Tag: interviews with authors

APRIL 16TH, 2025, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITER HEATHER STIGALL, CONDUCTED BY CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITER, BLOGGER, AND FORMER LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

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

Today, I’m talking with returning guest children’s book author Heather Stigall. In this month’s Feature Interview we’ll be trekking through the ups and downs of publishing and sharing intimate details of the daunting questions: “What do I do if my agent and I end up parting ways and/or my editor leaves?’ 

But before we do… here are a few things to know about feature interviews.

THE SCOOP: WHAT ARE FEATURE INTERVIEWS & WHO ARE THEY FOR?

Feature Interviews are a free resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of the publishing journey.

Every month, I collaborate with industry professionals—authors, illustrators, editors, and agents— many of whom were or currently are also educators and librarians, to discuss all things publishing.

What can these interviews offer YOU?

These interviews give readers an up-close and personal look at the world of publishing from an array of different perspectives on every side of the desk and offer insight into tips, resources, and advice on how to:

  • stay current with market trends
  • hook an agent or editor
  • find writing community & other resources
  • discover workshops, contests, and other events
  • figure out which path of publication is right for you
  • know if your agent is a good match

And more!

AND… if that’s not enough, every guest offers at least one giveaway prize—sometimes more. This means you have multiple opportunities to win prizes every month! *If you’re interested in entering the giveaway, scroll to the bottom of the interview for instructions.*

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

Heather, it’s so nice to have a returning guest visit the blog. The last time we shared a chat was in the October 2023 Feature Interview. Now, fast forward to April 2025. How time has flown by! Since then, you’ve been through the mountains, so to speak, on your publishing journey.

When reading over your application for the Feature Interview segment 2025, I thought it was interesting and kind of comical how the route to publishing sometimes takes such unorthodox paths… far from linear. Publishing moves at a pace and rhythm of its own choosing and, more often than not, in quite chaotic upside-down and crisscross patterns, but eventually, things DO move forward, which is hopeful. Speaking of which… let’s jump into the first question.

Could you share a little about your 2025 project and its significance to your writing journey? What makes this book special, and what interesting experiences has it had? 

Thank you for having me back, Chelsea! You are so right about the far-from-linear path that publishing often takes, and my journey has been no exception! To answer your question about what made my 2025 project special, in short, it got me my first R&R (“revise and resubmit”), my first request for more work, and landed me my first agent. All amazing things! 

To expand on that a little, in the spring of 2021, I had the opportunity to submit a manuscript for a professional critique through a webinar I hosted for our chapter of SCBWI (Eastern Pennsylvania’s chapter of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). I submitted a story that had been through several rounds of revision and critiques by my critique partners. The agent had a lot of positive feedback about the story’s character, voice, language, themes, and marketability, but she also had some suggestions for how she felt I could improve the plot’s middle section. Then, much to my surprise, she said that even though she was taking on “very few picture book text these days,” she “encouraged” me to query her for representation and was “happy to take another look” at my story. I knew then that I had something special!

I did a few more revisions and that summer, I queried her. Within two weeks, she responded, asking me to send more work! A first for me! She specified that she was not asking for an exclusive submission, but to check in with her if I received an offer of representation while she considered my work. So, I began sending my story out to other agents while waiting to hear back. One of those submissions was to Beth Marshea of Ladderbird Agenc,y who was a 12×12 Picture Book Challenge Featured Agent (“Gold” members of 12×12 receive special monthly submission opportunities). Beth responded the very day I sent her my manuscript to say, “When I tear up at the end of a PB I have to talk to the author!” After talking with Beth and sending her more work, she offered representation. I then went back to the agents who had my work and had not yet responded, including the first agent who was considering my work, but I ultimately signed with Beth. A few weeks later, we went out on submission with my story about a boy who wanted to be friends with a ghost!

For many writers AND/OR  illustrators looking for literary representation, it’s the dream goal to find “the agent” and ideally work together for, if not the remainder of, then at least a significant chunk of their author and/or illustrator career. But, as we know, that’s not always the case. Agents move and sometimes leave the industry altogether, and so do editors. 

Many creators might shudder in fear at the thought of “starting all over again” and wonder, ‘What happens if my agent/editor ends up leaving the business or we end up parting ways? Where does that leave me and my book? What are the next steps to take?’ Since you have some experience with the things listed above, could you share a bit about your experiences, as well as the steps you were able to take?

Again, you are so right, Chelsea! I had a wonderful working experience with Beth. She was enthusiastic about my work, we got a book deal on the first story I sent her, she negotiated my contract, and we went out on submission with a second story. But in the spring of 2023, Beth informed me that she decided to take a step back from representing authors. She would continue to represent me on the book I had coming out and negotiate any offers we received on the story we had on submission at that time, but that would be our last project together. I was so disappointed! And the thought of querying authors all over again was daunting.

But that wasn’t the only roadblock I encountered that spring. A month after Beth informed me that we would be parting ways, Beaming Books (with whom I had a contract for GILBERT AND THE GHOST) informed me that the acquiring editor would no longer be working for them. Then, the following month, the publisher informed me they decided to push GILBERT AND THE GHOST’s publication date from Fall 2024 to Fall 2026! I had the option to withdraw from my contract, but I knew that even if I received a new book deal the following day (hah!), the publication date would likely be the same (or farther out). 

I took a little time to let all this news sink in and after collecting myself, I retrieved my old agent research and updated it. I polished the stories I felt had the most promise. I crafted a new bio for my query letter that included my new publication credits. Then, I spent the summer and fall querying agents again. I collected rejections again. But this time, I got three requests for more work, and it took less time to find new representation (six months vs. almost four years). Now, I’m represented by the amazing Amy Nielsen of The Purcell Agency. And (bonus!) Beaming Books decided to push the publication of GILBERT AND THE GHOST to 2025!

-WOW! Truly an amazing journey, Heather. And this speaks to your resilience and adaptability- which we all know are greatly needed qualities to stay afloat in this ever-changing industry.

Let’s talk a little about R&R’s. What experiences did you have with R&R’s, and how did they impact your writing? Explain.

Great question! My experience with an R&R is a perfect example of how subjective this business can be. As I mentioned above, the agent who requested an R&R on GILBERT felt the middle section needed revision and offered reasons why (she had some questions about the story’s believability). It is interesting to note that she felt the story’s ending was “sweet and satisfying.” I agreed with almost all her suggestions and revised accordingly. When I queried her, I thanked her for offering to look at my revision (which served as a reminder that she did) and briefly explained how I addressed her concerns. I also explained why I decided not to revise one item she commented on. She must have liked the changes I made because that led to her asking to see more of my work. 

Interestingly, however, somewhere in the process of making these revisions, I had another critique opportunity with a different agent, and she had some different opinions. For example, she wanted Gilbert’s family to be more empathetic to his cause; to encourage him to be brave along the way. I wanted them to act more as antagonists (just not in a mean way), so I decided to ignore that suggestion. The agent also felt that an editor might shy away from my story because the ending wasn’t “decisive” enough. It was my intent to leave room for reader interpretation at the end, so I ignored that suggestion as well. I did agree with a few of her other suggestions, but I only incorporated the feedback that resonated with me.

I’m glad I followed my instincts, because the agent I ultimately signed with obviously loved the version of the story I chose to stick with, and it was the version that resulted in a book contract.

-I really love how you explained this, Heather, and I think it’s SO incredibly important for creatives to learn this balance as well, knowing what feedback to take and what feedback to ignore. Being flexible and open to edits and changes to your work is something you’ll always need to have in this field. That being said, knowing what resonates with your vision is crucial. If an agent suggests an edit that doesn’t align with the “heart” or “vision” of your story, knowing how to stand your ground and tactfully defend/explain your vision will go a long way in having a happy relationship, as well as being satisfied with your end product.

