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

Pre-#NY13SCBWI Interview with Yolanda Scott

Yolanda Scott is the editorial director at Charlesbridge. She has edited over 150 titles, working with authors such as Eve Bunting, Tony Johnston, Kathryn Lasky, David McPhail, Linda Sue Park, Jane Yolen, and the late Martha Alexander. She is a former executive board member of the Foundation for Children's Books and the founder of Pubs in Pubs, a networking organization for children's publishing professionals. She has been a children's literature speaker and mentor at Boston College and Simmons College and has judged the Boston Public Library Children's Writer-in-Residence Program (2008-2011).

Yolanda will be giving two breakout workshops on the Saturday of the upcoming 14th Annual SCBWI Winter Conference in New York City, February 1st-3rd, 2013, WHAT HOOKS ME.  In it, she promises to reveal "what makes her run, not walk, to the contracts department."

In her pre-conference interview with me, Yolanda shares what makes a writer a dream for her to work with, her advice for mid-list authors, her vision for the future of publishing and even the kind of island she'd most want to be stranded on...

Registration for #NY13SCBWI is open (early registration ends January 4, 2013), and space is still available.  FYI - the Winter conference sold out last year.  And the year before...  Find out more details about the 2013 SCBWI Winter Conference schedule, faculty and registration here.

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee