In today’s Feature Interview, I’m chatting with Cindy Williams Schrauben about growth mindset and the value of reading aloud. We’ll also discuss ways to put yourself out there as an author and share personal experiences of the author journey.
Cindy, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to the Feature Interview guest series. Could you tell us where you’re joining us from today?
Hi Chelsea. Thanks for having me. West Michigan.
How did you hear about the Feature Interview series, and what made you want to apply?
I follow you online and admire your content.
Could you tell us what kind of books you write? (Age group and genre).
I have written books for children, including picture books and a middle-grade novel, which is in the works. I will also be venturing into the adult novelty book market soon.
When did you first begin your writing journey, and what did those beginning stages look like for you?
I jumped into the journey with both feet when my daughters left for college. It was time to challenge myself. It took nearly 8 years of studying, attending conferences and classes, and penning several manuscripts before I was able to realize my life-long dream of publishing a picture book.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced on your author journey, and how were you able to stay the course?
The challenges were many, but I think the hardest part was believing in myself enough to ‘stay the course’ as you say. The key for me was getting involved in the kidlit community – joining critique groups, reading about other authors’ journeys, entering contests and challenges, etc. These connections gave me courage and helped me to manage my expectations.
What have been some of your greatest joys and highlights in publishing?
There are so many – receiving a book deal, seeing the illustrations for the first time, getting a starred review from Kirkus, etc. I am also looking forward to an upcoming visit to a children’s hospital to read to some brave kids. I also love encouraging aspiring authors, but the best part continues to be sharing my love for books with kids.
When would you say it’s “too late” to pursue publishing?
Never! My first book was published just after my 63rd birthday, and I don’t plan to stop anytime soon.
Why would you say it’s beneficial as an author to put yourself out there? And what are some different ways/examples of doing this?
It can be exhausting, but publishing a book isn’t enough if no one sees it. Interviews such as this, blog tours, giveaways, social media posts, in-person events, etc all help with visibility. It is hard, though, because there needs to be a balance between self-promotion and providing valuable content. I try to follow the 80/20 Rule – 80% content for authors or parents/teachers (such as the social media post below) and 20% book promotion. For content, I have chosen to concentrate on the topics of Growth Mindset and Social-Emotional Learning.
What kind of author events have you been a part of locally or otherwise, and how did you go about setting up these events? Did your publisher/marketing team reach out? Did you reach out? Was contact made via phone/email,/in-person?
I attend and/or organize events on a regular basis, ranging from book festivals, bookstore signings, school visits, launch parties, local media appearances, podcasts, etc. I was responsible for setting up most of these on my own (usually via email). I have three tips. First – go where the kids are instead of hoping they will come to you. I held the launch event for my first book, THIS COULD BE YOU, at a children’s museum on a busy Saturday. Over a hundred kids were already visiting the museum that day, so my audience was ready-made. That leads to tip number two – just ask! The museum was a dream location, and I never expected it to come to fruition, but the staff was excited to bring a unique opportunity to their visitors. The third tip is this– don’t be discouraged when you plan an event, and no one shows. It has happened to all of us. Evaluate the situation and improve your processes for next time. I also encourage other authors to think beyond your book in order to offer great programs for your community. I recently partnered with a local elementary school to break a Kid’s World Record entitled “The Most Children Sharing Handmade Hearts.” Though this event matched the theme of my second book, HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART, the day was about celebrating kindness rather than the book specifically. It was great fun and happened just because I asked (Tip #2, again.)
We’d love to hear about some of your author events and experiences and see some photos if you would like to share a few!
When reading over your bio, I loved how you described your books as being books to “inspire kids to live their best lives.” Could you elaborate on what this means to you?
Sure! Encouraging kids to love books and reading is, of course, a big part of my journey, but it goes further. Both of my books have a social-emotional learning foundation. I am a firm believer that books can provide learning opportunities without being preachy. HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART applauds kindness and sharing, while THIS COULD BE YOU empowers children with a growth mindset by persuading them to believe in themselves.
Let’s talk a little bit about growth mindset for home and in the classroom. In your application, you expressed your passion for empowering parents and children with a growth mindset and inspiring them to learn from each other as they go. Can you talk a little bit more about how you do this?
Growth Mindset is a term coined by Dr. Carol Dweck from Stanford University. Her research shows us that we can develop our abilities through dedication and hard work and that failure helps us to learn and improve. I love to talk with kids about famous people who have achieved great things after facing years of defeat. By understanding the power of a growth mindset, adults can make a huge difference in the lives of children. It is often as simple as changing our vocabulary. For example, “I can’t do it” vs. “It didn’t work, yet, but I’m still trying.”
I know you also have a collection of growth mindset activities and educator guides. I’d love to add a link to those for readers to have access to on Teacher Corner as well!
While we’re on the classroom side of things, could you talk a little bit about reading aloud and its value?
There is a great deal of research out there to support the value of reading to kids. The advantages range from improving a child’s own reading abilities and listening skills, expanding their vocabularies and language skills, to fostering bonds. A statistic that always amazes me is this one from the Child Mind Institute: “… young children whose parents read to them daily have been exposed to at least 290,000 more words by the time they enter kindergarten than kids who aren’t read to regularly. And depending on how much daily reading time kids get, that number can go up to over a million words.”
Now, for our writers out there, could you tell us a little bit about mentor texts? What are they? How do you use them? How can they be helpful?
Mentor texts are valuable for writers in a number of ways, ranging from learning about the industry and what is being published to honing our own craft and revising. There is nothing more helpful, in my mind, than reading the work of other children’s book authors and asking, what works? What doesn’t? Why? And how can I apply that to my own work?
Is there any particular book/author that inspires/inspired you to write?
I have always been enamored by rhymers like Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein. I love to write in rhyme – it’s like a puzzle.
What advice would you like to offer writers who are just beginning their publishing journey?
Don’t give up. The journey can be long and hard, but it is worth every moment. I have a YouTube Podcast to encourage authors. You can take a look here: https://www.youtube.com/@Cindy-Williams-Schrauben
Thank you so much for joining us today, Cindy!And now it’s time for our FIRST giveaway pool of the year.
GIVEAWAY This month, Cindy is offering an AMA Zoom. (two winners)
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY LIKE AND SHARE this article to X and/or Instagram and mention my handle X @chellysbooks / Instagram @chelseasworldofbooks. If you don’t have X or Instagram, you can enter the giveaway by LIKING and COMMENTING at the bottom of the interview. ENTRY WINDOW: Once the Feature Interview is posted, you will have one month (roughly 30 days) to enter. The entry window for this feature interview giveaway will close once next month’s feature interview is posted. At that time, the next month’s feature interview giveaway window will open. Meaning, there will always be a giveaway opportunity.
Example: January Feature Interview is posted: January giveaway window opens/begins. February Feature Interview is posted: January giveaway window closes/ends, and February giveaway window opens/begins.
NOTE: Feature Interviews come out on the third Wednesday of every month.
Questions? Visit the FAQ page or drop a comment below.
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.
Cindy Williams Schrauben lives in West Michigan, where she writes books for children that range from the truly serious to the seriously silly. When not writing or sharing her books, this award-winning author might be found dissecting her grandsons’ shenanigans for story ideas, reading on the beach, or eating ice cream… ideally all at once. Her books, THIS COULD BE YOU (starred review from Kirkus) and HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART, inspire kids to live their best lives. You can connect with Cindy at http://www.cindyschrauben.com.
In today’s Feature Interview, I’m chatting with former Biology Professor, now Homeschool Mom and Children’s Book Author, Danna Zeiger. We’ll be discussing accessibility and disability awareness in kidlit, as well as how to manage major career shifts and the many hurdles they come with, and why the benefits outweigh the struggles.
Danna, it’s wonderful to have you with us! Can you tell us where you’re joining us from today?
Thank you so much for having me, Chelsea! I’m so excited to be here. I’m joining you from the Boston area.
How did you hear about Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog, and what made you want to apply for a guest Feature Interview?
I’ve read several of your fantastic, thorough interviews, so when I saw the application window open last year, I knew I had to try!
I was intrigued by your application, and I’m excited to learn more about your “unconventional route to publishing.” My hope in sharing your interview is to inspire others to chase their dreams- nothing is impossible if you don’t give up! So, let’s jump right in. Could you tell us about your day job before children’s publishing was in the mix?
Thanks! I was a biology professor and the program director for the biology bachelor’s degree at a local college. I had been in the unique position to create the program before running it for seven years. I come from an immigrant family myself, so it was especially fulfilling to serve disadvantaged and first-in-the-family students from diverse backgrounds. I taught lectures and labs from first-year biology (or non-major!) students all the way through the senior thesis course for my seniors. I helped them secure solid internships and got them ready for the world. I partnered with neighboring institutions and universities to create interesting lecture series or research opportunities. I advised dozens of students through their college experience, ensuring they made some good choices and shepherding those who were graduate school bound. My students often had one–or three!–full-time jobs on the side to get themselves through college, so there was also lots of time spent counseling students, helping them manage all of their responsibilities, and working creatively to make it happen, as well as drawing out challenging biology pathways on my whiteboard in my office during office hours. I served on college committees, worked on new course and degree development, and overall had a full and busy life as a professor.
Now enter the *spark* that started it all. What was that beginning spark for you that made you take the leap in shifting careers from Biology Professor to Homeschool Mom and Children’s Book Author?
When COVID hit, I resigned from my position, much to the shock of many people in my professional, friend, and family circles. But with a newborn baby who needed a lot of caretaking (and no nannies to be found at the time), a preschooler for whom Zoom school did not work, and a sobbing elementary school child frustrated with online learning, plus immunocompromised people at home and not enough remote work support, it simply was not possible for me to stay in my position.
I started homeschooling all three kiddos and was devouring hundreds of books, reading each month with them.
One day, while running a writing exercise for the kiddos after reading Chris Van Dusen’s If I Built a House, I had an idea for a picture book.
I should mention that, in addition to being a perpetual bookworm, I have always been a creative writer, naturally gravitating towards poetry and literature since I was a young kid, writing poems in multiple languages, and finding creative outlets my whole life. So it was well within my bucket list to one day become an author, especially a children’s book author. I just always thought that day was long in the future.
When I told my husband my picture book idea that “someone” should write, he responded with, “yes, you should.” I was shocked at first, but dove into what it took to become a traditionally published children’s book author, thanks to my dear friend who happened to be personally connected to Chana Stiefel (what an author giant to get to know!!!), and Chana kindly, generously offered both feedback and guidance on what it takes. While our mutual friend, who was initially mildly interested in what Chana might say, pretty much ran away screaming, Chana’s long list of hard work felt exciting and fascinating to me. And that is how I knew it was worth pursuing!
I give my husband a lot of credit, both for initially encouraging me to try it and then continuing to remind me that I must invest in myself and take myself seriously as an author if I want to become one. I took classes, joined critique groups, and carved out time from our busy homeschooling schedule.
-Amazing! We love hearing about supportive husbands. I am thankful enough to have one of those myself! They can really help boost your courage and belief in yourself.
Tell us about that beginning time. What were your thoughts? I’m guessing it was a mixture of scary and exciting- all the best things in life are. 🙂
It was a really exciting time! For me, the scariest part had already happened–leaving my job. I did worry about striking a balance between homeschool and writing, but my kids were my cheerleaders from day one, and I was able to take it for myself without them feeling it.
This was an exciting new prospect, but I definitely had imposter syndrome. Did I have what it took? I was a biology professor–what made me think I could write creatively, professionally? I hadn’t been an English major (although I loved my English classes and had taken AP Creative Writing!), so I had real concerns!
It was a steep learning curve: learning how the industry worked, learning to critique and receive feedback, finding groups and critique partners, the writing and publishing organizations. What was an imprint vs. a publisher vs. an editor? I truly have a whole bookshelf with publishing books I’ve read (in addition to the library ones I borrowed) in order to figure all of this out.
I quickly realized I should not submit to publishers alone and that I needed an agent. I did the thing you’re not supposed to do and queried with my very first manuscript! It did land me an agent, thankfully, but it did not land me a book deal… yet. Hooks, saleability, and the business side of publishing matters… I still had a lot to learn!
What were/are some of the hurdles that you’ve had to overcome, and how have you been able to do so?
I think publishing is mostly full of hurdles, a lot of luck, with a few spotlights of wins, LOL! I probably carry some intensity from my academic career with me, and I’m not afraid of hard work. So I try to throw everything I’ve got into this basket and push past the challenges!
Personally, it was challenging to carve out enough time for myself, so I had to get creative. Nap time? Quick, read through a new manuscript. Sitting with the kids at their activity, like gymnastics or dance? I had a critique partner’s manuscript queued up to read and comment on. Bedtime for kiddos? Yes, I loved writing so much that instead of watching TV, I would plow away at my manuscripts.
In terms of publishing, I wished for an agent so badly. I was fortunate to find one pretty quickly, and she is a great agent who makes awesome deals. However, I quickly learned that as an author, I needed more communication from my agent, so I voluntarily thrust myself back into the trenches. Luckily, I got another agent quickly again–and this time, this was a career match! Jonathan got me my first book deal and was a great support. Sadly, he decided to leave agenting (another hurdle), but my agency stepped in and had my back. A new agent absorbed some of his old clients, and my current and hopefully forever agent, Gaby Cabezut, read my work and decided to take me on! Exceptional luck, I know.
There are so many hurdles still to overcome. I have loads of ideas and work on many projects. Trying to assess which are the most marketable with the most hooks is tough. Bringing a manuscript to the true polished state–giving it time (another hurdle!) and reading it with new eyes is also tough. I’m also always trying to diversify my portfolio and write in new genres and categories.
Have there been any organizations/contests/resources/people who have helped you stay positive and motivated to continue pursuing this path?
Oh, yes! Apologies in advance for this long answer, and even bigger apologies for anyone I might inadvertently leave out–but the kidlit community is so supportive, and I have had so much help along the way.
I mentioned Chana Stiefel–she will forever be my very first critique and serious foray into children’s book publishing.
I joined Storyteller Academy, and the very first editor I listened to was this animated, articulate, smart STEM editor! I learned a lot from her one session. Ironically, she–Carol Hinz–became my first editor years later! I wisely did not submit any manuscript at the time, despite the submission opportunity, because I intuited that my work was just not good enough yet for such a sharp reader. And I can say now that I was right!
I joined SCBWI and attended virtual conferences. I joined Facebook groups, and critique groups kindly welcomed me. Thanks to Covid, everything was online, so local groups were open to someone who geographically lived even an hour away. Thanks forever to so many critique partners who welcomed me into already established groups comprising phenomenal members.
I’ve tried various things. I’m grateful to Inked Voices for many opportunities and workshops, from which I’ve also learned so much!
But way back when I started, and had only just become agented, I still felt pretty unsure of myself. I entered my very first writing contest in my entire life: Vivian Kirkfield’s famous 50 Precious Words Contest. I’m not sure if she and the judges will ever fully understand what they did for me, but placing 5th out of 750 strong writers, judged by real authors, with incredible, real prizes to boot, was my very first sign that I might not be insane for trying this writing endeavor! I won an invaluable critique by editor Thalia Leaf, who offered me essential insight I continue to carry. I continued on with other contests, including Kaitlyn Sanchez and Ciara O’Neal’s Spring Fling Contest, where I placed first and won a critique with the amazing Alyssa Henkin. Alyssa’s feedback helped me bring my debut book’s manuscript closer to the finish line, and I’m forever grateful. I’m also grateful to Lynne Marie and her Rate Your Story Contest, where I won first place, and she continues to support my work. Other contests and wins have been great, too–like Susanna Leonard Hill’s Holiday Contest. There are so many amazing opportunities! And so, so many kidlit people stepped up as my debut launched to host me for interviews, celebrate my cover reveals or launch, or promote me in any way possible!
And I would be extremely remiss not to mention PJ Library. If Vivian Kirkfield’s contest was the first to make me feel like I might be able to hack writing, PJ Library was the first organization to award me a monetary prize and sponsor me, in-person, into a tight community I continue to love today. PJ Library sent me to the Highlights Foundation Retreat Center for the most transformative experience with twenty other Jewish authors I’m still in touch with. This incredible group has been critical through the last two years and soaring antisemitism, as well as personally, as my dad passed away, or when my kids have had emergency surgery, etc.
PJ Library also awarded me a Highlights scholarship, where I learned so much from Harold Underdown and Eileen Robinson, as well as what used to be called the Partial Author’s Incentive award for my pre-published middle grade. Finally, PJ Library also awarded me a Sephardic Stories Initiative fellowship, where I have been immersed with a new community and have been able to dive deep into stories I had tried to write a while ago, and have given more energy and oxygen to lately. As far as organizations go, I am indebted to PJ Library and will need to write them into every single acknowledgement of hopefully many books to come. They have been incredibly supportive of my writing career, and I have learned so much, networked, met many people, found communities, and grown as a writer, all thanks to them.
-So many fantastic community resources and groups you mentioned here, Danna! Thank you for all the shoutouts. I am familiar with all of the above-mentioned groups/contests and could not speak more highly of their positive impact!
Looking back, would you say that the benefits outweigh the struggles? Why or why not?
Absolutely! Publishing is a long hill to climb, but the views sure are breathtaking. I truly feel like I am living my dream.
For readers who may be early on in their publishing career stages (pre-pubbed/pre-agented), could you share a bit about your process… querying, rejections, timeframe, etc?
The best advice I can give people early on is to do more of three things than they think they need:
Read! However much you read, read more. Whatever you want to write, read more! Study the books, analyze them, find the patterns, study what is successful and what is not, form opinions about what works best, think about the openings/closings, etc.
Give it time! Whenever you think a manuscript is ready, put it down and pick it up again in a few weeks or more. I’m the most eager to birth every story, and I need to slow myself down.
Make connections! Find support networks, critique groups, attend webinars, and find every opportunity to connect with other authors, agents, editors, and publishers.
None of publishing is in any of our control. I think you have to really want it, and if you do, pour yourself into it. I’m a big fan of hard work, and it still often takes a while to pay off. But the most important piece is really the manuscript. Writing your best work, thinking about hooks and saleability, etc. The query letter itself doesn’t matter as much as the manuscript itself. And an agent doesn’t guarantee you a book sale. If you keep giving your best effort, eventually, at some point, you will reach your milestone–be it agent, book deal, or whatever.
“None of publishing is in any of our control. I think you have to really want it…” – Danna Zeiger
So, you finally land your publishing partner- AKA your literary agent! Could you tell us about how that happened? Cold query? Event? Special opportunity? Etc.
Yes! Gaby Cabezut! I mentioned above that my agent #2, Jonathan Rosen, decided to leave agenting. Gaby was newer and she looked through Jonathan’s clients’ work–and decided to offer me representation! I’m so grateful. Jonathan told me Gaby was sweet and smart, and he was so right! Every time I chat with Gaby, I come off of our Zoom with a huge smile and feeling incredibly supported. She is smart and savvy, a fantastic advocate, and gives excellent guidance. It has been an awesome ride together and I’m pretty sure now that Gaby is not only officially my longest standing agent, I hope that she will be my forever agent!
What was your agent call like, and how did you know that your agent was the right fit for you? (This is such an important piece of information for readers to know, because not EVERY agent is the RIGHT agent. So much of a positive agent/author relationship depends on the right “fit.”) What things do you find to be “green flags” in a good author/agent relationship? And what words of advice would you give to a person who’s looking for representation for their writing?
I have been lucky to have had four agent calls. The first time in the trenches, I got two offers! My second time in the trenches, I had a call with Jonathan. And luckily, Gaby didn’t make me go back into the trenches–so as part of the transfer when Jonathan left, I Zoomed with both Gaby and the president of our agency.