Let’s talk about unexpected – shifts in plans (and timelines). You mentioned that since signing the book contract and losing your agent AND the editor being let go, AND THEN the publisher pushing the pub date out by another TWO YEARS- Ahh!- that you then got a new agent -(yay!) and after this, the publisher pushed your pub date back up by one year. *Oh-my-goodness.  Talk about a ROLLER COASTER. I almost got whiplash just from writing this…*

During this uncertain time, I can only imagine the overwhelming emotions you may have been going through. How did you manage to keep it together and stay the course? And what advice would you give to authors and/or illustrators who may be facing similar up-and-down challenges?

A wild ride, for sure! Of course, I was crushed to receive news that I had been “orphaned” and then that my book had been orphaned too. I was starting to feel invisible, just like the main character of my story. But I knew others who had been through similar situations, and I asked them about their experiences. It helped to know I wasn’t alone. I also counted my blessings. I had the support of my critique partners, family, and the kidlit community, and my first book was about to launch (PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY released in August 2023). I told myself that the delayed publication date for my second book would allow me more time to promote the first. I could also use the extra time to research and query agents as well as polish more manuscripts when received a request for more work. I took comfort in the fact that I found an agent who believed in me once, so I had faith I could do it again. And, in the process, I continued my “rejection ritual” that helps take the sting out of all the NOs. When I receive a pass on a submission, I put a dollar in my “Rejection Jar” (which I’ve recently re-named my “Not Yet Jar,” because at school visits I encourage students to think in terms of “not yet” instead of “no”). When I receive a “yes” I spend the money in the jar on something for myself. So, my advice to those who are facing challenges like this is: Take the time you need to grieve, find your support system, take a breath, get back in there, and believe in yourself!

-Something that I really loved that you said when you were expressing the up and down journey with this book was: “One of the main themes of the picture book is to believe and not give up, so I guess it’s fitting that it’s path to publication took believing and perseverance as well!” All I could think was YES, that is absolutely the truth!

No doubt, there were disappointing moments during your journey: close-calls, near-misses, and some tears shed along the way. But, at the end of the day, when it’s all said and done, would you say the rewards outweigh the moments of struggle? Explain.

Absolutely! I tend to look at the bright side of things, so when I hit a hurdle or roadblock, I tell myself that there is a reason for it. So maybe the delay in GILBERT’s publication was to allow me to savor PAISLEY a bit longer. I’ve had so much fun planning a launch, doing storytime events, school visits, book festivals, and more. Now I feel even more prepared to launch book number two and look forward to all the fun I’ll have sharing GILBERT AND THE GHOST with all those readers out there.

What have been some of the happiest moments of your publishing journey?

Oh, there have been so many! Besides signing with two agents and getting two book contracts, some of my happiest moments have occurred while promoting at events. I am fortunate to live near a few indie bookstores, and I’m a frequent visitor of Children’s Book World in Haverford, PA, so I asked them if they would host a book launch for my first book, PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY (they’ve agreed to host my launch for GILBERT too). Paisley is a bunny, so I baked and decorated carrot cupcakes and bunny-shaped sugar cookies and made “carrot” savory treat bags. I had several surprise guests, including my aunt who is a big fan of picture books (she was a kindergarten teacher in her former life). I had commissioned her to make me stuffed toys that looked like the main character and her brother, Paisley and Pip, so it was especially meaningful to have her at my launch. Paisley and Pip now come with me for all my book events! 

Another highlight was meeting the illustrator of PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY, Natallia Bushuyeva. This was very unexpected, as she lives in France! My husband competes in triathlons and qualified for the 2023 World Championships in the half-IronMan which was held in Finland that year. After his race and before coming home, we vacationed for a few days in Paris and arranged to meet Natallia. We met at a little café and signed each other’s copies of PAISLEY. How cool is that?

I love sharing my love of books with children. I have done several storytime events at bookstores and libraries and have also done some school visits. Everything from the kids’ enthusiasm to the questions they ask to the fan mail is more than enough reason to know pursuing children’s book writing was the right path for me.

Why do YOU write? What does writing mean to you?

I write to engage the creative part of my brain and to connect with my inner child.

What do you hope your stories will give your readers?

I hope to connect with the children who need or want to hear the stories I want to tell.

What’s something that you think every author and/or illustrator should know about publishing that you wish you had known sooner?

I think it’s important to understand that children’s book writing and illustrating is a business. We can pour so much of ourselves into our stories, so it’s understandable why rejections feel personal and can downright hurt. But there are so many reasons why an agent or editor passes on a manuscript, even a well-written, marketable one. Keep writing and submitting – your “yes” is out there!

What are some writing resources/contests/groups/workshops/etc. that have benefited you most along the way? How have they helped you? Did they help you find community, critique groups, accountability partners, deepen craft, etc.?

I am the poster child for trying out writing resources! I could name so many specific resources I’ve used that have contributed to my journey in kidlit (way too many to list them all here), but I’ve grouped them in more general terms:

The library and bookstores: I check out stacks of books from my local library regularly. Not only have I read books on the craft of writing, but reading books in the format/genre in which I write (mostly picture and chapter books) helps me see what I can do to improve my own writing and to see what books are being published and by whom. Bookstores are also great because you can see how books are being positioned and promoted to boost sales.

Joining SCBWI led to finding my critique group; attending local and not-so-local, in-person and virtual conferences and events; and to a volunteer position. That led to connecting with other writers/authors, illustrators, and industry professionals; learning more about my craft and about the industry; and improving my writing, revision, and critiquing skills.

Joining challenges (like 12×12, StoryStorm, Reading for Research Month, and March on with Mentor Texts) challenged me to write and read more, connected me with like-minded creators and more critique partners, and encouraged me to persevere.

Entering contests (like PBParty, the Rising with the Stars mentorship, and the #PBChat mentorship), and applying for awards and conferences (like SCBWI awards/grants and the Rutgers One-on-One Plus conference) challenged me creatively and pushed me to get my work out there. 

Subscribing to (a ton!) of podcasts, blogs, publisher mailing lists, and author/illustrator newsletters, has been hugely influential. I’ve learned about writing, marketing, and author visits; about classes, workshops, contests, and mentorships; about industry trends and changes; about agents, editors, and publishers; and more. These sites (Chelsea’s is one example) often offer opportunities to win prizes like free books and critiques, and I have been the winner of a few. Bonus: Subscribing is FREE!

What do you think the main keys are to staying the course and keeping your joy in publishing? Feel free to share as many keys as you like! We’re open to all the wisdom.

Prepare (learn your craft and about the industry; work on what you can control). Practice (write, revise, share, submit, repeat). Have a Positive attitude (celebrate small successes). Persist! 

Speaking of wisdom: what’s one piece of writerly advice/wisdom that you feel has been most helpful to you as a writer?

Keep going! 

Okay, now we’ve entered the book portion of the interview. Tell us about your newest book! Starting with: What was your inspiration? 

My newest picture book, GILBERT AND THE GHOST (illustrated by Jess Mason; Beaming Books, August 2025), began with two things – a title idea and a childhood memory. The title came about during Tara Lazar’s 2020 StoryStorm challenge. I like wordplay and thought “ghost writer” had potential for a picture book title (notice it’s not the title of my book now). The childhood memory came from my happy place – the beach. Beginning when I was two years old, my parents and my aunt and uncle rented the same beach house every year. I have many fond memories of summer days with my cousins at the beach, but as I brainstormed ideas for what to do with my fabulous title, I recalled one memory in particular. Before we left our rental for the season, we would hide a note somewhere in the house, hoping to find a reply when we returned the following year. Surely someone would want to be our pen pal! The next year, we’d check our secret hiding spot. Did anyone reply? No. But our note was missing! Someone must have read it, right? Maybe they did reply, but another renter received the note before us. So, we tried again, for several years, believing that eventually we would become friends with another beach lover, even if we never met. With that memory in mind, I wondered if I could write a story about a child who wrote notes to a ghost he believed lived in his neighborhood, even though no one else believed. A friendship story between a child, who understood what it was like to feel invisible, just like a ghost, and a ghost, who might want a friend too. So, I did!

