Editor's Panel: Arianne Lewin & Sara Sargent

Arianne Lewin is an Executive Editor at G.P. Putnam's Sons, an imprint of Penguin Random House. She edits picture books, middle grade novels, and young adult fiction.

Rubin asks if management or sales and marking ever say to the editors, we need more diverse voices.
Arianne says that all areas of G.P. Putnam support publishing diverse voices. As editors they are always looking.

On authentic voices and what that means:
For Arianne that means a very particular voice that reflects how different and unique characters are.

On the upsurge of nonfiction books being published:
Publishers want to publish stories about what has actually happened in history, what has actually taken place.

Rubin asks each editor to share a narrative nonfiction title they have edited.
While Arianne has not edited a narrative nonfiction title, the conversation with the other editors makes her excited to possibly find a great one.

Rubin asks about the role of a sensitive reader:
As an editor Arianne doesn't want to put anything out there that is narrow or wrong, so it's important to have a sensitive reader to be sure all is working within the story.

"We are all here to share our knowledge, to help you cultivate success and as you evolve as writers we evolve as editors."

Sara Sargent is an Executive Editor at HarperCollins Children's Books, where she publishes platform-driven fiction and nonfiction in picture books, middle grade, and young adult categories.

Rubin asks Sara if a book would be would be given an extra boost of support if it's a diverse book that might have a more narrow market.
Sara says that they want to support diverse voices and that they also want and need to publish books that are relevant for the particular time and place. Regardless the book needs to be merit publication.

On authentic voices and what that means:
For Sara it's two things: the actual way a voice sounds and at the same time there's a feeling. What does a voice feel like? Is there an emotionality that feels authentic, and does the voice, on a line level, represents that as well.

Rubin ask each editor to share a narrative nonfiction title they have edited.
Sara shares GIRL CODE: Gaming, Going Viral, and Getting It Done by Andrea Gonzales and Sophie Houser.

When thinking about writing narrative nonfiction, Sara says to ask yourself: What's an interesting story that's relevant today?

Rubin asks about the role of a sensitive reader:
Sara says that there is an effort as a community to bring more of diverse experiences/people/abilities stories into publishing. A challenging element is that there are writers who want to tell these stories and yet haven't lived the actual experience. Publishers (and writers) are being aided by sensitivity readers to ensure the experiences are accurate when an author is writing outside his/her own experience.

"Editors exist in our own bubbles...All of the difficult questions Rubin has asked us, we are thinking about every day...Help us figure out the path forward...We can't publish books that you don't write..."

Editors' Panel: Nancy Paulsen, President and Publisher of Nancy Paulsen Books

Nancy Paulsen is the President and Publisher of Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers. The imprint publishes fifteen books a year and focuses on eye-opening, often funny picture books and middle grade fiction from diverse and distinct voices, especially stories that are inventive and emotionally satisfying. New York Times bestsellers she has edited include National Book Award and Newbery Honor Winner Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, and Miss Maple’s Seeds by Eliza Wheeler. Other award-winning titles include Coretta Scott King Honor Winner Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson and E.B. Lewis; Looking at Lincoln by Maira Kalman and Leaves by David Ezra Stein.

Rubin Pfeffer introduced the morning editors' panel as "the A-list of editors", made of of people talking about the future: books to be published in 2020; books for children not born yet. How do you plan relevant books about the present and history for kids of the future?

Hearing from Nancy Paulsen gave unique insight into the perspective of a president and publisher who has shaped her own distinct imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books, a division of Penguin Random House.

When asked to describe how she recognizes an authentic voice, Nancy was inspired by Vanessa Brantley-Hughes' statement, "find your brand of happiness" and reflected:

• Diverse voices are authentic, relevant to kids, and always will be. "Diverse voices are not a fad. I've been publishing diverse books for years."
• "Your story matters. Great minds don't think alike." -- on striving to be unique and tapping into your own authenticity to create memorable experiences for readers like those in Brown Girl Dreaming.
• "Writing comes from a miraculous and true place that requires you go out in the world; have a sense of wonder; be open to new experiences; keep reading" -- books and blogs, both.

