Editor & Agents Panel: Sara Sargent

Topic: The Current State of the Children's Publishing Industry

Sara Sargent is Senior Executive Editor at Random House Children's Books. Sara primarily acquires picture books, but also does some middle grade and young adult, both fiction and nonfiction. She’s been in the industry for about 14 years. 

Laurent asks if the shift of editors becoming agents has changed anything. Sara acknowledges there's a higher volume of work coming in now, but she offers an important and helpful note. Sara believes agents are valuable because a huge role they play is taking time to talk to editors. They are taking the time to call or see editors in person and know what they are looking for in order to expertly direct your manuscripts to the right editors. 

Laurent asks about the current issue of book banning. Sara shares that book banning creates an element of grief. Books bring kids the experience of not feeling alone in whatever there experience is. As editors, to the best of their ability, the intent is to continue to do what they have always done and bring books to kids. Book banning has not impacted any decisions to publish a book. They will continue to acquire books they believe are important and that  kids need. 

Myth busters! There are have been some great one shared by the panelists, and Sara shares a fantastic one. That there is a preference to find author/illustrators and that it's disqualifying to only be a writer. They absolutely acquire picture book text from writers who don't also illustrate. And, as is typical for the industry, it is not up to you to find an illustrator for your work. (This is a common misconception!)

Laurent asks the panelists to share one piece of advice a mentor has shared. One boss told Sara, "I want you to publish books that warm the cockles of your heart." It has stuck with her, and has stayed with her. It's about doing what she loves. Being guided by what lights her from within. 

Such great information was shared in during this panel. If you want to view this session to hear the full content, along with the rest of the conference, register at https://www.scbwi.org/events/summer-conference-2023. Replays of the conferences will be available until September 10, 2023. 

Linda Camacho - The Outlook for Children’s Publishing in 2023

Linda Camacho has worked in various positions in publishing having spent time at Penguin Random House, Dorchester, Simon & Schuster, and Writers House before becoming an agent at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency. 

Growing up Linda was like the rest of the panel who all also fell in love with books as kids, but as a kid Linda didn't know anyone in the publishing industry or that books could be a career. When she left college she had no idea what she wanted to do but luckily stumbled into adult publishing, and after that it was a 'series of fortunate events.'

Linda loves helping creators get their stories to kids so they, too, can fall in love with books. She also loves the meeting and talking to different people aspect of agenting and being a connector of sorts. "It's so much fun even when it's not."

Three words that describe Linda's taste: entertaining, meaningful, and universal. Resonance with a book/creator is important to all of the agents and Linda adds that if it isn't a hell yes, it's a no. Linda passing on a person's manuscript doesn't mean that person is not publishable or talented, it's all back to the matter of resonance.

Editors & Agents Panel: Tiff Liao

Tiff Liao is executive editor at Zando's Young Readers initiative. Prior to joining Zando, Tiff worked at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, where she edited the instant #1 New York Times Bestsellers Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley, Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, and its sequel Children of Virtue and Vengeance. 

As we come off Dhonielle Clayton's inspiring keynote, the panel weighs in on the challenges the pandemic brought to the industry.

Tiff echoes the thoughts of her colleagues and notes that she's been thinking about flexibility and the way it creates uncertainty, but that it also creates a lot of possibility. 

On supply-chain issues:

Tiff has some reassurances here. She shares that there are so many people working on this issue around that clock! Also, know that your readers are still going to find your books, even if the pub date changes. 

How does BookTok fit into your thinking and marketing? Is it impacting sales?

Tiff acquires YA and notes that BookTok is a very powerful tool right now. Many top selling YA books are popping back up because of BookTok. Zando does incorporate it as a marketing tool, and into campaigns. But as a writer, Tiff says that if the idea of TikTok gives you hives, don't engage because it won't work right. Writers need to be writers first.

On centering stories and voices that have been historically marginalized and what authors should be considering: 

Tiff wants to address marginalized writers directly. "You as a writer have a much more direct line to what readers want as the creator of the story that speaks to them." Tiff also notes that as the industry shifts towards opening doors, you should also be judicious about searching not only for the right editor, but advocates and allies--partners in the process. 

