Paying it Forward: Part 10
This is the final installment of the information I received at the Rutgers One on One Mentoring Workshop. I hope it was helpful! *Remember to check agent/editor submission guidelines Lindsay Winget is an Editorial Assistant at Atheneum Books for Young Readers. Lindsay works on Atheneum’s spread of literary fiction, ranging from PBs, to MG, to YA. She also works on the editorial team for Margaret K. McElderry Books authors Ellen Hopkins, Alan Katz, and Karma Wilson. Lindsay is interested in PBs and contemporary literary fiction, and is not the best match for high fantasy. She is a member of the Young to Publishing Group. Margaret Woollatt is an Associate Editor at Dutton Children’s Books. Margaret has worked on fiction and nonfiction for all ages. Right now she’s particularly interested in fiction, from PBs through YA novels, especially humor, adventure, and high-concept fantasy stories that will appeal to both boys and girls. She was the editor of PBs such as If I Built a Car, by Chris Van Dusen, which won the E.B. White Read Aloud Award, and the New York Times bestseller Miss Smith and the Haunted Library, by Michael Garland. She edited recent and upcoming novels such as The Last Newspaper Boy in America, by Sue Corbett, and Daniel at the Siege of Boston, by Laurie Calkhoven. Other authors and illustrators she has edited include novelists Jean Craighead George, Mitali Perkins, and author/illustrator Robert Byrd. Allison Wortche is an Assistant Editor at Knopf and Crown Books for Young Readers. Allison edits MG and YA novels as well as PBs. She’s always looking for emotionally compelling stories with fresh narrative voices, and she especially likes magical realism, mysteries, historical fiction, and family stories. At Knopf, Allison has had the privilege of working with many wonderful authors including Laura and Tom McNeal, Jen Bryant, Jerry Spinelli, David Levithan, and Rachel Cohn. She is the editor of the MG novels Mudville and Mambo Point (Summer 2010) by Kurtis Scaletta and To Come and Go Like Magic (Spring 2010) by Katie Fawcett. She is also the U.S. editor of the YA novel A Little Wanting Song (Summer 2010) by Cath Crowley, and PBs A Book of Sleep and Thingamabob (Spring 2010) by Il Sung Na. Carolyn P. Yoder is an Editor at Calkins Creek, U.S. History Imprint of Boyds Mills Press. Author of John Adams: The Writer, Fall 2007, Carolyn currently works on nonfiction and historical fiction PBs, chapter books, and novels on American History. She has edited the following Calkins Creek titles: We Are One: The Story of Bayard Rustin (2008 Norman A. Sugarman Children’s Biography Award, Cleveland Public Library; 2008 Jane Addams Book Award, Older Children’s Category); Jeanette Rankin: Political Pioneer (2008 Amelia Bloomer project List; Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2008: 2008 Once Upon a World Book Award in the new YA category, Simon Wiesenthal Center-Museum of Tolerance); Farmer George Plants a Nation (School Library Journal Best Book of the Year; Outstanding Science Trade Book, National Science Teachers Association and the Children’s Book Council; an Ohio Farm Bureau’s Children’s Book Award: A Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Book of the Year). Carolyn is currently seeking manuscripts on American history. Marietta B. Zacker is an Agent at Nancy Gallt Literary Agency. Marietta has professionally experienced every aspect of children’s books for over 15 years, working with authors, illustrators, publishers, educators, and readers. As an agent, she is passionate about bringing those worlds together. She represents authors whose work make her pause, shiver or laugh out loud and illustrators who add a completely different dimension to the story being told. Marietta approaches her work with the knowledge that there are remarkable books of all genres, targeted to all ages, just waiting to be discovered. : )
Paying it Forward: Part 9