So from these four calls, I think the essential pieces are getting a feel for each other, feeling comfortable together, and feeling like this is a nice person, and someone who not only loves your work but will champion it. A lot of publishing, as it turns out, is relationship-building. Making sure you are kind and that the other person is kind. I think sometimes either might need grace, and allowing space and that grace as life necessitates, is key. And also, that communication styles match. I learned with my first agent that communication is really important to me.
“I think the essential pieces are getting a feel for each other, feeling comfortable together, and feeling like this is a nice person, and someone who not only loves your work but will champion it.” – Danna Zeiger
For others who may be setting out on the same (or a similar) journey as yours, what are some words of encouragement that you’d like to share about identity shifts and major career shifts?
Major career shifts are hard, especially when you like your previous career. I think allowing a grieving period is natural and okay–I certainly took one. For me, I felt like I didn’t have a choice. Zoom wasn’t going to change my infant’s diaper or feed him, or develop my preschooler, and my oldest child needed guidance. I think, just like in children’s books, having agency makes a big difference. Since I didn’t feel like I had a choice, it took me some time to accept the situation. Luckily, I was able to dive into homeschooling, and I really loved it.
What has saved me, though, is that at the end of the day, my overarching net emotion is that I feel grateful for these immense privileges. It is a privilege to be able to homeschool–I certainly recognize that. And, it is equally a privilege to have the opportunity to pursue this dream of becoming a children’s book author. Giving space for the grief and all of the messy feelings has also allowed me to process and find both perspective and gratitude.
So, for those setting out on major career shifts: be patient with yourself! Feel the feelings! And, follow your passions. No matter where the road ends, the journey will be fulfilling.
-Love this advice! So true!
“So, for those setting out on major career shifts: be patient with yourself! Feel the feelings! And, follow your passions. No matter where the road ends, the journey will be fulfilling.” – Danna Zeiger
You mentioned in your application how important disability awareness is for kids and gatekeepers. Could you speak more to this?
I hope kids take away from my book how to approach people with disabilities in their future—as people. Our world is rife with ableism, stereotyping, andhurtful assumptions. They can cause physical pain, even as Dr. Kathleen Friel experiences when well-meaning strangers try to grab her when they think she needs help. She has needed to go to the ER from these well-meaning strangers!
Speaking of disability awareness, I know that you have a lot of great information on this in your book. Could you tell us more about that?
Yes! The book itself shows how Dr. Friel has had to educate so many classmates, labmates, and even doctors about cerebral palsy–and how exhausting that advocacy work is. The book also makes clear how Dr. Friel is able to find her own way to do certain tasks, but also that it is often much harder for her. The back matter offers more information about all of these subjects, as well as how Dr. Friel herself is an amazing and award-winning advocate. I actually have a teacher’s guide that anyone can download.
What is your big “why” or motivation for writing for kids? What does it bring you, and what do you hope it will bring your readers?
Kids are the keys to our future world. Kids are the future. I believe that the best way to fix our world is by reaching kids and building our stronger future, today.
My lifelong mission has always been to make STEM accessible and to bring underrepresented stories to the forefront. I’ve simply shifted from doing this as a college professor to a children’s book author, and hopefully I can reach a wider audience.
We’ve touched on your writing and its inspiration, but I’d love to hear more about your homeschooling journey and the resources that you offer. Could you shed some light on this for our readers?
When COVID hit, parents everywhere were bewildered, overwhelmed, and exhausted. Truly, my youngest baby was not held, changed, or comforted by any hands other than mine and my husband’s for a year and a half!! It was rough. I quickly started trying to channel some of my college teaching into my kids and trying to think of exciting activities, experiments,and STEM projects. I posted about them on my personal social media (while I don’t always love social media today, the connection it offered during Covid was so helpful!) and started getting questions from fellow bewildered parents.
After plenty of answers, I decided to catalog our journey and share the resources with other parents, too, which ultimately became @DrZatHome.
I wanted the @DrZatHome platform specifically to be free, and even as it grew, I continued to decline any paid sponsorships. I’m glad I did! Every recommendation I made, I truly made with a whole heart. I also felt a lot of freedom to post when I wanted, and about content that I felt passionate about. And, when my writing started to pick up, I felt no qualms about pausing for a bit.
What have been some of the responses you’ve received to your books and/or homeschool resources from parents/educators/kids?
In terms of homeschool resources I’ve shared, the pandemic was a critical point where many parents felt alone and ill-equipped to suddenly entertain, educate, and occupy all of their kids’ time. I felt overwhelmed, too! Coming online and sharing my resources felt like giving and receiving virtual hugs from all parents everywhere, and the messages of appreciation (and camaraderie, and mutual overwhelm) made me emotional. Whenever anyone shared that my content helped entertain a kiddo, or better yet, that their kids learned and got excited, it really made my day.
And my book experience!! Well, this has been a heart-warming experience, to say the least, and I have witnessed how books can be both windows–as kids tell me they want to be brain researchers too, and their horror at what Kathleen has had to endure–as well as mirrors. Various kids with disabilities, including cerebral palsy, or simply identified as disability advocates, have chatted with me and bought my book at book festivals or author events.
Have you been able to attend/participate in any local in-person/virtual author events? (Schools, libraries, book stores, etc?) If so, we’d love to hear about them and see some pictures if you have them!
Yes! I’ve done quite a few! In-person, I have had: -A bookstore launch -Several library and school events -A book festival -Signings in various bookstores -An author talk hosted by No Place for Hate, the Waquoit Congregational Church, the Jewish Congregation of Falmouth, and Eight Cousins Bookstore, and -A panel presentation and author signing at NCTE
Book Launch – held at Hummingbird Books IG @hummingbirdbookstore
Bookstore signing
Library Event- held at Newton Library IG @newtonfreelibrary
NCTE Danna and Editor Carol Hinz at Lerner Booth
No Place for Hate Event
No Place For Hate Author Talk
My book was also featured in the Closing General Session at the 2025 American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine meeting!
I also had a blog tour, thanks to the incredible kidlit community–yourself included! You can find all of my interviews on my website. What a massively supportive group of people and friends who come out in droves to cheer side-by-side! Thank you for all that you and others do!
My book has been shared by some incredible influencers, whom I admire so much: in the homeschooling, disability, science, and mom communities. I’m so grateful for their support!
Finally, not my own promotion work, but I’m so grateful that my book has won Best of 2025 by the Chicago Public Library, Best of 2025 by School Library Journal, and Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12 2025 by the National Science Teachers’ Association. So proud of and grateful for the whole team involved in creating this book!
It has been exceptionally busy!
What is something you wish you had known about publishing earlier on?
That there are no guarantees! Even having an agent does not guarantee a book deal. So the only way forward is hard work, an open mind to feedback, and excitement over the work!
“[In publishing] there are no guarantees! …The only way forward is hard work, an open mind to feedback, and excitement over the work!” – Danna Zeiger
What’s one piece of advice that you’d like to share with other writers?
Be resourceful–read lots of books, take classes, speak to people, seek feedback. It takes all the things and a lot of work!
Any final words of wisdom or something you’d like others to know?
Make sure your story is unique and adds something new. Not all well-written stories will be made into books (this goes for myself, too!) because there are soooo many manuscripts being queried, and still a lot of competition on the shelves. In order for a book to do well at each step, it simply must stand out!
Thank you so much for spending some time with us today. We truly appreciate you and all the hard work you do to make a safe and inclusive place for kids with disabilities, and the awareness you spread with your stories. And now, it’s time for a giveaway!
GIVEAWAY
For the month of December 2025, Danna is offering one prize to one winner: a picture book critique. Non-rhyme. Fiction: up to 600 words. Non-fiction: up to 800 words.
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Like this post and share it on X/Instagram or retweet/repost mine (during the corresponding month/year) and tag me X @chellysbooks / Instagram @chelseasworldofbooks. If you don’t have X or Instagram, you can enter by liking this post and dropping a comment at the bottom of the Feature Interview article.
DEADLINE TO ENTER: LAST DAY OF THE MONTH AT 11:59 PM CST.
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.
Before pursuing her aspirations as a children’s literature author, Danna Zeiger was a Biology Professor and Program Director for Fisher College’s Biology Program, teaching and mentoring disadvantaged and first-in-the-family students from diverse backgrounds. While homeschooling her three spirited kids, Danna established a STEM accessibility and educational resource entitled DrZatHome. Danna’s debut STEM nonfiction picture book, REWRITING THE RULES: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability, was released this past September and has recently won Best of 2025 by the Chicago Public Library, Best of 2025 by School Library Journal, and Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12 2025 by the National Science Teachers’ Association. Her unpublished novel-in-verse was recently awarded the PJ Our Way Partial Author’s Incentive Award. Danna is represented by Gaby Cabezut at The Seymour Agency. CONNECT: @home_zat (x/Twitter) @DrZatHome (IG and Bluesky) website: http://www.dannazeiger.com.
Today, I’m chatting with indie kidlit author, marketing expert, and mental health advocate, Jennifer Nestor. We’ll be diving into the ins and outs of self-publishing, marketing, and how to plan author visits and events. We’ll also be exploring anxiety, bullying, mindfulness, and self-confidence in kidlit and why it matters.
Jennifer, it’s so lovely to have you here on Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog! Could you share where you’re joining us from today?
Saint Augustine, Florida.
How did you hear about Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog, and what made you want to apply for a spot as a Feature Interview guest?
I had been following Chelsea on Instagram and loved everything she stood for, especially her connection with ADHD and helping kids.
Tell us about your intro to publishing! What were you doing before this, and how did you get here?
I was a Director of Demand at a healthcare tech company called Bamboo Health while going to Graduate school at SNHU, and writing has always been the cornerstone of joy for everything I’ve done in my marketing career. While in school, I decided to pursue writing a children’s book and wanted to see if I could self-publish and create a high-quality product that could leave a lasting impact. Once I graduated in 2023, I started doing research on all avenues of publishing, created a marketing plan, and launched my first children’s picture book, Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality, in July of 24’.
Have you always been a writer? And when did you realize that you wanted to pursue publishing as a career?
I’ve been writing since I was a little girl. When I was younger, I wrote song lyrics, poems, and journaled a lot, but then that translated into my marketing and communications career, and even through Graduate school when I had to write blogs, website content, articles, and ten-page papers. I knew in my heart I always wanted to be a writer, but I was always afraid to take the leap until the end of my degree program, when I looked at my ten-plus-year career as a Director of Marketing and still felt empty on a soul level because I wasn’t pursuing the thing that I wanted the most. That’s when I decided to write my first picture book.
What were some hurdles that you had to overcome, and how were you able to stay the course?
One of the biggest hurdles I faced was lack of time to go all-in at the beginning of my author journey. I was working 40+ hours a week in a high-level role where I had a lot of responsibility, and it was hard not to compare myself to those around me who had a lot more free time to make things happen. Once I found more balance, I was able to prioritize by developing a marketing plan and timeline, and I started to take things day by day, instead of worrying too much about the long game. That helped me center more and stay the course. Once I had more time, I was able to do more networking and things that benefited what I was trying to achieve.
Tell us about your indie publishing journey. What was your process like? (Finding an illustrator/formatting the book/marketing/platform/etc).
My process initially was to write the manuscript. Once I had an idea of what the story was about and the goals of the story, I wanted to look for an illustrator who would be the perfect fit to show emotion and had experience with jungle characters. I found Victoria Mikki through SCBWI’s featured portfolio of the month and reached out to her online. I worked with her over the next six months to create magic, and once the illustrations were complete, I worked with BookBaby for the text layout/formatting and print-on-demand distribution online. I’ve done all my own marketing and have tried different online channels like FB/IG ads, TikTok ads, Google & Amazon ads, podcasts, blogs, and then also traditional channels like print media, news interviews, sponsored content in magazines, and radio as well.
What are some things/places helped you along the way?
Building community has been extremely helpful. I recently went to a writing retreat with Story Sirens in PA, and that was amazing, meeting other authors who are just as passionate about writing and want to make this a career-long-term.
What are your favorite writing resources/groups/contests/etc, and why?
Manuscript Academy, SCBWI, and 12×12 Picture Book group. Each of them have given me opportunities to learn, grow, and develop my writing skills. I’ve watched several helpful webinars as well, with agents and knowledgeable authors who have seen success.
What’s something you wish you had known about indie publishing or publishing in general before you started?
I wish I had spoken to more people about options on reducing upfront costs initially, as it’s been an expensive journey.
What’s a piece of advice you have for someone currently pursuing independent publishing?
Make sure to do your research before you get started. Develop a 360 omni-channel campaign where you’re hitting on many facets of marketing and are executing a well-rounded book launch. Surround yourself with other indie authors who have the same goals/passions as you and create community.
Are you currently looking for literary representation for future projects that you’d like to publish traditionally down the road, or are you hoping to continue independent publishing? And why?
Yes. I am actually looking for an agent and querying at this time with my MG Contemporary novel, and am also working on a New Adult Romance. My goal is to be a multi-genre career writer. I think you have a better chance of exposure when represented by professionals. It’s also less of a cost investment up front, and it can provide visibility nationally vs. just locally, when marketed correctly.
What would you say some of the benefits of independent publishing are?
Creative control for things like illustrations, covers, and final say on the content itself.
What would you say some of the cons of independent publishing are?
High costs, a lot of groundwork needs to be done to get yourself out there and visible in markets outside your local area. It can be tiring to do a lot of in-person events, trying to recoup costs.
How have you been able to use your background in marketing and master’s in communication to your advantage when it comes to publishing?
I’ve had the opportunity to develop a full marketing plan for publishing, which helped me see more success with indie retailers, brand visibility, and more based on having a clear understanding of my demographics, channels, and online/traditional strategies.
As a marketing professional, could you share your top piece of advice for writers on how to properly market to their audience?
I have a few pieces of advice here. Don’t just throw spaghetti on the wall and hope it sticks. It’s great to try new things, but you don’t need to do what everyone else is doing. You can create your own path. Be sure to understand who your ideal readers are and develop content related to them. Make sure it always has a purpose and a clear CTA.
Have you been able to attend/participate/host any local/otherwise events? If so, we’d love to hear about them! Don’t forget to shout out the names of your local bookstores/libraries, and if applicable, add their social media website/handles so that we can promote/share them with readers as well!
For some of our newer authors who may be debuting soon *so exciting* could you share more details on how to plan author visits and events?
Typically, it’s good to plan out how many events you have the capacity for from a timing perspective and what you’re willing to invest in from a collateral and financial standpoint. Larger events/markets require a table setup, signage, tents, table cloths, inventory, and more. They also come with an upfront cost, occasionally, or a “vendor fee,” so try to set a realistic limit on what you’re willing to spend to be a vendor. Be strategic. Will there be a lot of authors at this event, or can you find ones where you’re the cornerstone author so that you can make additional connections and revenue? If there are multiple authors, you might not be able to have as many conversations with potential clients due to the speed people breeze through markets when they have their kids.
Author visits require less up-front costs, but you should have a media kit created that has information about your book, any awards, a photo of you with your book, and what your author visits include, your website, social media handles, etc. This will help you appear more professional and organized. Many debut authors struggle knowing where to start, so having your presentation developed and ready on PPT, Canva, etc., and thinking about what type of interactive elements you’ll include will help you on your journey to school visits.
Tell us about your stories! What are they about? What was their inspiration? And what do you hope each story will bring the reader?
Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality is about a young girl who gets bullied on the school bus and goes into this dreamstate where she finds herself in The Jungle of Individuality. There, she meets three animals who help guide her into being more self-confident, resilient, and learning how to take a pause. Jane learns to embrace the things that make her unique due to her jungle friends, who all have unique quirks themselves. I hope that this story helps kids embrace the things that make them special, instead of being embarrassed by them. I also hope it fosters empathy, kindness, and shows them that bullying is not okay. My second book, Jane’s Carnival Adventure, follows Jane and Molly at the school carnival. Jane is excelling at all the carnival games, while Molly is struggling and feels inadequate in her own skills, lacking the confidence to continue to play. Jane passes down the lessons she learned in the jungle and teaches her it’s okay to fail and try again. Perseverance, empathy, kindness, and resiliency are all topics readers can take away from the sequel in The Adventures of Jane’s Imagination series.
Could you tell us more about the themes you explore in your books, such as anxiety, bullying, mindfulness, and self-confidence, and why these topics in kidlit are so important?
It was important for me to tackle topics like bullying, anxiety, self-confidence, and mindfulness so that kids understand they’re not alone with their big feelings. Young children are consistently met with a lot of challenges, so having a book that can address multiple topics in one was my goal.
I saw that you offer activity sheets for 1st-4th graders that accompany your stories. We’d love to learn more about what these activity sheets include!
Yes! For Jane Escapes, I have a 36-page educator resource, and for Jane’s Carnival Adventure, I have a 15-page resource. These resources include activities like vocabulary, crossword puzzles, dissecting scenarios in the story like bullying, friendship, and perseverance, and celebrating the things that make you unique.
What is your biggest reason for WHY you write? What does writing bring YOU?
My biggest reason why I write is to help people understand they’re not alone and to bring joy to others’ lives through literature. Writing brings me a lot of creativity, joy, and satisfaction, seeing a story come to life from start to finish.
What have been your greatest publishing highlights? This could be anything that brings you joy from publishing- notes from readers, personal experiences, etc.
Golden Wizard award, Literary Titan award, Reader’s Favorite Five-Star, and a positive Kirkus review that said Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality was “A beautiful celebration of human differences.” My eBooks also jumped to the top of the charts in their categories during the launch week. What I love the most is when a teacher or parent gives me positive feedback where their student or child feels represented or seen in my story.
Any last words of advice that you’d like to share with readers today?
Keep dreaming big. Anything is possible. In all transparency, being a debut author isn’t easy, especially when you’re writing a novel or trying to get published, but if you keep being persistent, everything will work out in time. This is a long game. There isn’t much instant gratification involved since things take time, so you have to be prepared for it.
Thanks so much for joining us today, Jennifer. And now, it’s time for our GIVEAWAY!
For this month’s Feature Interview prize, Jennifer is offering a free signed copy of her book with a Jane doll, coloring sheet, maze, and sticker!
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Share a link to the Feature Interview on X/IG or retweet/repost mine (during the corresponding month/year) and tag me X @chellysbooks / @chelseasworldofbooks. If you do not have an X or Instagram account, you may enter by dropping a comment at the bottom of the Feature Interview article.
DEADLINE TO ENTER: LAST DAY OF THE MONTH AT 11:59 PM CST.
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.
In today’s Feature Interview, I’m talking with traditionally published, award-winning author/illustrator Katie Mazeika. We’ll be discussing the importance of highlighting disabled voices in books and why representation matters.
FEATURE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Katie, welcome to Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog. It’s great to have you with us! Where are you joining us from today?
I’m in Ohio, just east of Cleveland, in a little city on the lake called Mentor.
How were you first introduced to the blog and the Feature Interview series?
You’ve interviewed several authors I know from promo groups or events. I’m sure it was through one of those shared interviews that I first became aware of your blog.
One of the things we love to discuss here on the blog is how. Could you tell us more about the events that led up to you joining the world of kidlit publishing?
Absolutely! I studied illustration at the Columbus College of Art and Design with the intention of pursuing editorial illustration after graduation. But at some point in my Junior or Senior year, I was introduced to picture book illustration and fell in love. After school, my focus was on illustrating for the children’s market.
Since you are both an author and illustrator, could you tell us which came first? Did your career start out with you querying projects as both author and illustrator, or one or the other? Explain.
In high school, I was torn between going to college for writing or for art. My compromise was a degree in illustration with a minor in creative writing. So initially, I pursued both. But my first agent, and my first jobs, were as an illustrator only.
While we’re in the territory of querying… could you tell us more about your querying journey and how you came to find your agent?