Final thoughts:

Tiff says: Be kind to yourself....we're all in it together. And it's great that you found this community. 

Editors & Agents Panel: James Mustelier

James Mustelier, an agent with The Bent Agency, is looking for a range of commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction. Here are some of his answers from this morning's editor/agent panel:

What has the pandemic changed about children's book publishing?

The Pandemic has shifted schedules and lives, part of decentralizing publishing from out of New York means we may be seeing greater interest in different locations not fully explored or known as compared to pre-Pandemic times. A reminder that everything is changing, has changed, for everyone, including publishers and agents.

James reiterates what other panelists have said: That being flexible with details has been key to keeping the publishing of physical books going during the uncertain times and supply chain issues we’ve all experienced over the past few years.

What do author/illustrators need to consider amidst the heightened politicizing and activism of the last few years? 

Sometimes the most effective way to comment or let your opinion be known on political issues is to share unique characters that may or may not be commenting directly on the issues at hand, a supernatural fantasy set at a summer camp, for example, can indirectly connect readers to broader issues being faced in the adult world.

Does everybody need to be on BookTok?

While there’s more of an emphasis on using something like TikTok as a marketing tool, there’s still a grassroots element to TikTok that individual authors and publishers alike can’t really control or plan around in a timely fashion. A TikTokker’s powerful emotional response to a book they're sharing is what makes viewers want to go read that book, it’s still about a very genuine, emotional connection more than maybe a marketing tool.

Is your book/work special enough to get a publishing deal?

Any market is in a constant state of flux and the publishing market is no different. Everyone is taking everything into account — from concrete sales data to personal preferences and opinions. Hearing familiar stories from new perspectives puts a reader in a new place but with a built-in interest. Technique and originality are still what an author can control in any market.

Thao Le: Agents Panel #scbwiWinter22

Thao Le is an agent with the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency. She represents picture books and graphic novels by author-illustrators, middle grade fiction, and young adult across genres, as well as science fiction/fantasy and select romance for adults. In the picture book realm, she’s excited to work with illustrators who write their own picture books and is most drawn to art that is emotive and vivid. Her tastes tend towards stories that are character driven, witty, progressive, and end with a twist. In middle grade and YA, whether in prose or graphic novel format, she’s currently seeking contemporary stories that are witty, heartfelt, and authentic. She’s especially drawn to stories about family and friendships from the POV of diverse protagonists. She’s a fan of young characters who are passionate about the arts, sports, STEM, activism, and geeky fandoms. She adores stories with a touch of magic and whimsy, and is a fan of mythology and fairytales. In general, she loves beautiful literary writing with a commercial hook and tight plotting. She is actively seeking underrepresented voices (including, but not limited to, all ethnicity, sexual orientation, mental and physical health, and socioeconomic status) to her client list.

Agent Thao Le (lower right) presents at the Agents Panel.
(Also pictured is ASL interpreter Joanne Carron.)

Thao's advice:

Define what success means to you -

• Getting published by a Big Four Publisher?
• Commercial Success? (Preorders, Bestseller lists, Earning Out)
• Awards?
• Film/TV Deal?
• Multiple Books?

 and recognize that can change over the course of your career. Set your goal and communicate that with your agent.

If querying agents, look at books you love, who published them? Who represents them? Make your dream list.

If you're doing a cover reveal, include a call to action (have buy links or goodreads links available). For announcements and your website, provide easy buy links -- and diversify those links. Figure out "the shortest distance between you, the reader, and that buy link."

There is no magical number of sales that is "successful". 10,000 copies can mean a lot - but it depends on the size of your advance. 

Consider longevity and your career goals. Her goal as an agent is longevity in the publishing industry.

"The best way to succeed in publishing is to keep writing."

AGENT PANEL - Real Talk with Four Agents: Saba Sulaiman

Saba Sulaiman is an agent at Talcott Notch Literary Services, a boutique agency located in Milford, CT.

The agency includes Saba and a couple of other agents that work independently with nonfiction, fiction, adult, and children's books. Saba started building her list about five years ago, and she is primarily building the children's list for her agency. 