Excuse the brief Halloween break. And more from Rutgers… *Remember to check editor/agent submission requirements. Emily van Beek is a Literary Agent and Rights Director at Pippin properties. Pippin Properties, Inc. is a focused literary agency that represents children’s book authors and artists exclusively. Emily is most passionate about books with heart, strong characters, and an often (subtle) deeper layer of meaning. At Pippin we seek “Evergreens”: Books across all genres, including MG and YA fiction that will stand the test of time. Children’s books told in original voices on original topics in original ways. A selection of titles Emily has represented includes: The Newberry Honor-winning and National Book Award nominee The Underneath by Kathi Appelt with illustrations by Caldecott Medalist David Small (Atheneum/S&S), Hallie Durand’s debut chapter book series Dessert First (Atheneum/S&S), Jandy Nelson’s intoxicating YA debut The Sky Is Everywhere (acquired at auction by Dial Books for Young Readers), Erin Bow’s Plain Kate, an atmospheric YA novel inspired by a Russian fairytale (acquired at auction by Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic), and Hallie Durand and Tony Fucile’s upcoming and comedic picture book Mitchell’s License (Candlewick Press). Anna Webman is an Associate Agent at Curtis Brown Ltd. Anna began her career in 2005 as an assistant to Elizabeth Harding at Curtis Brown where she has worked with an esteemed list of children’s authors and illustrators including Jane Yolen, Nikki Grimes, Gennifer Choldenko, GordenKorman, Patrica McKissack, Jane Dyer, Caroline Cooney, L.J. Smith, Karen Cushman, Pat Mora, and S.E. Hinton. Anna represents a range of YA, MG, and PB authors and illustrators, published or new, with whom she works to help them build successful publishing careers. She always is on the lookout for first-time authors and illustrators. Anna’s ideal PB book would be character-driven, energetic story that kids (and their parents) won’t tire of. She particularly is interested in voice driven realistic fiction, with both historical and contemporary settings, and would love to find a Young MG series. Christy Webster is an Assistant Editor is at Random House Books for Young Readers. Christy has been at Random House since April 2005. There she edits a variety of formats from baby to YA, both trade and licensed. She is the editor of the upcoming chapter book Anna Maria’s Gift by Janice Shefelman, and has recently taken over as the editor of the upcoming Calendar Mysteries series, and the ongoing A to Z Mystery series, both by Ron Roy. She is particularly interested in early chapter books and beginning readers, but is willing to critique or consider anything except poetry. Christy is originally from Maine. Edie Weinberg is at Everything at Edie Weinberg Design. Edie loves to art direct and design PBs. Notable recent title she’s designed are Snowball Fight! By Jimmy Fallon and Sheetzu-Caca-Poopoo! By Joy Behar. Edie also loves to create more sophisticated and serious designs in nonfiction, most recently she designed a MG biography Rev. Daniel A. Payne: Great Black Leader. While at Cartwheel Books/Scholastic Inc., Edie was the art director of the I spy Picture Book Riddles series and their Hello Reader! Line of leveled reading books. More recently, Edie was a design manager at McGraw-Hill, working on their new reading program. Tina Wexler is a Literary Agent at International Creative Management (ICM). Tina represents authors in the children’s and adult marketplace with a focus on MG and YA fiction. Forthcoming client publications include Rescuing Seneca Crane by Susan Runholt, Operation Yes by Sara Lewis Holmes, Posh and Prejudice by Grace Dent and Tarra and Bella by Carol Buckley. She is particularly interested in tall tales/magical realism, contemporary coming of age stories, adventure, urban fantasy, and fiction that will appeal to both girls and boys. General speaking, Tina is probably not the best match for high fantasy or sentimental PBs. She has an MFA in poetry, is from Southern Maine, and lives in Brooklyn with her husband. Alison Weiss is an Editorial Assistant at Egmont USA. Since joining Egmont, Alison has worked on PBs through YA fiction, as the company has built its lists. In addition to working with many debut authors, Alison has been part of the editorial team working on Walter Dean Myers’s YA Riot and PB, Looking Like Me (illustrated by Christopher Myers), and Todd Strasser’s Wish You Were Dead. She is the American editor for forthcoming projects from Ali Sparkes and Kate le Vann. Alison is particularly interested in MG (especially school stories, tear-jerkers, and mysteries) and high concept YA fiction. She is a member of the Young to Publishing Group and the Digital Publishing Group. Noa Wheeler is an Associate Editor at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers. Noa has worked with award-wining authors and illustrators such as Bryon Collier, Denise Fleming, Peter McCarty, and Lloyd Alexander. She has recently worked on Charles and Emma ( a biography of Charles Darwin for teens by Deborah Heiligman) and The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate ( a novel by Jackie Kelly). She edits books for all ages and in all formats except original board book.
