Saturday, February 2, 2013

Yolanda Scott: Editorial Director, Charlesbridge

Yolanda Scott is editorial director at Charlesbridge. She has edited over one hundred and fifty titles. Charlesbridge is a smaller, independent, family-run publisher based in Boston. They publish about 50 titles a year. About 60% is nonfiction, 40% fiction. Charlesbridge keeps most of their books in print for a very long time.

What is it that makes Yolanda take notice of a book? She shares 9 specific hooks,  along with an example of each.

1. Unique, innovative premise.

After the Kill by Darrin Lunde



2. Compelling Characters


The Day-GloBrothers by Chris Barton

3.  Riveting Pot


Mosquito Bite by Alexandra Siy

4. Strong Voice


Pirate Bob by Kathryn Lasky



5. Interesting Structure


The Cazuela that the Farm Maiden Stirred by Samantha R. Vamos


6. Exceptional Art or Visual Potential

Last Laughs: Animal Epitaphs by J. Patrick Lewis and Jane Yolen

7. Filling a Hole on the Charlesbridge List

Alphabet Trucks by Samantha R. Vamos 

8. Skillful, Fluid Writing


Pigmares by Doug Cushman

9. Personal Interest of an Editor

Grin and Bear It by Leo Landry




1 comment:

  1. Thank you, Yolanda, for critiquing my manuscript for the IL SCBWI Prairie Day last Saturday. Your detailed critique will help me improve Emil's story about visiting his grandparents in Sweden. I appreciate the time that you took to give me such a through critique.

    Dorothy Wiese

    ReplyDelete