Saba looks for stories she wishes to champion, stories that showcase the individual and also the world around them. She feels books are a heartwarming way to connect us all through storytelling, and that children are particularly receptive to differences and that they also tend to embrace silliness and absurdity as simple matter of fact.

"We read to understand ourself by understanding others."

Saba represents picture books, middle grade, YA, as well as some chapter books (but mostly clients she already represents). She loves stories with heart, stories with certain sense of urgency, high concept, whimsy, word play, structural experimentation, humor (she notes there is space for humor in everything), honest storytelling, books that open conversations with children, and diversity and inclusivity in all forms. 

Saba has found clients at SCBWI. 

Some authors she represents:

Cathleen Barnhart

Rosiee Thor

Saira Mir

Shelly Anand

Every agent's perspective is different concerning a full list or how big a list they want to have. Saba has about 25 clients right now. 

As a final takeaway, Saba shares that when you're writing, the best way to find success is to be vulnerable and honest. She also suggests that we all should ask ourselves hard and important questions about the kind of people we are and the challenges we will have to face on this journey. 

Follow her on Twitter and IG @agentsaba 

Learn more about her at sabasulaiman.com

AGENT PANEL - Real Talk with Four Agents: Erica Rand Silverman

Erica Rand Silverman is a senior agent at Stimola Literary Studio, a boutique agency that Rosemary Stimola founded about twenty years ago, and has a much-celebrated client list. Stimola Literary Studio is passionate about building careers. Erica has been with the Studio for five years. 

It's personally important to Erica to be awake in this world: to see the wonders and the beauty and even the ugliness. To see the good and the bad. All that is happening to us all the time, and all those really big feeling that come with it. 

Erica feels lucky to work with kids' books, which help kids work through all of that, and she loves working with the writers and illustrators who create those books. 

Erica mostly represents picture books. She loves the interactions between illustration and text.  And Erica has found some of her clients right here at SCBWI. 

In terms of illustration Erica looks for very distinct art styles for illustrators.

She also loves fiction and nonfiction stories that are honest and true to human nature and our lives.

THE BEAR AND THE MOON by her client Matthew Burgess is a good indication of what she looks for.

Erica also represents the author of the bestselling I AM HUMAN series. 

And, as a former teacher, Erica loves books that segue well into the classroom, like MAPPING SAM.

Erica reassures those who are not yet published: "Being a debut is a great place to begin. Know that it works in your favor...Be encouraged if you are unpublished." 

Beyond the typical work she does with submissions and contracts for her clients, Erica puts a lot of effort behind working with her clients on marketing and publicity. She also helps them navigate it all, the many moving pieces and parts of publishing. 

A final takeaway: "It's never too early to get engaged in the industry." 

Erica says a book that will give you a great sense of what she looks for is BLUE, BARRY, AND PANCAKES by Dan & Jason (out soon). There's a great sense of play, and the way you can have fun with your work. Erica recommends to everyone: PLAY YOUR WAY IN!

Follow on IG: @ericasilverman @stimolaliterarystudio

YouTube: Stimola Live

Twitter: @ericasilverman @stimolaliterary

#SCBWIsummerspec Agent Panel: Rosemary Stimola

Rosemary Stimola is a former independent children's bookseller, who founded the Stimola Literary Studio in 1997, a boutique agency representing fiction and nonfiction from preschool through young adult, as well as all genres. Stimola Literary Studio is made up of a wonderful team of agents. 

On the wall of Rosemary's office, hangs a framed print of Maya Angelou's poem I Love the Look of Words. In the poem there is a stanza that says:

When I have stopped reading, 

ideas from the words stay stuck

in my mind, like the sweet

smell of butter perfuming my

fingers long after the popcorn

is finished.

I love the book and the look of words

the weight of ideas that pop into

my mind

I love the track

of new thinking in my mind.

This is a mantra for Rosemary. When Rosemary considers a submission, the very first thing that strikes her are the words and the narrative voice that carries them. 

She's attracted to complex characters, even for the youngest readers that exhibit heart as well as well as a penchant for subversive and independent thinking, challenging the status quo, and traversing boundaries. 

Also, who doesn't love a page turner? 