Paying it forward: Part 8
Next installment of Rutgers Conference info. *Remember to check editors/agents submission requirements Leila Sales is an Editorial Assistant at Viking Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group. Leila has worked in both School and Library Marketing and Editorial at Penguin Young Readers Group. She was part of the editorial team that worked on the upcoming chapter book Horrible Harry Goes Cuckoo, by Suzy Kline; the upcoming YA novel Jump, by Elisa Carbone; and the upcoming YA novel For Keeps, by Natasha Friend. While open to projects for all age groups, Leila is particularly looking for smart, funny, thought-provoking novels with stand-out voices—think John Green, Meg Cabot, Gabrielle Zevin… In general, she’s not the best match for easy readers or otherworldly fantasy. Kelly Smith is a Senior Editor at Sterling Publishing. Kelly edits a varied list of books—everything from easy readers to sticker books, activity books, and board books. She edited the Sterling Biographies series and co-edited the Mysteries Unwrapped series. She is currently developing children’s books with the American Museum of Natural History and is interested in nonfiction projects that relate to natural history topics. Kelly is fascinated by giant squids. Joanna Stampfel-Volpe is an Agent at Nancy Coffey Literary and Media Representation. Interests: chapter books to upper YA (non-fiction, romance, dark, literary, horror, contemporary, humor, historical and fantasy *fantasy/sci-fi needs to be unique!). I would love to find a dark read with a strong voice for teen boys. Think Catcher in the Rye meets Stand by Me, but taking place today. Maybe with a Southern Gothic feel? I recently heard about “hog harvesting” at a conference—think along those lines! Kiffin Steurer is an Assistant Editor at Philomel Books, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group. Kiffin edits and assists with both PBs and novels ranging from literary to adventure. He has edited the upcoming superhero adventure Super Human by Michael Carroll, and the upcoming PB Pirates Don’t Take Baths by John Segal. While open to books for all age ranges, he is interested in literary as well as action/adventure novels with strong protagonists and a unique voice; he is also looking for humorous, quirky PBs. Generally speaking, Kiffin is probably not the best match for high fantasy. Becca Stumpf is an Agent at Prospect Agency. Becca joined Prospect Agency after working as an assistant at Writers House. She is currently looking for adult, YA, and MG literary and commercial fiction, with a special interest in scifi/paranormal/fantasy/steampunk and romance books with broad appeal. (Genre fiction is not just for nerds anymore, huzzah!). She falls hard for high concept plots that balance drama, wit, and intrigue in equal parts, and has a long-standing weakness for anti-heroes, fringe-dwellers, and the occasional scoundrel…provided such characters are richly drawn and demonstrate some serious soul (and a sense of humor doesn’t hurt!). For more about Becca, check out her agent biography at http://www.prospectagency.com/zoo.html. Kate Sullivan is an Assistant Editor at poppy, and imprint of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Kate’s current projects on the Poppy list include The A-List Hollywood Royalty, Secrets of My Hollywod Life, and, coming in 2010, The Daughters series and the DUFF (Designated Fat Friend). On the Little, Brown list she is working on the Darren Shan program, including Cirque Du Freak, and Ash by Malinda Lo, an empowering retelling of Cinderella. Prior to working at Little, Brown, Kate was an editorial assistant at Walker/Bloomsbury Children’s books, where she worked on many nonfiction and fiction PB titles. She is primarily looking for novels that make her laugh aloud on a crowded subway, show a cynical or quirky world view, are smart without being boring, or have strong, defiant characters (who may or may not have a penchant for monstrous behavior). Fun fact: Kate grew up in Brussels, Belgium, thanks to the US Air Force. Tamra Tuller is an Editor at Philomel Books, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group. Tamra works on