Nancy suggests compelling non-fiction begins with finding the right story to bring to life. "The nuggets of [compelling non-fiction] are uncovered through research." -- that curiosity about history, she says, can reveal memorable stories worth bringing to life. I took this to mean the stories of the past that resonate with us today may be relevant forever.

In her approach to tone, she acknowledges the formative role of middle grade fiction on the minds of kids and wanting young readers to walk away feeling they got something positive out of the experience of reading. I loved this quote:

"Life can be a bitch, but there is still beauty in it."

Thank you to Nancy and all the editors of the editors' panel for their insight! Catch more of the conference highlights this year through blog posts tagged #LA17SCBWI or as-it-happens on Twitter.

Editors' Panel: Kendra Levin

Having had the pleasure of meeting Kendra Levin at a SCBWI Western Washington Conference, I can confirm that she is maybe one of the most calming yet energizing presences around, so if you get the chance to be one of her authors, it's probably best to request all of your editorial talks/meetings/notes be delivered in person. I know this is going to complicate her schedule, but I don't care, just demand it in your contracts and you'll thank me later.

Kendra has been an editor at Penguin/Random House for twelve years. She edits everything from picture books to YA, and a few titles are linked to below. To start the panel off, Rubin asks every editor to provide a mock memoir title. And Kendra's hypothetical biography title is Kendra, Plain Old Jerk: 

Rubin asks: What does 'being relevant' mean to you?

Kendra says the more things change the more things stay the same. A lot of what we are seeing right now has been repeated before. What to Kendra is always relevant is empathy. That's the core of what Kendra does as an editor, finding empathy in her authors' writing and bringing it out in their books.

Asked what makes for an authentic voice? Kendra says someone speaking from a place of experience whether it's a culture or any number of things. It number one comes from experience, but she goes on to define if it's out of your literal life experience, what Kendra thinks is important to remember is to write the emotional truth you do know (Research being a separate question).

Some of Kendra's books:
REBEL OF THE SANDS by Alwin Hamilton
THE PASSION OF DOLSSA by Julie Berry
DON'T THROW IT TO MO! by David A. Adler
and THE LOST HOUSE by B.B. Cronin

Kendra has ALSO written a book! THE HERO IS YOU, a grounded self-help guide to a healthier writing process. Kendra is also on twitter @kendralevin.

Editors Panel: Zareen Jaffery, Simon & Schuster

Zareen Jaffery joined Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in February 2011, focusing on commercial and literary young adult and middle grade fiction, as well as teen nonfiction. Zareen works with a number of New York Times best-selling and critically acclaimed authors including Jenny Han, Lilliam Rivera, Claire Legrand, Octavia Spencer, and Andrew Solomon. In 2016, she began acquiring for Salaam Reads, an imprint that focuses on publishing books about Muslim children and families. Zareen served as a member of the CBC Diversity Committee, and is currently a co-chair of the Diversity within ALSC Task Force. Prior to Simon & Schuster, Zareen worked at HarperCollins Children’s Books and Hyperion books. Zareen is a graduate of New York University.


If there was a biography written about Zareen Jaffery, she says the title would be One More Chapter: A Life of Stories. 

And that title is apt. A sharp, smart and sophisticated editor with an already storied career, Zareen recently founded the Salaam Reads imprint at Simon & Schuster, meant to elevate Muslim voices -- something that's more necessary than ever.

"When I think about relevance, I think about that catch phrase: 'think global, act local.'"

She mentioned a recent acquisition: The Weight of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf (scheduled for Winter 2019). Set during the 1969 race riots in Kuala Lumpur, the YA novel features a Muslim protagonist who uses Beatles' songs as inspiration to survive a city engulfed in flames.