I started with an illustration agent at a large agency that wasn’t a great fit. After about fifteen months with them, I was dropped. Fortunately, I was picked up by a much smaller illustration agency fairly quickly. I really liked the people at the second agency, but the owner became ill, and less than six months later, it closed. I knew I couldn’t query the same illustration agents again, so I was at a loss. That was when an author/illustrator friend suggested writing my own texts and querying as an author/illustrator. So, I wrote my first manuscript, which eventually became Annette Feels Free, and sent out my first queries. At the same time, I participated in #DIVPIT (Diversity Pitch) on Twitter and got a few responses. One of those was my agent, Sorche Fairbank. (FYI-#DIVPIT still exists, it’s just moved to Discord.)
What are some key things an author or illustrator should look for when deciding on an agent relationship? What are some green flags? And what are some red flags?
With my first agent, looking back, there were a lot of red flags. I was never allowed to communicate directly with Art Directors; everything talked about went through the agent. Getting paid was a battle. When I was in NYC, I asked to come by their office for a meeting, but it was very unclear where the office actually was. They asked me to meet in a coffee shop instead. I think the biggest red flag was emails that were never acknowledged. Artwork I sent in again and again that was never added to the website. There was often a general tone that I was bothering them and they had better things to do. But this was my first agent. I assumed this was normal and tiptoed around them. After comparing notes with other agented illustrators, I realized that relationship wasn’t typical. When they dropped me, I was surprised-I’d been booked pretty steadily and done four or five jobs through them, but in the end it worked out for the better.
Looking for an agent a second time, I was much pickier. I went through their social media, going back three to five years. I took note of who was announced as recently signed. Then I looked to see how many of those illustrators were still with that agency. If more than a handful of artists were gone after three years, then I didn’t query that agency. That crossed a number of agencies off my list, but it helped me find my second agent. I imagine I would still be there today if the agency hadn’t closed.
When I signed with Fairbank Literary, I had another offer from an illustration agency, but after a phone call with Sorche, I was eager to work with a literary agent and to write as well as illustrate. I know some creators who almost seem to be afraid of their agents. I was one of them with my first agent. But I’ve learned that fear isn’t conducive to creativity. It should be a partnership, with respect and boundaries that go both ways.
For someone who may be on the fence about whether or not to pursue representation, what are some reasons why you chose to find an agent?
Unfortunately, a lot of publishers only accept agented submissions. And I really value having someone go line by line through my contracts explaining what each clause means for me and my book, before I sign.
What would you say makes a great author/illustrator and agent relationship, from both sides?
Like I said before, it should be a partnership, with respect and boundaries that go both directions. I often bounce ideas off Sorche very early on, and I trust her to be very straight with me about whether I should keep going. I know she has an uncanny business sense and a great feel for the market. She’s always straight with me about whether an idea is worth pursuing. I also know that I can be direct with her; there’s no tiptoeing or playing games.
What’s something that you didn’t know when you started out that you do know now (and maybe wish you had known sooner)?
I think everyone assumes the work is done when you have the first book published. And what I realized is that it’s just the beginning. From there come the promotions and events. At the same time, you are working on your next project. It’s a lot of plates in the air. The risk of burnout is very real, even more so for author/illustrators. So, I have to remind myself to slow down and breathe.
I was so excited to see that all of your books (the ones you’ve written) include curriculum guides. As a former children’s librarian and current word nerd, I’m a big fan of educational resources with books, and love promoting these added free resources on my Teacher Corner for educators, parents, and librarians. I’d love to hear more about some of the resources/extras that you have to offer.
With Annette Feels Free and Beulah Has a Hunch, the curriculum guides offer the opportunity to go deeper into the subject matter and learn even more about these fantastically interesting women.
For my recent book, Maybe Just Ask Me, the curriculum guides focus more on building empathy and understanding about disability and differences.
As a disabled person and a writer, I understand that highlighting disabled voices in books is something near to your heart. Could you share more on this and why representation in books matters?
The reason is twofold: every child should see themselves represented in a book. Being a part of the story is incredibly validating and confirms that they are not alone. At the same time, non-disabled readers need to see disabled characters in the books they read. We need to normalize differences and be comfortable with talking about them. Disability is not a bad word, but when we teach kids to pretend it doesn’t exist, we are teaching them there is something bad or scary about disability and disabled people.
–I love this answer and couldn’t agree more!
Speaking of books, let’s talk about them! Could you tell us briefly about some of your stories and what they highlight?
Annette Feels Free is a biography of Annette Kellerman, who started as a dancer when she was a child but developed polio and was unable to continue dancing. She discovered swimming and became a world champion swimmer, a performer and movie star, and designed what later became the modern swimsuit. She even went to court to fight for women’s right to wear that suit.
Beulah Has a Hunch! is about Beulah Louise Henry, the most prolific female mechanical inventor in the US. What’s so unique about her is that she had no traditional education, only finishing school. She was so intelligent and passionate that she figured out the mechanics of how things worked|. She used the success of her first invention to pave her own path and created a name for herself in a time when few women had careers, let alone owned multiple businesses. I also focused on her neurodivergence, specifically Synthesia and hyperphantasia.
Maybe Just Ask Me! is based on my own childhood, specifically returning to school after losing my eye to cancer. It was difficult to feel gawked at and to have students talk about me, but not to me. Unlike the main character in the book, I was not brave enough to speak up for myself and to advocate for my story to be heard. Mazie is who I wished I could have been back then, someone who is open about her disability. I hope that she can be an inspiration for children with disabilities and encourage children without disabilities to pursue curiosity with kindness.
“Unlike the main character in the book, I was not brave enough to speak up for myself and to advocate for my story to be heard. Mazie is who I wished I could have been back then, someone who is open about her disability. I hope that she can be an inspiration for children with disabilities and encourage children without disabilities to pursue curiosity with kindness“ – Katie Mazeika
I understand you’ve been able to participate in several community events as well as industry speaking/social engagements with your books. I’d love to hear more about these!
I have been very fortunate; I’ve participated in national panels on disability representation in books at NCTE, ALA, and SCBWI, as well as in local panels at several book festivals. I’ve also presented individually on disability representation in children’s books at several state library conferences. This is a topic very close to my heart, and I’m always thrilled to see how many attendees are also passionate about disability representation in children’s books.
I also do school and library visits, and love interacting with the kids, answering their questions, and creating with them. I have a character writing and illustrating workshop that I do. The kids always come up with the most fantastic characters. They’re so imaginative. It’s one of my favorite programs to hold.
Have you had any notable/special experiences or moments with readers/fans/fellow writers/illustrators during these events? We love to hear the positives, so if you have more than one, feel free to share multiple!
The very first school visit I did for Maybe Just Ask Me, there was a boy in the audience wearing an eyepatch like Mazie. He was hugging a copy of the book throughout the whole presentation. Seeing him holding the book and grinning because he felt seen made me tear up. Afterward, I signed his book and spoke to him. His teacher was at a book festival I was part of a few days later. She told me that was all he talked about all week. More tears. That was the whole reason for writing the book: to make children feel represented and seen.
The feedback from librarians and teachers that Maybe Just Ask Me! connects with their students, and that the book opens doors for conversations, reminds me why I create books. This book, in particular, opened old wounds for me and was really hard to write; those responses make it feel worth it.
What is your big WHY for writing? What does it bring you?
I never felt seen in stories. There were really no disabled characters or scenes in hospitals. The one book where I saw myself was Madeline. I cherished that story and wished there were more like it. I see writing as an opportunity to create characters and share stories so readers with disabilities do not feel alone or forgotten. Like I said, it’s hard to do this sometimes. There are parts of growing up with a disability that I did not fully work through until writing these books. But when I see children able to own their disability and get excited about seeing themselves on the page, it reminds me that I am doing it for them and to honor my younger self.
“I never felt seen in stories. There were really no disabled characters or scenes in hospitals… I see writing as an opportunity to create characters and share stories so readers with disabilities do not feel alone or forgotten.” – Katie Mazeika
What’s one piece of wisdom that you’d like to offer to fellow kidlit writers/illustrators?
It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Keep moving forward, even when it’s hard; you only fail when you give up. And learn to celebrate all the wins (big AND small!).
Thank you so much, Katie, for joining us on the blog today. It’s been a pleasure chatting with you and getting to know you a little better. Thank you for all that you do to provide disability representation in children’s books, as well as the resources you offer to families, educators, and librarians.
Now it’s time for a GIVEAWAY!
GIVEAWAY PRIZES:
For the month of October, Katie is offering two prizes to two winners (1 prize per winner). Prize 1: a signed copy of one of her books. Prize 2: A 20-minute ask me anything call.
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Share a link to the Feature Interview on X (during the corresponding month/year) and tag me @chellysbooks. Want extra entries? Repost my Feature Interview post on X. Don’t have X? Drop a comment at the bottom of the interview.
DEADLINE TO ENTER: LAST DAY OF THE MONTH AT 11:59 PM CST.
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.
Katie Mazeika is an award-winning author and illustrator who can’t imagine a better job than making books. She loves creating stories based on real people and events. Katie is passionate about highlighting disabled voices in her work. Katie strongly believes all children should see themselves in books.
Today, I’m talking with storyteller + filmmaker + Children’s Books Author AND Librarian Makenzie Hice. We’ll be diving into finding inspiration from books, discovering ideas for stories, challenges of the writing process, and the importance of being kind to yourself while creating.
Before we get started with our interview, if this is your first time visiting, here’s a sliver of what you’ll find here on the blog. THE BLOG houses pretty much an endless array of resources and helpful tips for writers and illustrators- and the list is always growing, but one of the most popular and truly incredible things that the blog has to offer is the FEATURE INTERVIEW segment, founded in 2022 and hosted by yours truly, Chelsea DiCicco.
You might be wondering…
WHAT ARE THEY?
WHO ARE THEY FOR?
HOW CAN THEY HELP ME?
Let me shed some light…
Feature Interviews are a monthly collaboration of industry professionals, including authors, illustrators, editors, and agents, having real conversations about the ins and outs of publishing. Many featured guests were at one time, or currently are, also educators, librarians, or booksellers. Their input and perspectives on publishing bring an invaluable amount of knowledge both for newly aspiring authors and/or illustrators, as well as those who are well-established.
These conversations help provide writers and illustrators with tools and insight by giving them an up-close look at publishing across a diverse collection of viewpoints from different sides of the desk. Every month, we dig deep into the behind-the-scenes of publishing, share tips and resources, and provide answers to common (and not-so-common) questions. We also offer PRIZE giveaway opportunities to all readers who take the time to either leave a comment on the blog post or share it on social media. Prizes include free merchandise, one-on-one Zoom mentor calls or Ask-Me-Anythings, manuscript critiques, and more.
Now that we know what’s in store, let’s get this ball rolling!
Makenzie, it’s so great to have you on the blog with us this month! It’s no secret I love libraries and always have a soft spot for talking to fellow librarians. And even though I technically no longer work in a library anymore, I feel like it’s a “once a librarian, always a librarian” type of thing.
Even when I am no longer working for the library, it will always be a significant place for me. The Dewey Decimal System will forever be ingrained in my brain.
Okay, so to get us started, could you tell our readers where you’re located?
I currently live in Portland, Oregon. We are known for our rain here.
Wonderful! So, Makenzie, when reading through your bio in your application for the 2025 Feature Interview lineup, it was very apparent that you have a real love for storytelling. And I thought it was interesting that you mentioned your interest in storytelling was first developed through filmmaking. Could you tell us more about this?
I fell in love with filmmaking when I was fourteen. I started making my own short films with my friends as a creative outlet. I always loved movies and was enchanted by the endless possibilities of visual storytelling. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do in film, so I tried a little bit of everything. My favorite director as a teen was Stanley Kubrick, which is funny to look back on. My goals as a storyteller are the complete opposite now.
I’d love to hear the process of how one form of creative arts led you to find another! Can you tell us how you got from point A. filmmaking to point B. writing?
When I went to Portland State to study film, I wasn’t sure what I specifically wanted to pursue. Once I took my first screenwriting class, my heart was set. I loved being able to make something out of nothing. When it comes to writing, I found relief in knowing not too much could go awry. If I write myself into a corner, I can write myself out of it. I had a favorite screenwriting professor and I took every class of his. He taught me so much about enjoying the process and not beating myself up. Seeing someone who was successful with such a light-hearted attitude when it came to writing really inspired me to stick with it. Writing is hard work, but it doesn’t mean you have to be hard on yourself.
When and how did the pursuit of your publishing career begin?
I was graduating from college in the Summer of 2020. We were all living in an uncertain time, and I felt very lost. I asked my screenwriting professor for advice on where to look for opportunities. He encouraged me to not limit myself. “You are a writer, not just a screenwriter,” he said. Writing children’s books was something I had considered, but I had no idea where to start. Since I was unemployed and had all the time in the world, I started researching how to construct a manuscript and went from there. I took my screenwriting knowledge on structuring stories and developing characters and morphed it to fit the picture book format. I was surprised by how well my past knowledge lent itself to my new phase of writing.
From the time you first began your publishing journey, how long did it take you before you found your “yes” and could you tell us how that happened? (Was it through a contest, a cold query, an in-person event, or something else? Was it an editor/publisher who you submitted directly to?)
I looked up publishers who were accepting unsolicited manuscripts and found several useful lists. I am grateful for how much helpful information there is on the internet. I then took the leap of sending out a manuscript. It was scary, but I figured I couldn’t expect anything from the universe if I wasn’t willing to put myself out there. When you submit to publishers, you may get a polite rejection or hear nothing at all. The first manuscript I sent out received a few rejections, but mainly it was crickets. I then wrote Angel and the Paper Trail and sent it to about five publishers. Within a month, I received an email from Clavis Publishing telling me they wanted to publish my story. My first “yes” came about 5 months after beginning my children’s book-writing journey. I understand my situation was very lucky. I sent the right manuscript to the right person at the right time. I don’t say this to discredit the work I put into it, but I am aware of how long extremely talented people have had to wait to get their first “yes.” I was given a rare opportunity before I had a strong grasp of what I was doing.
I saw on your application that you aren’t represented by a literary agent. Have you been at any point, and/or is that something that you are interested in pursuing in the future?
I have never been represented by a literary agent, but it is my dream to have one. Right now, I am in the rejection portion of my career. I am consistently submitting to agents, adding to my growing list of rejections. Getting rejected isn’t fun, but it is a huge part of the journey. I don’t take it personally. I just let myself feel what I need to feel, dust off my shoulders, and keep trying. I will gladly pay my dues in order to earn the growth I need.
If you weren’t represented by a literary agent for your previous book deals, could you tell our readers about what your experience was like when going through the process of handling and negotiating publishing contracts independently?
My negotiating process wasn’t very extensive. They emailed me the contract. I read it over with my mom and signed it. I am by no means saying this is the best approach when signing a contract, but it is what felt best for me at the time. It was my first book, so I had no prior experience. I’m still learning about the business side of this industry. If I have the fortune of signing another contract in the future, I think there will be a more in-depth conversation going on.
For writers and/or illustrators who are considering submitting directly to publishers without solicitation, do you have any helpful tips you might like to share?
Keep looking and be patient. Publishers’ and agents’ submission windows often change, so it’s good to consistently do research. You may not have a manuscript that is a great fit for a specific publisher right now, but something you create down the line could be. You can’t predict exactly what people are looking for, so don’t be afraid to try different things.
Let’s talk about finding inspiration from books. Have there been any specific books that you can recall that really inspired your creative career today? Explain.
Ever since I was young, I’ve been drawn to sweet-gentle stories. I loved the work of Arnold Lobel (The Frog and Toad series) and Else Holmelund Minarik (The Little Bear series). They have helped shape my view of the world, teaching me to look for the little moments of joy in life. Those are the things that keep my heart warm. When I get caught up in stress, I revisit these stories to remember why I started doing this in the first place.
What are some ways you strive to keep your creative juices flowing, in turn helping you continue discovering new ideas for stories?
Working in a library, I get to be surrounded by books every day. This allows me to see what’s coming out and what classics have withstood the test of time. Pulling inspiration from both old and new gives me a good sense of what kind of stories children are drawn to. Reading children’s books helps keep my childlike view alive. They bring up old memories from when I was a child. Revisiting perspectives I had when I was young helps me tap into a whimsical imagination I once neglected.
Have there been any challenges you’ve had to face during the writing process/publishing journey, and if so, what are some ways you were able to overcome them?
I have trouble trusting my instincts. If I get too close to something, I can’t see it from another point of view. I may have a general idea of what I want to convey, but I can’t find the right words. I overthink and let it stop me in my tracks. Over time, I have learned it is easier to edit a page of clunky words than a page of nothing. I have had to become okay with creating a mess and cleaning it up little by little. The more experience I can get working through my mistakes, the stronger my writing muscles will become.
I love the idea of being kind to yourself while creating. It’s so, so, so important. We often look at and talk about the “fun” side of creativity and the “beauty,” which there is a lot of fun and beauty in it, BUT being creative can also take a LOT out of you. Especially if you’re harnessing it to be used in your everyday career. And if you don’t take time to properly recharge that creativity, you can find yourself on the flipside completely energy-drained. Can you speak to what it means to be kind to yourself while creating? And what are some ways you’ve been able to do this? (If you’d like to mention other ways of being kind to yourself while creating, like not holding yourself to standards of perfection, not comparing yourself to other people’s successes, etc., Feel free to add that as well!)
In order to get better at something, you have to be bad at it for a while. It can feel really uncomfortable. I used to beat myself up if something wasn’t coming easy to me. It takes time to create. The more you try to force it, the more frustrating it will become. It is important to take a break when you hit a wall. When I am burnt out, I give myself a week to catch my breath and clear my head. Pursuing a creative path can be emotionally draining. I think there may always be a little voice in the back of my head whispering, “You’re not good enough.” I can’t silence that voice, but I can acknowledge it for what it is. It is a feeling, not a fact. As soon as I stopped bottling up my negative emotions, the more at peace I had as a writer. Balance looks different for each person. Celebrate the little accomplishments. Even If you were only able to write for fifteen minutes, be proud of yourself. Every little bit counts. You can’t give it your all every single day. You have to find a routine that works for your life.
Okay, I’m itching to know more about your work in the library. How long have you been a librarian? And which library do you currently work in (if you feel comfortable mentioning)?
I have been working for a Multnomah County Library for about three years. It is a three-story building, which lends itself to housing many books. I am actually not a librarian, but just a library worker. I shelve books, make library cards, and do many things to help patrons get what they’re looking for. I share a lot of the work with the librarians, but they are much more qualified and educated than me. Before working in a library, I thought everyone who worked there had a Master’s Degree in Library Science. I was pleasantly surprised to learn this wasn’t the case. There are workers with varying levels of education. This made it possible for me to work in such a cool place.
Have you been able to host any author events at your local library?
I haven’t. To be honest, I feel sort of sheepish when it comes to talking about my book at work. This past year, I have been trying to come out of my shell more and be better at sharing my accomplishments with the people around me.
My book on display at our library!
Speaking of local author events, I’d love to hear about any events you’ve been able to participate in: local/virtual school visits, bookstore visits, library storytimes, etc.
I have done two events at local bookstores. My first event was at Herringbone Books in Redmond, Oregon. I also did a reading at Green Bean Books as part of their back-to-school storytime. I feel very grateful for how kind everyone at these stores was. Last year, I got to visit my brother’s second grade class. It was my first time seeing him in teaching mode. His students were thrilled to meet their teacher’s sister. They were such an engaged audience. I brought little papers so they could make their own notes. I loved seeing how excited they were as they picked their papers and brainstormed what they wanted to write.
My first event at Herringbone Books in Redmond, Oregon!
