Category: Kidlit Editors

Hooray! Happy Book-Launch Day for THE WILD GARDEN! Meet the Editor

5/3/2022

©Cynthia Cliff, cynthiacliff.com

Welcome! Doris Kutschbach,
Kidlit Editor
of

Thanks so much for stopping by, Doris! All the way from Munich, Germany! Hope your trip went well. HAHA!

The smoothest trip ever! I'm delighted, of course, to talk about The Wild Garden, Cynthia's latest picture book with Prestel Junior.

The delight is all mine! So, when you received Cynthia's submission for THE WILD GARDEN , why did you want to acquire it?

I had worked with Cynthia on her first book Pie for Breakfast, which has been published by Prestel Junior in both English and German. For me, it was such a pleasure to work with Cynthia, and I really loved the result of our collaboration, so I knew that I wanted to work with her again. I guess that the idea to make a book about gardening and nature came from me! I believe that a mindful, respectful handling of nature is extremely important for the future of our planet and our children. Saving our planet is such a strong message of our time. Cynthia was excited about the idea. She came up with a range of proposals based around that topic and we developed the book from there.

What do you love about Cynthia's illustrations found in THE WILD GARDEN?

Above everything else I love her fine sense of color and color combinations. How she uses tones, shades, accents and contrasts. Her images are not just colorful. There is a beautiful underlying harmony that ties the illustrations throughout the book together. I also love the attention to detail in her pictures. Each detail tells a little story and children can discover so much. Cynthia seems to understand really well how children view the world.

I adore Cynthia's color palette too! What do you love about the story's characters--Jilly, Bleu and Grandpa--and their love for wild, open spaces?

Jilly and her grandfather know their beloved wilderness very well. The story really shows the joy they feel when they're there. It's very nice that they find a clever way to share this joy and love of nature with the other townspeople and bring about a positive change in the way other people think. Their protest is peaceful, friendly and full of empathy--important things in our aggressive times!

So true! Do you have your own wild open space you enjoy? If so, describe what you love about it and what kinds of things you like to 'gather' there.

I am fortunate enough to have my own garden! It has old fruit trees and it is a bit overgrown, which means many animals feel comfortable there: insects, hedgehogs, squirrels, toads, newts and birds. My family and I enjoy the garden very much and look forward to fresh organic apples, plums, pears, berries, tomatoes and vegetables. The garden was a great gift, especially during the lockdown. Nature can really ground us and give us a sense of calm in stressful times.

I agree! Why do you hope children everywhere will read this book?

I hope that the book will encourage children all over the world to have fun discovering nature, learn mindfulness and understand the importance of protecting our planet. Every child, no matter how small, can make a difference. The book can also help children learn about peaceful communication--which can be applied in so many aspects of life!

I couldn't agree more, Doris. WOW! I have really enjoyed your visit. Thanks so much for allowing me to share in launching THE WILD GARDEN. Or should I say Danke! May it have many more printings!

Doris Kutschbach wears many kidlit hats. Besides being a program manager and editorial director at Prestel Junior, she's an art historian who has written several children's books about art, including Art Detective: Spot the Difference. Doris is a passionate amateur gardener who lives with her family in Munich, Germany. You can find Doris's books HERE.

Filled with charmingly rustic illustrations of people, plants and animals, THE WILD GARDEN, written and illustrated by Cynthia Cliff and published on May 3, 2022, by Prestel Junior, is about community and biodiversity introduces children to the variety of ways things can grow and flourish in nature. Purchase your copy today, HERE!

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Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Four!

8/18/2020

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Animal artwork by Pamphy from Kenya

OH MY! Kidlit Editor:
Barb McNally

When you first read John and Moira’s manuscript for LIONS & CHEETAHS & RHINOS OH MY!, why did you fall in love with it?

What intrigued me about the project was how the book could be “assembled.” Normally you have a manuscript and then you select an artist and go on from there. In this case, we would be working backward. We knew what the art would be like--paintings done by African children working with John Platt's nonprofit, Draw a Lion--but needed to design the book around it. I also was taken with the organization’s mission of educating and supporting young artists in Africa.

How did you pitch the project during your acquisition meeting, and why were you excite to do so?

It wasn’t the easiest of pitches, as everyone immediately saw the challenges of the project. But I kept my focus on the importance of John’s mission and how wonderful it would be to bring it to young readers in the U.S. I was confident we could handle the design challenges because we have fantastic designers.

What were your thoughts about the manuscript being illustrated by children living in the sub-Saharan parts of Africa?