hardcover MG and YA novels as well as PBs. She has edited Here Comes Gosling! by Sandy Asher as well as the upcoming Dancing in the Wings by Kristy Dempsey, Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, and Lemuel by Carter Crocker, among others. She has contributed editorially to books by Mike Lupica, Brian Jacques, Patricia Polacco, Kathryn Erskine, and Jane Yolen. Currently, Tamra is primarily seeking modern, reality-based fiction—character-driven stories with heart that are commercial yet somewhat literary. She is also seeking smart, imaginative PBs and graphic novels. Tamra does not hold an interest in high fantasy or comedy that is slapstick in nature. Juie Tibbott is an Editor at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group. Julie works on MG and YA titles. Some recent books she has edited include Marlene Perez’s Dead Is paranormal mystery series (Dead is the New Black, Dead is a State of Mind, and Dead is So Last Year), My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters and Jungle Crossing by Sydney Salter, and the upcoming titles The Bad Queen by Carolyn Meyer and The Clearing by Heather Davis. She is particularly interested in high concept MG and YA fiction, and projects with a series potential for original paperback publication. Christian Trimmer is an Assistant Editor at Disney * Hyperion Books. Christian edits books for kids of all ages, focusing on MG, graphic, and YA novels. Published books from his list include: Just Like Bossy Bear by David Horvath, the Young Bond series, The Market by J.M. Teele, the Center for Cartoon Studies series of graphic biographies, and Carter Finally Gets It by Brent Crawford. Upcoming titles include Riding Invisible: An Adventure Journal by Sandra Alonzo, The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade, Carter’s Big Break (the sequel to Carter Finally Gets It). And graphic novel adaptations of The Lightning Thief and The Amulet of Samarkand. He’s looking for MG manuscripts (with series potential) and is a sucker for a good coming of-of-age novel.
Paying it Forward: Part 7
Yes, more information from the Rutgers Conference. *Remember to check editors/agents submission requirements. Joe Monti is a Literary Agent at Barry Goldblatt Literary, LLC. Joe has worked as a children’s fiction buyer at B&N, children’s sales lead at Houghton Mifflin, and as editorial director of paperbacks at little, Brown Books for Young Readers and thus has a unique and comprehensive view of publishing. While he’s best known for being an early advocate and promoter of young adult literature, his love for MG fiction is unabashed as is his interest in grown-up fantasy and science fiction as well as graphic novels. Notable clients include Charles Vess, Eireann Corrigan, Misako Rocks and Tobias Buckell’s upcoming children’s fiction. He’s particularly seeking out character driven fantasy and science fiction, particularly those aimed at male readers—Please! Boys will read if you write something for them!-and in genre or non-genre fiction that represents cultural diversity as both are sorely lacking. Rachel Orr is an Agent at Prospect Agency. Rachel represents a wide range of children’s book authors, including those who write board books, PBs, chapter books, MG novels and YA novels. She also launched Prospect Agency’s artist representation service two years ago and is pleased to represent ten very talented illustrators. Some of Rachel’s clients include Sudipta Bardhan-Qiuallen, A.C. E. Nauer, Jason Chin, and Cori Doerrfeld. Prior to joining Prospect Agency in 2007, Rachel worked as an editor for eight years at HarperCollins Children’s Books. Ammi-Joan Paquette is an Associate Agent at Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Joan represents all forms of children’s and YA literature. She works from her home in Massachusetts, and only accepts queries via referral or from attendees of conferences she has attended. At this time she is particularly interested in creative nonfiction, sports-related projects, novels that explore religious topics, “big feel” character-driven PBs, and anything that tickles her funny bone. She would love to see a great mystery. She is also the published author of