"I love that intersection of cultures because that happens all the time in real life," Zareen said. "The intersections and commonalities that exist are what connect us. We should be able to share and celebrate the differences."

When asked about the question of narrative bias as a reason a work might be rejected, Zareen said she's seen that happen firsthand in publishing.

"For me, we're shaped by the society we're in and the culture we grew up. You recognize what you know," she said, citing the concept of a 'single story' as the comfortable way we want to see certain cultures. "It happens unconsciously -- I see it myself in a lot of stories we see about Muslims. I call it the enlightenment narrative: the child who leaves behind their parents' old ways. But it puts forth a perception that there's a way to be 'a good immigrant.' That kind of story is more palatable to an audience that wants to believe in American exceptionalism."

It's one usually familiar way of looking at things, but not necessarily the only way, and the works Zareen gravitates to tend to twist those familiar narratives in interesting ways.

For example, one of the first narrative non-fiction books Zareen published was The Pregnancy Project -- a memoir by a 17-year-old girl who pretended to be pregnant for a year. Gabby Rodriguez came from a family where teen pregnancy was the norm. A stellar student, she planned to buck that cycle, but faced challenges that came with her family history.

"There was an expectation that she would end up a teenaged parent," Zareen said. "And she did have an older boyfriend, which flamed the fuel of those stereotypes, so she decided to fake it and see what happened. It was really eye-opening. Some of the people that supported her plans to pursue college abandoned her -- as if becoming pregnant was a death sentence. The book had to do with family history and expectations and it was a page-turning emotional journey."

Asked about the concept of sensitivity readers for authors working on stories from communities or experiences that are not their own, Zareen had a lot to say. "I call them 'accuracy readers,'" Zareen said. "To quote Taylor Swift: they're a Band-Aid on a bullet hole. They sort of work around the whole #ownvoices conversation. People who come from marginalized communities often don't have the same access when it comes to publishing."

If you're writing from outside of your own experience, doing your due diligence is critical. She cites Laurie Halse Anderson as a hero when it comes to "writing outside your lane." (Bow down!)

And a single sensitivity reader is not going to be enough in most cases, Zareen said. "There is so much diversity within diversity. People are party to their own exploitation all the time. My memoir title was One More Chapter. I have changed so much even recent years," she said. "I grew up in Connecticut and went to Catholic School and won an essay contest on why it''s important to go to Catholic school. Of course they didn't know I was Muslim." In other words, she said, you don't know what you don't know, even when it comes to what might be your own marginalization.

"There's a spectrum of experience," she explained. "Sometimes we need to look beyond ourselves and see things from a perspective we might not understand. That requires some stretching. You need to look for a diversity of voices within the group you're representing. Research is hugely important."

No matter what, Zareen said, keep on writing and telling stories. You have something to say. "Storytellers have been part of the human experience from the very beginning -- and truly believe that even the ones drawing the pictures on the wall of the caves had imposter syndrome," she said (to laughs from the crowd). "Editors deal with that, too. We are all here because we love books, we loves stories. And we want to hear yours."

Editors Panel: Bethany Buck

Bethany Buck is the Editorial Director of Bloomsbury Children's Books. She was previously the Editorial Director of Sky Pony Press, the children’s imprint at Skyhorse publishing, and a literary agent with Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, representing children’s book authors and illustrators. Buck began her editorial career in the trade division at Scholastic, and was also Vice President, Publisher, in the children’s division of Simon & Schuster for many years.

Re: staying relevant, Bethany shares that she works to stay up to date on what kids are up to, keeping an eye on what she's publishing.

The panel touches on diversity -– and authenticity – of voice, on nonfiction, and on sensitivity (or "accuracy") readers, leveled readers, and more.

On many children's books ending with a sense of hope, Bethany says,

"Kids want to read the things that bring them up."

A final thought from Bethany for all of us in the audience:

"Be true to yourself. Be true to what you write."