What has the response to your books and/or events been? Have you had any particularly positive/kind responses while visiting with patrons/classrooms/families? (This could be anything! A kind card. A hand-drawn picture. A thoughtful comment. Etc. Again, if you have pictures you’d like to share, please email them to me as attachments to chelseasworldofbooks@gmail.com)
For the few events I have done, I went into them feeling super nervous. I became a writer because I liked the isolation of it, so being the center of attention is something I struggle with. Despite my nerves, everyone has been so wonderful to me at these events. Someone who had reached out to me through social media months earlier was able to attend one of my events. It felt so amazing to have someone support me in that way. Her kind message had meant so much to me, making me cry happy tears. Getting to meet her in person was so special.
What have been some of your greatest highlights/memories/milestones on the publishing journey? (Again, if you have pictures you’d like to share, please email them
Seeing my book on a library shelf was definitely a pinch me moment. As I was going about my regular day at work, I looked up to discover it sitting there. It was in the company of so many wonderful stories. It was surreal. Another big moment for me was when I found out my book made it onto the Children’s Books Council’s (CBC) 2024 Children’s Favorite list and Teacher Favorite list. It was such an honor to be included. It helped me feel confident at a time when my imposter syndrome was at its height.
Okay, we’ve arrived at the book portion of the interview. Please tell us about your books!
My book, Angel and the Paper Trail is about a young boy who is new to his school and struggling to make friends. He finds a mysterious note inside a book at the school’s library and sets off to find out who wrote it. With the help of his classmate, he begins his search. With each clue they follow, their search team grows.
This story was inspired by the time I spent at the library when I was younger. I hid many notes in library books and wondered if anybody ever found them.
What do you hope your readers, big and small, will experience and/or gain from your stories?
I just hope to bring a little bit of joy and comfort to readers. If readers walk away with a smile, then my job has been done.
Any last words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers today?
A creative path is not an easy path, but it is so rewarding to do what you love. It may feel as if you are not moving forward, but you are making more progress than you think. Accept support and find ways to support others. This community is full of so much kindness. Root for others’ successes, and remember, your moment will come, too.
Thank you so much, Makenzie, for joining us on Chelsea’s World of Books Blog.
Thank you so much for having me! Getting to be a part of this makes me feel like the real deal! And now… it’s time for a GIVEAWAY!
GIVEAWAY PRIZE: A FREE COPY OF ANGEL AND THE PAPER TRAIL
Makenzie is giving away 3 PRIZES (TOTAL) TO 3 WINNERS (TOTAL): 1 PRIZE PER WINNER.
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
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Makenzie Hice grew up in Bend, Oregon, where she first fell in love with storytelling through filmmaking. She spent her summer days walking to her library and leaving notes in books. While attending Portland State University to study film, she uncovered her passion for screenwriting. After receiving the invaluable advice to try writing for other forms, she decided to take a chance at fulfilling her dream of writing a picture book. She currently works in a library where she is happy to be surrounded and inspired by thousands of stories. From time to time, she even gets the fortune of checking in and shelving a copy of Angel and the Paper Trail. Connect with Makenzie on Instagram @makenziehicewrites.
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This year, we’re jumping into our Feature Interview segment with a guest who is every bit as lovely inside as she is out. Please welcome- Lisa Katzenberger! Lisa is a Children’s Book author known best for her beautifully written SEL stories that feature themes like being true to yourself, overcoming fears, and what it means to be a friend. But beyond her wonderfully charming stories, Lisa also wears many other literary hats, including her hat as a Writing Barn faculty member and writing instructor for classes like Write Submit Support. Which (fun fact) is actually how we met!
Before we get started with our interview, if this is your first time visiting, here’s a sliver of what you’ll find here on the blog. THE BLOG houses pretty much an endless array of resources and helpful tips for writers and illustrators- and the list is always growing, but one of the most popular and truly incredible things that the blog has to offer is the FEATURE INTERVIEW segment, founded in 2022 and hosted by yours truly, Chelsea DiCicco.
You might be wondering…
WHAT ARE THEY?
WHO ARE THEY FOR?
HOW CAN THEY HELP ME?
Let me shed some light…
Feature Interviews are a monthly collaboration of industry professionals, including authors, illustrators, editors, and agents, having real conversations about the ins and outs of publishing. Many featured guests were at one time, or currently are, also educators, librarians, or booksellers. Their input and perspectives on publishing bring an invaluable amount of knowledge both for newly aspiring authors and/or illustrators, as well as those who are well-established.
These conversations help provide writers and illustrators with tools and insight by giving them an up-close look at publishing across a diverse collection of viewpoints from different sides of the desk. Every month, we dig deep into the behind-the-scenes of publishing, share tips and resources, and provide answers to common (and not-so-common) questions. We also offer PRIZE giveaway opportunities to all readers who take the time to either leave a comment on the blog post or share it on social media. Prizes include free merchandise, one-on-one Zoom mentor calls or Ask-Me-Anythings, manuscript critiques, and more.
Now that we know what’s in store, let’s get this ball rolling!
Lisa, it’s so truly fantastic to have you here with us today. What an exciting way to kick off the new year. How’s the beginning of the new year treating you so far?
Hi Chelsea! Thank you for having me. My new year is starting off great after a very busy 2024, which ended with me running out of steam and realizing I needed to take a nice long break. I did, and I’m back and ready to hit the ground running in 2025!
Okay, first question. Where are you located? This is a new one, but I think it will be nice for readers to see where on the globe our friends are. Last year, I had people from all parts of the world join this segment. Maybe to celebrate the five-year mark, I’ll do a world map with pins on it to see how many locations we’ve reached. It would also be neat if some of our writers could form local connections this way. I befriended a few local authors last year thanks to the Manuscript Academy podcast. Shoutout to Molly McCaffrey, now M Hendrix. 😊 Turns out we’re in the same SCBWI chapter!
I’m located in the western suburbs of Chicago, in La Grange, Illinois. I’ve lived in the Chicago area my entire life.
Lisa, where and when did your love for writing manifest?
I remember it so clearly! I was in third grade, and we were writing stories in class. Mine was about a haunted house. But when the lesson was over, I just didn’t want to stop writing–I had more story to tell! I told my teacher and she let me keep writing as long as I liked. I was hooked!
Tell us about your journey into kidlit. How did you end where you are today? And when did that journey begin?
I started writing stories in grade school – for several years I took an advanced English class that I think was called TREK, but I never knew what it stood for! But we got to do a lot of creative writing – writing stories and poetry, and I learned about things like alliteration and personification. It was fascinating. I kept writing a bit in high school, then more so in college, where I learned about the short story form and also worked on my college newspaper (which was a blast!). After college, I got a job as a technical writer, and while I was good at it and grateful for a steady salary, I was bored out of my mind. I kept writing stories in notebooks and journals and eventually took my first online creative writing class through Writer’s Digest University. That’s when I began to consider writing for publication, working on short stories and then eventually novels for adults. I’ve had a handful of short stories published and have two and a half novels sitting in the proverbial drawer. But when I had my kids in 2010, and started taking them to library storytimes and reading board books and picture books, that’s when I switched to writing for kids! I joined SCBWI, 12×12, Storystorm, and every challenge you could find. I scoured the KidLit411 website (a FREE gem of information), read every blog post, attended conferences, took classes at The Writing Barn, and just sat down and wrote and wrote and wrote. At this point, I’m represented by Wendi Gu of HG Literary and I’ve had six kidlit books published!
What made you decide to take the route to traditional publishing vs. independent? Explain.
When I first started thinking about getting published, I honestly didn’t realize independent publishing was an option. I still don’t know much about that landscape, but I do appreciate there are lots of different options for creators to get their stories out in the world.
How were you able to find your agent match, and what made you know she was the right one for you? Explain.
I’ve been represented by Wendi Gu for about six years, and she is my second agent. When I was querying the second time around, I was much more focused, had my debut PB under contract, and was further along in my writing career, so it was a shorter process. I loved so many things about Wendi—her warm personality, her Chicago upbringing, her track record selling kidlit, amazing references from clients, and her insight into my stories. But what really won me over (I did have multiple representation offers) was that she told me which stories I shared with her that she thought she could sell and which were just not hitting things right. I knew she would be honest with me, but give her feedback professionally and kindly. Wendi has continued to both support and challenge me over the years, and I’ve grown under her guidance. I am very lucky to have a partnership with her.
Were there any challenges that you faced at the beginning of your publishing journey? If so, what were they, and how were you able to overcome them?
My relationship with my first agent only lasted a couple years, and it was so hard for me to admit that it just wasn’t the right fit. I asked around to a lot of friends who I had made in the kidlit world for advice, and they helped me come to the conclusion that it would be OK to move on and I wouldn’t lose steam in my writing career. It was a scary move to make but has worked out in the long run.
For writers and illustrators who may be facing similar challenges, what advice would you give them?
If you are struggling in your relationship with your agent, be very honest with yourself if this person is helping or hurting you. Are you waiting weeks or months for replies to emails? You shouldn’t have to! Are you afraid you are “bothering” your agent? You aren’t! You are their client, and they want to help you develop your craft and sell your books. If they aren’t doing this, don’t hold on with someone who is not respecting you, your time, and the work of your heart.
What have been some of the greatest highlights of your publishing career? Explain.
One of my favorite highlights was seeing my debut picture book, NATIONAL REGULAR AVERAGE ORDINARY DAY, illustrated by Barbara Bakos, on display at my local independent bookstore, Anderson’s Bookshop. I went with my sister Krista, who was there to pick up a big order she had placed to give copies of my book to her friends and fellow teachers. Krista has since passed away, but she was my biggest fan. I will never forget how excited she was for me.
Me and my daughter Sydney at Anderson’s Bookshop with NATIONAL REGULAR AVERAGE ORDINARY DAY – Krista took this picture.
What have been some of the most difficult things you’ve faced on your publishing journey?
Handling the rejections. For a while, I was getting a thick skin, but over time, the rejections have started to hurt again. The last three books I’ve had out on submission have not sold. I try to focus on my current work, but there’s still heartache when a story you’ve worked so hard on isn’t picked up.
What’s the worst piece of writing advice you’ve ever been told?
I honestly can’t think of any bad writing advice I’ve received! I try to take some sort of learning from everything.
What’s the best?
Slow down. When I’m drafting, I have a tendency to rush through the emotional moments in a story, the parts that hit your heart and make a reader root for the main character. When I go back to revise, I have to remember to slow down pivotal moments in a story to really let the reader know what the character is experiencing.
What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever been told? “Slow down.” – Lisa Katzenberger
Do you have any favorite resources or communities that were especially influential to your writing journey that you’d recommend to other creators? If so, which ones and why/how were they able to help you?
The Writing Barn and the 12×12 Picture Book Challenge were both instrumental to my picture book career. I took classes through The Writing Barn and attended their retreats starting in 2017, and I had a mentorship with the wonderful Bethany Hegedus, who taught me so much and offered endless support and encouragement. With 12×12, in my first few years of writing picture books, I cranked out draft after draft. It was the practice I needed to learn how to craft a good story, and I met so many fellow writers who are now good friends!
Let’s talk a little about writing craft. Can you tell our readers what “craft” is all about and why it’s important to sharpen and hone those skills?
This is a great question, and it brings up a special memory. In the early 2000s, I was writing short stories and attempting to write my first novel. I was taking a class online through AOL messenger (yes, I’ve been at this for that long!,) and I remember the instructor using the word “craft” and I asked him what that word meant. I kind of felt silly afterward when I understood what he meant, but it reminds me that we all have to start somewhere, and there really are no bad questions.
Now, the tricky part is how in the world would I describe the craft of writing? I would say it’s the combination of the art and science of the creative writing process. Things like learning how to choose the best point of view, defining your protagonist’s voice, and identifying your story’s major plot points.
What are some ways writers can learn to better their craft?
Read a lot! You will learn so much from reading stories – both in the genre you like to write and outside of it. Take classes, go to webinars, attend conferences. Meet other writers and talk about the writing process. Work with critique partners to get feedback on your stories. Try lots of different approaches in a story – experiment and have fun!
“Read a lot! You will learn so much from reading stories – both in the genre you like to write and outside of it. Take classes, go to webinars, attend conferences. Meet other writers and talk about the writing process. Work with critique partners to get feedback on your stories. Try lots of different approaches in a story – experiment and have fun!” -Lisa Katzenberger
While we’re on the topic of learning and improving, can you tell us a little bit about the other literary work you do outside of writing and publishing books for kids?
I teach writing courses online as well! I have taught classes or webinars through The Writing Barn, SCBWI, Inked Voices, and 12×12.
How did you end up working as a writing instructor? And do you feel this helps ground you in the literary world and also helps strengthen your own skills as a writer?
From 2017-2020, I attended three retreats at The Writing Barn, took two online classes, and began a mentorship with Bethany. Bethany and I got to be good friends, and as my work became published, she asked me to teach Perfecting the Picture Book I at The Writing Barn. From there, I taught other courses at the Writing Barn and did webinars for Inked Voices, SCBWI, and 12×12. Part of the joy of teaching is giving back to the writing community and sharing the knowledge I’ve gained over the years. It also helps me remember that we are all constantly learning – I still take classes and webinars all the time. I am inspired and encouraged by my students, and when they take chances with their work and push themselves, it inspires me to do the same.
The Writing Barn, Austin Texas
“Part of the joy of teaching is giving back to the writing community and sharing the knowledge I’ve gained over the years. It also helps me remember that we are all constantly learning…” -Lisa Katzenberger
Speaking of your writing, I’d love to talk some about writing SEL picture books. As you know, I love SEL picture books and quiet stories with lots of heart and sentiment. Your books are always favorites of mine. They always leave me feeling the warm fuzzies. You know when I get those because usually, I close the book and hold it to my chest and smile. Sometimes, I’ll even shut my eyes to savor the moment. For readers who may be wondering what SEL is, could you share a little more about what SEL books are?
SEL stands for Social Emotional Learning. In my research about SEL over the years, I found this definition from CASELto be helpful: “SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.”
CASEL SEL Framework
Now, SEL picture books can be a hard sell for a lot of reasons. For one thing, your craft has to be just right for the story to really sing. And just because you have a lovely message doesn’t necessarily mean that a kid will find it lovely. So, it’s a delicate balance of finding the “kid” voice, tempered with the right pacing and right heart levels, and making sure it’s enjoyable for the readers (big and small). It’s really quite the master balancing act! But you always manage to do it so well. Can you tell our readers what your secret to writing a perfect SEL story is?
I see SEL books as those that focus more on how a character feels rather than what they do. These books are not as heavy on plot and may focus on exploring a specific emotion like empathy. For a great list of examples, check out librarian Betsy Bird’s recent list.
Oh gosh, I don’t know that I possess any secrets! But what I do have is a ton of tenacity. My SEL books take much longer for me to write. I go through 40-50 revisions over the course of several years. When there is a theme that is important to me, and I really want to tell a specific story, I really dig my heels in and refuse to give up!
“When there is a theme that is important to me, and I really want to tell a specific story, I really dig my heels in and refuse to give up!” -Lisa Katzenberger
What are some hints and/or tips you can share with a writer on how to tighten or improve their SEL story? Do you have a magic checklist for what makes a SEL story sing?
I don’t have a checklist, but I often teach about thinking of the emotional shift in an SEL book. If it’s a story where your character changes (and they don’t have to!) you can look at what the emotional arc of their story is. For IT WILL BE OK: A Story of Empathy, Kindness, and Friendship, Giraffe moves from anxious to empathetic. In I CAN DO IT EVEN IF I’M SCARED: Finding The Brave You, the characters move from scared to brave.
A map of the Plot and Emotion ARCS in IT WILL BE OKAY
-I love this visual of your story arc. It’s so helpful! Thanks for sharing.
Okay, time to celebrate some happy things. What have been some of the positive responses you’ve received from readers? And how did their words/actions make you feel?
I have been doing school visits this past year, and I love meeting with young readers. As they are coming into the presentation, some of them will ask me, “Are you The Author?” like it’s an official title. I think letting kids see the creator behind books helps them realize that they, too, could grow up to be an author or whatever they dream of being!
Lisa at a school visit
What are three things that instantaneously make you smile when you think about your career as a Children’s Book Author?
I get to make things up all day, I’m my own boss, and I can make kids think or feel something new.
-All wonderful things!
If you could share some words of wisdom with other writers and illustrators, pertaining to publishing and/or life, what would they be?
My 88-year-old mom, bless her heart, always says, “getting old isn’t for sissies!” You have to be a tough cookie to survive this publishing business, too. It is all really, really hard. The rejection, the self-doubt, the waiting (so much waiting!), the odds being stacked against us. And when you get to one milestone (say, signing with an agent), you realize there are a bunch of other milestones after that (selling a manuscript to an editor, getting your books into stores, having a decent sales record, the opportunity to sell another manuscript). There are so many points in this process where it would be SO easy to just throw your hands up and walk away. But please don’t! The world needs your stories – and not just the kids – the parents, teachers, and librarians need them too! Story is how we expand our worldview, learn something new, have a good laugh, or see ourselves reflected. As creators, we are doing important work for this world – keep at it!
-Oh my gosh, I love this!!
Let’s talk about books! Could you tell us about some of your books and your inspiration behind writing them?
Most of my books were inspired by real-life events! Here is some background:
-Ooh, I did not know that! FUN FACTS with Lisa! Tell us more…
CROC & GATOR: Swamp Ranger School was inspired by my family travels. We took a swamp tour in Louisiana and I was fascinated with the setting. When I created my characters, and needed to give them a job, I was inspired by the National Park Service Junior Ranger program that my kids have participated in.
IT BELONGS TO THE WORLD: Frederick Banting and the Discovery of Insulin was inspired by my son Ryan who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and requires a constant supply of insulin to survive.
I CAN DO IT EVEN IF I’M SCARED: Finding The Brave You was inspired by my experiences in therapy. I talk about it in this interview with Psychology Today, as well as the Author’s Note at the beginning of the book.
Do you have any fun/exciting stories about things that have happened with any of your books?
For A LOVE LETTER TO MY LIBRARY, illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr, I commissioned a unique song from the amazing Emily Arrow. I use it at storytimes and school visits, and it’s been a lot of fun. Emily uses ASL and hand motions in the video. When I was doing school visits this fall, one librarian had shown her students the video prior to my arrival. I was worried they would be bored watching it again, but when I played the videos, they all started singing along and signing! I got goosebumps – it was so sweet! You can watch Emily’s video here.
-How amazing! I love that you did this. What a fantastic resource for ASL. And I can only imagine how fun it must have been to have this experience with the kids. Thanks for sharing, Lisa!
Students watch Emily Arrow sing the song she created to accompany A LOVE LETTER TO MY LIBRARY.
What do you hope readers will feel while and/or after reading one of your books?
I hope that they feel hopeful! Hopeful that they can be brave, talk about their feelings, be a good friend, or discover something new.
-I love this response! So beautiful!
Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?
I feel like I am at this weird point in my career where I’ve achieved so many of my initial goals, and yet at the same time, I feel like I don’t know if I’ll be lucky enough to keep going. In the past few months, I’ve been working with a career coach to focus on what success means to me and what steps I need to take to achieve that. Thinking about being a full-time author as a career I want to maintain has been intimidating, but I am hoping that if I continue to work hard and a little luck still falls my way, I will be able to keep writing books for a long time.
Lisa, thank you so much for joining us today and for all that you do for the kidlit community and your readers (big and small!) You bring so much courage and care to your work, and it truly makes a difference.We appreciate you!!
Now it’s time for…
OUR GIVEAWAY!!!
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Leave a comment on this post and/or share it on social media and tag me X @chellysbooks or Instagram @chelseasworldofbooks ** Every time you share this post to a new platform and tag me, that counts as an extra giveaway entry.**
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DEADLINE TO ENTER:January 31st, 2025by 11:59 PM CST
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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.
Traditionally published – meaning her work has been acquired by an editor at a publishing house, not a vanity/paid-for service or press.