Here is what the jacket copy for GILBERT AND THE GHOST says:

The ghost at 632 Savannah Street is real . . . right?

Gilbert often feels invisible, just like the ghost living at 632 Savannah Street. Despite his family’s disbelief, Gilbert leaves gifts for the ghost: a friendship bracelet, a plate of cookies, even a drawing with a note. When each disappears one by one, Gilbert finds that believing and friendship are worth the effort.

For kids who might often feel unseen, Gilbert and the Ghost is a ghostly tale of overcoming obstacles and finding friendship in mysterious places. Gothic, whimsical illustrations make this picture book perfect for spooky season, while its earnest themes make it worth a read all year round.

I didn’t plan it, but I realized much later that the story themes in Gilbert are a lot like what many authors/illustrators experience when they are trying to succeed in the industry. Gilbert, who sometimes feels invisible, believes in something most others around him don’t; but he perseveres and patiently keeps trying to achieve his goal (even though sometimes that’s difficult). I think we in the kidlit community can relate to feeling invisible when we submit into the “void” and often hear nothing back. Yet, like Gilbert, we persevere and try to be patient (even though that’s often difficult!). I am fortunate to have a very supportive family, and I’ve found the kidlit community to be extremely encouraging, but I know some creators encounter a lot of unsupportive (even if well-meaning) “doubters” just like Gilbert does with his family. So, I dedicate this book to all of you out there who are taking the steps to pursue your dream. I believe in you!

You shared something with me about feedback you received from the publisher on your book’s ending, and I really loved this experience because I think it’s very important as a writer to know when to budge and be flexible on something and when to tactfully stand your ground on something that speaks to your authentic author “voice” and the intention and vision that you have for your work. Could you tell our readers about your experience with this?

Absolutely! Before we got an offer from Beaming Books on GILBERT, the acquisition team came back with a few questions, one of which was about the ending. Earlier in this interview I talked about receiving agent feedback regarding what she felt was an indecisive ending, so I worried I might not receive an offer from Beaming if I gave them the “wrong” answer. But it was also important to me that the ending stay true to my intent. I don’t want to give the ending away, so I will refrain from providing specifics, but I will say that I crafted a carefully worded answer to their question, sent it to my agent for approval, and she sent it along to Beaming Books. Thankfully, they offered!

What are you most excited about with the publication of this book?

Even though I’ve seen the final digital version, I’m looking forward to holding a copy in my hands! It’s been a long wait for this book and I’m incredibly proud of it. I’m also excited to see the educator guide my daughter is creating for the book (she’s a teacher and created a fabulous one for PAISLEY), for a ghost-themed book launch at Children’s Book World, and for more readings and school visits with children!

When does the book come out, and when can we pre-order?

GILBERT AND THE GHOST officially releases on August 19, 2025, but you can pre-order now! Ordering links can be found on my website HERE.

I have a special offer for everyone who pre-orders the book—free SWAG! To get your SWAG, email or message me with proof of your pre-order purchase (you can use the contact form on my website; links below).

Any last words of inspiration that you’d like to share with our readers today?

Take a lesson from Gilbert – believe in yourself!

Thank you for joining us again, Heather. It’s truly been a treat having you. We’re all wishing you the best and continued success on this mountainous journey that is kidlit publishing.

Thank you, Chelsea, for having me on your blog again!

But that’s not all, friends! Now it’s time for…

A GIVEAWAY!!!

This month, Heather is offering a choice of either one signed copy of GILBERT AND THE GHOST or one critique of a fiction picture book, up to 800 words (preferably fiction).

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

  • Leave a comment on this post!
  • And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribe to the blog and/or newsletter!

That’s it!

Want extra entries? Share and tag on X @chellysbooks or Instagram @chelseasworldofbooks, and I’ll add your additional entry to the giveaway pool.

DEADLINE TO ENTER: 11:59 PM CST ON LAST DAY OF APRIL 2025

Did you enjoy this interview?

Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased by your local school or library! Using the sponsored links below to purchase also helps support this blog.

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) released in August 2023, is available in five additional languages and is a 2023 Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award nominee. Her second picture book, GILBERT AND THE GHOST (Beaming Books) is due out August 2025. You can connect with Heather through her website, HeatherPierceStigall.com, and her social media links at https://linktr.ee/HeatherStigall. PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY (Clavis, 2023) GILBERT & THE GHOST (Beaming Books, 2025)

Connect with Heather Stigall www.HeatherPierceStigall.com FB Heather Pierce Stigall, IG @heather_stigall7, Bluesky: @heatherstigall7, Twitter/X @heather_stigall

Looking for custom writer, librarian, or book-lover-themed swag and/or accessories? Visit my Zazzle store! Want to see a curated list of my personal favorite books and recommendations? Visit my bookshop page! Want to browse favorite writing accessories, books by genre, and cozy reading must-haves? Visit my Amazon Storefront!

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AUGUST 21ST, 2024, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH INTERNATIONALLY PUBLISHED GRAPHIC NOVELIST AND CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATOR DEBASMITA DASGUPTA, CONDUCTED BY CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITER, BLOGGER, AND FORMER LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

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

Today, I’m talking with AWARD-WINNING south-Asian graphic novelist and artist Debasmita Dasgupta. We’ll be diving under the cover of books and art and the powerful relationship between stories and voices and the messages they carry to today’s youth.

But before we do… here are a few things to know about feature interviews.

THE SCOOP: WHAT ARE FEATURE INTERVIEWS & WHO ARE THEY FOR?

Feature Interviews are a free resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of the publishing journey.

Every month, I collaborate with industry professionals—authors, illustrators, editors, and agents— many of whom were or currently are also educators and librarians, to discuss all things publishing.

What can these interviews offer YOU?

These interviews give readers an up-close and personal look at the world of publishing from an array of different perspectives on every side of the desk and offer insight into tips, resources, and advice on how to:

  • stay current with market trends
  • hook an agent or editor
  • find writing community & other resources
  • discover workshops, contests, and other events
  • figure out which path of publication is right for you
  • know if your agent is a good match

And more!

AND… if that’s not enough, every guest offers at least one giveaway prize—sometimes more. This means you have multiple opportunities to win prizes every month! *If you’re interested in entering the giveaway, scroll to the bottom of the interview for instructions.*

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

BEGINNINGS & INSPIRATIONS: WHY, HOW, WHEN?

Debasmita, it really is a pleasure to welcome you to the blog. Every month I feel so appreciative of the conversations I’m able to have with different members of the publishing community. Welcome! It’s great to have you with us - all the way from the UK. Today, I’d love to ease into the publishing waters with some pre-publication chit-chat. 
First question. What kind of role has literature played in your life, both as a young child and present day?

Literature has always been my go-to source for inspiration and imagination, both in my childhood and now as an adult. Every time I read, whether it's words or pictures, a new world of possibilities unfolds before me. I absolutely love that experience!

Have writing and illustrating always been something you’ve been passionate about, or was this a later-in-life discovery?

Art, and particularly Art-for-Change, has always been my passion. However, that passion became my profession over the years as I had to hone the craft of storytelling.

Now let’s talk about the “when, why, and how.” When, why, and how did your publishing journey begin? Was it something you always knew you wanted to do, or was it something you realized later in life? And when/how did that journey first take root?