Rosemary shares authors and illustrators she represents that brought words that stuck in her mind, characters that stood up when the world asked them to, and stories that begged to be read until the last page.

All were written by authors that were not so in love with their words that they weren't willing to revise them. And, all sit well in the current marketplace, that seeks diversity, does not condescend to young readers, and challenges them to see beyond themselves.

Rosemary shared some examples.

INSIDE OUT AND BACK AGAIN by Thanhha Lai is a middle grade novel in verse that came to Rosemary as cold submission with a beautifully written query. After reading it, Rosemary was still thinking about it three days later (the words stuck), but she thought she could already write the rejection letters for it. (Historical. Vietnamese protagonist-this was 2009. Told in verse.) This book sold for a very modest advance but went on to win the National Book Award, a Newbery Honor, and still lives on NYT Bestseller list. 

ONE OF US IS LYING by Karen M McManus came to Rosemary at the right time, in the right place (with what was happening with young people in the world). It came with a perfectly crafted query. Ro couldn't put it down. This book has spent 100 weeks on the bestseller list and sold in 41 languages. Karen has earned the title of Queen of the YA Mystery Thriller.

Mathew Cordell has been with Rosemary for more books and years than she can remember. 

WOLF IN THE SNOW won the Caldecott Medal. It was his 31st book! There are no words in the books, so you might wonder: Where are the words that stuck in Rosemary's mind? They were there, in the art.

Some books recently published.

James Bird, author of THE BRAVE, had Rosemary at his character's first word, which happened to be a number. 18. This main character has unique condition that leads him to count every word spoken to him. It makes him a target for bullies and a source of frustration for his dad. 

THE FELL OF DARK by Caleb Roehrig (Caleb's fourth YA novel) was just published days ago. Caleb's was a cold submission. He caught Rosemary's attention with a sharp and witty query letter. He also had a compelling mystery and complex LGBTQ  characters, in what became his debut novel LAST SCENE LEAVING. 

And a forthcoming title by Irene Latham and Charles Waters. Poets and authors. They write independently, but when combined they form the dynamic duo referred to as the The I&C Construction Company. Together they have penned CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR and DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD. Their latest brings something very special into our market, looking deeper into stories that have not been told. AFRICAN TOWN, a historical novel, told in verse through multiple voices, tells the story of the last African's brought to America. It comes out spring of 2022. Rosemary says, "It's told in voices that sing and ache. Even the ship has been given a voice that speaks of her human cargo and their fates."

  

These books "go beyond the moment and bring words and pictures together that stick in minds, just like they did in mine."

AGENTS PANEL: Molly O'Neill and Beth Phelan

Molly O'Neill is an agent with Root Literary. She loves the creative process and early-stage project development, is invigorated by business strategy and entrepreneurial thinking, and is fascinated by the intersections of creativity, commerce, and community. Her client list is comprised of authors, illustrators, and cartoonists.

What does a trend and an evergreen mean you?

Trend: Something that's capturing interest and imagination and has swelled up, and as a community we are all talking about. It's often something that's popular for a brief amount of time.

Evergreen: Books that have a sense of universality, transcend time, and connect generation to generation.


A book is a combination between the specific and the universal. If it's too specific, you end up having niche appeal...too universal, you end up with a book that's platitudes.

In publishing, agents/publishers are time travelers. They are ahead of what's on the bookshelf, which is why it's hard to catch up with a trend.

A lot more nonfiction is being published because the curriculum standards are calling on nonfiction in a particular way. The internet has also had an impact. Kids can google and get straight forward information right away, so now we're seeing a much more specific lens on the nonfiction being published. Books that cost money can't compete with information that's easy to get from the internet.

Molly recommends to her clients: "feed" yourself unique ingredients so you can create something unique.

Molly doesn't think of booksellers, teachers, or librarians as gatekeepers, but more as partners. If you are a book creator, start building those relationships now, don't wait until your book is out and you want them to sell it.

Molly loves a book that can be described as a love story of friendship. Molly says, "Take me anywhere. I want to travel through your book."

Molly doesn't think you can set out to write an evergreen. It's not what you decide, it's what the readers decide. Know where your book lives in the market. Who is the kind of reader for your book?
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Beth Phelan has been an agent at Gallt & Zacker Literary since 2017. She represents authors of middle grade and young adult books and gravitates to stories and characters that inspire, and anything with a touch of humor and the bittersweet.  Beth is also the creator of #DVpit, a Twitter pitch event for marginalized creators, which she launched in April 2016.  Twitter: @beth_phelan, @DVpit_.



What does a trend and an evergreen mean you?

Beth sees trends and evergreens as the same, but trends are in the foreground rather than the background.

Although it's hard to catch a trend, Beth also sees publishers chasing them. A lot of publishers are coming up with graphic novel imprints because they're doing well. They're still selling. Intellectual Property acquisition is on the rise.

As the agents have a conversation about the own voice and diversity in the current market, Beth notes that the industry might not want to call it trend, but it treats it like one. This causes some worry for Beth, as marginalized authors feel this might be their opportunity to get their foot in the door, and because of that what kind of books do they need to create to get that foot in the door.

Beth still hears from publishers, "we already have one of those."

Beth was a constant re-reader and she'd love to find a long middle grade that creates that same experience for readers. She'd also love to find darker middle grade.

"I used to say I don't do historical, but then one of my authors wrote one. So, never say never."

Beth says to write what you want...if a trend comes and you love it then you should get it out while you're passionate about it.

Agent Panel: Molly O'Neill

Molly O'Neill is an agent with Root Literary (founded last year by veteran agent Holly Root). She's been in the publishing industry for the past fifteen years in various roles like marketing and editing. She represents authors and illustrators from picture book to YA. The Root agency is very future focused as a new agency and excited to build longterm careers for their clients.

Lin asks the panel, "How's business?' Are they noticing any changes or do they want the audience to be aware of anything? For Molly, business is booming. She's got a lot of debut clients and is at the early point of their careers. YA is a bit tricky, it may be going into a new incarnation, what's the next Hunger Games, that isn't the Hunger games at all but something groundbreaking and new.

Molly's assistant Captain von Smooch

There's probably a lot less trilogies happening as deals right now, publishers are being more cautious across the business.

Middle grade is a tremendously exciting place right now. WONDER for example is still doing amazing things. These are books that aren't just in library markets, but finding their way into bestseller lists and movies. Maybe not the same crossover to adults as YA, but bigger audiences than previously for the markets. The interplay of text and art in middle grade is a big thing. Innovative picture book formats and styles, too, are things publishers are interested in.

Teenagers are comfortable being in a place of grappling with hard questions in a way that earlier generations had more black and white/right and wrong ideals in their lives and in the books available to them. Molly reminds us of those tv afterschool specials. Readers today are looking to recognize the same questions they are struggling with in a book they want to read, and seeing how a character does or does not deal with that question. They don't want to be told what to think, they want to be respected, so portray sensitive social issues in your books authentically.

To see Molly's submission policy, see her website here.

Agent Panel: Kirsten Hall

Kirsten Hall is the one and only agent at Catbird Agency, Kirsten grew up in publishing and feels like she was born to do this. Catbird mostly focuses on artists and picture books. Kirsten is also an author herself.

Kirsten see trends in picture books being a better representation for marginalized voices as well as picture book biographies. In regards to the way picture books are going on to effect other genres, picture books readers are growing up to read middle grade and enjoying illustrations with those books, too. Kirsten sees Catbird reaching into that realm.

A lot of books that come out of Catbird are reactionary about what's going on in the world today, but they're also balanced by books that are pure entertainment.

Technology and social media impact Kirsten's work in a a lot of ways. She spends a great deal of time there. There are a lot of ideas and inspirations to be found on social media. It's also important to stay aware of the conversations happening there. It's a rich place, but also a super complicated place. 

Kirsten believes there could be a little bit more kindness on social media. Rejection comes at writers and illustrators a lot and it would be nice to not be rejected by peers. Kirsten hopes we can all champion each other. 

Agent Panel: Erin Murphy

Erin Murphy is the founder of the legendary Erin Murphy Literary Association.