I loved the idea of having children illustrate the book. They are, after all, the intended audience for a picture book and to show their visual interpretation of the subject was a real flip-flop of the process. At this point, we had seen only a small selection of the images proposed, so it was exciting to think about how each young artist would tackle their animal topic.

Were there any particular challenges when revising the text? If so, how did you and the authors work together to work out the wrinkles?

Initially, text changes were minimal and more along the lines of verifying the science content. It was later when we needed to change the title of the book that it became apparent that we needed to make sure the text supported the message of the new title. We had some good back-and-forth discussions of how to get the text there and I think we were pleased with the end result.

How do you feel about the final product and why do you hope kids here in the U.S. will read it?

I absolutely love how the book has turned out! The artwork from the children is just gorgeous and their skill level is extraordinary—a real testament to John and his program. I would love for all young readers to enjoy the book, absorb the science facts/think about the animal conservation message, and then look at the artwork and say, “This is something I can do.” How wonderful to inspire young artists!

Artwork by Penuel from Kenya

Barb McNally has been in the book industry for more than 30 years. She is a senior children’s editor at Sleeping Bear Press and has been with the company for 18 years.

Win a chance to receive a signed copy of this book by leaving a comment anytime during the party's duration!

Ten African animals, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and elephants, are brought to life in colorful artwork, accompanied by fun nature facts. Written by John Platt and Moira Rose Donohue, each animal portrait is painted by a student from the How to Draw a Lion program. Established in 2018 by New York artist John Platt, How to Draw a Lion is a nonprofit art education program that provides art classes for children in sub-Saharan Africa (Sleeping Bear Press, August 15, 2020).

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

All art used buy permission of Sleeping Bear Press

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Welcome, Alvina Ling, Editor Extraordinaire!

8/23/2019

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My Mama's Chicken & Dumplings Mentor!

Alvina, thanks so much for allowing me to interview you!

Delighted to oblige!

First question for you. Despite being an über busy vice-president and editor-in-chief at Little Brown Books for Young Readers, why did you decide to volunteer your time to mentor a children's book author from a diverse background, even without knowing if the manuscript you chose from the selections you received from The Word: A Storytelling Sanctuary would ultimately be publishable?

I have worked my whole career trying to bring diverse voices to children's books. As an industry we are working really hard to publish books written and illustrated by authors and illustrators from all walks of life. So when I heard about working as a mentor with The Word, a non-profit whose vision aligns with my own, I felt like it was something I wanted to be involved in. Actually, I wanted other Little Brown editors to get on board, too, and they were happy to do so. Aside from critiquing at SCBWI conferences, I was also really interested in seeing how a mentor-mentee relationship worked.

So very generous of your time, Alvina! Okay, here's question two. (Admittedly, this question makes me feel awkward since I'm way more comfortable highlighting the work of other kidlit authors and illustrators, but if I don't ask it, I won't have much of an interview, will I. So here goes.) Why did you choose to mentor me and my middle-grade manuscript Mama's Chicken & Dumplings?

I was presented with three choices. As I read the first fifty pages of each middle grade, I was looking for something that had the most potential. A manuscript I could help. I fell in love with the voice and the characters found in Mama's Chicken & Dumplings. I responded to it. Even if this manuscript is not the one that gets published, perhaps this kick will bring its author to the next manuscript that will.

Ha-Ha! I believe its author appreciates the editor's kick. Okay, here's my last question for you. Why would you encourage other editors in the children's book community to carve out time from their busy schedules to mentor writers from all walks of life?

If editors are serious about bringing a range of inclusive books for readers from diverse backgrounds, then there's nothing quite like getting involved in mentoring like this.

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, Alvina. But I really have to go now. I've got a manuscript to revise, and I'm in the midst of obsessing over chapter one.

Happy to stop by! But chapter one? Really? Do we need another kick?

A chocolate-covered truffle kick might do the trick.

Photo: Maggie Edkins

Alvina Ling is a founding member and former chair of the Children’s Book Council's Diversity Committee. She has a particular passion for books with diverse characters and themes. She's also a sucker for books that feel completely unique, books that can make make her both laugh and sob, and books that can be described (in all seriousness) as "important." She started her career at Little Brown for Young Readers in 1999, and currently oversees their core picture book, middle grade, and young adult lists. You can hear her speaking on life and all kinds of kidlit topics with her lifelong friend and award-winning author-illustrator, Grace Lin, on their Book Friends Forever podcast.