The Editors Panel Begins!

Moderated by Ruben Pfeffer (not pictured in this close up)

With, left to right:

Bethany Buck, Editorial Director at Bloomsbury Children's Books
Zareen Jaffery, Executive Editor at Simon & Schuster
Kendra Levin, Executive Editor at Viking Children's Books
Arianne Lewin, Executive Editor at G.P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin Random House
Nancy Paulsen, President and Publisher, Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House
Sara Sargent, Executiv Editor at Harper Collins

And here's the long-view, with Ruben…

Keynote: Vanessa Brantley Newton

Vanessa Brantley-Newton is a picture book creator whose books include MARY HAD A LITTLE GLAM (by fellow conference speaker Tammi Sauer), THE YOUNGEST MARCHER, and LET FREEDOM SING. Lin introduces Vanessa by saying her work displays pleasure, joy, and is a party for your eyes, and it is true, you'll see some below! She gets not one, but TWO standing ovations at the end of her keynote and I'm not not teary as I type this up for you...

Vanessa starts by having the audience do the Hokey Pokey dance to get our collective jitters out.

Her talk today is titled Diversity Designed by Adversity

Vanessa says we can let diversity ruin us, make us sad, or we can make the choice to lean into it, wrap our arms around it, shake it off and pack it under.

Vanessa talks about growing up with dyslexia and stuttering, and how those elements of her young life shaped her into a writer, and by embracing the therapy of singing out the words she wants to say to us, she was able to train her brain to overcome stuttering. Her synesthesia, the ability to see, taste, hear color, makes her an emotional painter of great power and colors.

Though she went to school for illustration, Vanessa was a phlebotomist for 25 years! Vanessa says a hospital is the equalizer for everyone. If you're bleeding to death or about to pop a baby out, you don't care what color or class your medical helper is as long as they are qualified. Vanessa drew every child, man, or woman that she drew blood from. She illustrated them as healed and full of joy especially if their final days were neither.

Vanessa stops to give us a PSA from We Need Diverse Books:

When children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images they see are distorted, negative, or laughable, they learn a powerful lesson about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part.

She talks about growing up with no black Breck Girls, no brown Red Riding Hoods, not seeing anyone like her in her books until her teacher shared THE SNOWY DAY with her. Vanessa even had the same snow suit as Peter!

A second We Need Diverse Books PSA :

Children do search for themselves in books, in a survey of 2000 schools, 90% of educators believe children would be more enthusiastic readers if they saw themselves in their book. 

A final few words from Vanessa: She talks about how there's never a correct time for adversity, but that you are built for handling it. Going through your own personal adversity, Vanessa says you need to experience some hurt and some pain to embrace everybody in this room. You need to put in the hard work, get rid of the people that tell you no, cut those Debbie Downer ties quick, Vanessa says! Get hungry about you, get hungry about your diversity because it is important.

"I love me some me, I love me some you," says Vanessa, "I want to see your brand of happiness, DO YOU, BOO... Dream so big you scare yourself."

And then she sang us a song and we all cried... Or at least I did, thank you, Vanessa.

The #LA17SCBWI Faculty Parade… And Bubbles of Love

Quressa Robinson and some of the #LA17SCBWI conference faculty

The 80+ conference faculty parade to the front of the conference room, introduce themselves, and each share one word…

From Bruce Hale's "Home"

through to LeUyen Pham's "Cyzygy"

And then Lin shares that with everything going on in the world today, all of us here at this conference share the desire to create wonderful books and stories for children and teens, and this space – these four days – are a bubble of love.

And to symbolize this, SCBWI distributed bubbles throughout the attendee seats. And Lin invites us to make the bubbles real around us…

and we do.

Lin Oliver's Welcome To #LA17SCBWI

It's a funny, warm, and charming welcome to the 1,150 attendees of the 2017 SCBWI Summer Conference in Los Angeles.