It was on a Sunday afternoon when I heard a TED talk by Shabana Basij from Afghanistan. It was a moving experience. I felt something had permanently changed inside me. Over the next few days, I watched that talk over and over. Her honesty, simplicity, and power of narration moved me. Shabana grew up in Afghanistan during the Taliban regime. Despite all odds, her father never lost the courage to fight for her education. He used to say, “People can take away everything from you except your knowledge”. Shabana’s story gave me a strong impulse to do something, but I didn’t know ‘what’ and ‘how.’ That’s when my red sketchbook and pencil caught my eye. Before I’d even realized it, I had taken my first step. I illustrated Shabana’s story and posted it on a Facebook page, “My Father Illustrations”. It was an impulsive reaction. I found Shabana’s contact and shared the illustration with her. Shabana was so touched that she forwarded it to her students, and then I started getting emails from a lot of other Afghan men! The emails were a note of thanks as they felt someone was trying to showcase Afghan men in a positive light. I realized that if there are so many positive father-daughter stories in Afghanistan, just imagine the positive stories across the world! My journey had started. I started looking for moving father-daughter stories from across the globe. Some I found, some found me. With every discovery, my desire to create art for change kept growing. I shared over 350 stories from 56 countries.

That was the beginning of my artistic career. That Facebook page went viral. Many international media including the Huffington in the USA, wrote about it. And I was recognized as an artist on the global stage. From there I started to receive publishing offers to illustrate children’s books. A new universe welcomed me with open arms.

ROUTES TO PUBLISHING: TO QUERY OR NOT TO QUERY?

I know you’re represented by Alice Williams Literary Agency, based in London. Could you tell us about your agenting journey? How/when did you find your agent match? Was it through cold querying, did you meet at a writing event, or was it something else? And what kind of project did you pitch/query/submit- was it art only, or did you have text too?
 
I was fortunate when Alice stumbled upon my work on Instagram through a SCBWI event, and she approached me. Eventually, we met in London and loved speaking with each other. Since then, we have been working together. 

Alice represents me only for my picture book/graphic novels with big press in the UK and the USA. Sometimes, I write and create pitch materials that she submits to publishers. In addition, she also gets me only illustration projects for stories written by other writers. In the second scenario, she is mostly approached by art directors/editors who are familiar with my artwork.

For some of our newer-to-publishing readers who might be trying to navigate the waters of the literary world and aren’t sure which way to go, could you explain a little bit about what a literary agent’s role is in an author and/or illustrator’s career, and some of the benefits of having one?

A literary agent first of all advocates for your work. Artists or creatives are mostly not the best to market themselves. Agents help with that. They study and evaluate your body of work and pitch it to potential clients. When you get a job, your agent manages all the paperwork including fee and other terms negotiation in the publishing contract.

When you first set out on your publishing journey, did you know that you wanted to seek traditional publishing, or did you also consider other routes? And what was the determining factor that led you to traditional publishing as the right route for you?

I was always interested in traditional publishing because I felt that was the most sustainable way forward for my career. I left a decade-long full-time career in international relations before moving into the publishing world. I had managed projects with the United Nations and the European Commission before I found my calling in illustrated literature. It was a big decision for me, so I was determined to get into traditional publishing where there were advance payments plus royalties from publishers. These help me pay my bills.

-MORE ABOUT PUBLISHING- Some authors choose to query an agent for representation so that they can pursue traditional publishing houses for their work. Others choose to submit directly to smaller, select houses or imprints (editors) without literary representation (agents). Alternatively, some authors choose to go it alone and self-publish - which has endless options. And still, others choose to do a little bit of both- which is called “hybrid” - where you might do some independent work, publish articles for magazines, do work-for-hire, AND also have a literary agent representing select projects and genres of your work, to submit to larger publishing houses, that you wouldn’t have the opportunity to submit to directly on your own. *Many large publishers do not accept “unsolicited,” aka “work from authors/illustrators that do not have literary representation.”

IMPORTANT NOTE: Publishing is not a “one-size-fits-all,” and one route to publication may be perfect for one person and not another, so if you’re trying to figure out what route to take, make sure you’re basing that decision on what works best for you, and weigh the variables accordingly, to YOUR situation.

TIPS & RESOURCES

Prior to publication- and even since- have there been any resources you’ve found valuable in the writing/illustrating community that you’d like to share?

I love technology. I think we, the artists/creatives, should use technology to our advantage. Illustration tools such as the Adobe Creative Suite and Procreate are super helpful for my illustration process. There are also free alternatives to these tools that one could use if they are unable to afford licensed tools. 

In general, I am always on the lookout for new free resources (such as newsletter creation & distribution tools, form submission tools, data gathering tools, editing tools, business management tools, etc.) that can enhance my freelance career.

What are some struggles you’ve faced on the road to publishing, and how were you able to overcome them?

The biggest challenge is that you have to do everything on your own. So, the more informed you are, the better time and cost-effective it is. Knowledge and practice are the only ways to keep you going.

If you could share the most precious pieces of advice that you know NOW and that you wish you had known sooner with other authors/illustrators, what would it be?

Happiness is a Habit. Don’t create your stories to compete with another storyteller. Create your stories because that’s your happy place, and you belong there. There is nothing more precious than your happiness, but to be happy, you have to create art every single day.

-I absolutely love this piece oof advice!

“Happiness is a Habit. Don’t create your stories to compete with another storyteller. Create your stories because that’s your happy place, and you belong there.”

TIMEFRAMES & EXPECTATIONS

Could you share the timeframe of your publishing journey from the beginning to the first book publication for our readers?

My first picture book was published in 2010 (illustrated by me), and my first graphic novel, “Nadya,” was published in 2019 (words & pictures by me).

Here's the full timeline for my first graphic novel Nadya:

In September 2018, I attended an art residency in Spain. During that residency, I developed the story of "Nadya" along with some character sketches and sample frames. After coming back from Spain, I was super pumped up so I posted a sketch on my Instagram sharing my state of mind and the fact that I have completed drafting a manuscript for my first GN. Next day, I got a message in my inbox from an editor at Scholastic India. She was following my work for a while and was wondering if I would want to share the MS with her team. I was thrilled! Without any further delay, I prepared a pitch deck with my MS, sample sketches, colour palette, and query letter. They liked my proposal and within 2 months, I signed my publishing contract with them. Editing, polishing, proof-reading, and fine-tuning of the script happened over next two months, after which I immediately started working on the illustrations. "Nadya" was finally launched in September 2019.

What are some publishing expectations vs. realities that you’ve experienced? And what common publishing misconception have you noticed?

Myth: Publishing illustrated stories is a complete immersive artistic process and you don’t need to know your audience / market / industry. 
Reality: Publishing an illustrated book is 50% art and 50% business. As a creative, you don’t have to understand the whole business implementation part. However, to stay in the business, you can’t ignore it completely. 

Myth: If only I have 50k followers on Instagram, I will get many publishing contracts. 
Reality: Aim for some quality Instagram followers, such as editors/publishers, who will offer you paid work.

Myth: Picture books are easy to write and draw.
Reality: Every picture book is a labor of love, and it takes months (if not years) to create one quality book.

MOTIVATIONS & HEART

Earlier, I asked you about the “why, when, how.” But I always love to dig deeper into the why, BECAUSE… the why is where our HEART and MOTIVATION lives. That magical place holds all of the reasons WHY we’re writers and illustrators, to begin with. So, I’d love to ask… what do your stories mean to you on a personal level? 

My stories are my raison d'etre, my identity. 

And what do you want your readers to feel/experience/learn when reading them?

I want my stories to help readers start a dialogue, if not with anyone else, at least with themselves. A dialogue may not give you all the answers, but every dialogue will open a plethora of possibilities.

EMPATHY, AWARENESS, DIVERSITY

As we progress into a newer era of understanding, empathy, and awareness of differences around us, ranging from everything from cultural identity to different abilities and more, we’ve been able to see that shift in publishing where there’s been a push for amplifying and raising up previously underrepresented voices. Which just makes my heart GLOW with excitement for all of the children who are now seeing themselves reflected on the page, as well as for all the educational awareness and early-developed empathy that this is creating in our culture of young readers, who may not otherwise have had the access or influence to learn about these things, and now, thanks to these powerful voices and stories, they now have that opportunity. It’s just… so beautiful. Could you share in your own words what effect you think this change is having on young readers and why having inclusive and diverse voices in books- especially children’s literature, is so important?