Alvina and Dionna's editor-writer mentorship program is sponsored by The Word: A Storytelling Sanctuary. The program pairs four aspiring writers from underrepresented groups with an experienced editor who provides substantive feedback to help raise their already strong manuscripts to their best position for submission to potential agents and editors.

The program offers each author an opportunity to gain knowledge from experienced acquiring editors. It does not, however, guarantee publication. It is free of cost to the authors due to the generosity of the volunteer editors. Learn more about The Word's 2019 mentorship program HERE and read a PW Bookshelf article about it HERE.

Illustrations are used with permission from the publisher.

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Stephanie Fitzgerald of Spooky Cheetah Press

8/4/2018

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Welcome, Stephanie!

Thanks so much, Stephanie, for stopping by to chat with us about your publishing company Spooky Cheetah Press! It was a real delight working with you as a work-for-hire author!

Delighted to be here, Dionna, and I enjoyed working with you too!

Please share a little about yourself and how you eventually found your home in the kidlit industry.

From the time I was a very little girl, there was nothing I enjoyed more than reading. My parents always told stories of how they’d have to take a book out of my hands and push me out the door to play with friends. When I became an adult my father would love to remind me of how he would wake up in the middle of the night and find me up reading.

“Steffie—it’s so late,” he’d say. “You have to go to sleep.”

“I will—as soon as I finish this chapter,” I’d invariably reply.

That love of books continued throughout my life. So to say that I’m lucky to be making a living creating books is a huge understatement!

I started my publishing career as an editorial assistant at a magazine. The job was not very glamorous and at times downright awful, but at least the pay was bad! My last job "working for the man" was at a continuity company in Stamford, CT. We produced card-and-binder and card-and-box series that were sold through the mail. The work was interesting and fun—and the job led to me starting my own business…and to marrying my husband! So all in all a good experience!

After I started my book producing company, I continued working with my old company. I produced a series in a variety of subject areas, but none specifically for young readers. Then, in 2010, the company hired me to produce a series with Sesame Workshop. My work on that series, called Elmo’s Learning Adventure, led to work with Scholastic’s school and library publishing division, which remains my biggest client to this day.

Twenty years ago, when you founded your company, how did you come up with the name Spooky Cheetah Press?

Again — that last office job! I was doing photo research for a book about African wildlife. In those days we still leafed through books for images and I was tagging photos that I wanted to look at again with the art director. I labeled one image “spooky cheetah” and we all just loved the way it sounded. (I’m also a bit of an African wildlife nut.) I left to start my company soon after and settled on that as the name—even though most everyone agreed it was a better name for a dance club than a book producing company!

As an editorial director, you are uber busy, working as a liaison between many different industry professionals—book designers, editors and art directors from different publishing houses and numerous work-for-hire authors and illustrators? What are some of the challenges you face while doing so, but why do you keep at it?

There are definitely a lot of challenges that come along with my job—and a healthy amount of stress. However, all are outweighed (by about a million times) by how much I love what I do and how much I appreciate working for myself. My biggest frustration these days is "pulling teeth" to get what I need from a client to meet our deadlines. My biggest pet peeve (always) is contributors who complain and/or act like prima donnas. I do whatever it takes to get the job done well and on time—and to keep my clients happy. I expect the same from the subcontractors who work for me. (As I’ve said to my husband many times, I’m the grease, never the squeaky wheel. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that same consideration from the people who work for me. Happily there are lots of them!)

What do you love about what you do, being in the thick of things, producing high-quality nonfiction books for children of all ages?

Everything! Nonfiction is so much fun for me. I’m super curious about so many things... working on nonfiction for kids gives me the opportunity to learn something new and interesting practically every day.

Even more important, my job gives me the chance to (hopefully) impact young readers in a meaningful way. Over the past six or so years I’ve become a bit of a zealot about trying to instill a love of reading in young kids. I was lucky that my daughter joyfully took to reading as a very little girl. It breaks my heart to see how many other kids struggle to read and end up hating it—which of course leads to academic difficulties and setbacks all the way down the road. My greatest hope is that I can create books that might light a spark for a young reader.

So far on your kidlit journey, describe an accomplishment/achievement that has brought you a sense of satisfaction, maybe one that surprised you?

The first time I felt a real sense of pride about what I do was when I worked on Elmo’s Learning Adventure. It was the first time I worked with a client who wanted exactly what I did—to push the kids and give them all the tools we could to learn and grow as readers and as human beings. (As opposed to "don’t use that word, kids won’t know what it means", or "we can’t talk about that…") The guiding principals so evident in the Sesame Street show were the same for our series. It was so gratifying. (Looking at photos of Muppets all day and writing in the voices of Elmo, Cookie, Grover, et al was pretty cool too!)

That was the start, of course. Working on school and library books for Scholastic continues to be very satisfying. Nothing’s perfect—and I’m certainly not saving any lives—but I can feel good about what I do.

Are you open to working with new authors, illustrators and graphic designers? If so, how might they submit samples of their work to you?

Yes. Writers can send manuscripts that only they have edited through my website. Likewise designers can send a link to a portfolio. I just thought of another pet peeve! Contributors should look at my site and note what I do before sending anything. If we don’t seem like a good fit, we’re probably not. The submission will go directly into the trash. I can’t tell you how many solicitations I’ve received from business and finance writers who think they’d be "perfect" for me. Whaaa????

Spooky Cheetah Press was founded in 1998 by Stephanie Fitzgerald. Over the years they have built a reputation for bringing the highest standards of quality, excellence, and innovation to published product development. From shapes and colors to motorcycles and Muppets, Spooky Cheetah’s catalog features a wide array of nonfiction topics in a broad range of formats.

The titles in their children’s book collection are carefully created to offer the highest educational content in a format that is easy for young readers to navigate and enjoy. Books created for the school and library market include supplemental materials that tie in to the common core state standards in the most engaging way possible. Find their portfolio at www.spookycheetah.com.

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Busy-Eyed Day Blog Party: Day 3!

4/12/2018

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Welcoming a Busy-Eyed Kidlit Editor!
Andrea Welch

When you first received the manuscript for BUSY-EYED DAY, what did you love about it?

I loved the unusualness of it. The language. The wide-open illustration possibilities. The way it explored an important concept—opening your eyes to the wonderfulness in the world around us—in such a fresh, unexpected, and deceptively simple way. The text is very spare, and I think Anne Marie was concerned that it wouldn’t quite make sense to me because she included an explanation of what she envisioned was happening in the story on a second page. But that wasn’t necessary--I knew I was buying this manuscript after reading the first few lines!

Do tell about the acquisition process.

Anne Marie has a terrific agent, Linda Pratt of Wernick & Pratt, who knows my taste very well. Linda knew I liked Anne Marie’s work, and she had a hunch I would love BUSY-EYED DAY. She was right! She sent it to me, and as soon as I finished reading it, I shared it with my colleagues who loved it as well.

What did you appreciate about Anne Marie’s attitude as she worked through the story’s revision?

Anne Marie is a fantastic reviser. Each time I asked an editorial question, she responded with thoughtful, creative ideas. For instance, at the very beginning of the process we talked about the possibility of adding a refrain to the text to help pull it together, and she came up with the perfect solution. Then, as the artwork began coming in, we found ourselves wondering if we should tweak the wording in a few spots to complement Frann Preston Gannon’s pictures. Again, Anne Marie’s revisions were pitch-perfect and really brought the book to a whole new level.

When you saw the text alongside the illustrations, what did you love about it?

The finished book turned out even more terrific than I’d hoped. Anne Marie’s text is a delightful read-aloud. And there’s so much for kids to discover in Frann’s pictures. I also love how Frann’s illustrations perfectly capture the original tone and vibe of Anne Marie’s text.

Why do you hope children will receive a copy of this book?

I think little listeners and readers will respond to the fantastic language and engaging rhythm of Anne Marie’s text. I think they’ll see themselves in the playful and curious cast of characters Frann created. And I hope they’ll be inspired to get outside and use their own eyes to observe and explore the wonderful world that surrounds us.

Andrea Welch is Executive Editor at Beach Lane Books, a San Diego-based imprint of Simon & Schuster. She has the pleasure of working with a long list of talented authors and illustrators, including Liz Garton Scanlon, Denise Fleming, and April Pulley Sayre. Recent celebrated books she has edited include LIFE by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel; THE ANTLERED SHIP by Dashka Slater, illustrated by Terry & Eric Fan; and the New York Times bestselling LMNO Peas series.

BUSY-EYED DAY is a rhyming and richly illustrated picture book that celebrates the act of being observant and enjoying the magnificence found in the everyday world, perfect for the youngest of readers. It is written by Anne Marie Pace, illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon, and published by Simon & Schuster, with a release date of April 10. 2018.
Order your copy of BUSY-EYED DAY from an indie near you.

