Breakout Session #4: Create Dynamic, Innovative STEAM books that will Capture an Editor's Attention with Jennifer Swanson

Jennifer Swanson is the author of 50 nonfiction books for kids and the creator and cohost of the Solve It! For Kids podcast.  Her passion for science and technology resonates in all of her books but especially, Brain Games, named one of the 50 Best Science Books Ever by ThePlanets.org. She's a self-described science geek, having started her own Science Club in her garage at the age of 7. Jennifer has been all over the world sharing her books and believes that publishing STEAM books right now is more important than ever before, yet getting the attention of agents and editors remains difficult.

This workshop is designed to help attendees think outside of the box and approach their topics in new and unique ways.  Jennifer discusses how to use POV, structure, voice, and multiple types of media to intrigue readers and tell their best nonfiction story. 

How do you write a STEM/STEAM book that will standout and sell in the tumult of the market and world of 2025?

Jennifer urges attendees to focus on her Three C's:

Content: Pick a topic that interests you and specifically kids, bonus points if it may have tie ins to standard curriculums or has ties to current issues. 

Though she has a literary agent, Jennifer also sends a pitch letter with her manuscripts that outlines where in education a particular book might be specifically relevant to state standards or curriculum, helping her agent show how the book will succeed beyond the standard book markets of bookstores and general readership.

Creativity: Jennifer asks attendees to think outside the box, highlight the weirdest facts of their subject, or consider writing about science in different formats like poetry. Ask an interesting question to help frame how you share a well-known nonfiction topic and consider the use of multiple media types—not just photos, but illustrations and infographics. A well made nonfiction picture book can teach scientific concepts above the grade and reading level of a typical picture book.

Jennifer uses her book, Footprints Across the Planet, as a case study for how she elevated it from a standard nonfiction topic to something special and noteworthy with many many layers.

Connection is Jennifer's third 'C' and she gives attendees many thoughtful questions to answer that will help them develop solid STEM/STEAM book ideas uniquely suited to their strengths that not only appeal to readers but should result in widely successful sales.

BONUS! Jennifer's session comes with a downloadable pdf listing all of the incredible books she mentioned during her talk as well as an actionable outline of the talk. Registered conference attendees will find it (and any other session's handouts!) in their 'My Resources' section of their Member Home page on scbwi.org.