Some interesting statistics on us: 668 pre-published, 433 published (and yeah, Lin acknowledges we're not necessarily all math people…)

We're from 12 countries, and 44 U.S. states.

From breath workers, to spin masters, from a fish veterinarian, to people working in health care, from stay-at-home parents, to a "professional wizard," we span occupations and realms, all with a passion for creating stories for children and teens.

Welcome! (And welcome as well, for those of you following along virtually.)

#LA17SCBWI Illustrator Events

There are many events at #LA17SCBWI designed specifically for illustrators. Come out of your shell, and don't miss these social opportunities:


Illustrators Social
Friday, July 7, 7:30 – 8:30pm (after the member booksale)
JW Marriott Live, Room: Diamond 4

Portfolio Showcase and Reception
Saturday, July 8, 5:00 – 7:00pm (right before the Gala)
JW Marriott Live, Room: Plaza I-III

Golden Kite Luncheon & Awards Presentation
Sunday, July 9, 12:00 - 2:30pm
Room: Platinum Ballroom

Illustrators' Intensive -- Conference ADD ON
Monday, July 10, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Schedule details: https://www.scbwi.org/event-46th-annual-summer-conference-in-los-angeles-la17/illustrator-intensive/


And, here's a key of the workshops specifically designed for illustrators at #LA17SCBWI:

Friday, July 7, 2017

9:00 - 9:45am

Keynote: Vanessa Brantley Newton
Room: Platinum Ballroom

11:30am - 12:30pm

Leuyen Pham: One Artist, Different Styles
Room: Platinum Ballroom

Raúl Colón: The Dream of Visual Storytelling: Tools and Procedures
Room: Diamond 6


4:15pm - 5:15pm

Sean Qualls: Texture Technique Demonstration
Room: Diamond 8

Vanessa Brantley Newton: Creating Joyful Characters
Room: Platinum Ballroom


Saturday, July 8, 2017

11:30am - 12:30pm

Lucy Ruth Cummins: Stealing Best Practices of Working Illustrators (That I Steal, Too)
Room: Platinum Ballroom

Rubin Pfeffer: Smart Dummies: From Picture Book Concept to Manuscrupt to Dummy
Room: Diamond 3

3:15 - 4:15 PM

Javaka Steptoe: Anatomy of a Caldecott-Winning Book
Room: Diamond 6

Alexandra Penfold: Picture Book Writing Skills for Illustrators
Room: Diamond 4


Sunday, July 9, 2017

9:00 - 10:15am

Keynote: Picture Book Panel
Room: Platinum Ballroom

11:00am - 12:00pm

Vanessa Brantley Newton: Digital Art, Best Practices
Room: Diamond 5

Lucy Ruth Cummins: Self Promotion: Selling Yourself to Art Directors Easily and Cheaply
Room: Diamond 4

2:45 - 3:45pm

Raúl Colón: How To Make a Living as a Professional Illustrator
Room: Diamond 10

Stacy Innerst: School Visits as an Illustrator
Room: Diamond 1

Leuyen Pham: Creating Middle Grade Art
Room: Diamond 5


There's plenty for illustrators to learn at other workshops as well, but these are illustrator-focused events. Don't forget, you can only attend one session per time block, so choose carefully, take notes, and have fun! For the full conference schedule, visit: https://www.scbwi.org/event-46th-annual-summer-conference-in-los-angeles-la17/schedule/


If you're reading from home, don't forget to participate in the monthly Draw This! challenge. This month, the theme is "Celebrate" with submissions due July 20th.

Meet #LA17SCBWI’s Team Blog

Meet 2017's SCBWI Team Blog!

We'll be live blogging the 46th annual SCBWI Summer Conference from July 7-10th, 2017 here at http://scbwiconference.blogspot.com, and on social media using the hashtag #LA17SCBWI

Follow and RT:

• Lee Wind: @leewind
• Sona Charaipotra @sona_c
• Jolie Stekly @cuppajolie
• Susie Ghahremani @boygirlparty
• Jaime Temairik @jaimetem

Tomorrow is the final day to register at https://www.scbwi.org/events/46th-annual-summer-conference-in-los-angeles-la17/#event-registration 

Follow along and join the conversation:

#LA17SCBWI on Twitter
#LA17SCBWI on Instagram
#LA17SCBWI on Facebook
http://scbwiconference.blogspot.com

Pro Tips to Amp Up Your Conference Confidence

Just 24 hours until we kick of the SCBWI LA conference – and if you’re like me, your nerves have started to kick in big time!

Whether you’re a conference newbie or veteran, you can go into this one with a game plan that will have you feeling excited, prepared and confident – especially with these tips from writers who’ve been there and done that.

What to Bring and What to Skip

“Business cards are fun but don't really do anything for you; even if you exchange them, you never really use them. In a choice between bookmarks and business cards, I highly recommend going with the former instead.” – Dahlia Adler, author of Behind the Scenes, Under the Lights and Just Visiting

“Pack water and a small, easy-to-eat snack - a banana or a granola bar. Even if you build breaks into your schedule, it's good to have something on you to help keep you going and to keep your energy high.” – Nicole Brinkley, bookseller and founder of YA Interrobang  

Dress for Success

“It's business casual, but wear clothes that are comfortable and make you feel confident. You'll be in them all day. Wear comfortable shoes too. This is an industry of women in flats.” – Tracey Baptiste, author of The Jumbies series

“Re: what to wear – be comfortable but professional, and if you can, be interesting; if you're shy, nothing helps get a conversation going like a cute/funky dress or shirt. (Modcloth and eShakti are favorite resources for this.) If you're paneling and wearing a skirt or dress, I highly recommend making sure it covers your knees, for Reasons.” – Dahlia Adler, author of Behind the Scenes, Under the Lights and Just Visiting

“Dress professionally, but unless you're comfortable walking around in dressier shoes on your feet six to eight hours, wear sneakers. Being unable to focus because your feet hurt is an easily preventable experience!” – – Nicole Brinkley, bookseller and founder of YA Interrobang  

“It sounds simple, but taking time to dress and drink coffee in my room helps me start the day. Mental preparation is important, but also wearing something true to your personality. I've had hour long conversations because I complimented someone's Han Solo t-shirt and we ended up having more in common.” – Zoraida Cordova, author of the Labyrinth Lost and Vicious Deep series

RELAX!

“Be yourself – don't try to ‘wear’ another personality that you think is successful. That said, push yourself a little. If you're shy, promise yourself you'll introduce yourself to a few people. Move out of your comfort zone a little, but set achievable goals. Don't attempt to become someone you aren't. Being false isn't going to get you somewhere you're happy; growing more confident in who you are will.” – Padma Venkatraman, author of A Time to Dance and Climbing the Stairs

“Be optimistic, be hopeful, but don't have expectations - allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised by any and all good things that happen.” – Mike Jung, author of Geeks, Girls and Secret Identities and Unidentified Suburban Object

Talk to People!

“Ice-breaker: Ask people what they're reading/have read and enjoyed lately.” – Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, author of 8^th Grade Superzero and Two Naomis

“When introducing yourself to an editor you admire, be sure to tell them which of the books they've edited that were your favorite. It shows that you know them for their catalog and not just as an editor of books. Also, in my experience, it's a welcomed recess for the editor to geek out about books they love.” – Adam Silvera, author of More Happy Than Not, History Is All You Left Me and They Both Die At the End

“Always remember that most people are just as nervous as you. Don't pitch your book or try to wrangle a way to pitch your book unless asked directly about it. Get to know other people because you're interested in them, not with an eye toward what they can do for you.” – Gwenda Bond, author of the Lois Lane series and Girl On A Wire

“To move on from the introductions, I like to ask questions. Maybe you'll find a panel you didn't know about, or a new conference friend.” – Zoraida Cordova, author of the Labyrinth Lost and Vicious Deep series

“Don't expect to pitch anything unless you're attending an actual pitch session. Conferences are for learning and networking, and putting agents in awkward positions won't do you any favors. If you meet someone you really want to pitch, just approach them casually like anyone else you're happy to meet. There's nothing wrong with ‘I love your tweets’ or especially ‘You rep so many of my favorite books.’ There'll be time to pitch them after the conference and refer to having met them then. At a conference, in a casual setting, just be a person.” – Dahlia Adler, author of Behind the Scenes, Under the Lights and Just Visiting

“If your dream agent or editor goes off to sit alone, they probably need a minute. Conferences are overwhelming for them, too. Be kind and let them rest. Same goes for meals. Give them a chance to actually eat if you're seated at a table together.” – Tracey Baptiste, author of The Jumbies series

“The bar is a really fun place to hang out and meet people. But take it easy. Don't get so nervous drunk that you burst into tears when you meet Laurie Halse Anderson. Not that that happened to me...okay, yes, yes it did. But authors, editors, agents are hanging out in the bar because they want to socialize. Otherwise, they'd be in their room, talking to their cheeseburger. Not that I've done that before...okay, yes I have. Social anxiety is real. What I'm trying to say is, don't be like me – take a chance – talk to as many people as you can, and don't forget to kick off your shoes and dance at the closing party.” – Kim Liggett, author of Blood and Salt and The Unfortunates

Plan Ahead – and Broaden Your Horizons!

“Attend panels/talks that you have genuine interest in. Not all authors are at the same stage career-wise. Look for sessions you’ll find most useful or enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to take breaks from the crowd. And wear comfortable shoes.” – Tanaz Bhathena, author of A Girl Like That

“Even if you are an author, panels on illustration and graphic novels can be illuminating.” – Tracey Baptiste, author of The Jumbies

“I have really loved diversity panels, personally, even though it'd be cool if conferences didn't need them anymore, so I always think they're worthwhile, if the panel is actually diverse itself and full of authors who are committed to bringing more diversity to publishing but can also discuss craft and the industry really well. If you have to ask yourself ‘Why are these people on this panel?’ it's probably not the right one for you.” – Dahlia Adler, author of Behind the Scenes, Under the Lights and Just Visiting

“It's a good idea to keep your mind open to thinking about your manuscript/writing in a way that you didn't expect. I see a lot of people come to conferences very single-minded about their goals and what they think their book needs, whether it's immediate publication or help with a very specific part of the story. But the writers who get the most out of conferences are about to open their mind to whatever the speaker/panel is talking about and be willing to apply those thoughts to their WIPs.” – Maggie Lehrman, editor and author of The Cost of All Things and The Last Best Story

The Diversity Social at #LA17SCBWI

Linda Sue Park, Alex Gino, and Miranda Paul share the scoop on the diversity social happening Saturday lunchtime in these interviews on SCBWI: The Blog! 

Hope to see you there,
Lee

Agent Jennifer Laughran's Portfolio Showcase Tips

SCBWI Team Blog #LA17SCBWI member Susie Ghahremani interviews Jennifer Laughran and gets the scoop on how an agent looks at portfolios in the show -- there's lots of great advice in there (like including a page turn, and remembering that illustration isn't just needed for picture books!)

Check out the full interview here.

Meet illustrator Susie Ghahremani, SCBWI Guest Team Blogger for The Summer #LA17SCBWI Conference

It's super to have Susie on the team for this 2017 SCBWI Summer Conference!

Check out our interview here.

Registration For #LA17SCBWI Opens Tuesday March 21, 10AM Pacific

Get ready... Get set...

The 46th Annual SCBWI Summer Conference is coming to Los Angeles, July 7-10, 2017.

Registration opens Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 10am Pacific at scbwi.org

We hope you'll join us!

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee