Editors and Agents Panel: The Outlook in Children's Publishing: Josh Adams

 

This esteemed panel included agent Josh Adams, editor Sonali Fry, editor Tiff Liao, agent Saba Sulaiman, and art director Laurent Linn.

Here's some of what agent extraordinaire Josh Adams had to say: 

Where do you work, and what you’re looking for?

—Adams Literary, Celebrating their twentieth anniversary

—Publishes middle-grade, YA, and adult novels.

—Loves stories that are timeless and timely.

—Looking for the next award-winner and bestseller.

—Open to submissions being submitted by folks attending this conference. Looking forward to what writers are dreaming up!

How can writers reach you?

Visit the website: https://www.adamsliterary.com/, then go to the submissions page. At this time,  Adams Literary is closed to submissions, however, you're in luck! They are open to summer conference attendees—whoo-hoo! Simply query Adam with a full manuscript; introduce yourself, and what you’re working on/writing about. Only submit one manuscript at a time.

Keep in mind there is no time limit for submitting, so don’t rush. Submit now, a week from now, or a year from now.  Be sure to somehow reference the SCBWI Summer 24 conference in your query, and you’ll scoot to the front of the list!

(Writers only, not looking for illustrators at this time)

Maneuvering an ever-changing industry at a time of change and challenge

Adams referenced the song SAME AS IT EVER WAS by the Talking Heads. Editors have always moved around. They can go from house to house, editing to agenting, writer to agent. Authors and artists should be on the lookout for reliable and established agents. 

Challenge

Things are not always what they seem; it’s not that bad out there, folks! A lot of hopeful things happening in publishing at this time. Keep your heads up.

Trends

Adams is not phased by trends. He looks for writing that he loves and will speak to others. Trends matter more to editors than agents. Steer away from trends. Once you jump on the trend bandwagon, the next trend is trending. Write what you love, that’s what will be marketable.

On craft: How do you approach guiding a writer?

Not an editorial agent. Focuses on a higher, more strategic level. Adams Literary looks for people who are delivering highly polished manuscripts, and who are at a place where they are ready to go! Views his job as a facilitator, never wanting to get in the way of the author-editor relationship.

Wrap-up

Draws inspiration from is his wife, Tracey! She always says that things work out the way they're meant to work out. Everyone will have success. Everyone will have rejections. Use each situation to learn and grow.

Advice from his father: Learn as much about your craft as you can, and strive to be the best.