Panel: the Current Landscape for Children's Books - Edward Necarsulmer

Edward Necarsulmer is a literary agent with Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary Agency. He started his career in book publishing as an intern at Random House Books for Young Readers, assisted Marilyn E. Marlow at Curtis Brown Ltd. and then joined McIntosh & Otis, Inc. in 2004 to oversee their children's literature business, and he's been an agent for almost 13 years.

He is known for cultivating strong new voices in teen and middle grade as well as picture books. He represents New York Times Bestselling, Newbery, and Caldecott winning authors, illustrators, and estates, and is seeking authors and artists hungry to create exceptional and unexpected work.

During his time as an agent, he's seen a lot of change. The notion of a "gatekeeper" is outdated. Agents these days are more about helping clients navigate new opportunities and aspects of the business.

An agent's job its to help a client play to their strengths and stand out. "Unlike in years past, there isn't one clear bestseller (like Harry Potter). It's anyone's game. That's exciting."

He believes in encouraging clients to write what they know and do well. "That often creates the greatest triumphs."

And he addressed corporate mergers. "It was a great message for authors and illustrators that the publishers are here to stay."

The focus on the craft is paramount, he said: "The best self promotion you can do is write an amazing book."

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