When children read and see characters who resemble them, share similar backgrounds, or face similar challenges, it affirms their importance and validates their experiences. Having diverse voices in children's literature also challenges stereotypes and combats prejudice. It helps children appreciate diversity and learn to discover more bridges that connect people and less walls that divide them.

BOOKS!

That brings us to the book portion of the interview. We’d love to hear all about your books! Inspiration? Publication? In the works? Share it all. 


My inspiration for my most recent YA graphic novel, Terminal 3, written and illustrated by me and published with Penguin Random House India:

The seed idea for Terminal 3 germinated in 2013 when I created a passion project, a Facebook page called ‘My Father Illustrations’, to feature stories of fathers defending the rights of their daughters from across the globe. Some stories I found, some stories found me. With every discovery, my desire to create art kept growing — I’ve shared nearly 350 illustrated stories of fathers and daughters from 54 countries. During that time, one day, I came across the story of Tajamul Islam, a kickboxer from Kashmir’s Bandipora district, and how her father had supported her. That was the beginning of Khwab’s story, which finally took the shape of Terminal 3.

My first upcoming graphic novel this year is:“ZardoZi - stitched with love” with HarperCollins India.

Why I want to tell this story: 

Most of the time, people we know tell us who we are supposed to be. They create borders around us defining our gender, sexuality, characteristics, identity --- and this list is endless. Both men and women fall prey in the hands of patriarchy. Under such circumstances, what happens when a boy finds his passion, which is considered to be feminine? He is bullied, shamed and forced to run away from his dreams. “ZardoZi-stitched with love” is a story that questions such archaic values with humor and hope through a stylish timeless tale.

My next graphic novel releasing soon is: Faiza is a Fighter, with Soaring Kite Books (SKB) USA 

My inspiration behind the story of Faiza: 

The word "Faiza" means victorious / winner in Urdu. Sometimes you're broken. You're left orphaned at a dead end with a crushed confidence. However, that end could be a new beginning if you discover your inner strength. You can knock out the murmur of terror with a silent roar of courage. Then even if you lose, you will still emerge victorious from the depths of fear.

Thanks so much for sharing your inspiration behind these stories, Debasmita!
Below, you can browse a list of Debasmita's books along with pictures and blurbs:

Written by Lakshmi Thamizhmani

Illustrated by Debasmita Dasgupta

During her town’s Ganesha Chaturthi festival, young Prema comes up with an innovative plan to save the river from pollution. Persevering through multiple obstacles, she convinces her friends to help her create natural clay Ganesha statues to replace the plaster ones that harm the river when they dissolve. Created by an author and artist from different parts of India and set in modern-day India, this inclusive tale of activism, ingenuity and sustainability is sure to inspire young readers. Endnotes include information about Ganesha Chaturthi, a recipe for homemade sculpting dough and instructions for making an earth-friendly statue.

Support the author & this blog by purchasing through this sponsored link.

It’s August 2019 and Khwab Nazir is waiting to board the plane at Terminal 3 of New Delhi International Airport. Set to represent India at an international jiu-jitsu tournament, Khwab nervously looks towards her unknown future. She also reflects on her complicated past-of growing up against the insurmountable difficulties
of life in Kashmir.

Between happiness and emptiness, desire and grief, penance and peace-Khwab has endured. She has a dream that life will be a paradise, one day. Breathing against the backdrop of conflict, Terminal 3, is the story of the everyday people striving to live their dreams in the Valley.

Support the author & this blog by purchasing through this sponsored link.

Ten-year-old Zi loves embroidery. He is growing up in a world filled with expectations. Everyone around him – family, friends, neighbours – seems to have a say in who Zi should be.

Surrounded by all the noise, Zi’s own voice yearns to break free. Will Zi find the strength to be who he wants to be?

ZardoZi is a heartwarming story that touches on history, identity and the power of breaking free. Finding oneself is a remarkable adventure, filled with surprises, challenges and the joy of embracing our authentic selves. ZardoZi is all about that.

Support the author & this blog by purchasing through this sponsored link.

Faiza wants to win the biggest boxing tournament in town. When the odds are stacked against her, will she be able to achieve her dream without the presence of her biggest supporter?

Life in hilly northern India is not easy. Every day, Faiza has to scale the mountains to reach her school or to fetch water from the stream. Faiza doesn’t have many friends or relatives who believe in her, but her dream of being a world champion boxer and the support of her only parent, her dad, and her grandma keeps her going.

When her dad’s travel is delayed due to a landslide, she has to enter the boxing tournament without her coach and support system. Will she give up or forge out on her own? Sometimes your biggest cheerleader is the voice inside of you. Fight, Faiza, fight!

Support the author & this blog by purchasing through this sponsored link.

Do you have any favorite illustrations? If so, we'd love to steal a peek at a few!
Check out some of Debasmita's illustrations below.

Captions:
Top left illustration: "character illustration"
Top middle illustration: "Cooler colour palette-going out of my comfort zone"
Top right illustration: "Incorporating cultural details"
Bottom left illustration: "One of my favourite colour palettes"
Bottom middle illustration: "Showing collective action by children"
Bottom right illustration: "Use of fabric motifs"
Have you been able to host any fun book events at local bookstores/libraries/schools/somewhere else?
Regular online workshops with updates on my Instagram.

Any final words of wisdom that you’d like to share with readers today?
I would like to share a few words from my graphic novel, “Terminal 3” –
“Failure is never the last answer. It only means, you have to try one more time.”

Thank you so much, Debasmita. 
And now… 
It’s time for a GIVEAWAY!

GIVEAWAY

For the month of August, Debasmita is offering one giveaway prize to TWO winners!

PRIZE 1: Picture Book giveaway- 1 copy of Ganesha Goes Green

PRIZE 2: Portfolio Review for an emerging illustrator via Zoom (preferably a POC)

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

  • Leave a comment on this post!
  • And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribe to the blog and/or newsletter!

That’s it!

DEADLINE TO ENTER: August 31st, 2024, 11:59 PM CST

PLEASE NOTE: IF THE HOST IS OFFERING MORE THAN ONE GIVEAWAY PRIZE, SPECIFY WHICH PRIZE YOU WOULD LIKE IN THE COMMENTS BELOW. THIS DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL WIN THAT PRIZE.

FAQ:

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

Did you enjoy this interview?

Thank the author & host by purchasing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased at your local library! Using the sponsored links below supports this blog.

Debasmita Dasgupta is a UK-based, award-winning south-Asian graphic novelist and artist. An advocate for BIPOC (person of color) rights in media and arts, Debasmita’s visual stories have been published by Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Barefoot Books, to name a few. Her illustrated animation work has been showcased by the StoryCentre NYC and the Raindance Film Fest in the UK and Canada. In a career spanning over 15 years, she has also written and produced international films to narrate stories of Under-represented communities. Her art has been exhibited worldwide, and over forty international media outlets have featured it.

Debasmita mentors aspiring and emerging visual storytellers from diverse backgrounds. BIPOC creators can contact Debasmita Doodles at debasmitadoodles@gmail.com or stay in the know through her two Instagram accounts, @debasmitadasgupta or @debasmitadoodles.

To learn more about Debasmita, connect with her using the links below.

LinkTree

Twitter

Instagram

Looking for a specific topic? Browse the list below to find a link to information on one of these topics:

Pros and cons of small publishers, hybrid (or indie) publishing, and being agented VS. unagented.

Where to find FREE and PAID for writing memberships, craft workshops, contests, and other resources.

How to query agents and editors and what they’re looking for.

Where to find kidlit community and support from other writers or illustrators.

Diversity, empathy, and kindness in kidlit and why it matters.

Writing across genres.

Purchase a copy of Chelsea’s Book, ADHD AND ME HERE.

For eight-year-old Malory, who has ADHD, school isn’t always an easy place to be. But Malory isn’t the only one who has difficult days. Sometimes it’s her classmates, teachers, or parents. Malory tries her best to focus, but oftentimes, her mind wanders, leading to trips to the Principal’s office and phone calls home.

Malory’s art teacher Ms. Julie understands how it feels to think a little differently from others. Born with Autism, Ms. Julie found comfort and calm through art. Now she uses it to help others to find their safe, creative haven too. In this inspiring neurodiverse story, Malory will discover that with a little bit of love and support from friends, you can do anything and, along the way, learn the power of believing in yourself and embracing your differences.

JULY 3RD, 2024, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EDUCATOR, LITERARY BLOGGER, AND CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR ANDREW HACKET, CONDUCTED BY KIDLIT BLOGGER & WRITER, CHELSEA DICICCO

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series

Today, I’m talking with children’s book author, literary blogger, and educator Andrew Hacket. 

But before we jump into our interview, if this is your first time visiting the blog, here’s the scoop on Feature Interviews.

THE SCOOP: WHAT ARE FEATURE INTERVIEWS & WHO ARE THEY FOR?

Feature Interviews are a free resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of the publishing journey.

Every month, I collaborate with industry professionals—authors, illustrators, editors, and agents— many of whom were or currently are also educators and librarians, to discuss all things publishing.

What can these interviews offer YOU?

These interviews give readers an up-close and personal look at the world of publishing from an array of different perspectives on every side of the desk and offer insight into tips, resources, and advice on how to:

  • stay current with market trends
  • hook an agent or editor
  • find writing community & other resources
  • discover workshops, contests, and other events
  • figure out which path of publication is right for you
  • know if your agent is a good match

And more!

AND… if that’s not enough, every guest offers at least one giveaway prize—sometimes more. This means you have multiple opportunities to win prizes every month! *If you’re interested in entering the giveaway, scroll to the bottom of the interview for instructions.*

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

BEGINNINGS, INSPIRATION, AND EDUCATION

How did you end up in the amazing world of kidlit publishing?
My path to kidlit stemmed from a childhood creativity that lingered into adulthood. I had always liked the idea of writing, and dabbled here and there, but never had the time or energy to fully explore how to make this dream a reality.

Fast Forward to 2020 and the world was closing down. My 3 young children were going to be home learning from a computer screen, and someone had to be with them. As a result, I left my job as a teacher for the year and stayed home to support my children and their learning. What I quickly discovered was that while I was fulfilling an incredibly important role and need in my children’s lives, I was extremely, mentally, unstimulated. I was used to the fast-paced, mind constantly whirring life of a teacher, and this sudden stillness and calm in my brain was unsettling and not for me. So, with this new mental capacity, I dove headfirst into the publishing waters, listening to every webinar and podcast I could find, embracing the Twitter kidlit community, joining in with contests, and building my network of writing friends. 

Outside of your work as a writer, I know you’re also a literary blogger and elementary school educator of 18+ years. Which is incredible! Can you share more about that, and how those things connect to your writing career?

Working with children is all I have ever done. I began in afterschool programs and summer camps, before doing daycare and moving into my career as a teacher. Having spent so much time with kids (and conveniently my target audience) over the years has helped me maintain a childlike outlook on the world and be in tune with how kids think and what they like. Teaching has also given me a depth of knowledge when it comes to picture books. Reading picture books is embedded in my job and has helped me learn about structure and pacing.My blog is a constant source of inspiration as well. Hearing others’ stories of publication and creativity feed my own creative spirit and motivate me to continue writing. And in addition to all of that wonderfulness, interviewing authors keeps me connected to my community and can often open my eyes to new publishers or editors I had not previously known about. 

Let’s talk a little bit about writing inspiration. I want to touch on a few lines from your bio because I loved them (and related to them) so much! 

Andrew recognizes that being a kid is hard and he writes to create ways for children to see themselves in stories and characters, to accept and overcome their insecurities, or to escape for just a little while through the power of their imaginations. 

-I just love this!

So, it’s obvious you care a lot about children and their world, emotionally and mentally. Which, being a teacher and children’s book writer, only makes sense. Can you share a little more about where this connection to kids really started? What motivated you to want to dedicate your life toward bettering the lives of young readers, and students?

I like to tell students that I am a kid at heart. I have a healthy dose of Peter Pan syndrome and always have. Some kids are excited to grow up and do all of the things they think make being an adult awesome. I never was and I think that is a large reason I work with kids. Their energy keeps me young and connected to my inner child. I have worked with children since I was 16. I began at an afterschool program which then led into summer camps and daycares. What I discovered early on was that not only did I enjoy being with kids, but I was really adept at connecting with their emotions and understanding their wants, needs, and motivations behind their actions. This set me on the path to being a teacher and I have not regretted that choice ever.

“I have a healthy dose of Peter Pan syndrome and always have. Some kids are excited to grow up and do all of the things they think make being an adult awesome. I never was and I think that is a large reason I work with kids.”

As an educator, I imagine you want to engage your readers on an emotional level and impart some educational messages as well. Can you tell us a little bit about what lessons you hope little readers (and bigger readers) can gain from your books?

My three books vary widely in topic, tone, and structure, but each one has a strong SEL connection that I think comes from my years as an educator and also my own struggles growing up. Every child wants to feel a sense of belonging, and I think at some point, every person struggles with this despite how an outside perspective might perceive it. I hope my books help young readers feel seen and can push them on the path of accepting themselves and others for who they are at that moment. 

Speaking of books… I know you write across genres in kidlit: picture books, early readers, poems, and middle grade. I love talking with people who have a range of writing experience because each genre carries its own set of rules. I’m curious to know, for our readers and myself, how you balance these rules and keep your genres separated while writing? And have there been times when you’ve started, say, a picture book, that eventually “told you” it wasn’t meant to be a picture book and instead turned into something else- like an early reader or a middle-grade novel?

This is such a wonderful question. Overall, I don’t often focus too hard on “the rules”. That being said, I do think a fair amount of those rules become ingrained in our minds from when we were younger readers and perhaps the writing was a bit more formulaic. 

For the majority of my writing, I approach it with the intent of creating picture books. I do try to be mindful of a smaller word count and most of all make sure I am leaving room for the art. Being on the other side of publication now, I can attest to the incredible ability illustrators have to bring our words to life while enhancing our stories in ways we could have never imagined. Leaving room for the illustrator is not only polite to the illustrator but a future gift to yourself when you get to open the pages of the book and see their creativity.

I have never made a choice to switch a genre of a WIP while working on it, but I have had the suggestion made to me by critique partners, my agent, and editors. I have a few manuscripts written with an older voice and the suggestion of MG has been tossed my way, but at this moment, I am just not ready to tackle that many words. 

Another time a suggestion was made was for Curlilocks and the Three Hares. This was subbed as a picture book manuscript and the marvelous, Michele McAvoy at The Little Press had a vision for it as an early reader in their Modern Fairy-Tale Series. After chatting with Michele and hearing more about the series I decided to give it a go and luckily, it did the trick and Curlilocks and the Three Hares with illustrations by Svetla Radivoeva is now out in the world for kids and families to enjoy!

THE WORLD OF PUBLISHING PRE-PUBLISHED – AGENTS, QUERYING, SUBMISSIONS, RESOURCES

Tell us about your pre-publication journey! Starting back at query trenches/early submissions. When did you begin your professional journey?

I began approaching my writing seriously in 2020. COVID had just hit, and I found myself on leave from work, parenting three young kids who were doing remote schooling. While this was a crazy time and incredibly busy in its own right, I discovered that not being in the classroom gave me the mental capacity I had been lacking to research the writing industry and start to put the legwork into learning the craft and business of publishing.

I began with Twitter kidlit contests which is where I met so many wonderful critique partners and learned so much about myself as a writer and what I wanted to say. It was through these contests that I discovered my voice.

My time in the query trenches was short. I queried one story, which sadly has yet to make it to the published page, to about 15 agents with no bites. Then, my current agent, Dan Cramer, posted a query critique giveaway opportunity that I happened to win. I sent Dan my query and was delighted when along with his feedback, he also offered to read the manuscript. I sent that story off as quickly as I could and was amazed to hear back from Dan with an offer of representation. 

While I know my experience was brief and not typical, I always encourage authors to take any and every opportunity for which they have the bandwidth. You can’t count on an experience like this happening, but if you don’t put yourself out there, you are ensuring it doesn’t happen.

-Yes. So true!

“I always encourage authors to take any and every opportunity for which they have the bandwidth… if you don’t put yourself out there, you are ensuring it doesn’t happen.”

Are you currently agented and were you currently agented for your first book deal?

Yes, I am currently agented.  Dan Cramer of Page Turner Literary is still my agent, and we have been partnered together for all three of my book sales. 

What was your agent experience like for that first book deal? And which book was it? 

The first book deal with Dan was wonderful. We sold Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea to Page Street Kids. At that time I was such a newbie, and Dan made me feel at ease asking ALL of the questions. He took time to answer them and walked me through the process in a way that helped me understand this new and foreign side of publishing that I knew absolutely nothing about. 

Dan has been my one and only agent. As my agent he researches publishing houses and editors in search of the perfect match for my manuscripts. He handles all negotiations related to our book deals and deals with the communication with the editor at the beginning of the process. 

Were there any resources (writing organizations, contests, communities, etc) that were especially helpful in getting you to where you are today, that you’d like to share with aspiring traditional, hybrid, or independent kidlit authors or illustrators reading today?

Fall Writing Frenzy, Vivian Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words, and Halloweensie are the contests that introduced me to the kidlit community and it is through them that I found a sense of belonging in this industry. 

I did join SCBWI early on as well and while I was not the best at accessing all they had to offer, I was able to connect with 2 of my first critique groups as a result. 

Also helpful to me along the way were fast drafting events such as First Draft Friday with Hollie Wolverton and Mindy Alyse Weiss’ PBParty Critique Train. Both of these events help motivate me to get new words on the page which can be hard to do with a fulltime job and family. 

-Fantastic resources, Andrew. Thanks for sharing!

THE WORLD OF PUBLISHING-POST PUBLISHED- BOOK DEALS, AUTHOR EVENTS, PROMOTION, CONNECTIONS

From the time you started pursuing publication, about how long was your journey to your first published work- and how did that feel? 

It was a four year process from my first draft of my first book until its publication. And while four years is no short time, I completely recognize the years and years that many creators invest before finding the success they are looking for and I feel incredibly fortunate for where I am today. 

We're so glad you are where you are today too, Andrew! 

For some of our ones just starting to enter this arena, and could use some tips on where to start... could you share some details about your author visits? 
What activities do you provide- if any other than a basic read-aloud?
What kind of visits to you offer- virtual, in person, or both? 
About how long is your average visit?
What venues do you visit- bookstores/schools/libraries?
And who schedules the visits- do you contact places directly, do they contact you directly, or is this something handled by your publisher/agent?

With three books releasing this past spring I made a concerted effort starting back in the summer and fall of 2023 to begin lining up author visits. 

-Smart planning and foresight!

For the most part these have all been organized by me through contacting bookstores, libraries, and schools. There are some publishing houses who will support and assist in booking events, I just happened to choose to take the responsibility on myself. 

Bookstore and library visits often last 45 minutes to an hour and include an introduction to the book, reading, a craft/related activity, and then conclude with a signing. My best advice here is to have existing relationships with these places. Long before you have a book out be a patron of your local libraries and indie bookstores. Support events that they have and learn what they have to offer as a result of attending. It is always easier for someone to book you for an event when they have seen you be supportive of others. 

My offerings for school visits are a bit different. I book anything from single workshops to half days to whole days, and these can all be virtual or in person. 

On my website I have a menu of workshop offerings that a school can choose from. These range from a traditional journey to publication to hands-on workshops on a variety of topics including brainstorming, fairytale writing, poetry, and character design. 

-I love the range in variety. What a great way to accommodate different needs and interests.

I prefer to work with groups of one to two classes where we can be interactive and create together rather than them just listening to me.  

Being a debut author this year, I found more success in booking author visits when I approached schools with whom I already had a relationship. I also applied and received multiple Cultural Council grants which helped fund a number of local visits. 

-What a great idea!

Okay, so what’s your favorite part of the visit and why?

My favorite part of school visits is seeing students become inspired! It is the most amazing feeling to know that your presence and your words have sparked creativity and enthusiasm in them. As authors we know that jolt of excitement we get with a shiny new idea and it's such a privilege to be able to create that for kids. 

The other part I love about school visits is being able to reach such a large number of kids in such a short amount of time. I'm used to having an impact on my class of 24 second-graders. This spring alone I've met 100s of kids in K-5 from all sorts of diverse backgrounds. 

-Love this!

“My favorite part of school visits is seeing students become inspired! …As authors we know that jolt of excitement we get with a shiny new idea and it’s such a privilege to be able to create that for kids.”

Let’s talk a little about promotion. For newly debuting authors who may not yet have an author and/or illustrator platform built for themselves… where do you recommend starting? Do you have any tips on making connections in the kidlit community as well as your local community?

My biggest advice here is if you go into this industry with altruistic intentions you will receive way more than you bargained for in return. Make connections with creators, support their work, and offer to help each other, but do it all for the sake of connecting on a genuine level with another creator with no expectations of anything in return. 

I recommend starting locally. Make a habit of attending author events at your local bookstore and library. Introduce yourself to the workers and guests (I know it feels scary!). Be open that you are an author. You will begin building relationships with these people and before you know it they will be calling you by name. Then when it is your time for books to come out, they will be excited to celebrate with you and support you in any way they can. 

-This is such great advice. Yes! 

For authors or illustrators who may be early on in their publishing journey… what words of encouragement would you like to share?

If you haven’t heard already, this industry moves at a glacial pace and there is no way to do it (that I have found) without a healthy heaping of rejection. Enter this path knowing these two facts and make choices that make the journey enjoyable. This includes finding your people who uplift and support you as well as learning how you best tackle the highs and lows associated with this career.

“…if you go into this industry with altruistic intentions you will receive way more than you bargained for in return. Make connections with creators, support their work, and offer to help each other, but do it all for the sake of connecting on a genuine level with another creator with no expectations of anything in return.”

“Make a habit of attending author events at your local bookstore and library. Introduce yourself to the workers and guests… Be open that you are an author. You will begin building relationships with these people… Then when it is your time for books to come out, they will be excited to celebrate with you and support you in any way they can.”

BOOKS + RESOURCES + FINAL WORDS OF WISDOM

Okay, we’ve arrived at arguably my favorite part of the interview… and that’s the part where we talk books! I’d love to hear about your stories. What was the inspiration for them? What are your favorite spreads/illustrations and what do you love most about them? And maybe hear a brief description of what each book is about. 

Gush over my book babies? I’d love to! I am so fortunate to have had three books release this year and I love each one and am grateful for the editors, illustrators and countless others behind the scenes that helped bring them to life. 

My first book, OLLIE, THE ACORN, AND THE MIGHTY IDEA (Pagestreet Kids) with illustrations by Kaz Windness follows amateur gardener, Ollie Alexander Kandersteen, a boy with a name bigger than he is, as he goes on an absurd and fantastical journey to be as big as a tree in order to stand up to his bully, Everett Lucas Montgomery. Ollie was inspired by my own feelings of smallness as a child, coupled with a summertime discussion with my children about the consequences of swallowing a watermelon seed. I love Ollie because it is a read-aloud through and through. There are refrains for kids to join in with, onomatopoeia, and unexpected antics that cause readers’ mouths to hit the floor. 

