoIdMo, I found Julie Hedlund’s 12x12. This was back when there weren’t agent submission opportunities and “levels”, just a community of writers attempting to write 12 picture book drafts in 12 months. Being a part of that community was priceless. The KidLit411 website is an amazing resource for KidLit writers.

Since we’re discussing helpful resources, I’d like to add the importance of having a strong writing community. Making connections is one of the best things a new writer or illustrator can do. Not only do you learn from each other… but you’re able to support and lift one another up. You can share and celebrate good news- and share and comfort hard news. It’s crucial for your mental health as a creator to have your clan of supporters around you- who both understand what it’s like and appreciate your continued efforts. Where are some places you’d recommend going to find that “kidlit community”?

Besides StoryStorm and 12x12, I love the KidLit411 Community on Facebook. Facebook has many great writing groups for community. But I also highly recommend finding a critique group, or two, or three, either in-person or online. I belong to four! The KidLit 411 website offers a place to find critique partners. And join SCBWI. When you join the national organization, you will get placed in a regional chapter. Conferences are an amazing way to meet fellow creators. Attending my regional conference is how I found my in-person critique group.

Another thing I think can really help to keep a creator’s creative juices flowing and inspired is participating in kidlit events. There are so many great contests out there! One of them is one that you co-host. Can you tell us a little bit about how you started #PBPitch events on Twitter/X, what they are, and what their intended purpose is?

Ah, #PBPitch. I’m so proud of it. It started back in 2015. I had just joined Twitter because in various KidLit groups on Facebook, I kept hearing about #PitMad, which was a pitch party for books for all ages. (For pitch parties, creators post a pitch for a completed manuscript with the corresponding hashtag, and if an agent or editor “hearts” it, it’s an invitation to submit the manuscript.) In March 2015, I participated in my first #PitMad, and there seemed to be very little love for picture books that day. Mandy Yates posted in one of the FB groups that someone should start one for just picture books. I responded that I had no idea what I was doing but would help. As did PJ McIlvaine. And before we knew it, the three of us created #PBPitch and hosted our first one a few months later. We had no idea if anyone would tweet or if any agent or editor would stop by, but they did! We’ve held it three times a year ever since. Each one has resulted in at least one successful agent match or book deal. We have numerous success stories on our website (pbpitch.weebly.com), and I’m sure many more have happened that we just aren’t aware of.

PREPPING FOR DEBUT AUTHOR BOOK LAUNCH: ORGANIZING VISITS/EVENTS: SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES, BOOK SIGNINGS

Okay, so now we have an agent, a book deal, and a launch date. Yay! Now what? Now it’s time to SELL the book. Can you tell us about your experience in preparing for your debut book launch and creating your author brand? What worked best? What didn’t? And why?

My debut, FREAKY, FUNKY FISH: ODD FACTS ABOUT FASCINATING FISH, came out in May 2021 when the world was still largely shut down due to the pandemic. I was able to have a launch outside of my local indie, Scrawl Books, but the weather was quite windy and chilly and sparsely attended. However, in getting ready for my debut, I joined a co-marketing group called PB Debut Troupe 21. Fourteen of us creators had debuts coming out that year, and we shared our joy, commiserated in the frustrations, helped boost each other’s books on social media, and wrote reviews. I’m still good friends with those creators. I highly recommend debuts join or create a co-marketing group!

A great way to boost your brand and share your story with others is by hosting author visits. Can you tell us about some of the visits you’ve hosted? How do you conduct your author visits? How long are they? Do you charge an author fee? Are you the one organizing them, or is it your agent/publisher? If you’re the one organizing, how do you go about reaching out about scheduling your visit? 

Occasionally, a bookstore has reached out to my publisher for an author event, but that’s only been once or twice. So, 99% of the time, I am doing the outreach to bookstores, schools, and libraries. For readings at bookstores, I do not charge a fee, but for programs at libraries and schools, I do. For Author Visits at schools, I do 3 - 4 presentations in one day–I don’t only read my book and talk about being an author, I have presentations connected to curriculum. To promote my Author Visits, I’ve attended my state’s librarian conferences to connect with librarians. I’ve also sent out postcards to local schools. I did about six visits last year and loved them, and hope to do more!

What has been the response to the author visits? What has been your favorite part? What has been their favorite part?

My favorite part is being with the kids and exciting them about writing, reading, and science. Hearing them laugh about the facts in my book is priceless. And seeing their eyes light up because they are meeting a real, live author just warms my heart. Their favorite part is probably getting out of regular class, LOL. But I do think many of them love meeting someone who wrote the words in a book they read or heard.
Fox Mill Elementary School in Herndon, VA.
Marumsco Elementary in Woodbridge, VA. 

THE BOOKS! RHYME, EDUCATION & HEART

Okay, I promised we’d circle back- and here we are. We’ve finally arrived at my favorite part of the interview- THE BOOKS! 

As I mentioned earlier, I’m a big fan of your stories. I love learning, and your books FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, and PECULIAR PRIMATES are such inventive ways to spread knowledge. And your story TELL SOMEONE is just beautiful. But, enough about how much I love your work. I’d love to hear from YOU about each of your books. We touched on the types of books you write and why briefly earlier, but now I want to dig a little deeper. How did each of your stories come to be? What was the inspiration behind them? And what do you hope each story will give your reader?

For my debut, FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, I have to thank my first agent. I had been writing picture book biographies that just weren’t selling. She encouraged me to try something different. Since I love all nonfiction, I decided to try my hand at a science-y picture book and read some rhyming ones about bugs, water, squirrels, etc. I challenged myself to write one about a different animal. I recalled some research I had done about fish for a different fiction manuscript I wrote and remembered how strange some fish were. And wa-la, an idea was born.

For TELL SOMEONE, an editor asked my first agent if she had a writer who would like to try writing a story encouraging kids to talk about their feelings since Albert Whitman wanted to have one on their list. Natascha asked me. My gut reaction was “No,” as I had never written anything “on assignment,” but I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and said I would try. A few months later, I had a contract. 

After we were in the final stages of FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, I decided to write a companion book about birds, which I titled BIZARRE BIRDS. Running Press Kids felt there were too many picture books about birds and asked if I’d be interested in writing one about primates, so I did!

For my science books, I hope kids are fascinated by the diversity of our world and are inspired to do what they can to preserve it. For TELL SOMEONE, I hope kids are encouraged to talk about their feelings in both good times and hard times. Mental health is important.

There’s a fun musicality that you use in your writing that truly puts the “fun” into “fun facts,” and at the same time, it’s funny. Heart, humor, and education are my favorite combination. And, somehow, you managed to add RHYME into the mix?! Possibly proving that you’re a magician? (Are you a magician?) Can you tell us what inspired you to write your stories in rhyme and what that process looked/felt like?

I love rhyme. My first publication ever was a rhyming poem about a snail who ate a nail in my 3rd-grade newsletter. I frequently wrote “odes” for various occasions growing up, for fun, so I think my debut was destined to rhyme, LOL. When I started writing picture books, I wrote several fiction/concept stories that rhymed but never sold. Some books seem to work better in rhyme, and for both the fish and primates books, I felt rhyme gave them another hook vs. just a list of strange animal adaptations. It’s a lot of work but so much fun, like setting a puzzle. 

Did you have anyone try to discourage you from writing in rhyme- and if so, how did you respond?

No, no one discouraged me. I understand meter and know that rhyme is more than just counting syllables and using rhyming words at the end of two lines, so as I revise, I know the rhyme will read smoothly. I won’t quit until it does.

Okay, we’ve talked about rhyme. Now, let’s talk about illustration. Can you tell us about how you ended up with your illustrators and what your first thoughts were? 

For Freaky Funky Fish & Peculiar Primates- Claire Powell 
Tell Someone- Tristan Yuvienco

For both publishers, as is typical in traditional publishing, Running Press Kids and Albert Whitman found the illustrators. For Albert Whitman, the editor and art director, paired my text with Tristan’s art for the pitch at the acquisitions meeting, which was different from Running Press Kids. With them, FREAKY, FUNKY FISH was acquired first, then it took over ten months for them to find an illustrator.

I was absolutely thrilled with both Claire and Tristan once they were selected. Their portfolios were amazing.

Did you envision your characters and stories in a similar way to how they were illustrated?

For FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, I really didn’t have any vision in my head as I had seen so many photos of the fish as I was researching and writing it that I didn’t really give a thought to how they would look illustrated. But seeing Claire’s sketches for the first time was amazing—I loved the personalities she gave all the various fish!

For TELL SOMEONE, I hoped the art would depict various and diverse kids in the different scenarios, so Tristan’s art was in line with what I envisioned. But I was still amazed. His art is so sweet, I want to hug each child in that book.

Do you have a favorite spread from each book? 

While I love so much about the illustrations in all three books, my favorite spread in FREAKY, FUNKY FISH is the one with the hammerhead shark and parrotfish. I love Claire’s colors and humor. 

For PECULIAR PRIMATES, I love the nighttime scenes–the various primates are so adorable and huggable in that spread! 

For TELL SOMEONE, my favorite page is the girl on the first day of school. Tristan’s perspective on this page really emphasizes the girl’s nervousness.
And… you have a new book coming out this Fall. Can you tell us a little bit about that one?

Yes, I do, and I’m so excited about it! WIND IS A DANCE, illustrated by the fabulous Josée Bisaillon, comes out with Kids Can Press on October 1, 2024. This book is a lyrical ode to the wind. I use metaphors to describe various winds we experience—from a ruffling, fluffing breeze to a rumbling, tumbling derecho. I’ve recently seen the colored sketches, and Josée’s art is SO stunning. I cannot wait for the world to see it!