Represented by literary agent Wendi Gu.
BIO Lisa Katzenberger has been writing stories since she was a kid. Books have been a part of her life since her mom took her to their local library each week, letting her roam around the children’s section, picking out whatever she wanted to read. She loved escaping into stories, and she still can’t believe she gets to write them for kids now! Lisa is the author of I CAN DO IT EVEN IF I’M SCARED: Finding the Brave You, A LOVE LETTER TO MY LIBRARY, IT BELONGS TO THE WORLD: Frederick Banting and the Discovery of Insulin, IT WILL BE OK: A Story of Empathy, Kindness, and Friendship, and CROC & GATOR: Swamp Ranger School. She is on the faculty of The Writing Barn, where she teaches picture book writing courses and serves on the Board of Trustees of her local library. Lisa lives near Chicago with her husband and two children.
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!
Looking for a specific topic? Browse the list below to find a link to information on one of these topics:
In today’s feature interview, I’m talking with children’s author Emma Pearl about exciting ways of breaking into the kidlit market. Emma shares how she got her first book deal through a Twitter/X pitch event and shares tips for other creators on ways/places to go to participate and put themselves out there!
But before we jump in… 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!
INTRODUCTIONS AND EARLY BEGINNINGS
Emma, it’s such a treat to have you joining us today! I share your sentiment that all journeys to publication are unique and interesting, and yours is certainly an inspirational one. I can’t wait to dive into the story of your publication. I’d love to start our interview today back at the beginning. What was your beginning inspiration for joining the world of kidlit?
I’ve always loved reading and writing and have had a lifelong affinity with children’s literature. Stories can be so magical and transformative for young people – a place to escape, to explore yourself and your place in the world, to discover endless possibilities. I’m not sure there was a ‘beginning’; it’s just always been a passion of mine.
Have you always known that you wanted to be a writer, or is it something that you discovered later? I’ve always known – as soon as I could hold a pencil, I was writing stories, stapling pieces of paper together to make books!
-Same!-
You had a pretty famous family member who also wrote for children. I’ll let you share who that mystery person is! What was that like growing up? And did their writing legacy influence you and your desire to write for kids?
Roald Dahl was my great-uncle, and I think it’s probably not a stretch to say that his legacy has had a profound influence on many people across the globe, including many children’s authors. He was a huge presence in my early childhood – a kind of magnetic, charismatic, mystical, and sometimes slightly intimidating locus of energy. Being at his house was always hugely exciting and a little scary – whether he was taking us on walks up to the woods and telling stories about the Witching Tree that grew there, showing us his giant greenhouse full of exotic and mysterious plants, letting us play in his Danny the Champion of the World caravan, or threatening to chuck all the children in the garbage! Plenty of inspiration for a young imagination.
I have to ask… do you have a favorite of one of your uncle’s books? If so, which and and why?
The Twits is dedicated to me, so that’s naturally a special book for me. But I think my favorite is Matilda – she’s just such an iconic female character. I also feel a personal connection to her, as I believe (although I can’t confirm it 100%) that Miss Trunchbull was at least partly based on one of my teachers!
-Oh my gosh... goosebumps! And yes, Matilda is absolutely brilliant. Also one of my favorites.-
“Roald Dahl was my great-uncle… He was a huge presence in my early childhood – a kind of magnetic, charismatic, mystical, and sometimes slightly intimidating locus of energy.” – Emma Pearl @emmspearl
Prior to publication, and maybe even still, what kind of work were/are you doing outside of writing, and did that somehow play a role in your journey to entering kidlit publishing?
I’ve worked in all kinds of jobs, from contemporary art to travel to professional regulation. I also worked in kidlit publishing in London for a couple of years in the late '90s, which I loved. I’m not sure these days whether work (i.e. earning a living) and writing kidlit are very closely aligned, sadly.
Speaking of which… it’s time to jump into the when and how! When and how did your publishing journey begin?
Although I’d been writing stories all my life, my first ‘real’ step into the publishing world was in 2020 when I was selected as a mentee for the WriteMentor mentorship program.
Let’s talk about those first steps as a new writer breaking into the industry. When you decided you wanted to pursue publication professionally, what were your first steps? Did you query agents and/or submit directly to editors?
I didn’t do either to start with – I was far too lacking in confidence! Before I applied for that mentorship, I had spent 4 years learning as much as I could from free resources online and practicing the craft. I also read as much as I possibly could.
Were there any writing groups or organizations that were especially instrumental in helping you in your beginning stages of writing? If so, what were they, and how did they help you?
WriteMentor was an amazing resource. I was a mentee in 2020 with a middle-grade novel, and in 2021 and 22, after I got my book deal, I was a picture book mentor for the same program. I learned as much from being a mentor as I did being a mentee, but the most valuable takeaways from all 3 years were the connections and feeling of community. I think WriteMentor’s tagline is ‘writing can be lonely, but it doesn’t need to be,’ which is so true and perfectly encapsulates what they do as an organization. If you haven’t discovered them yet, I recommend checking them out. Can you tell us about some of the events and contests that you’ve participated in, which ones you would most recommend to other authors, and why?
There was a time when I would enter every free-to-enter contest and pitch event. It can be good for honing your craft, and obviously, it’s lovely if you get some recognition, but I think, in hindsight, it took a much bigger toll on my creativity and my mental well-being than I realized at the time. It can be very emotionally draining to be in that constant cycle of writing to a brief, submission, hope/excitement, and disappointment/rejection. Pitch events have a similar rollercoaster effect on the emotions. Although let’s face it – that’s what being a writer is all about, so it’s also very good practice!
Pace yourself and don't feel pressured to participate in anything if you haven't the time or headspace to do it well or to handle disappointment.
One of my favorite contests is Vivian Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words, which not only always has a ton of amazing entries and prizes but also includes a literacy initiative that gets books from an independent bookstore into schools. Everyone wins!
As far as pitch events go, I’m honestly not sure which ones are still going, but one I used to love was Mood Pitch, where you had to post a mood board with your pitch - I’m an absolute sucker for those visual aesthetics!
Speaking of contests… let’s talk book deals and magical moments in publishing!
[Words of wisdom: Writing resource recommendations] “WriteMentor was an amazing resource. I think WriteMentor’s tagline is ‘writing can be lonely, but it doesn’t need to be,’ which is so true and perfectly encapsulates what they do as an organization.” -Emma Pearl
[Words of wisdom: Advice on writing contests + events] “Pace yourself and don’t feel pressured to participate in anything if you haven’t the time or headspace to do it well or to handle disappointment.” – Emma Pearl
[Writing contests + events] “Can be good for honing your craft, and obviously, it’s lovely if you get some recognition, but I think, in hindsight, it took a much bigger toll on my creativity and my mental well-being than I realized at the time. It can be very emotionally draining to be in that constant cycle of writing to a brief, submission, hope/excitement, and disappointment/rejection.” @emmspearl
“WriteMentor was an amazing resource. I was a mentee in 2020 with a middle-grade novel, and in 2021 and 22, after I got my book deal, I was a picture book mentor for the same program. I learned as much from being a mentor as I did being a mentee, but the most valuable takeaways from all 3 years were the connections and feeling of community.” @emmspearl
In your application, you shared a unique experience about how you landed your first book deal. It’s one of those experiences that is a one-off and so exciting to hear about. Would you mind telling our readers about how you landed your first “big break?” I’m sure they’d love to hear about it!
Okay, I got my book deal on Twitter. There, I said it! I know it’s all gone a bit awry since the bird has flown from there, but back in the day, it was a wonderful place to connect with other writers and home to a thriving writing community. I entered every pitch event, and one of those was #PBPitch, for picture books only. I think it was held four times a year, and I did it maybe four or five times. I didn’t get any agent likes, but I received encouraging comments from other writers and enjoyed participating in the community interaction. I had zero expectations for anything else, so it was an incredible surprise when I received a like from the Page Street Kids editor on one of my pitches in October 2020. I love hearing experiences like this. It’s so hopeful for others. And I can only imagine how exciting this must have been for you! Could you walk us through some of the steps that took place after the Twitter event?
I sent the editor my manuscript straight away, and we went through a few rounds of revisions. By Christmas that year, I had a book deal! It was super exciting! A few minor tweaks were needed after the contract was signed, and then the publisher gave me a long list of potential illustrators and asked for my input. We ended up working with Sara Ugolotti, who did a stunning job of bringing the story to life.
You mentioned in your letter that you didn’t have an agent for your first two book deals. Was this intentional? Did you query agents after receiving your first two book deals? Why or why not?
I hadn’t actually started querying properly at this stage. I received some full requests from agents as a result of the WriteMentor showcase in September 2020, and I sent out a handful of queries around the same time (maybe three or four). Nothing materialized from the showcase in the end, but the pitch event happened, and I got busy (moving from the UK to New Zealand in the middle of the pandemic was a little crazy!), so querying was put on hold for a while.
So now, you do have an agent who represents your young adult work. How did that come about?
I finished writing another novel about a year later and began querying it in February 2022. This time, I was thorough and methodical (and lucky!), and I received an offer from Sera Rivers only 3 months later.
I’m curious about this. Was there a reason you sought representation for young adult but not children’s? Or did it just happen this way by chance?
To be honest, I’ve always been more focused on writing novels than picture books. It just happened that my picture book deal came out of the blue. In 2022, I queried my picture books and my novels but had far more agent interest in the novels despite already having picture books contracted. Every part of kidlit is so fiercely competitive, but I think picture books, possibly most of all. Since you’ve had the unique experience of both having literary representation and also not having representation when handling book deals, could you share with our readers a little bit about what this process is like on both ends?
I think the process depends very much on the publisher and on the agent – experiences can differ wildly whether you’re represented or not. I was very lucky to have a wonderful editorial experience with Kayla Tostevin at Page Street Kids, and I don’t think that being without an agent for that deal had any negative impact. My agent is also wonderful, and emotionally, it’s great to have her support during the submission process. We haven’t landed a book deal together yet, but she’s been very patient with me this year while I’ve had a bit of a hiatus for personal reasons, and she continues to believe in me and my stories. If someone was interested in submitting directly to an editor/publisher without having literary representation, what are some essential things they should know beforehand?
Do your research! There are plenty of publishers that accept un-agented submissions, but make sure you know who you’re submitting to (there are many resources online, but one I’ve found to be very useful is the list published by children’s author Bitsy Kemper), and that your story is a good fit with their list. Also, give yourself the best chance by not submitting until your manuscript is really ready, i.e., you have received as much feedback as you can handle, ideally from a supportive critique group, and taken it on board as far as it resonates. Polish that story until it shines!
Are there any recommendations or tips you have for writers who are on the fence about which way to go- to be agented or not to be agented? What are some of the pros/cons or help/freedoms of each?
It’s a very personal decision, so I hesitate to advise on this – what’s right for one person is definitely not right for all, and there is so much variability in publishing. I think most writers starting out would give anything to be published, with or without an agent. It’s wonderful to have an agent supporting and believing in you and also protecting your interests on the contractual side of things, but the traditional publishing route is not without its challenges, and there are certainly opportunities for un-agented writers, too. I would say, whichever path you find yourself on (it’s not always a choice!), give yourself grace and look after your mental health.
ADVICE FOR AUTHORS on traditional publishing without an agent: Do your research! There are plenty of publishers that accept unagented submissions, but make sure you know who you’re submitting to & give yourself the best chance by not submitting until your manuscript is ready!
[Words of wisdom: Choosing routes to publishing:] “What’s right for one person is definitely not right for all, and there is so much variability in publishing… traditional publishing is not without its challenges, and there are certainly opportunities for un-agented writers, too. …Whichever path you find yourself on… give yourself grace and look after your mental health.” -Emma Pearl
HURDLES & HIGHLIGHTS
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced on your publishing journey, and how have you been able to overcome them?
Rejection is the biggest challenge, and I believe that’s the case for all writers, no matter where they are in their publishing journey. It’s constant, relentless, and brutal. I think having an agent helps with this because a) they act as a buffer so the rejections aren’t flying directly into your inbox (I know all agents work differently, but mine has a spreadsheet that I can look at when I choose to), and b) they are a great source of moral support and continue to believe in you no matter how many rejections you rack up!
For creators who may be facing similar struggles, what words of encouragement would you like to share?
Self-care is so important. Remind yourself often that signing with an agent or directly with an editor is a matter of good luck and serendipity as much as anything else, and try not to measure your progress or your self-worth by things that are outside of your control. Find cushions (e.g. collect all the uplifting comments you’ve received about your writing and keep them where you can see them; create a reward system for yourself for achieving your word count goals, submissions, and rejections) and barriers (e.g., create a separate inbox for querying and check it once a week or only when you feel strong) that work for you. Be kind to yourself!
-Such great advice!-
What have been some of the most rewarding, fulfilling, and happy moments of your publishing career so far?
Right now, I’m having an amazing experience – the British International School in Washington, DC, is about to put on a stage performance of Mending the Moon! It’s truly an author's dream come true for me and such a huge honor. Sadly, I won’t be able to see it in person, but I’m waiting with bated breath to see the recording of the performance. This happy event has also brought about another opportunity, as the student who’s playing the main character, Luna, is a budding young writer, and I’m delighted to be helping her hone her skills in a kind of unofficial mini-mentorship. These are honestly the kind of interactions that make being a children’s writer so incredible.
[Words of wisdom: Challenges in publishing + how to overcome them] “Rejection is the biggest challenge, and I believe that’s the case for all writers, no matter where they are in their publishing journey. It’s constant, relentless, and brutal. Self-care is so important. …Try not to measure your progress or your self-worth by things that are outside of your control. … Collect all the uplifting comments you’ve received about your writing and keep them where you can see them… Create a reward system for yourself for achieving your goals… Be kind to yourself!”
WORDS OF WISDOM
If you could share a piece of advice with readers today, publishing or otherwise, what would it be?
The world is a difficult place at the moment and it’s easy to feel powerless, insignificant, overwhelmed and despairing. Focus on the present – what can you do now? What is within your control? All any of us can do is our best, but we can do that in everything we do, even the boring, menial tasks. And be kind – to others, to the planet, and most importantly, to yourself!
BOOKS!
Okay, it’s time for the books. Tell us about your work! What are your books about? What was their inspiration? All the fun details!
What do you hope your readers will gain from your stories? I hope that readers of all ages will feel a sense of joy and wonder at the magic of nature and maybe feel inspired to follow Luna’s example – not to feel helpless and overwhelmed at the scale of the problems that need fixing, but to just do whatever is within your power to do, however small it may be. On a more personal level, I think it’s a story that parents and grandparents will enjoy reading with their children, and it’s a joy to me to hear when people simply love the story – and the beautiful illustrations, of course.
Have you been able to host any author events either in-person or virtually? If so, where? And what kind of event? We’d love to hear all about it! Pictures are great, too, if you have them!
I’ve done a few library and bookshop events and some school visits. But living in New Zealand makes it all quite difficult. I’ve participated in a couple of virtual panels hosted by the amazing Books of Wonder in NY (Mending the Moon available here and Saving the Sun available here ), which were great fun. But I guess the funniest story was the bookshop event where no one turned up, and my post about putting on a brave face but feeling crushed went viral!
What kind of responses have you had from readers, big and small?
I’ve had some amazing responses. The stories resonate particularly with grandparents as they feature a grandparent relationship, but have also been popular with teachers, as they are full of great learning points. But my favorite responses are when kids themselves pluck up the courage to tell me in person how much they loved the books. That really means the world.
Thank you so much for joining us on Chelsea’s World of Books literary blog. We love getting to know our writing friends better!
And now… It’s time for a GIVEAWAY!
GIVEAWAY:
For the month of December, Emma Pearl will be offering 2 prizes to 2 winners. (ONE prize per winner.)
PRIZES: One copy of Mending the Moon and one copy of Saving the Sun
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Leave a comment on this post!
And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribeto 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: December 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).
My debut picture book, Mending the Moon, in 2022, followed by Saving the Sun in 2023 (both illustrated by Sara Ugolotti and published by Page Street Kids). Originally from the UK, I live in New Zealand and write fiction for young people of all ages, from picture books to young adults. I am represented by Sera Rivers at Speilburg Literary.
A peek at Emma’s adorable and informative ‘Tell me why you think you’d be a good fit to be featured?’ answer for the 2024 Feature Interview application: “All journeys to publication are unique and interesting – my book deal came from a Twitter pitch event (#PBPitch), and I think those kind of one-in-a-million stories are always inspiring. I was un-agented for both book contracts and signed with my agent later for a YA novel. Also, Roald Dahl was my great uncle and dedicated The Twits to me, so that’s always a good conversation starter, too!“
Did you enjoy this interview?
Thank the author & host by purchasing/reviewing 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. 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!
Looking for a specific topic? Browse the list below to find a link to information on one of these topics:
In this Feature Interview, Stephanie Wildman talks about her inspirational journey to publishing that began at age 69- and how it’s never too late to pursue your dreams!
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, POST A COMMENT AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS FEATURE INTERVIEW! Want extra entries? Share a link to this article on X or IG and tag X @chellys books or IG @chelseasworldofbooks so I can add your extra entries!
Not that we’ve shared a little about what’s in store… it’s time to jump into our interview!
INTRODUCTIONS AND BEGINNINGS: WHEN, WHY, HOW?
Stephanie, welcome to Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog. We’re so excited to have you with us! For our guests who may not be familiar with Stephanie, she’s the writer of five picture books, including Treasure Hunt (the first book in the Flor, Roberto, & Luis series), Brave in the Water, and a newly released picture book - this month- (congratulations!) Miri’s Moving Day (co-authored with Adam Ryan Chang, illustrated by Dream Chen). Stephanie, we can’t wait to hear about your books. But first, I’d love to learn more about you and your path to publishing. I always love starting my interviews by asking about the why. What was the “why” behind your decision to pursue children’s publishing as a career? Has writing always been something you’ve been passionate about, or did you discover your love of literature as an adult?
I have always loved libraries, reading, and writing. My fondest childhood memories are of trips with my family to the local library – usually in the early evening because my mom didn’t drive, but my father took us all after work. I created a pen name for myself in the fourth grade. Your question asks why I chose writing for children as a career – and I think, in fairness, I have to say I didn’t – I couldn’t see how to make a living at it, so I went to law school and became a law professor. Some of my friends would say I’ve always been a writer anyway since I wrote five books and dozens of law review articles in that career. But that writing was different than the focus on fiction for children that I now have, even though I still retain that social justice sensibility that drove my legal work. Writing for children is my happy place, reminding me how I loved reading Beverly Cleary books, Munro Leaf’s Story of Ferdinand, and countless other books that took me to faraway worlds with people having different experiences.
-This is just fascinating. I love hearing how people ended up in kidlit. And I think having writing for children as your happy place is a great way to look at it. Also, it’s beyond cute that you created a pen name in fourth grade!-
Writing for children is my happy place, reminding me how I loved reading Beverly Cleary books, Munro Leaf’s Story of Ferdinand, and countless other books that took me to faraway worlds with people having different experiences.
I know you mentioned that your journey to publishing started later in life - at age 69 - which is just incredible! Your journey is definitely a testament to the statement, “It’s never too late to start something new!” I’d love to hear a little bit about what kind of work you were in prior to your career in publishing- and what influence your earlier acts played - if any - in your decision to enter kidlit publishing?
I guess I answered some of this question in the above response – isn’t that just like a law professor to anticipate and elaborate on the question? I will add that even in my legal writing I did tell stories to illustrate points I was trying to make. When I published the first edition of Privilege Revealed: How Invisible Preference Undermines America (with contributions by Margalynne Armstrong, Adrienne Davis & Trina Grillo), I sent a copy to my college creative writing teacher (yes, I took creative writing classes back then). She wrote back that now she saw “what creative writing classes were for.” Narrative storytelling is a great way to reach audiences of any age. As at least one craft book has aptly pointed out, our brains are wired for stories.