The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Fairies (Tanglewood, 2009) Annette Pollart is an Assistant Editor at Simon pulse, Simon and Schuster. Annette acquires contemporary, commercial teen fiction and the occasional nonfiction title. Working with and editing paranormal romance writers like NYT bestselling author L.J. Smith and Jeri Smith-Ready, she is always interested in reading manuscripts in that genre that have inventive hooks and distinctive voices. Annette also edits the Once Upon a Time line, a series of retold fairy tales. She is interested in books based in—or out—of reality with complicated, engaging protagonists. Make her laugh—mesmerize her with your awesome manuscript! (No high fantasy please.) Linda Pratt is an Agent at Sheldon Fogelman Agency. Linda works with authors and illustrators from PBs through YA. Her clients range from award winners and bestsellers, such as Sharon G. Flake, Denise Brunku, and Karen Beaumont to rising new talents like Eric Luper, Eileen Beha, and everything from chapter book to YA. Voice is the single most compelling draw for her. She’ll journey with a good voice through any genre. She loves timeless fiction that couples a sense of reality with elements of escapism or otherworldliness like Ingrid Law’s Savvy, and has become a fan of speculative fiction through novels like Suzanne Collin’s The Hunger Games. She’d love to find the author of a modern, American version of Rene Goscinny’s quintessential boy chapter book series Nicholas, too. Emilia Rhodes is an Editorial Assistant at Simon and Schuster, Simon Pulse. Emilia works on commercial YA fiction at Simon Pulse. She has edited the upcoming Never After by Dan Elconin; Go Ahead, Ask Me. By Nico Medina and Billy Merrell; and At First Sight by Cathy Hapka. She has also worked on revising several backlist series, including Kissed by an Angel by Elizabeth Chandler and Thirst by Christopher Pike. She is interested in high-concept, commercial YA fiction of all genres, but particularly loves heroines you can root for, boys to swoon over, and laugh out loud moments. Chris Richman is and Agent at Upstart Crow Literary. Chris joined Upstart Crow Literary in July of 2009 after cutting his teeth at Firebrand Literary. In his short time as an agent, Chris has sold several noteworthy projects, including Jacqueline West’s The Book of Elsewhere series and Matt Myklusch’s Jack Blank trilogy. Chris is actively building his list, enjoys working with debut writers, and is primarily interested in MG and YA, with a special interest in books for boys, books with unforgettable characters, and fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. He is not looking for paranormal romance, books based around supernatural creatures such as fairies, vampires, or werewolves, chick-lit, or picture books. Ruta Rimas is an Assistant Editor at Balzer and Bray, and imprint of HarperCollis Children’s Books. Ruta works on everything from PBs through YA for the Blazer and Bray imprint. She has assisted on the If You Give… series by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond, The Healing Wars, Book One: The Shifter by Janice Hardy; and The Everafter by Amy Huntley. Ruta is interested in commercial and literary (ideally, a blend of both) MG and YA fiction, and innovative PBs with interesting characters. Ruta is not looking for nonfiction or chick lit. Elana Roth is an Agent at Caren Jounson Literary Agency. Elana works on everything from PBs through YA. She represents YA authors Pam Bachorz (Candor) and David Patneaude (Epitaph Road-Egmont, Spring 2010) and author/illustrator Darren Farrell (Doug –Dennis and the Flyaway Fib-Dial, Spring 2010). While open to books for all age ranges, she is particularly interested in high concept MG and YA fiction. She tends toward great hooks or twists combined with strong, honest voices. While she does like sci-fi and fantasy elements, high fantasy and sci-fi tend not to thrill her, nor do vampires, werewolves or fairies. She does like dark senses of humor, interesting family set-ups, and alternate realities. While she does represent PBs, she’s considering work from author/illustrators only, and prefers a quirky, whimsical style.