If you could send your past self any piece of writerly advice, what would it be?

Be prepared for the long haul. Getting published is so, so hard, but absolutely worth it. 

What’s one last message/piece of advice you’d like to impart to your readers?

If you are a writer and you want to be published, don’t give up. It may take more than 10 years, like it did for me. Work hard on craft and write new stories. Every manuscript you write will likely not get published. I wrote dozens of first drafts and about fifteen polished picture books before my first one was acquired. But I learned something from each manuscript I wrote, not one was a wasted effort.

Thanks so much for joining us today, Debra.

But we’re not quite finished. There’s still one last item on the agenda. And that is… the GIVEAWAY!

GIVEAWAY

Debra Shumaker is offering the following giveaway prize.

“A signed copy of one of my three books!”

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

During the month of January 2024:

  1. Subscribe to the blog
  2. Like this blog post
  3. Leave a comment below letting me know you’ve done 1-2. (If the guest is offering more than one prize, please specify which you’d like in the comments below.)

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 PRIOR to this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your comment below this post.

Did you enjoy this interview? Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing one of their books! Using the sponsored links below also helps support this blog.

Debra Kempf Shumaker’s Books

Peculiar Primates

Tell Someone

Freaky Funky Fish

Wind is a Dance (not yet available for pre-order)

Chelsea DiCicco’s Book

ADHD and Me

Connect with Debra Shumaker

Visit her website: www.debrashumaker.com

Visit her Twitter/X: @ShumakerDebra

Visit her Instagram: @debrakshumaker

Visit her Bluesky: @debrakshumaker

DECEMBER 2023 FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH COPYWRITER AND CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR HOWARD PEARLSTEIN, CONDUCTED BY KIDLIT WRITER, BLOGGER & LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

Hello, and welcome back to Chelsea’s World of Books blog. It’s time for another Feature Interview. If this is your first time visiting, let me tell you a little about what makes these segments so valuable.

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT FEATURE INTERVIEWS?

Feature Interviews are an INVALUABLE resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of their publishing journey. Not only are they a great way to stay current on market trends and learn more about the industry’s ins and outs, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publication from the perspectives of a diverse collection of creators.

Every month, I sit down with members of the writing community, and we discuss everything publishing.

Here are some of the things we talk about:

  • Writing workshops and resources
  • Diversity in literature and why it matters
  • Where to find support and community
  • How to improve writing craft and set goals
  • How to deal with setbacks/disappointments and WAITING
  • Helpful tips and suggestions for aspiring authors and illustrators
  • Querying agents, contract negotiations, book deals, and time frames
  • And of course- NEW BOOKS!

So, now that you know what to expect… let’s get into our interview.

Author Bio

Howard Pearlstein is the author of nine picture books that have been translated into five languages. His upcoming titles in 2024 and 2025 include This Book Is Not For You and The Bad Book for Good Kids, both published by Familius. Howard is also the founder of Copy Rocket, an advertising copywriting agency, and has worked on some of the world’s most popular brands, including Toyota, Verizon and Mitsubishi. A California native, Howard now lives in Birmingham, Alabama with his wife, Debi. Howard has three daughters, Amanda, Jacquie and Emily, who live across the country, and one dog, Maeby, who still lives at home.

bEGINNING

I love starting these interviews by asking my guests how they ended up in the wonderful world of kidlit. Can you tell us how you arrived here?

How I ended up in the world of kidlit is a much longer story than we have time for today. But I can say that in 2018, I went through a period of self-reflection. Up until that point, my entire career had been in advertising. I loved the career and was proud of the work I had created. But, as I looked back, I realized that I hadn’t created anything for myself, anything personal. Since advertising really is telling a story with an interplay of pictures of words, I had a revelation that I should be able to write picture books. Of course, I had no idea what I was doing, so the first thing I did was Google “How to write picture books.”

And you’re the founder of a copywriting advertising agency. Can you tell us how that lends a role in your writing career?

I’ve been a copywriter since graduating from college and I truly believe that my advertising experience has provided the perfect training for writing picture books. In many ways, the process is similar:

-	You have to come up with a concept on how you will communicate an idea.
-	You have to understand who your target audience is and what motivates them.
-	You need to know what goals you’re trying to achieve.
-	You then need to create words and visuals that go together to tell the story in the most creative way possible.
-	You also need to use the fewest words possible to get across your message.
-	You want the final product to be something that speaks to the audience on an emotional level since that’s what sells.

PUBLICATION ROUTE: QUERYING & SUBMISSIONS/ AGENTS & PUBLISHING HOUSES

Can you tell us a little bit about your publication route. When did you first start querying agents/submitting to publishing houses?

After deciding to write picture books in 2018, I began querying my first manuscript, Orange Porange, in 2019. 

Were you agented for your first book deals? If not, can you explain what the submission process was like when sending manuscripts directly to publishing houses? And share some details on the timeframe that it took for you to land your first publishing book deal?