-How cool!-
So, we have a little background on earlier years. Now, I’m curious: what events led to you entering the kidlit publishing world? And when did your journey begin? We’d love to hear about your beginning steps! Querying agents/submitting to publishing houses, rejections, revisions, finding critique groups- all of it!
My kidlit publishing journey began when I made one of my best decisions ever – to take a class from Maxine Rose Schur, a wonderful writer, teacher, and now friend. I really knew nothing. I had an idea for a book (that became Brave in the Water), and Maxine said, “It’s a picture book.” I’m not artistic, so I was doubtful. I didn’t understand that the publisher picks the illustrator – I didn’t have to be artistic at all. From this class, I also learned about SCBWI (where I found a critique group) and 12x12 Picture Book Challenge (with educational webinars to continue my learning about craft). I began to understand a whole world of kid lit resources full of kind people existed. I did begin querying agents after many rewrites of Brave in the Water, which started at over 900 words. I learned it had to be under 500, which seemed impossible. I didn’t even understand that one should have several polished manuscripts to share before starting to submit to agents; I had only the one. While I did get some champagne rejections, along with form rejections and radio silence, too, I didn’t land an agent. But I had stayed in touch with Maxine. When we connected some months after the class, she said, “Haven’t you sold that book yet?” She had always believed in it, helping me with multiple revisions. When I told her I had not sold it, she suggested I send the manuscript directly to Lawley Publishing, a small woman-owned company. They accepted it within a month – a month that happened to be during the pandemic lockdown.
-This is incredible, Stephanie. Wow! Also, having writing friends like this who believe in us can be a huge game-changer. Sometimes, we don’t see the same magic in ourselves (or our stories) that others do… That imposter syndrome is the silent dream killer. I’m so glad you had a supportive friend in your corner who pushed you to pursue publication and take chances.-
My kidlit publishing journey began when I made one of my best decisions ever – to take a class from Maxine Rose Schur, a wonderful writer, teacher, and now friend.
PUBLISHING ROUTES: TRADITIONAL? INDEPENDENT? AGENT? NO AGENT? CONTRACTS + BOOK DEALS + MORE
What made you choose traditional publishing over independent publishing?
I did consider independent publishing, but as I mentioned, I’m not artistic. I didn’t feel confident that I could shepherd the manuscript through the whole publication process with book design as well as choosing illustrations and distribution. A traditional publisher made more sense to me, so I wouldn’t have to invent the wheel. For readers who may be on the fence about which route to take, what are some of the pros and cons of indie/traditional? Explain.
*Note for my readers: it’s important to remember that these answers are SUBJECTIVE. What might be a pro for one person could very well be a con for another, or vice versa. Publishing is not a ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL. My advice? Do your due diligence. Figure out what YOU want out of publishing and lean into what works best for YOU.*
I want to second Chelsea’s note here about figuring out what YOU want from your writing experience – not just in choosing a route to publication but also in measuring what success means to you. To some people, book sales measure success. My primary goal is for my book to be in libraries! (remember – I love libraries. And there is a great website – worldcat.org – where you can track what libraries have your books.)
-Oh my gosh, Stephanie. How did I not know about this? Formerly a librarian myself, I’m glad you shared this resource! Thank you! As you were saying…-
My understanding is that acquisition librarians generally look to traditionally published books for their purchases. But independent publishing can be a way to get your creation out in the broader world, if that is your primary goal. But it’s also expensive. I wanted to use my resources to buy books for little free libraries rather than spend upfront to get the book created. And I liked the collaborative aspect of book creation with the publisher’s team.
Are you currently (and/or have you ever been) represented by a literary agent/agency?
I do not have an agent. As one writing colleague noted, an agent still has to sell the book.
-Very true. An agent does not guarantee a book sale. And on the other side of that coin… having no agent does not mean you won’t have a book sale.-
Is finding an agent something you want to pursue in the future? Why or why not?
I am open to finding an agent, especially a more hands-on editorial agent. As a member of the Writers Grotto, I see the range of writers who have agents, who seek them, and who are going it alone. It all really does come down to what you want your writing experience to be for you. An agent can help a writer get access to bigger publishing houses with more resources. I’m happy, though, that my books are out in the world. My definition of success, as I said, is more about getting the books into libraries to reach the largest audience.
For our readers who haven’t yet reached the other side of publication (but are eager to), could you share a little bit about your experience with book deals and contracts, specifically, contract negotiations, advances, and royalties? How do these all work?
As someone trained as a lawyer, I’m not intimidated by reading a contract. But I urge people without that training to get legal advice. The Authors’ Guild will give contract advice to members, and while I haven’t used that service, I think it would be worth the price of membership.
-Another fantastic tidbit of helpful information for our readers- thanks for sharing this resource, Stephanie!-
I have never been the best negotiator for myself, so that may be another role an agent might play. I have asked, for each book with each publisher, to have a say in selecting the illustrator, even though that condition hasn’t been a clause in the contract. Having input into the book’s creation was more important to me than anything else. Having that interaction happen is more based on trust, even with a contract clause.
Can you walk us through your experience of working with publishing houses on a project: things like working with art directors to find an illustrator for your writing and how much say, if any, you as the writer have this process?
When I worked at fundraising for social justice, we used to say, if you’ve seen one foundation, you’ve seen ONE foundation – meaning they are all so different. I believe the same may be true of publishing houses, having worked with two different ones with different approaches. One thing I have loved about Lawley Publishing is that, because they are small, the publishers begin with a Zoom meeting giving me a chance to share my vision of the book. I loved that they wanted to know my ideas, and judging from other author’s reactions, it’s kind of unusual to be asked that question. We also consulted on illustrators, and once an illustrator came on board, we had another Zoom meeting about illustrations before any sketches got created.
As someone trained as a lawyer, I’m not intimidated by reading a contract. But I urge people without that training to get legal advice. The Authors’ Guild will give contract advice to members,
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES + HIGHLIGHTS + PIECES OF ADVICE
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced (and/or are still facing) on the publishing journey, and how have you been able to overcome them?
Having my first book debut during the pandemic was a challenge. My local bookstore suggested I pair with another writer so we could draw a larger audience to Zoom. I have found this pairing strategy a good one for future events, even post-pandemic. It’s fun to boost other authors and share that spotlight.
-I echo this! Doing group/partner book events is SO fun! When I worked for our library as the events coordinator, I used to arrange author events all the time (practically whenever I could!), and I always encouraged local authors to come in groups of 2-5, and sometimes, I’d even host larger panels over the weekends so that guests would be more drawn in by the size of the event.
Plus, as an added bonus: if you’re uncomfortable about being in the spotlight, as many authors who are introverted by nature often are, sharing it with others is always nice. And it’s a great way to build new connections within your local writing community!-
Another challenge that we all face is rejection. Having published articles and books before my kidlit journey, I was further along in understanding rejection is just part of the process – it is more the norm than acceptance. I won’t say that rejections don’t sting a little – we all would like that “yes,” of course. But so many opportunities for rejection are ever present in this business, even once you have published a book! You ask someone to review it or host you on a blog or podcast, or let you read at their bookstore (or carry your book). I’ve gotten surprising “no’s” or ghost responses, as well as surprising “yeses.” I think I’ve gotten better at just asking.
-This is so true and important for writers. The worst that you can get is a “no,” but you’ll never get the “yeses” if you don’t ASK. So, ASK! And if it’s a no, that’s okay. ASK again!-
What’s one piece of advice that you would like to share with readers who may be dealing with similar challenges?
Like I said, just ask. Submit, take the risk. Try again. Don’t spend a lot of time being bummed out or derailed. Breathe. Take a walk. And get back to writing.
-100% AGREE!-
“…Just ask. Submit, take the risk. Try again. Don’t spend a lot of time being bummed out or derailed. Breathe. Take a walk. And get back to writing.” – Stephanie Wildman
What have been some of the greatest highlights of your author journey?
So many highlights! The best are the photos of kids hugging the books, like the mom who mailed me a picture with the bookmark her daughter had made for Brave in the Water because it was her new favorite book that she was reading over and over. I also cherish the opportunities to read to children at bookstores, libraries, and schools. And, of course, the new friends I’ve made, like my wonderful, wonderful critique group and members of the Writers Grotto – the sense of community means so much. I even have online friends I’ve never met in real life.
-These are all wonderful highlights!-
In your application, you mentioned discussing steps authors might take to help librarians find their books. As a former librarian myself, I’m a huge fan of finding ways to connect with libraries, whether it’s by creating resources, hosting author events, or any other opportunity I can find. In all truth, collaborating with libraries as an author is always a mutually uplifting and beneficial experience for both parties. I’d love to hear about any experiences you may have had with connecting with your local libraries and sharing your books! What has your experience been?
Just last weekend, I read Ghost Writer (Escritor Fantasma in Spanish) at a bilingual event at my local library. The library purchased copies of the book, as part of their promoting literacy campaign, to give to patrons, and we followed the reading with crafts to build the library’s altar for Dia de los Muertos! The event occurred in the very room where I had brought my grandchildren for story times when they were preschool age. Just thrilling. I had read for this library previously in the pandemic, but they had a new children’s librarian. I just asked in an email if she would like to hear about my book. But I also introduce myself to librarians, whenever I visit a library. And I ask about storytimes. I don’t always get “yeses,” either.
-That sounds like a lot of fun! I’m so glad you got to do this.-
I participated in a fun event through the Writers Grotto about writing books for children as part of their Grotto Nights at the Library series. The recording is available on YouTube. Here's the link!
-Thanks for sharing!-
Do you offer any resources for librarians in connection with your books or otherwise? If so, I’d love to add them to my TEACHER CORNER resource page.
Educational Resources are available for each of my books both on my website and on the publisher’s.
-Note for readers: You can also find Stephanie's resources for Brave in the Water, Treasure Hunt, Breath by Breath, Ghost Writer, and Miri's Moving Daylinked viaTeacher Corner.-
And Lawley has a YouTube channel featuring videos where I read each of my books. *Channel Linked Here* Spanish versions are also available on this channel. Treasure Hunt, Breath by Breath, and Ghost Writer have each been made into TV Shows by Chris Castellarin, a first-grade teacher in Canada. Mr. Castellarin broadcasts Lessons from the Classroom on Vancouver Island’s Channel 4 - Roger’s Spotlight Community TV.
-Wow, how awesome! Thank you so much for sharing these.-
Have you had any author events? If so, we’d love to see some pictures!
I list past author events on my webpage – here are some photos!
SHARING RESOURCES: CONTESTS + WRITING GROUPS
Were there any writing contests, groups, or organizations that were particularly helpful to you as a writer?
Mindy Alyse Weiss’s PB Party gave an early version of Miri an honorable mention, which was so encouraging. I didn’t place in other contests, but the discipline of writing something new and entering contests has been fun, especially for Vivian Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words. I love reading the entries from other writers. And I felt honored when Karen Greenwald invited me to be a judge this year for Sun, Write, Fun – a nonfiction, info fic contest. I felt like I had ARRIVED!
-How awesome! I bet that was exciting!-
For writers who are looking to build connections and forge relationships within the writing community, what are some places/resources that you’d recommend looking into and why?
I would start with SCBWI (where I found my critique group and attended local chapter events) and 12 x 12 Picture Book challenge (for the Facebook community, educational webinars, book chats, and resources in their forum community, including library requests, review requests and more). I also joined the Writers Grotto – a writers’ workspace because I love interacting with writers from all genres. My writing accountability group came from members of this organization.
THE BOOKS!
Okay, we’ve landed on the books portion of the interview. Is anyone else excited? I know I am! Stephanie, tell us about your books! What makes them special to you? What inspired you to write them? What do you hope they will give to your readers?
☺ My books are inspired by my grandchildren and the questions they ask. Brave in the Water evolved after I spent 8 swim lessons watching one grandson sit on the edge of the pool, refusing to get in the water. (He is now on a swim team, by the way, and loves it).
The Flor, Roberto, and Luis series didn’t start as a series; it started with Treasure Hunt, based on games and crafts I did with another grandson during the pandemic. (And each book has a craft activity in the back matter).
Once that book was in the world, with the wonderful characters drawn by Estefania Razo, Flor, Roberto, and Luis returned in Breath by Breath, a bedtime (or anytime) adventure through the body. I thought the series might be complete as a trilogy with Ghost Writer (co-authored with Cecilia Populus-Eudave, who has been the Spanish translator for all these books) - a Halloween/Dia de los Muertos story inspired by a third grandson’s questions after the death of a beloved pet. But guess what!? A fourth book is coming in 2025 – Story Power! (co-authored with Simon Wildman Chung).
This grandson had an idea for another Flor, Roberto, Luis story; he is a co-author because it was his idea! He was so cute sitting with his pencil, circling words, and suggesting edits. Readers will learn the elements of writing a story.
Finally, Miri’s Moving Day (co-author Adam Ryan Chang, illustrator Dream Chen) arrived this month, again inspired by a grandson’s questions about his identity.
So you can understand how each of these books is special, coming as they did from various grandson’s questions and involvement. I hope readers relate to the interests and concerns my grandsons expressed and that the books provide insight and fun.
-This is so sweet. I love the story behind your stories!-
Any last pieces of writerly wisdom that you’d like to share with us today?
Do you need inspiration? Tara Lazar’s January blog posts (Story Storm) are full of ways to generate ideas. Start writing! I have found the morning pages (or any time of day) practice to be beneficial. Try writing two or three pages longhand, even if it’s a grocery list – just write what you are thinking. I find I write differently using a pen than I do at the computer. Eventually, I take some of these ideas to the computer. Some writers benefit from writing sprints – set a timer for 5 minutes and write.
-I personally find writing sprints to be super helpful. Sometimes, I feel intimidated by the idea of starting a new project because I have SO MANY other things I’m trying to get accomplished between revisions and other writing deadlines, but if I just set a timer for 5 or 7 minutes, it’s amazing how much easier that feels. And the funny thing is, I usually get so into writing that I end up setting another timer so I can have more time to finish up fresh ideas.-
Exactly! There is something freeing about setting that timer.
My last piece of advice is “Have fun.” As I said, writing is my happy place – I hope it’s yours, too.
Beautiful words of wisdom to end on. Thank you so much for joining us today, Stephanie. We really enjoyed having you with us and wish you all the continued success on your author journey + the general story of life!
But that’s not all. We have one last item on the agenda. And it’s a big one! It’s time for our GIVEAWAY PRIZE(S)!
“My last piece of advice is- have fun. As I said, writing is my happy place – I hope it’s yours, too.” – Stephanie Wildman
GIVEAWAY
For the month of November, Stephanie Wildman is offering 2 prizes to 2 winners- (1 prize per winner):
One copy of Breath by Breath
One copy of Miri’s Moving Day
One copy of Breath by Breath and one copy of Miri’s Moving Day.
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Leave a comment on this post!
And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribeto the blog and/or newsletter!
That’s it!
DEADLINE TO ENTER: 11:59 PM CST 11/30/2024
Want extra entries? Share a link to this article on X or IG and tag X @chellys books or IG @chelseasworldofbooks so I can add your extra entries!
FAQ:
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Children’s book author Stephanie Wildman of Treasure Hunt (2022) and Brave in the Water (2021) both published by Lawley Publishing, became a Professor Emerita after serving as the John A. and Elizabeth H. Sutro Chair at Santa Clara Law. She directed the school’s Center for Social Justice and Public Service. Her other books include Privilege Revealed: How Invisible Preference Undermines America 2d (with contributions by Armstrong, Davis, & Grillo) (2021); Race and Races: Cases and Resources for a Diverse America 4th (with Delgado, Perea, Cuison-Villazor, James, & Stefancic) (2022); Social Justice: Professionals Communities and Law (with Mahoney & Calmore) (2013); and Women and the Law Stories (with Schneider) (2011). Lawley published her third picture book Breath by Breath in 2024. Kar-Ben Publishing will release her fourth children’s book, Miri’s Moving Day (co-authored with Adam Chang) in 2024. Member: 12×12 Picture Book Challenge, SCBWI, Writers Grotto. Stephanie is a grandmother, mother, spouse, friend, good listener, and she can sit “criss-cross apple sauce” thanks to her yoga practice. Learn more about her at www.stephaniewildman.com. Connect with Stephanie Wildman on Instagram and/or X.
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Today, I’m talking with dyslexic, neurodiverse, debut children’s book author-illustrator, and puppet and filmmaker Krista Weltner. We’ll be chatting about learning differences and disabilities and their important role in literature- especially kidlit, multi-deal publishing a book series, debut to kid-lit secrets, routes to publishing- and of course- BOOKS AND GIVEAWAY PRIZES! Don’t miss your chance to enter the October Feature Interview giveaway prize pool by COMMENTING on this blog post before the deadline: October 31st, 2024, 11:59 PM CST.
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!
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Krista- welcome to Chelsea’s World of Books literary blog! It’s so great to have you with us today. This month is a big month for neurodiverse celebrations, as October is not only DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTH, it’s also ADHD AWARENESS MONTH! As a neurodiverse girl, I’m thrilled to be celebrating with a fellow neurodiverse creator!
In honor of that, I’d love to start by asking: what words of wisdom would you like to share with other neurodiverse creators today?
Thank you for having me! My advice is to set your goals high. There is no reason you can’t achieve anything you want to.
Okay, so let’s go back to the very beginning. When did you first fall in love with writing and illustrating? Have you been drawing and writing stories since you were little, and did you always know that you wanted to pursue this as a career, or did that happen later in life? Explain.
I've had a few careers. I have worked in stop-motion animation, theater, the theme park industry, and publishing. I’ve been creating since I was a kid, but I never thought I would be an author! As a kid, I made my dollhouse furniture and dioramas and painted and sewed costumes for my stuffed animals…my play was making things. I went to college for theater design and technology and then to graduate school for puppet arts. My love of inventing and creating my own stories really emerged from that time in my life. We learned how to build puppets, wrote scripts and performed them. While I was in grad school, a newly formed stop-motion class was offered in a completely different department from mine. A lot of the students in that building were pursing degrees in illustration, which is something I had never considered. The exposure to what they were doing sparked my interest and curiosity about publishing. It was something I immediately began to pursue after school.
When did you first begin actively pursuing publication? And about how long from that time did it take for you to finally achieve that big publishing moment of holding your first book in your hands?
I started forming an illustration portfolio in 2017. I held my first books earlier this year, January 2024.
I know we talk a lot about the *final product* AKA the book being published, but there are so many wonderful milestones to celebrate throughout the publishing journey. What are some little/big milestones that you were able to celebrate even BEFORE publication?
One of my favorite memories was during the acquisitions phase with Free Spirit Publishing. I had been messaging back and forth with the acquiring editor for months. There was some interest in the manuscript I submitted, which made me feel like I was on top of a mountain. I received an email asking what I thought about expanding the idea to a series and if I had more ideas for my main characters. I was working on a film with Laika Studios at the time (my partner also worked there.) I remember running down to his department to tell him about the email. I was shaking, I was so excited. What are some challenges you’ve faced on the publishing journey, and how have you overcome them?
I’m dyslexic, so there are some obvious challenges associated with that. But my biggest hurdle is time. I cannot do publishing work full-time, so I always have a 40 or 40+ hour a week job. I always make my deadlines, but I often wish I had more time to make my work that much better.
BEGINNING STEPS TO PUBLISHING: FIRST DRAFTS & QUERYING
I know we talked a little bit about the beginning of your publishing journey, as in “when” it started- now, I’d love to dive deeper into the steps that were involved in those beginning stages for some of our readers who may be anticipating diving in themselves but aren’t sure where to start.
Let’s start with the first drafts. What was that stage like for you? And who was your support system during those early stages?