Paying it Forward: Part 6
More information from the Rutgers One on One Conference: *Remember to check editor/agent submission requirements. Teresa Kietlinski is an Agent at Prospect Agency. Teresa joined Prospect Agency in 2009 after thirteen happy years of working in the publishing industry at Disney-Hyperion, Dial Books for Young Readers, Viking Children’s Books, and William Morrow and Company. She has designed and art directed hundreds of children’s books of all sizes and shapes, and has worked with amazing talents including Kevin Sherry, David Sonam, LeUyen Pham, Boris Kulikov, Kadir Nelson, and Amy Young. As an agent, Teresa is particularly interested in emerging artists who both write and illustrate books for very young children. She loves smart, wickedly funny manuscripts and art that is quirky and fresh. Dianne Landolf is an Editor at Random House Children’s Books. Diane works on chapter books and MG and YA novels. She has edited Heck: Where the Bad Kids Go and Rapacia: The Second Circle of Heck; Ring of Fire (Century Quartet Book 1; many titles in the A to Z Mysteries series, and the upcoming medieval historical, The Book of the Maidservant, by her former Rutgers mentee, Rebecca Barnhouse. She is interested in MG and YA novels across all genres, with a particular interest in quirky or dark fantasy and literary titles. For YA, a strong voice is what she looks for most. For contemporary MG, she loves stories where kids are smart and figure things out, especially by working together. For historical, she prefers pre-20th century. The older the better. Alvina Ling is a Senior Editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Alvina acquires children’s books for all ages (baby-teen), with a particular interest in literary MG fiction and books with multicultural themes. She is interested in both genre (including science fiction, fantasy, and mystery) and contemporary fiction, and is a fan of beautiful and/or funky PBs with unique illustration styles, as well as trade nonfiction books. Some of her recent publications include the NYTimes bestselling PB Wabi Sabi by Mark Reibstein; Edgar Award winner The Postcard by Tony Abbott; Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin; North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley; The Devouring by Simon Holt; and Freaks and Revelations by Davida Wills Hurwin. Before starting at Little, Brown in 1999, Alvina was a bookseller, and has always been a lover of children’s books. Julia Maguire is an Editorial Assistant at Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers. Julia works on all types of books from PBs to YA. She has assisted on editing the re-launch of the Sluggers series by Phil Bildner and Loren Long as well as Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson. She has edited the upcoming PB 1 Zany Zoo by first time author and illustrator Lori Degman and Colin Jack. While interested in books for all age ranges, she is particularly interested in young PBs and literary YA novels that have a commercial appeal. She is not the best match for science fiction or fantasy. Tracy Marchini is an Agent’s Assistant at Curtis Brown, LTD. She has also worked as a children’s book reviewer and a newspaper correspondent. She blogs about working and publishing at www.tracymarchini.com and tweets at www.twitter.com/tracymarchini Sean McCarthy is an Assistant Agent at Sheldon Fogelman Agency. Sean works on children’s books for all ages, and is especially keen on off-beat PBs, adventure-oriented MG novels, and edgy YA narratives with deeply flawed characters. His clients include Hyewon Yum, Mark Fearing and Hillary Homzie, and has worked with a variety of authors and illustrators, such as Richard Peck, Mo Williams, and Jerry Pinkney. In PBs, he looks more for dynamic characters and especially clever endings. He would love to find a graphic novel that doesn’t delve too deeply into the “Superhero “ side, or an imaginative MG mystery. He is not currently interested in high fantasy or query letters that pose too many questions. Sean also reviews adult fiction titles for Publishers Weekly. Samantha McFerrin is an Editor at Harcourt Children’s Books. Samantha acquires and edits PBs and MG and YA fiction. For PBs, her interest ranges from sweet to rhythmic to quirky true. Novel subjects that grab her attention are unusual love stories, authentic urban fiction, action-packed stories for boys (though not necessarily sport stories), mysteries, magical realism, and stories told from a unique cultural perspective. She’s the editor of the Geisel Honor Award winner Jazz Baby by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie; the Pura Belpre Illustrator Award winner Just a Minute A Trickster Tale and Counting Book by Yuyi Morales; and the Charlotte Zolotow Honor Award winner In a Blue Room by Jim Averbeck, illustrated by Tricia Tusa. Beth Miller is a Literary Agent Assistant at Writers House, LLC. Beth has been Robin Rue’s assistant at Writers House since 2007. She has the pleasure of working with a number of adult fiction clients, as well as such YA and children’s authors as Garret Freymann-Weyr, Elizabeth Scott, Holly Lisle, Helen Lowe, Jennifer Bradbury, and Carmela and Steve D’Amico. She loves to read YA fiction submissions from new authors, and is always on the lookout for something fabulous that she can pass along to Robin. In her other life, she was a DNA sequencing technician at Cold Springs Harbor Laboratory on Long island. She prefers books to E. coli. More tomorrow!