Ollie has had a quiet reception in the kidlit world, but I am hoping to spread the word to teachers, parents, and librarians to get this humorous book, with a healthy heaping of SEL and messages of acceptance, into as many hands as possible.
xr:d:DAGAd4B5m_s:7,j:5137904002905428966,t:24032500
My second book, CURLILOCKS AND THE THREE HARES (The Little Press) with illustrations by Jan Dolby follows are title character as she ventures into the Three Hares hair salon in order to take her hair into her own hands and find her just right do’ before picture day. As you can imagine, messes and mistakes ensue before our 3 hares return to find their intruder and her unruly hair. Curlilocks was inspired by my daughter and her dislike for her curls when she was younger. This story is an early, illustrated, chapter book just right for beginning readers to grow their skills and independence. 
Last up is HOPE AND THE SEA (WorthyKids) with illustrations by Svetla Radivoeva. This story follows a young girl, Hope, who is having big feelings of loneliness at the beach. It doesn’t take long for Sea to notice and extend a wave and a welcoming embrace to help Hope on her way to finding friendship and belonging. This story is sweet and lyrical with sentence structure and rhythm to match the changing tide. I grew up by the ocean, and my love for the sea poured into this manuscript. 
Any new books and/or book deals on the horizon?

Yes! On July 9, the spooky middle-grade anthology, THE HAUNTED STATES OF AMERICA will be released from Godwin Books. This is a collection of 52 haunted short stories with one from each state, D.C., and Puerto Rico. In collaboration with SCBWI, Godwin Books put out a call for stories. I am honored to have my story, The Tunnel, included in the anthology representing Massachusetts. 

In addition, I do have some secret news about a future publication. However, it is much too soon to discuss any details, so readers will need to stay tuned. 

-Did you hear that readers? If you don’t wanna miss out… you should probably *ahem* subscribe to Andrew’s newsletter HERE…  (find email subscription box at the bottom of the page at the link listed).
Okay, so I’ll start by saying that I love, love, love your website. I could get lost all day in the fun educational things you have going on over there. For our readers who may not know (yet) about all the resources you have… could you enlighten us to what you offer on the Educator Resources tab?

*Snippet of Andrew's offerings below...*
Thank you for the kind words about my website. I created it a few years ago using Wix, and then I hired the incredible Molly Ippy, to spruce up the design to make it more professional and cohesive, which she nailed. I cannot recommend her services enough, so if you are in need of a website facelift or educational resources don’t hesitate in reaching out to Molly.
Check out her offerings HERE. 

Many of the resources on my website come from my years of teaching and designing curriculum. Much of it is science and engineering based and gives educators a starting place to get their students creating and engaging with science in a hands-on manner.

I do have resources for some of my published books and those will be found under the books tab on my website. 

-Download Andrew's FREE educational guide and coloring page for Curlilocks and the Three Hares and/or activity page for Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea on Teacher Corner TODAY!-

Speaking of resources… you don’t just have resources for parents, kids, and educators… you also offer resources for writers, in way of your literary blog, where, just like I’m doing today- you host fellow authors on your blog and talk about the “behind the scenes.” When did you start doing this? And what do you hope readers will gain?

I began The Backstory in 2021. It felt like authors who were gaining traction in the industry had a writing-related side gig going on. I don’t think this is necessarily true, but at that time that was my perspective. When I sat down to brainstorm what I could offer the writing community I landed on my love of learning the inspiration behind things. 

-I can definitely relate to that love!

At first my intention was to provide fledgling authors a place to learn about the process and the opportunity to win critiques and AMA calls from published authors. What I didn’t realize at the time was the service I was providing for those published authors of being part of their marketing and promotion.

-Right?! It's so exciting to be a part of that! 

Running the blog has provided me a tremendous amount of inspiration and has helped me build my relationships and connections with other authors. 

I hope readers can glean little tidbits of knowledge that either encourage, educate, and inspire them along their path to publication. 

- I completely echo this. It's so inspiring to talk with other creatives. The interchange of encouragement by way of shared experiences is indescribably valuable. And the connections made are so rewarding.

Any final words of wisdom that you’d like to share with our readers today?

I know this is not new advice, but it is a tidbit I come back to often. When you sit down to write, write for yourself. Don’t stress over rules. Don’t stress over the market. Don’t stress trying to write the manuscript you think your dream agent is looking for. Doing any or all of these things will lead you astray from who YOU are as a writer. Don’t lose yourself for someone else’s vision. Write authentically who you are in your voice. When your book gets made you will be so grateful that you represented your true self!

Such beautiful advice to end on. Thank you so much for joining us today, Andrew.

“When you sit down to write, write for yourself. Don’t stress over rules. Don’t stress over the market… Don’t lose yourself for someone else’s vision. Write authentically who you are in your voice. When your book gets made you will be so grateful that you represented your true self!”

And now…
It’s time for the GIVEAWAY!

For the month of July, Andrew Hacket is offering the following giveaway prizes to three winners- 1 prize awarded to each winner.

  • Fiction, picture book (non rhyming) manuscript critique
  • 30-minute Zoom AMA
  • Signed copy of one of my books (winner’s choice)

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

  • Leave a comment on this post!
  • And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribe to the blog and/or newsletter!

That’s it!

DEADLINE TO ENTER: July 31st, 2024, 11:59 PM CST

FAQ:

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

If the host is offering more than one giveaway prize, PLEASE LIST YOUR PREFERRED PRIZE IN YOUR COMMENT. This does not guarantee that will be the prize you win, but it will be taken into consideration.

Did you enjoy this interview?

Thank the author & host by purchasing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased at your local library! Using the sponsored links below also supports this blog.

BOOKS

Purchase Curlilocks and the Three Hares

Purchase Hope and the Sea

Purchase Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea

Purchase ADHD and Me

Connect with Andrew Hacket

Facebook, Instagram, X, Website

Andrew Hacket is the author of Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea (Page Street Kids, 4/9/24), Curlilocks and the Three Hares (The Little Press, 5/1/24), and Hope and the Sea (Worthy Kids, 5/28/24). Andrew recognizes that being a kid is hard, and he writes to create ways for children to see themselves in stories and characters, to accept and overcome their insecurities, or to escape for just a little while through the power of their imaginations. He and his family live in Massachusetts.

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

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

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

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

WHAT ARE FEATURE INTERVIEWS AND WHY ARE THEY SO GREAT?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EARLY STAGES: HIGHS AND LOWS AND CONQUERING MOUNTAINS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What made you continue going and want to try again?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CELEBRATING THE VIEW: POSITIVES IN PUBLISHING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have there been any particularly exciting/memorable moments? 

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

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

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

LAST WORDS

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

Don’t give up!

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

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

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

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

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

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

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

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

And that’s it!

FAQ:

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

Did you enjoy this interview? Thank the author & host by purchasing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased at your local library! Using the sponsored links below supports this blog.

Already own a copy? Consider leaving a brief review on Amazon, Goodreads, or Barnes & Noble.

Purchase IN THE PALM OF MY HAND

Purchase ADHD AND ME

Jennifer Raudenbush feels most alive when she’s creating stories, especially picture books, poetry, and middle-grade novels. Jen lives with her husband and teenage son in eastern Pennsylvania, where its natural beauty provides endless inspiration. She leads weekly write-ins as a volunteer with Inked Voices and biweekly write-ins with the eastern PA SCBWI. She has been published in Cricket and Little Thoughts Press children’s magazines, the 10.10 Poetry Anthology and Two Truths and a Fib Poetry Anthology. IN THE PALM OF MY HAND, illustrated by Isabella Conti, Running Press Kids (Hachette), is Jen’s first picture book. It was released on March 14, 2023.

Website: www.jenraudenbush.com Twitter: @jenraudenbush Instagram: @jenraudenbush1