I began the submission process without an agent. In fact, I just signed with an agent last month (finally), Jes Trudel with The Rights Factory. Without an agent, the submission process is extremely tedious. First, you have to find which publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts. Then you have to research each publisher individually to see if their list aligns with your story. Then, you have to put together a query letter. Since I was so new to publishing, I again had to turn to Google and ask, “How do you get a picture book published.” Luckily, there’s a wealth of great information available. 
With Orange Porange, I started querying in July of 2019 and was lucky enough to find a home for it in August with Marshall-Cavendish.

Now I understand you recently got some very exciting news. Would you like to share this with us?

I touched on it earlier, but I finally have an agent! I had queried Jes Trudel with The Rights Factory with a new manuscript, and, on her Query Manager page, she allowed authors to submit additional manuscripts. I took advantage of that and was definitely excited when she reached out to me and wanted to talk. We had a great Zoom call, and I signed with her about a week later.
 I do hope everyone keeps in mind that I’ve been querying agents relentlessly for 5 years. In fact, one agency told me to stop querying them altogether. Querying publishers and agents is not an easy process.

CHALLENGES, ROADBLOCKS & INSPIRATION

What are some difficulties you’ve personally faced throughout your publication journey and what helped you to overcome them?

Constant rejection is by far the biggest difficulty. You receive one form rejection letter after another – or nothing at all. For me, what helped to overcome this difficulty was always keeping my commitment to my goal (to be a picture book author) front and center at all times. Challenges, obstacles, and difficulties don’t matter when you’re 100% dedicated to your destination.

I love that! "Challenges, obstacles, and difficulties don't matter when you're 100% DEDICATED TO YOUR DESTINATION."

What has been your biggest source of inspiration to keep going?

My biggest source of inspiration is my desire to make a career out of writing picture books. Right now, the royalty checks don’t come anywhere close to paying the bills, so I know I need to keep writing more (and better) books to make that goal a reality.

AUTHOR EVENTS: SCHOOL & LIBRARY VISITS AND FESTIVALS (INCLUDE PICS)

Let’s talk about author visits! Being a librarian and kidlit author myself, author visits are one of my FAVORITE things! Can you tell us a little bit about some of your experiences visiting schools/libraries/festivals?

I just had my first author visit on Halloween, and it was fantastic. I wanted to make my presentation perfect, so I spent weeks working on it. I think this idea that it had to be perfect came from my advertising background, where so much is always riding on client presentations. My wife finally told me to just relax and have fun. I did and ended up having a great time presenting to first graders and then second graders. I’ve always heard that you have to be prepared for anything with school presentations. This is definitely true – and I wasn’t prepared for one question. I read one of my books, Tribeca, about a three-legged cat, and one of the students asked if I had a pet. We recently had to put our dog to sleep, so I was caught completely off-guard by the question and didn’t know what to say. I finally answered, “I used to.” So, besides that moment, the visit was awesome.
 I’ve also recently been trying to get out into the community by having a booth at a local farmers market and a book festival. Those have been a lot of fun and very rewarding in the sense that it’s very rewarding to hand someone something you’ve created, and they pay you for it right on the spot. I’m hoping that attendance at these types of events will lead to more exposure for me beyond the events themselves.

Any suggestions for authors or illustrators who may be newly debuting on how to go about booking visits like these?

I wish I knew the secret to cracking the school visit code. I got lucky with my one school visit because it was at my wife’s former school. I’ve reached out to other local schools and haven’t heard a word back from any of them. I’m thinking the key to this, just like getting published, is to be completely committed and to not let anything deter you.

PUBLISHING RESOURCES & TIPS

If you had to share three of the greatest resources you’ve found in the kidlit publishing industry so far, what would they be, and why are they so valuable?

There are so many resources out there that it’s difficult to choose just three. When I began writing picture books, I simply scoured Google for any and all info I could find. I can’t remember all the sites I visited. However, once I started submitting, I found several good resources for finding publishers that accept unsolicited manuscripts. One source for that that seems particularly thorough and up-to-date is https://bitsykemper.com/publishers/. I also listened to quite few podcasts. Two that I found the most useful The Yarn (Travis Jonker and Colby Sharp) and Literaticast (Jennifer Laughran). Finally, there’s a regular newsletter called QueryTracker Weekly Update. I think it’s by the same company that does Query Manager. Anyway, this newsletter provides updates on which agents are open for submissions and the genres they represent. It’s where I saw that Jes was open, so I highly recommend that people sign up for it.
 
Are there any tips you would like to share with our readers that you wish you had known when you were just starting down the road of kidlit publishing?

Besides not knowing anything about picture books, I also didn’t know how slow the publishing industry is. Having spent my entire career in advertising, I’m used to a start-to-finish process that can take as little as the same day to maybe a month or so for large-scale TV commercials. With publishing, everything moves slowly. For example, I signed the contract for my book that’s coming out in 2025 back in 2021. 

And now, we’re moving onto my favorite part of the interview- the books!

BOOKS!

I would love to hear about some of your books and the inspirations behind them! Could you tell us a little about them?

Here’s the inspiration for a couple of books:

Connor Crowe Can’t Let Go

•	My wife and I went out to breakfast one day and it seemed like every parent was on his or her phone rather than paying attention to their children. When the kids started getting antsy, the parents gave them their phones to occupy them. I thought this was incredibly sad to see families barely interacting with each other. I remembered a story from when I was little about a boy who pushed vegetables onto his fork with his thumb, even though his parents told him not to. He kept doing it and one day vegetables started growing from his thumb. At first it was cool, but then the vegetables grew out of control. I thought a similar premise could work for a boy who’s addicted to his device and then realizes the consequences. I wanted this story to be a cautionary tale about the dangers of choosing devices over people.

Tribeca

•	My oldest daughter Amanda, a lawyer with the department of justice, called me one day and said I should write a picture book about the three-legged cat she and her girlfriend had fostered and that was eventually adopted by a family with a three-legged dog. I told her it was a great idea, but I’d only write it if she wrote it with me. Luckily, she agreed. I wrote a first draft, sent it to Amanda, she refined it, and then we went back and forth a few times to fine tune it. Writing the story from Tribeca’s perspective and about the thoughts and fears a foster cat could have made the process a lot of fun. When we started sending out queries, one publisher, Margie Blumberg from MB Publishing, gave us some really wonderful feedback. We revised the manuscript with her insights and continued with the querying process. I really think her input helped this story get out of the slush pile.

Do you have a favorite book that you’ve published? If so, which one and why? (If you have more than one favorite- feel free to share!)

Orange Porange is near and dear to my heart because it was my first published book (and I think the story is funny and sweet). But, I have to say my favorite is The Old Man Eating Alone. First, I really love that it has such a different premise than most picture books. It covers death and dying and it’s about a friendship about an old man and a young girl. I also love the illustrations by Hilde Groven. I think they’re beautiful. But the main reason it’s my favorite is because it was inspired by my youngest daughter Emily. She has always been very empathetic and one of the things that upset her the most, from a young age, was seeing old men eating by themselves. I have no idea why. But I took this idea of an old man eating alone and thought about how I could transform this sad premise into something else. While the story has sadness and deals with dying, it gives the reader an opportunity to look at loss from a different perspective.

Do you have a favorite spread in your books? We’d love to see it/hear about it! Why is it your favorite? And who is the illustrator behind it? (feel free to share pictures of your favorite illustrations if you’d like to!)

I have so many illustrations that I love, but I’ll include one from Orange Porange. One of the main reasons that it’s so special is that it was illustrated by my friend and former advertising partner, Rob Hardison. When I was learning about picture books, everything I read said that the publisher chooses the illustrator. But when I signed the contract with Marshall-Cavendish, they said that I could choose my own illustrator. Rob and I had worked together for years and had done so many great ads. I knew he was a talented illustrator, so I asked him if he wanted to work with me on this. Luckily, he did. We conceived the idea of the characters together, but then Rob brought them to life perfectly. I chose this particular illustration because I love the way Rob made Orange and Purple look so happy. I have no idea how, with just a few lines, he was able to have them express so much joy.

Thank you so much for being with us today, Howard, and for sharing all this great information with our readers. We’re so glad to have had you with us. But don’t go away just yet- because we’ve now arrived at our PRIZE GIVEAWAY portion of the interview.

GIVEAWAY PRIZE

During the month of December, 2023, Howard is offering the following giveaway prize to one winner:

A classroom/library visit (zoom / in person, if local) or book reading.

* LIBRARIANS AND TEACHERS, WE’RE LOOKING AT YOU!*

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

During the month of December 2023:

  1. Subscribe to the blog
  2. Like this blog post
  3. Leave a comment below letting me know you’ve done both. (If the guest is offering more than one prize, please specify which you’d like in the comments below.)

Entry window: December 1st-31st.

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 PRIOR to this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your comment below this post.

Did you enjoy this interview? Thank the author & host by purchasing one of these books! Using the sponsored links below also helps support this blog.

Sally Ann McFidgetbottom

Orange Porange

The Invitation: An Orange Porange Story

Orange Porange: The Missing Ball 

The Magic Mirror: An Orange Porange Story

Tribeca

The Old Man Eating Alone

Conner Crowe Can’t Let Go

The Liebrary

Connect with Howard Pearlstein

Website: https://www.howardpearlstein.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howard.pearlstein

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howard.pearlstein/

X: https://twitter.com/HowPearlstein

October 2023 Feature Interview with Children’s Book Author Heather Stigall, Conducted by Kidlit Writer, Blogger & Librarian Chelsea DiCicco

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

Hello, and welcome back to yet another wonderful Feature Interview. If this is your first time visiting, let me tell you a little about what makes these segments so unique.

What’s the big deal with Feature Interviews?

Feature Interviews are an INVALUABLE resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of their publishing journey. Not only are they a great way to stay current on market trends and learn more about the industry’s ins and outs, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publication from the perspectives of a diverse collection of creators.

Every month, I sit down with members of the writing community, and we discuss everything publishing.

Here are some of the things we talk about:

  • Writing Workshops & Resources
  • Diversity in literature and Why it matters
  • Where to find support & community
  • How to improve writing craft & set goals
  • How to deal with setbacks/disappointments & WAITING
  • Helpful tips & suggestions for aspiring authors & illustrators
  • Querying agents, contract negotiations, book deals & time frames
  • And of course- NEW BOOKS!

So, now that you know what to expect… let’s get into our interview. This month, I’m talking to Children’s Book Author Heather Stigall.

Heather Pierce Stigall: Bio

Heather Stigall uses her experience with children and her degrees in Child Development, Psychology-based Human Relations, and Social Work to create stories that speak to kids. She is the Critique Group/Meet & Greet Coordinator for the Eastern PA SCBWI Chapter, a member of the 12×12 Picture Book Challenge, and a wife and parent to five children and one pup. When she’s not writing, you can find Heather hanging out with her kids (hopefully at the beach), reading, eating chocolate, baking, or creating all sorts of treasures. Her debut picture book, PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY (Clavis Publishing) was released in August 2023 and is/will be published in five additional languages. Her second picture book, GILBERT AND THE GHOST, (Beaming Books) is due out fall 2026. You can connect with Heather through her website, HeatherPierceStigall.com, and her social media links at https://linktr.ee/HeatherStigall.

The Beginning: First Drafts & Querying Agents: Timeframe & Challenges

For a lot of us writers and illustrators who have been involved with the industry for a while, we know that publishing takes a loooong time. I mean, a REALLY long time. And waiting can be difficult.

Something common I've noticed with new aspiring writers and illustrators who are just beginning is that many  have the idea that publishing is easy, anyone can do it, and that as soon as you start putting in the work, things will automatically just take off. And of course, when that doesn’t happen, it can be discouraging. So, I wanted to start our conversation today with the early stages- the first drafts and querying.

Can you share a little bit about the beginning of your writing journey? What did your first drafts & querying stages look like?

Thank you for having me on your blog, Chelsea. You are so right! Publishing often takes a very long time, and my path to publication story is no exception. I have always loved children and picture books and even jotted down ideas for stories over many years, but it wasn’t until my youngest child was in preschool that I decided the time was right to get serious about a writing career. That was ten years ago! I started out slowly by learning about writing picture books and children’s publishing, joining SCBWI (The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), joining a critique group, and doing a lot of writing and revising. I gradually became more involved with the kidlit world. My first drafts were, of course, terrible. They often still are! But, over the years I’ve learned more about how to make them better, and I think the magic comes in the revision. I heard so much advice about not querying too soon, that I was nervous to query at all. But I finally felt ready when I had three picture book manuscripts that had been through multiple revisions, critiques, and gotten the stamp of approval from my critique partners.

**Ahh. Those words are so true. For anyone reading this, please take note: THE MAGIC COMES IN THE REVISION. Remember that. It will help you down the road.**

How long did it take you to finally get your agent call?

My agent and publishing journey has been quite a roller coaster ride. To summarize how I got to where I am today: 

2018 - I started querying agents. 
2019 - In addition to agents, I began querying one story to a few smaller presses who accepted un-agented submissions.
2020/21 – In addition to agents, I queried a few more stories to a few more small presses. 
March 2021 - I was offered a book contract (while I was un-agented) for PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY (expected publication date spring 2023; that got pushed to August 2023)
October 2021 - I received an agent offer (after querying a different story) and accepted; we went out on submission very shortly after.
April 2022 - While agented, I was offered a book contract for GILBERT AND THE GHOST (expected publication date fall 2024).
October 2022/January 2023 – My agent submitted another picture book to two rounds of editors.
March 2023 – My agent gave me the sad news that she decided to not represent authors any longer, but she will rep me on the story still on submission if it ever gets an offer.
May 2023 – My GILBERT editor shared cover sketches.
June 2023 – I began querying new agents; My GILBERT editor informed me her position at her publisher was eliminated; her replacement informed me the book will now not be published until fall 2026.
August to Present Day – PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY published. I’m actively querying agents, and I’m still waiting for word from a handful of editors who still have the book my former agent submitted.

I told you it was a roller coaster ride!

Whew! That's quite the list. What were some of the challenges you faced during those early stages, and how did you overcome them?

I encountered the usual challenges: struggling to find time to write, difficulty “justifying” the time and money on writing-related things on a “maybe” career; and rejection. As for how I deal with them, I have an amazingly supportive family and critique partners who have all cheered me on and helped give me the time and space I needed to devote to writing. For example, my mom took care of my youngest child at least one day a month so I could attend my critique group meetings. She gradually increased the frequency of her grandma duties so I could use that time to write. One fun thing I did, and continue to do, to help me deal with rejections is to use a “rejection jar” (I wish I knew who to credit with this idea!). Every time I get a rejection, I put a dollar in a jar. When I get a “yes,” I spend the money on something for myself. When I got my first book contract, I used the money in the jar for a massage. I got to empty the jar again when I received my agent offer and again with my second book contract. Now the jar is filling up waiting for the next “yes.”

Resources & Advice for Aspiring Writers & Illustrators

What are some of the best resources you’ve come across & how have they helped you on your writing journey?

Oh, so many! Probably the best thing I did was join SCBWI. That put me in touch with my local region of children’s writers and illustrators which opened my eyes and doors to so much more. Through that one resource, I found an amazing critique group, learned about writing and the kidlit industry by attending conferences and webinars, connected with industry professionals, and learned about many other resources out there. It also led to a fulfilling volunteer position with my region, the Eastern PA Chapter, and a great group of fellow volunteers who have become friends. As for other resources, I have actually compiled a list for children’s writers and illustrators that you can access through the Resources page of my website HERE.

Looking back, is there anything you would do differently in those early stages of the writing & querying process?

I really don’t think so. Any “mistakes” I might have made along the way I consider things I needed to do to learn from them.

I love that! What suggestions would you like to share with aspiring writers and illustrators?

Rely on the four “P”s: Prepare, Practice, Positive attitude, and Persist!

Book Deals: Time Frame & Contract Negotiations

So, we talked about the querying timeframe. Now, let’s dive into book deals. We’ve landed our dream agent- YAY! (In your case- Beth Marshea of Ladderbird Agency!) Now what?? How long did it take you to get your first book deal? And what was that process like?

As I mentioned above, my first book deal came about while I was un-agented, so I’ll share both stories about my debut picture book contract and my second book contract that came about while I was represented by Beth.

By 2021, I hadn’t had any luck signing with an agent, so I made it my goal to not only query agents but also small presses that allowed un-agented submissions. One of those presses was Clavis Books, a well-established, reputable company that publishes authors and illustrators from around the world. During the pandemic, Clavis posted several read-aloud videos, so I got a feel for their tastes and wondered if a story I had written several years prior might be a good fit for their list. I pulled PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY out of the virtual drawer, made a few small changes, and submitted it to them in February 2021. A month after submitting to Clavis, I received an email from the CEO. I scanned it quickly and read, “It is a nice and sweet story, very close to children and told from their perspective.” I expected the rest to read the typical, “but, unfortunately, it isn’t a fit for our list.” But it didn’t say that. Instead, it said, “So, we would like to consider publication.” After so many rejections, I could hardly believe what I was reading!

All the while, I was actively querying agents with other manuscripts. One of those manuscripts was about a boy who wanted to befriend a ghost he believed lived in his neighborhood. That story is the one that landed me my agent in early October 2021 and was also the one we went on submission with at the end of that same month. Beth had a couple of very minor suggestions to tweak the manuscript and the pitch, and then it was ready to go. She subbed it to a round of 11 editors. Of those, eight passed and three never responded (so we assumed passed). In February 2022, we went out on a second round to 10 editors. In March, an editor at Beaming Books said she wanted to share it with her team. A week or two later, she came back with some questions, which I answered, and then in April she extended an offer!

A lot of people who are just starting out in publishing wonder, “Why do you have to have an agent?” So, leading into that question, I want to talk a little about agents and book deals. Can you tell us, from your experience, about publishing contracts & negotiations and explain why having an agent is so important?

You certainly don’t “have” to have an agent, but being represented by an agent does have several advantages. For example, agents can submit your story to publishing houses that are otherwise closed to un-agented authors and illustrators (unless by referral or conference connection). Often these houses are the ones that offer larger advances and print runs. Agents can also often negotiate better deals than authors/illustrators can on their own. Comparing my two contracts, one with a small house that accepts un-agented submissions and the other negotiated with an agent, I can tell you that I got a better deal with the agent-negotiated contract. Part of an agent’s job is to form relationships with editors so they can get a feel for what stories might be the best fit for which editors and publishers. Plus (and I love this) the agent is the one doing the research, submitting, monitoring, following up on submissions and payments, negotiating contracts, etc., so the author/illustrator can focus on the writing and illustrating. An agent-author relationship is a partnership and, of course, I was kept aware of what was going on and had input into all the decisions made, but it was such a relief to know Beth was dealing with all the stuff I didn’t want to stress about.

Throughout the publishing process, were there any challenges you experienced? If so, what were they, and how were you able to overcome them?

I think my roller coaster timeline above covers the challenges I’ve experienced in the last couple of years. I try to have a positive attitude, and the rejection jar helps, but I also think leaning on my critique partners when I’m feeling low helps tremendously. Find your people!