She started her career as an editor at a small publishing house, where she learned to navigate contracts, and in eighteen years, she’s risen to one of the top agents in the business. The agency represents authors, illustrators, and author/illustrators.  The agency has four agents, including Erin, Ammi Joan Paquette, Tricia Lawrence, and Tara Gonzalez. The agency is currently closed to submissions unless you are a conference attendee. There is no end date to this; Erin wants you to query when you’re ready.

Agency clients include Mike Jung, Kevan Atteberry, K.A. Holt, Janet Fox, and many, many more beloved creators.

Erin talked about what’s happening in the market these days. Children’s books are a bright spot in publishing and have been for several years—which has put us in a position of respect in publishing (even if grudging).

“I feel like it’s generally robust,” she said. That said, the last year has been hard on many people creatively, and it’s delayed some writers and editors. “It felt creatively stagnant on all sides of the table last year.”

But now she’s feeling great about things. One important thing is that we are redefining what it means to be “evergreen.” There are a lot of stories that haven’t been told before and are now being told; these will be tomorrow’s evergreens.

She told us about a book out on submission by an established, trusted author that includes a shocking death and deals with grief. Many editors think it’s too hard of a subject for middle grade readers, which surprises her. (And I know which book she’s talking about. I’ve heard parts of it; it’s breathtaking and beautiful.)

One of Erin’s books is The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater, a nonfiction book about a crime told from the points of view of participants, an important and complex work informed by the author’s journalistic background.

Tha Agent Panel Begins!

Lin Oliver (far left, at podium) moderates the agent panel, with (from left to right): Erin Murphy, Molly O'Neill, Kirsten Hall, Brooks Sherman, and Marietta Zacker.

Agents' Panel: Kate Testerman, KT Literary

Kate is the founder of her eponymous agency, KT Literary, established 2008, but she's been in publishing in various roles for 21 years! KTL began as just Kate and her dog in a basement, but now she has above ground access and five non-canine associates. She personally reps mostly middle grade and YA, authors you love like Maureen Johnson and Stephanie Perkins.

Kate wants to fall in love with a character when reading a submission. She love the MG-YA  zone because it's where a person decides to become a lifelong reader if they've had access to awesome books.

Lin asks them how they work by describing a case study:

Kate talks about Matthew Cody's PEDDLER'S ROAD, a trilogy based around the Pied Piper folktale. She met Matt before she was an agent, they were playing D&D together and then were in a critique group together. When Kate transferred from wanting to write to wanting to edit and rep, Matt was one of the first authors she signed.

What did she love about this first book? The book is grounded in a real sibling relationship, but has the fantastical, nerdy elements she loves of D&Desque creatures.

Lin asks how they were able to get a trilogy sold? Kate says this was the 3rd deal after two successful two-book deals for Matt with his editor for initially stand-alone books. Kate says your first deal has probably got to be a stand alone book, and from there you've got to prove success to garner multi-title or series deals.

What it is like to work with KT Literary:  "When we build the relationship we want to build with you, it's more than just agent/client, it's a partnership."

Kate wants to fill in the gaps, if as editor/babysitter/photographer/counselor, Kate only does well when her authors are doing well.

Agent Panel: Alexandra Penfold

Alexandra Penfold is an agent at Upstart Crow Literary. She represent everything from picture books up, with some select adult titles. She's also an author.

In books, Alexandra is a seeker of beauty and truth and light.

At an annual SCBWI conference in NY Alexandra met Jessixa Bagley when Jessixa thanked her following a breakout session. After the conference Jessixa sent Alexandra a picture book dummy. When Alexandra read it, she cried. She signed Jessixa, and together they worked to refine the story. They created changes with small word choices, in order to hit the emotional target. That book became Boats for Papa which won last year's Golden Kite Award for picture book text.

Another SCBWI success story happened at the LA summer conference when Alexandra met illustrator Suzanne Kaufman through friends. This relationship was first one of friendship but then Alexandra had a chance to see Suzanne's work and she later signed Suzanne as a client.

They are now collaborating on a book together called All Are Welcome.

"Work on the things you are afraid to work on."

In terms of submitting, the plan is formulated based on the book. Sometimes Alexandra might take it wide or target in on the perfect person. As agents, they are match makers. 

Publishers are asking agents to see "own voices" stories.