In 2018, I focused on creating an illustration portfolio. My friend and critique partner challenged me to draw my dyslexia as a character. I credit him with planting the seed that would eventually develop into my book series. In the years that followed, I drafted many ideas for this character. I was also learning digital illustration. I submitted to slush piles, got feedback at conferences etc. It took years, but I also worked on other projects at the same time.
When (and how) did you find your first critique group partners and/or other writing community?
I have a fantastic critique group! We all met at the Mid-South SCBWI Conference and other events about six years ago. There are 6 of us who are all authors and Illustrators. We meet via Zoom when we can. Sometimes it’s about work, and sometimes it’s about catching up and supporting each other. I’m amazed when one of us has a book come out. It’s so fun to cheer each other on. I feel like we are on a team, and when someone has a book come out, it feels like we all won.
Were there any writing organizations, special events, or other communities that especially helped you in the early stages of publishing to stay on the path and keep moving forward? Explain.
Yes, The SCBWI was my education in publishing. I’ve been in three different chapters at this point. I think the value to be gained can depend on where you are and how active your chapter is.
Okay, so you have your writing community and your first, second, twenty-fifth, and fiftieth drafts… now you’re finally ready to enter the query trenches. Queue daunting music.
Tell us about your introduction to querying. What methods did you use to find your literary agents? Did you Google different agencies? Was there a specific literary blog you followed? Did you use QueryTracker, etc.?
Since I wanted to pursue traditional publishing, I queried publishers that took unsolicited submissions, and I researched agents on Manuscript Wish Lists. However, I still don't have an agent. I would love to find someone to work with, but it hasn’t happened yet. I’m querying agents right now with a picture book dummy and a graphic novel pitch. I’m also working on a comic series. I caught Free Spirit's attention during a #PBPitch event on X, then Twitter.
What kind of query responses did you receive from agents, if any?
Often, it’s crickets, which is okay. They are busy people. When I do get a rejection email, I have a personal policy of looking at my list of agents or publishers and sending out another query. I don’t want to sit with the disappointment for too long.
If you had to give a rough estimate, how many agents/queries would you guess you sent? And what was the timeframe?
It’s so hard to say! Maybe 50? With various projects. I don’t really know. When I was offered my three-book contract with Free Spirit, I queried five or so agents with “OFFER RECEIVED.” When I didn’t get any interest from that round, I negotiated the contract myself. I think the experience taught me a lot. I also had some contacts with other authors and illustrators who are further in their careers, and they were able to give me some invaluable advice about what to look for in the contract.
In addition to querying literary agents, you also submitted directly to editors at publishing houses. Eventually, you got an offer from an acquiring editor prior to getting literary representation. Can you tell us more about this? What was the submission process like versus the querying process?
It can be similar. Most publishers want a dummy with one or two finished illustrations plus a query letter. For publishers, it’s more about whether this book aligns with their catalog. For an agent, do I fit with what this agent is looking for? And do they fit what I’m looking for? I am looking for someone who represents authors and illustrators and supports picture books and graphic novels. I also want to know that they have authors working with publishers who do not take unsolicited submissions.
Outside of Free Spirit Publishing, did you receive any responses or offers from other publishers/editors?
I don’t think so, not for my Molly and Lexi series. The book is about supporting the social-emotional side of growing up with Dyslexia. That is incredibly specific, and Free Spirit was the perfect home for these books.
Can you tell us about the multi-book deal for your series and how that came about?
In the acquisitions phase, the acquiring editor asked if I could expand the idea to a series. We went back and forth, and I pitched a lot of ideas.
We ended up with three books centered around Molly, who is dyslexic, and Lexi, an imaginary friend or personification of dyslexia. The books focus on advocacy, self-esteem, and celebrating dyslexic strengths, but they offer a balanced perspective of dyslexia.
So, once your editor had made an offer, you queried agents, letting them know you had received a series deal but weren’t able to find an agent, so you went at it alone. Being in the position of representing yourself and going through traditional publishing without the aid of an agent, can you share your thoughts on some pros and cons of this?
The pro was that I learned a lot. I intend to keep going in this industry, and even if I do have an agent working with me next time, I will be better prepared because I went through it alone the first time. I have a family member who is a contract lawyer working in another sector, and he was able to help me understand a lot of the legal language. But he wasn’t versed in what is typical in the publishing industry. I got advice from friends who were already published, which helped. But I made some mistakes, and I think I will be more prepared if it happens again.
What are some valuable lessons you learned from this experience that you’d like to share with others?
I learned some valuable lessons about specific legal language. Also, ask for what you want. The worst they can say is no. And a piece of advice I heard from someone, “You are never guaranteed book sales, so get the largest advance you can.” I think this is really good advice. I can also recommend the book Law and Authors. I read this book recently, and I thought the information was good and would have helped me had I read it back then.
Moving forward, would you want to continue publishing directly to editors without literary representation, or would you still like to find your agent match? Why or why not?
If the publisher accepts unsolicited submissions, I think I would be comfortable negotiating for myself now that I have gone through it. If it’s a larger-scale publisher that typically doesn’t take unsolicited submissions, I think I would prefer to work with an agent.
AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATORS: MAKING SMART DUMMIES
Being in the seat of both author and illustrator, can you share a little bit about your creative process for writing vs. art and what stages you typically work with first? For example, do you find that your stories come to you in the form of mental pictures first or in words? Explain.
Often, my ideas start with an image, a character, or a concept. My ideas seem to come out of nowhere and hit me fast. I typically build the story around key illustrations. For picture books, I tend to start by sketching the entire book in thumbnails and think about the text as I go. I will have an idea of the story I want to convey, but the words come to me slowly. While developing my picture book series with Free Spirit Publishing, I worked with an editor on the three manuscripts before fleshing out the illustrations. We passed the manuscripts back and forth. They didn't need to see illustrations at this point, but I was sketching anyway while I was writing because I couldn't separate the two. I try not to get too married to illustrations during the writing stage and I tend to place greater importance on the illustrations over the text.
For new aspiring author-illustrators, could you share some formatting tips and secrets on how to make smart dummies? (If you have any picture examples that you’d like to share, feel free to share them! Just email them to me.)
I work in Photoshop and illustrate digitally. However, I like to print the pages out periodically and tape them to my wall, which helps me get a bird’s s-eye view. When you were submitting dummies to agents/editors, what (and how much) was included? Full book dummies? Partial book dummies? Pencil outline? Full color? Etc.
I do a full sketch dummy in a PDF. I choose two illustrations to finish fully. It depends on the publisher, though. Some want one finished, some want two, and some want to see a summary without the manuscript or dummy first. I’m always scratching my head at this one. When the picture book is only 200 words, but the summary is 500.
What advice would you like to offer to aspiring author-illustrators who are at the beginning of their publishing journey?
Keep going! Chip away at it every day and learn about the industry. Just move forward.
What’s one (or more) writing resource(s) that was absolutely invaluable to you, and what would you recommend to other author-illustrators?
Scott McCloud’s Understanding Comics.
Comic inspired by a recent school visit
BOOKS + INSPIRATION
Okay, we’ve made it to one of my all-time favorite parts of the interview… the part where we talk about the BOOKS. Please share with us your incredibly inspiring dyslexia-centered books. We want to hear all about Molly. Who is Molly, and what does she mean to you personally?
Molly is a young dyslexic girl learning to navigate the challenges of dyslexia with creativity and determination. Her dyslexia (Lexi) appears as an imaginary friend or personification of her dyslexia. Molly can interact with and confide in Lexi. The books cover what dyslexia is all about but also dive into the emotional challenges children with learning differences face.
I am dyslexic, and prior to this series, I did and continue to do a lot of advocacy work with dyslexia students. It means the world to me that I was able to give back to dyslexic children in this way.
How many books are in the series? And can we hear a little blurb about each one?
There are three books. In the first book, Molly’s Great Discovery, Molly gets diagnosed with dyslexia and learns how to self-advocate. In Molly Tells the World, Molly's class gets a new student who is also dyslexic. Molly grapples with the idea of whether or not to tell her classmates about her dyslexia. Ultimately, she does. This book is about helping children with the words to discuss their differences, and Molly grows in her self-esteem and appreciation for Lexi. The third book is called Molly Finds A Way. In this final book, Molly and her friend Leeann (who is also dyslexic) are having a playdate at Molly’s house. They use their dyslexic strengths to solve the problems they see.
What is your inspiration for Molly and her adventures? Are her stories something that you wished you had had for yourself as a kid? Explain.
I was diagnosed with dyslexia when I was seven years old. My relationship with my dyslexia has changed dramatically over the years. It was something I hated about myself for a long time. That relationship inspires my series. What if we could tell our differences how we feel about them? What if we could tell our learning disability to go away?
I was interested in providing a book to children to examine their relationship with this part of themselves in a fun, creative way. In school, dyslexic children focus greatly on reading, writing, and spelling. However, there are specific emotional challenges that children with invisible differences face, and those challenges are often overlooked. I hope my series can help parents and educators with those tough conversations.
Were there any books that helped you as a kid with seeing yourself in stories? And other than your wonderful stories, what other stories could you recommend that also have a positive message about dyslexia and other learning differences?
I think the second book in the Pony Pals series was about one of the characters being dyslexic. I loved it! but I can’t recall any other fiction books on the topic from my childhood. I like The Dyslexic Advantage for adults hoping to learn about dyslexia.
Books about dyslexia are tricky because some of the most popular books, especially in the picture book category, are outdated and have content that contributes to misconceptions about dyslexia. I recommend looking at books published in the last ten years by reputable publishers. A few titles that I find good representations in include Fish in a Tree for older kids, Aaron Slater Illustrator, and the Hank Zipzer books.
What message do you hope to share with readers with your stories?
That dyslexic children are smart and capable.
Do you have a favorite illustrative spread? If so, which one and why? Pics or it didn’t happen!
I have two.
The first is in Molly’s Great Discovery, where Molly is being tutored in a classroom filled with children with various learning disabilities. In the illustration, each child’s learning disability or difference is represented with an imaginary character like Lexi. Each character looks different and is reflective of the child he or she belongs to.
My second favorite is Molly Tells the World. Molly and Lexi have been fighting, and Lexi has gotten so angry that she expands to the size of the room.
Both of these images were in the earliest drafts; I think that’s why I love them.
If you could relay one message to kids with learning differences, what would it be?
You are brilliant! Set your goals high. Your path might look different from others but enjoy and embrace it. Thank you so much for joining us today, Krista. And now… It’s time for a GIVEAWAY!
For the month of October, Krista is offering the following giveaway prize to one winner:
A free copy of Molly’s Great Discovery (the first book in the series.)
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Leave a comment on this post!
And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribeto the blog and/or newsletter!
That’s it!
DEADLINE TO ENTER: October 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).
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Krista Weltner is a neurodiverse (dyslexic) author-llustrator. She debuted in January 2024 with her picture book series, Everyday Adventures With Molly and Dyslexia, published by Free Spirit Publishing. The series was inspired by her own experience growing up with dyslexia.
In addition to her literary pursuits, she works in stop-motion animation. Her work can be seen in the Netflix animation Wendell and Wild and Laika Studios’ upcoming Wildwood. Before her film work, she helped bring animatronic and puppet characters to life for the theme park industry. In 2016, Krista obtained a Master in Fine Arts from the University of Connecticut, where she presented her master’s project and short film, Partially Compensated (also inspired by her experience with dyslexia). Her short film has been seen in film festivals worldwide and has afforded her numerous opportunities to engage and advocate with others for a more inclusive world.
Looking for a 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!
Today, I’m talking with children’s book author, illustrator, and educator Katie Gigliotti. We’ll be discussing the route of indie publishing as an author/illustrator, neurodiversity, overcoming challenges, and celebrating successes!
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 an agent is a good match for you
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!
Interested in entering the GIVEAWAY? Scroll to the bottom and drop a comment! And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribeto the blog and/or newsletter!
Not that we’ve shared a little about what’s in store… it’s time to jump into our interview!
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
WELCOME, KATIE GIGLIOTTI!
It’s so great having you with us today, Katie! I’d love to start our interview today by asking what led you here to the wondrous world of kidlit publishing? Have you always been inclined to writing and illustrating or did that come later in life?
First of all, let me take a moment to say thank you, Chelsea, for this opportunity! I feel honored to be chosen for this interview. Oddly enough, despite my grandfather’s constant encouragement as both a child and young adult and my notebooks full of stories, I never thought about actually writing and illustrating as a profession. It seemed out of reach, like something someone way more talented and creative than me would do. I actually always thought I’d write a novel before I would ever consider the world of kidlit. However, during the great slowdown of 2020, I discovered a free class on Facebook, and once I started, I was hooked!
What made you realize you wanted to go the self-publishing route, and when did that journey start?
I knew little to nothing about publishing when I first started this process in 2020. After listening to some other authors, both traditionally and self-published, I honestly thought I’d go the traditional route first. It seemed like a safer path, and I’m not one for taking risks. But after a year of developing manuscripts and illustrating a story for someone else (more on that later), I realized I could do it on my own. Once I realized I would have total control over what I was doing and I didn’t have to wait for someone to like it or buy into it, I took a gamble and introduced my first book into the world in 2022.
You mentioned in your application that you’re neurodiverse—me too! That’s part of why you ended up taking the route to publishing, which you’re currently doing, branching out with independent publishing rather than traditional publishing. If publishing has taught me anything, it’s the value of patience. As an ADHD girl myself, I know it can REALLY be a struggle to have at times. Can you share some of your personal experiences and struggles related to the long timeline of publishing and how A.D.D. affects your everyday working life?
Although I’ve never struggled to start something, I’ve ALWAYS struggled with the follow-through. When I first started writing and illustrating, my husband was wary of believing I’d stick with it. Over the years, I have been a painter of signs, baker of fancy cakes, maker of sewn stuffies, felter of cute critters, and sculptor of tiny characters; I even tried photography for a bit. I honestly didn’t even know if I’d stick with it. I got easily bored once something kept repeating itself over and over. (I’d be a terrible factory worker!) However, I find that each book is different and provides just enough intrigue to keep me going.
Before I was medicated, I was a constant scatterbrain. If I didn’t write it down or keep repeating it in my head over and over, I’d forget. I would be incredibly distracted by technology of any kind. I also suffer from time blindness. I would *think* that an illustration would only take an hour when in reality, it was taking 2-5 hours to complete.
What helped me the most, besides getting the medication I needed, was learning to be very intentional about my time. Since I have a full-time job and two kids, I knew I’d have to use pockets of time to my advantage. I’ve had to actually time myself to see just how long it takes to get a certain task done so I don’t over or under-plan. It’s been years of lists, timers, notes, reminders, and setting goals. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it!
-Wow, Katie. Yes, I totally relate to all of the above. And I love your tips on learning how to be very intentional with your time.-
On my blog, I try my best to include as diverse a group as I can, and that includes routes to publication. Many readers are striving for traditional kidlit publishing, which involves querying agents and going on sub with traditional publishing houses, but there are tons of people out there who manage to make it- and thrive- with independent publishing. And then, of course, there are hybrid authors *like me* who want to do both- traditional and indie. So, it’s wonderful being able to talk with you today because you have insider experience in the self-publishing world. And- you have that experience not only as a writer but also as an illustrator.
You said it best in your application when you said, “Self-publishing is a whole different ball game and is NOT for the faint of heart.” Having independently published my first picture book, ADHD and Me, I can wholeheartedly say I understand and agree with that statement. So, let’s talk more about that…
Tips from neurodiverse creators: “What helped me the most, besides getting the medication I needed, was learning to be very intentional about my time.“
TACKLING THE BEAST OF SELF-PUBLISHING AS AN AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR
Can you share with us some of what the behind-the-scenes of self-publishing looks like as an author/illustrator? And how does this route differ from traditional publishing?
To self-publish a book, you have to be extremely motivated. You are the author, illustrator, editor, formatter, marketer, buyer, and seller - among other things. Not to mention the business end, with taxes and bookkeeping. It’s also, at the beginning, a very lonely thing to do. Traditional publishers help with all of these things. They have people who will edit, typeset, format, and market. There are people working with you all the way from rough dummy to final draft. Plus, not only are they able to get your book into bookstores and libraries, but they also pay YOU in advance for the work. However, they also take the majority of your earnings, and because they are heavily investing in your work, they have creative control over the project.
Since I knew I wanted creative control as well as the ability to earn as much as I could, I decided to try self-publishing. Getting into this I knew I had a small budget, so I had to learn how to do everything by myself. I watched a million YouTube videos, read so many books, and became members of many groups to figure everything out on my own. It took about a year of research to finally feel comfortable with the idea.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve made A LOT of mistakes along the way. Ones that probably could have been avoided if I had a publishing company and all of their resources backing my book. As a trade-off, I’ve saved a ton of time. The year it took me to research and learn would probably have been spent creating manuscripts and dummies to query. Not to mention the year - or longer- it would have taken to get an agent and, from there, months to years to get a book deal. That doesn't even include the time it would take to finish the book!
I’ll be honest, there were times I wondered, and still wonder, if I made the right decision! However, now that I put in the work of learning how to do all the things, I’m pretty proud of myself. I know I’ve come a long way and since I’m no expert at everything, I can continue to grow as I lean into the very scary and daunting world of marketing!
For people who may be considering this route, what were the first steps you looked into? And where would you recommend other creators start?
DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST!
1. Learn how to write and/or illustrate a good story. Anyone can write a book, but you have to learn HOW to write a good book first. Take a class, watch YouTube videos, or talk to someone who has been there before to find out all the important information.
2. Learn how to market. Unless you’re trying to publish for yourself, publishing is a business, and you’ll quickly find out you’re a little fish in a big, big sea. I made a journal and published it to Amazon before I ever tried a book just to see if it would sell. I told no one of its existence, and after a year, I had sold 0 copies! It was a great experiment that made me realize the importance of marketing so it’s a good idea to learn a bit about marketing before you begin!
3. Make sure your book looks polished. There are certain unspoken rules in the picture book world, including word count, page number, ISBNs, LCCN’s, etc. that you’ll need to learn about to make your book look professional.
4. People DO judge a book by its cover. Make sure yours looks good!
5. Build up a presence online Whether it’s a website, social media account, YouTube, or something else, make sure someone can find you online. You would need this if you are self or traditionally publishing. It’s hard to sell things if people can’t find you or don’t know what you’re selling.
6. Make connections! The easiest way to find your market, critique groups, bookstores, libraries, etc., is to start making connections now. Also, don’t be afraid to tell people about your book. Most people want to publish a book but only a few are brave enough to go through with it. Be proud of yourself!
7. You’re going to hear a lot of different advice from different people. Some will tell you one thing works, while others will tell you the complete opposite. Unfortunately, there is no magic formula to make it work. You have to find out what’s right for you.
-I love all these tips and suggestions, Katie. Yes!!-
Publishing tips from an indie author: “Build up a presence online Whether it’s a website, social media account, YouTube, or something else, make sure someone can find you online… It’s hard to sell things if people can’t find you or don’t know what you’re selling.”
Publishing tips from an indie author: “Make connections! The easiest way to find your market, critique groups, bookstores, libraries, etc., is to start making connections now. Also, don’t be afraid to tell people about your book.“
How did you handle the editorial portion of your writing? Did you hire a professional editor? Did you use beta readers or critique partners?
I’m lucky enough to have a sister-in-law - thanks, Naomi!- who can edit for me, so I can’t really speak to hiring anyone professionally. However, before I send it off for editing, I heavily rely on critique partners to weigh in on the formatting, word choice, and story flow, as well as illustration critique groups to help with that part. I also have the advantage of being a teacher so I can always use the story as part of a lesson and see how the students react. Sometimes, that’s the best way to tell if a story flows well or can keep a kid's attention!
Can you walk us through the illustrative side of things? How did you learn how to create picture book dummies, and what were those early stages like? How did you revise your artwork?