Fantastic advice. I couldn't have put it any better myself.

The Best & The Worst

If you could sum up the best and worst parts of publishing, what would they be?

Worst: Publishing picture books is very competitive. And I don’t mean in a cut-throat way at all. There are so many wonderfully talented writers out there who all want, and deserve, to have their book published. But there is only so much space on the shelf and money in the pockets of publishers, so even the best-written and illustrated story might not get into the hands of young readers.

Best: I love the kidlit community! Just about all the writers, illustrators, agents, editors, educators, and, of course, young readers that I’ve encountered have been so friendly, encouraging, and supportive. 

In your opinion, what makes the journey worth it?

I just had my book launch party and, I have to say, reading a book that I wrote to a group of children is pretty darn great!

Any words of encouragement for your readers?

Focus on the things you can control (learn your craft, write, revise, read in your genre, join a critique group, research, submit, etc.), find your community (writing partners, a support system, cheerleaders), and persevere! The only guarantee to not being published is giving up, so keep at it!

Books, Illustration & Inspiration

Okay, now it’s time to talk about my favorite thing. Books! Tell us about your books & your inspiration behind them.

The origins of PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY began nine years ago when I picked up my youngest child from preschool on his birthday. He climbed into his car seat, wearing a glittery birthday crown and a slight frown. The conversation began something like this:

Birthday Boy: “When is my birthday?”
Me: “Today!
Birthday Boy: (shakes his head) “No. When is my real birthday?”
Me: “Today is your real birthday!”
Birthday Boy: “It doesn’t feel like it.”

My mind began to spin. Why didn’t he feel like it was his birthday? Did something happen or not happen at school? What would it take for him to feel like it was his “real” birthday? A few questions later, I realized that he believed that on his birthday, he would instantly “feel” older; he would magically be able to do things he wasn’t able to do the day before. But I kept the conversation going during the ride home, through lunch, and for some time after that. I asked lots of questions and listened as he shared evidence for why it was most definitely not his birthday. I was enamored with his reasoning and determination, while underneath it all, I felt his disappointment that this day, one that was supposed to be special, didn’t meet his expectations. Not long after, I wrote a draft of a story about a bunny who hops out of bed the morning of her birthday, expecting to be all things “big bunny.”

As we know, in Kidlit, half of our story is in the illustration- so let’s talk about pictures! Can you share a little bit about your illustrators and how they helped bring each story and character to life?

Clavis always produces beautifully illustrated picture books, so I knew I would be in good hands, but I really hit the jackpot when they chose Natallia Bushuyeva as the illustrator! I think her sweet art style is the perfect fit for PAISLEY. Unlike most U.S. publishers, Clavis makes it a practice to connect author and illustrator so they may collaborate if they wish. But I have no business telling an illustrator what to do, so I put my full trust in Natallia, and I think that worked out beautifully. I only included two art notes in the manuscript, which were to suggest actions that might not be understood in the text. The publisher shared illustrations with me at several points along the way: interior sketches, first color illustrations, proposed Dutch cover, final cover, full interior, and later, the English cover and full interior. Natallia had some suggestions for tweaking the art before approving it to go to print, and I asked them to move some text to another page. Clavis agreed to all our requests. It was a very collaborative process.

Do you have a favorite spread or image in your books? Which ones and why?

I love all of Natallia’s illustrations, of course, but I guess I’m partial to the spread of spot illustrations where Paisley is getting ready for her party. I love the little details like Paisley’s face peeking through as she blows up the balloon and Pip observing nearby (with a worried expression) when Paisley spills the punch. I especially love the expression on Paisley’s face in the last vignette. Natallia perfectly captures the frustration Paisley is feeling at that moment. 

Thank you so much, Heather, for all of your insightful feedback. We’re so grateful to have had you with us today. Before we end our interview, we have one last item on the agenda. And it’s a big one…

October 2023 Giveaway Prize

This month, Heather will be giving away a choice of EITHER a signed copy of PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY OR a written critique of a fiction picture book (up to 750 words) as a giveaway prize.

How can you enter?

During the month of October 2023:

  1. Subscribe to the blog (via email or WordPress)
  2. Like this blog post
  3. Leave a comment below with your prize choice

And that’s it!

Please note: in order to qualify, you must follow 1-3 during the month of October 2023. Window: October 1st-31st. Deadline: October 31st. That means you have to get those subscriptions, likes, and comments in BEFORE November 1st in order to qualify for the October 2023 Giveaway Prize. ** If you were already subscribed PRIOR to October, you do not need to subscribe again. Simply LIKE the October Feature Interview and post your comment below.**

Did you enjoy this interview? Support this author by purchasing her book below! Did you know… using the direct purchase link HERE also supports this blog?!

Connect with Heather

Email: HeatherStigallCM@aol.com

Website: www.HeatherPierceStigall.com

Facebook: Heather Pierce Stigall

X @heather_stigall

Instagram: @heather_stigall7