Believe it or not, despite being an illustrator, when I first started out I didn’t think I could illustrate my own work! It took another friend of mine asking me to illustrate her own story to make me believe in myself.
I had somewhat of an advantage as an art teacher because I had already had college classes that focused on the basics. However, illustrating a picture book is vastly different from creating a standalone art piece. My biggest hurdles were character creation, keeping the characters consistent throughout the book, and color palette. There is also the idea of pacing the story, page count, and page turns, which were things I needed to and still do- work on.
I learned most of my dummy making through Storyteller Academy. The classes they offered helped me to work on my pacing, page turns, and think through the story. I am truly sad that they are disbanding! Thankfully, through SCBWI, I found a great group of illustrators in my region who have helped me by critiquing my work and finding parts that need tweaking.
Early on, I worked in traditional mediums since I had little experience with working digitally. I had to teach myself how to scan images in, how to save them properly, and how to format a book digitally. While I was growing as an illustrator, I was also learning how to create artwork digitally, which is the medium I prefer now.
-So fascinating hearing the details behind-the-scenes! Thank you for sharing.-
WORKING AS AN EDUCATOR
I know you have a degree in education and have been teaching art for quite a number of years now. How long have you been an art teacher?
I just finished up my 18th year as an elementary art teacher in May. Only 12 more years to go!
Can you tell us about how your educational background as a teacher contributes to or intersects with your publishing?
Being a teacher, especially an elementary teacher, keeps me immersed in the kidlit world. I have a front-row seat to the likes and interests of kids, as well as the needs of teachers and schools. This is incredibly helpful in deciding on the stories I want to work on. Although my first three books were very personal to me, the next stories I’m working on focus more on solving a need for kids, parents, and teachers, which helps make marketing much easier!
Do you ever have students ask you about your books and how they can create books of their own?
Yes! I don’t do a lot of promoting of my books at my own school -it’s slightly frowned upon by admin- but some of my colleagues, including our school librarian, are great at getting the word out there and even reading my books in class. (Thanks, guys!)
The reactions I get are sometimes shock, “Oh my goodness, you WROTE a BOOK?!”, awe, “If I buy your book, will you sign it for me?” and the occasional eye roll, depending on the student or age.
As for making books of their own, I don’t get a lot of requests since they are pretty young. However, this year, one student approached me, and I am currently working on helping him digitize his graphic novel so he and his family can look into self-publishing it.
-That's SO cool!-
Would you say that being a teacher has benefited your publishing journey by connecting you with your community- local bookstores, libraries, schools, and more?
Yes and no. On one side, I have gotten quite a few school visits from my connections, and also support from local libraries, which have been wonderful! My colleagues and some parents are also super supportive of my journey. I haven’t been very successful getting into local bookstores since we don’t have many in our small area.
However, since I tend to keep to myself a lot, I don’t think I reap the full advantage that my position offers me. It’s something I’m working on.
- Thanks for sharing such an honest perspective with us! From one introvert to another, I'm rooting for you!-
Speaking of bookstores, libraries, and schools… have you been able to host any local storytime/book events? If so, we’d love to hear about them!
I have done several school visits and vendor fairs, which are so much fun! The best part was being able to return to my hometown, in Pennsylvania, to participate in a local book event where I was able to meet some awesome authors and illustrators. I truly look forward to growing in my author career and setting up more of these events in the future!
I haven’t had any book signing events, but that’s mainly because I’m too afraid to ask! I’m not great at self-advocating, and I honestly don’t know where to start. However, as my list of available titles grows, I look forward to setting these up!
-It can be daunting to self-advocate and promote your work for sure. But it sounds like you have a very supportive local community members- schools and libraries - maybe they'll have some suggestions/connections to share when the time is right. :) -
VICTORIES AND STRUGGLES
On the blog, we love celebrating victories and sharing stories, resources, and encouragement. And sometimes… encouragement can come from sharing the hard stuff, too. Can you tell us a little bit about some of the challenges you’ve had to face during your publishing journey and how you’ve been able to overcome them?
*chuckling as I type this*
My biggest challenge is myself. I am not great at self-promotion, which is a skill that you need as a self-published author/illustrator. Like most introverted people, I’d much prefer to sit back and create and not worry about the marketing side of things. I’m also pretty terrible at scheduling things, so I tend to limit myself in that way. Oh, and of course that dreaded imposter syndrome. Since I don’t have a traditionally published book, I feel like people look at me as if I’m not good enough to get a traditional deal, even when it’s my choice to take this route.
As far as overcoming them, I will say that as time goes on, I push myself to try new things and put myself out there more (like this interview!). By making connections outside of my own circle, celebrating the small gains, and creating professional books, I am slowly growing my audience and squashing my self-limiting beliefs. I realize I don’t know it all and continue to learn new things as I walk this journey!
- *Me, cracking up.* Hey, identifying the problem is half the solution. So really, depending on your perspective, it's already a glass half full.-
Now let’s celebrate some wins- what have been some of your favorite kidlit moments? You can list as many as you’d like! And if you have pictures you’d like to share, that would be great, too!
My top 4 favorite kidlit moments:
1.Releasing my first book, Wander World
This was HUGE for me. I did everything – minus the editing and some critiquing – on my own.
-This is huge! I’m cheering.-
2.Participating in a book festival in my hometown.
It was so much fun to return home, make friends with the other local authors in attendance, and even meet some famous authors and illustrators!
-I bet!-
3.Getting my books into an actual store.
After my first book was released, I walked into a local store to ask if they would carry my book – and they said yes! This has carried on with my second and hopefully my newest book! You never know if you don’t ask.
4.Meeting all the wonderful authors and illustrators out there.
The kidlit community is one of the most fantastic groups of people I’ve ever met; it almost seems surreal at times. They are always ready to cheer you on, lend a helping hand, or provide comfort if you are feeling down. The best was one of our promotion videos where we all posed in a box.
-I love all of these, Katie. And the pictures are fantastic!-
TIPS AND RESOURCES
If you could give an aspiring kidlit illustrator or author a piece of advice (or pieces of advice), what would it (or they) be?
Just do it. If it’s something you’ve always dreamed of and you are passionate about it, get out there and create, write, draw, learn, and make it happen! There is no better feeling than accomplishing something you set out to do.
No matter what path you take, this is a long process! Learning how to write and illustrate a good book takes time. Doing it takes time. Formatting and getting it out there takes time. Don’t get discouraged when things aren’t done on time or something goes wrong. However, make sure you set some reasonable goals for yourself. If you don’t have a clear vision of where you’re going, you most likely won’t get there.
Also, echoing my statements above, make sure you are putting out professional-looking, well-crafted stories and that you have done some research and learned a bit about marketing before you start!
I know you mentioned that you are a member of SCBWI, Storyteller Academy, and numerous critique groups. Could you share with our readers a few of the benefits of each of these and how they can help you grow in your journey?
The kidlit community is AMAZING! I cannot even begin to explain how helpful, kind, and supportive they are.
SCBWI (The Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) is the gift that keeps giving. From classes to critiques, forming groups and relationships, conferences, and growing your community, they have it all! I haven’t even taken advantage of all its many resources, and I can’t begin to explain how much they have helped me. It is where I met my critique groups, which are equally amazing. They have provided support, advice, and even opportunities to write and illustrate for local publications.
Storyteller Academy has been paramount in my journey so far. The classes they provide help with everything from character design, dummy creation, rhyming, story structure, and even the business end of things. Although I believe their approach to be highly focused on traditional publishing, I know before they decided to disband, that they were moving towards and adding more classes in self-publishing. I am so sad to see this incredible resource go.
I know there are many other resources out there that I’m not currently a part of, which can be equally beneficial.
Are there any other groups/organizations or otherwise that have greatly benefited you on your writing and illustrating journey that you’d like to share?
Although there is no formal “group” or “membership,” the self-publishing community has been paramount in my ability to grow in this! Once you make a few connections, they are incredibly supportive of other author-illustrators by giving advice, sharing wins and losses, and spreading the word about your books!
Advice for aspiring kidlit authors and/or illustrators: “Just do it. If it’s something you’ve always dreamed of and you are passionate about it, get out there and create, write, draw, learn, and make it happen! There is no better feeling than accomplishing something you set out to do.”
THE BOOKS!
We’ve finally made it to the book portion of the interview. We want to hear all about your stories! I know you’ve done author/illustrator books of your own, and you’ve also done illustrations for local authors (so cool!). Let’s start with the projects that you’ve done solely yourself- as an author/illustrator.
Can you tell us a little about your stories and where the inspiration for them came from?
The first three books I’ve published as the author/illustrator have been very personal to me.
Wander World, my first book, is not only an imaginative adventure across the seven continents but also a tribute to my grandfather. Illustrated in traditional watercolor, it tells the story of an actual game we used to play. Since his encouragement propelled me into this journey, I could think of no better way of honoring him than by dedicating my first book to him.
- What a beautiful tribute.-
Below are two of my favorite illustrations from the story. In the first one, my grandpa and I are visiting Australia and snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, which is something I’ve always wanted to do.
The second one is us in Venice, beside the Rialto bridge. I was supposed to travel to Italy in college, but the events of 9-11 threw a wrench in that plan, and I’ve yet to see it in person! This is one of my favorites because I’ve added some Easter eggs. The adult couple walking are my husband and I and on the opposite page –not pictured– is my son, fishing.
You are: finding God in the little things is a quiet story which takes the reader from day to night and throughout the seasons and encourages the reader to look for the little things in life and appreciate all the beauty that God has created for us. Since I like to keep to myself, and I don’t feel that pushing my faith on others is fun for anyone, I created this as my own personal ministry. It’s my way of reaching out to kids and adults who may question their faith and inspire those who have faith not to lose it.
The illustration below is certainly one of my favorites. It’s one of the summertime illustrations, which is my favorite season, and it really speaks to my love of both rainbows - or colors in general - and art! The illustrations for this book - done with painted paper cutouts and edited digitally - took me forever! Each of those stripes on her dress, the rainbow pieces, the sun rays, and bits of chalk are individually cut and glued on!
All My Love, my newest book - which only came out two days ago!- is a tribute to a mother’s love for her child.
-Whoa! Congratulations on your new book! That must be so exciting. :) –
Since my daughter just recently had a milestone birthday and graduated from high school, I wanted her to know I’d always be there for her. I wasn’t even planning on putting this out into the world, but once it was finished, I loved it so much I felt it could be appreciated by others as well. The fun part was being able to incorporate a ton of easter eggs specifically tailored to my daughter's favorite toys throughout the years.
This illustration from the story is one of my favorites because of the irony. It’s also a nod to her starting off on her own as an adult as if the meteor is the end of a season in our lives. I think any parent can relate to the way young children - or, in this case, dinosaurs - can cling to you and notice all the beautiful things in the world.
I'm currently working on a series about color, focusing on one color at a time, that will help pre-k, kindergarten, and art teachers introduce their students to colors in a fun way! I have been tinkering with these since 2020, when I was trying to teach color and noticed that a series of books like this didn’t exist.
With the dawn of AI and the threat of illustrators and writers losing their relevance, I created this for social media to remind others that human intelligence far surpasses artificial intelligence. It showcases all the different colors, each of which will have their own book.
Traditional publishing is a very long route. However, independent publishing can often move at a quicker pace. Of course, the timeline will vary from person to person. How long did it take you to get from story concept to publication?
For my first book, it took quite a long time, around a year and a half from start to finish. Mainly because I was not only writing and illustrating it, but simultaneously working a full-time job, learning how to add digital edits, format, edit, and upload to the different platforms.
Now, depending on the type of illustrations I do and how quickly I can perfect the story, it can take anywhere from 1 year to 6 months. What publishing platform(s) did you use to list your book (KDP, Lulu, IngramSpark, etc.)? And what formats do you offer—audiobook, hardcover, softcover, etc.?
I have my books available in hardcover, paperback, and eBook format. The paperback and eBook versions are available through KDP or Kindle Direct Publishing. I am enrolled in Kindle Select, so if you have a subscription, check them out! For the hardcover option, I have been using IngramSpark, which is helpful since they are a wholesale company and are able to get those books into different retail options like Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target, Books-A-Million, and others!
I will say that the quality of print-on-demand books isn’t always the greatest. My next step is to run a Kickstarter campaign, which would allow me to purchase better-quality hardcover books in bulk.
Do you have any formatting tips for folks who are looking to publish independently?
I sure do!
First, if you know nothing about formatting and can afford it, find someone to do the typesetting and formatting for you. It’s much easier than learning by yourself.
I would also recommend finding someone to design your cover for you. Unfortunately, most people still judge a book by its cover, so having an eye-catching, well laid out cover is super important!
However, if you’re determined to do it on your own, make sure you find a great tutorial for your program of choice. The first book I did I used Canva, because it was free. Pro tip: Canva pro is free for educators! However, I wouldn’t recommend it. It turned out slightly blurry. Canva is great, however, for making any type of marketing material, including social media posts, videos, flyers, school visit order forms, etc.
For all the rest of my books, I’ve used Adobe Indesign, which is much more precise and has its own set of learning curves. Adobe is a paid program, so I would suggest asking someone who already owns the program to try it out before you sign up.
Please make sure, if you are illustrating your own, or if you are having someone else illustrate, you know the size of your book before you begin. Some platforms don’t support certain sizes, so be certain to check before you decide!
Also, you need to understand bleed and dimensions, which can be explained on each platform's website. Oh, and don’t forget to leave, or have your illustrator leave, space for the text on each page!
You also need to know your page count. 32 pages is standard for children’s picture books, but you can go up to 40 if need be. It always has to be in multiples of 4. Keep in mind that your first few pages should be set aside for copyright and title pages, but the best way to figure this out is going to your local library and checking out some picture books. Take note of where the important information goes, the size and type of font, and how many pages there are.
I could go on and on about this for hours. Honestly, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me!
-This is all great info, Katie! I hope it inspires/helps some of our readers today to get out there and start pursuing their dreams!-
What kind of promotional activities did you do to spread the word about your book launch? And do you have any recommendations for newbies?
As an indie author, launching strong can make or break your book. I’ve learned this the hard way! If you are publishing on Amazon, the goal is to get some attention and hopefully reviews in the first few days of publication. If you can get that, KDP will automatically show your book to people. If not, it sort of gets lost in the other millions of books out there in the world. If you are running a Kickstarter, the idea is to get pledges so you can meet your goal. If you plan on selling on your own website, building your email list is very important!
I’m still working out the kinks with book launches. Launching a book is a process, and I haven’t been very good at getting the word out early enough. So far, I’ve tried several different tactics to see how they would work, and all I can suggest is to start early!
-Yes to all of the above. Starting early, getting pledges, lining up reviewers for your launch- all of that is SO important, ESPECIALLY for indie authors.-
I’ve done a Facebook live event, which seemed to garner some attention. I also hosted a giveaway for free physical copies for people who signed up for my email list. Of course, I utilized social media to get the word out by posting at least a month or more before the actual launch. I’ve also offered free lesson plans and coloring/activity pages for people who promised to promote the launch. For my newest release, I ran a free eBook promo to garner some reviews and asked for friends and family to join my launch team in exchange for a chance to win a copy of the book.
In short, giveaways, games, parties, live events, inviting people to be a part of the story in some way, and lots and lots of promotion, months ahead of time lead to a successful launch! -Yes! Make it as fun as possible for your audience. Giveaways and games are always a hit!-
Let’s talk a little about your illustrative work locally. How did you end up doing illustrations for local authors? Were they friends of yours prior? Did you advertise commissioned artwork somewhere? Explain.
Story time:
All I can say is this was meant to be. As I was learning about the writing and publishing process, I didn’t feel confident enough to create my own illustrations. I was so upset that I would never get my story out into the world when a former colleague, now an elementary principal, contacted me one day out of the blue and asked if I’d be willing to illustrate a book for her. After much soul searching, I decided I’d give it a try, but I warned her that I’d never had any experience illustrating and I wasn’t sure how it would turn out.
She took a gamble on me, and in turn, we created our first book, The Giraffe Who Loved School. Her belief in me then inspired me to create my own work! Because she was so wonderful to work with - she basically let me have creative control over the whole project- I’ve also illustrated a second book for her, Be Nice To Your Teacher. From that, I’ve had several people ask me to illustrate some books which I am working on currently.
So, to answer your question, most of my work has been from word of mouth, friends, and family.
-Wow! I really love this.-
What has that journey been like and how does it differ from doing author/illustrator?
In some aspects, it cuts down on the time it takes me to work since the story is already planned out. My only focus is on creating characters, deciding on a color palette, and making it come to life. Not that it’s easier -illustrating takes time!- but I don’t have to work through the writing.
If you’re working with the right person, it’s a pleasant experience. You can communicate with them and they aren’t hovering over you, constantly unsatisfied with your illustrations and trying to get you to make changes. So far, I haven’t had any unpleasant experiences but I’ve heard some horror stories from other illustrators. This makes me wary to do any books with individuals who are very picky.
The one downside is not having full creative control over the entire book. Even if you, as the illustrator, want to make changes to the text layout or reword something, it’s technically NOT your book to change! I guess what I’m saying is that you can’t overstep your boundaries.
Do you have any recommendations for artists who may be looking to start doing commissioned illustrations?
Beware who you work with, and make sure you have a contract! Although my experience was wonderful, I’ve heard so many horror stories of both authors and illustrators getting cheated in some way, shape, or form. Know your worth. If you are just starting out, you might not be charging as much since you are still learning and growing. However, don’t undersell your work. If you look at how long it takes you to create a 32-page book, make sure you are getting a fair wage for all the work you are putting into it. Check with other illustrators to see their rates.
Make sure you have a portfolio of work that someone can access. On a website or social media, it’s important that people know what they are getting when they start working with you.
Know what you enjoy illustrating! Don’t promise to do a style or medium you can’t do; everyone will just end up frustrated. Also, don’t work on a story that doesn't resonate with you. Make sure you feel comfortable with the author's story and vision.
-Really great advice.-
Any final words of wisdom you’d like to leave our readers with today?
One last thing. I know how hard I can be on myself as an artist or writer, constantly trying to live up to this invisible perfection. Imposter syndrome is REAL, people!
What I’ve had to realize is that the majority of people aren’t judging your work as hard as you are. Not saying you won’t have any critics, but most people are simply impressed that you are able to do the thing!
If you have any questions about self-publishing or just want another author/illustrator to chat with, feel free to reach out at any of the places listed below!
Thank you so much for joining us today, Katie.
Thank you for having me, Chelsea! Again, I really appreciate this opportunity!
And now… It’s time for a GIVEAWAY!
This month, Katie is offering the following giveaway prize(s) to THREE people. *ONE PRIZE PER PERSON*
Signed paperback copy of Wander World, sticker, and magnet
Signed paperback copy of You Are, sticker, and magnet
Signed paperback copy of All My Love (as long as the giveaway is at the end of the month!)
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Leave a comment on this post!
And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribeto the blog and/or newsletter!
That’s it!
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DEADLINE TO ENTER: July 31st, 2024, 11:59 PM CST
FAQ:
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PICTURE BOOKS ARE MY JAM: A child at heart, I wish my stories and pictures inspire young minds to:dream, hope, wish, love, and wonder. Because picture books are for everyone.
I truly hope that in their lifetime, everyone experiences: the beauty of this world, the kindness of strangers, the thrill of following their dreams, and God’s all powerful and unfailing love.
You can find me gazing at a beautiful sunrise, enjoying the quiet of snow falling, soaking in sweet summer sun rays, at an amusement park, eating ice cream and junk food in general, taking pictures of weird stuff, laughing until my face hurts, or lost in my imagination.
I live in a small Virginia town spending most of my time with my husband and two teenage children, who are too embarrassed to be mentioned here.
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