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DAY 3: This Little Piggy Had a Blog Party

6/29/2017

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Day 3: Introducing Kidlit Editor Karen Nagel

When you first received the manuscript and illustrations for THIS LITTLE PIGGY, what did you love?

When I first received this submission, it was picture-book length (traditionally 32 pages). But, those kids! That pig! The humor and heart! All created by the inimitable Cyndi Marko! I wanted to know more about these irrepressible characters and their story. Would Cyndi be willing to develop the story so that it would fit into our Aladdin PIX line of a 64-page, illustrated chapter book? Indeed she would, and she did.

How did your editorial skills come to play so that THIS LITTLE PIGGY's text and illustrations worked harmoniously together?

It was key to maintain Cyndi's sly humor and wit, visually and narratively. What reader, emerging or seasoned, doesn't enjoy silly situations and characters? Even though we could see Snowflake on every page, multiple times, (he is one of the the most lovable porcines in the history of piggies, after all), it wouldn't have served him or furthered the story's plot and action.

Also, the text (running and speech balloons) does go through many, many revisions and edits. We literally make changes until the books goes to press. THIS LITTLE PIGGY
was a particularly satisfying collaboration and meeting of comic sensibilities.

When working on revisions, what about Cyndi’s execution made it an enjoyable process?

Whether it was an editorial text suggestion or an illustrative one, Cyndi's revisions were always spot-on hilarious, and better than anything that was suggested. The expression and/or behavior of Snowflake: a wink of his eye, the upward tilt of an eyebrow, the chewing of a piece of hay, it's so evident that Cyndi loves and understands her character's motivations. and clearly knew how to convey their very essence. She is a master at revision, taking story and character to the next level.

What do you love about the final product, THIS LITTLE PIGGY: AN OWNER’S MANUAL?

I love that Cyndi's heart is on every page of this book; I love the family dynamic, that the brother and sister are so realistically realized and portrayed and that their mission is true; I love that Brother and Sister unconditionally adore their piggy and that he is their devoted friend and pet; I love the narrator's voice; I love laughing every time I read this book; I love working with Cyndi and Laura and can't wait to do it again.

Why do you hope THIS LITTLE PIGGY: AN OWNER’S MANUAL and its main character, Snowflake, will be a loved by kids everywhere?

A story of love, perseverance, devotion, friendship, with a nod to Charlotte's Web, this is a book for readers-and pet lovers--of all ages (a beautiful 'package' to boot).

Karen Nagel joined the Aladdin team in 2011 and is the Simon & Schuster imprint's executive editor. She has been fortunate enough to work on children's books of every sort and genre throughout her professional career. Karen has a particular soft spot for picture books, and illustrated, humorous chapter books. She is especially fond of stories that capture a child's imagination. Karen is also the author of a few silly children's books of her own. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, the legendary Jimmy Nagel.

Click the cover to purchase your copy of THIS LITTLE PIGGY: AN OWNER"S MANUAL, an Aladdin PIX illustrated chapter book for kids 6-9 that tells the tale of a brother and sister who—more than anything—want a pet pig, written and illustrated by Cyndi Marko, available in paper over board and as an ebook!

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Hooray! Happy Book-Launch Day for THE WILD GARDEN! Meet the Editor

Welcome! Doris Kutschbach,
Kidlit Editor
of

Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Four!

OH MY! Kidlit Editor:
Barb McNally

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

Welcome, Alvina Ling, Editor Extraordinaire!

My Mama's Chicken & Dumplings Mentor!

Stephanie Fitzgerald of Spooky Cheetah Press

Welcome, Stephanie!

Busy-Eyed Day Blog Party: Day 3!

Welcoming a Busy-Eyed Kidlit Editor!
Andrea Welch

DAY 3: This Little Piggy Had a Blog Party

Day 3: Introducing Kidlit Editor Karen Nagel

About Me

Archives

Categories

Hooray! Happy Book-Launch Day for THE WILD GARDEN! Meet the Editor

Welcome! Doris Kutschbach,Kidlit Editor​of

Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Four!

OH MY! Kidlit Editor:​Barb McNally

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork." School Library Journal Purchase your copy today

Welcome, Alvina Ling, Editor Extraordinaire!

My Mama's Chicken & Dumplings Mentor!

Stephanie Fitzgerald of Spooky Cheetah Press

Welcome, Stephanie!

Busy-Eyed Day Blog Party: Day 3!

Welcoming a Busy-Eyed Kidlit Editor!Andrea Welch

DAY 3: This Little Piggy Had a Blog Party

Day 3: Introducing Kidlit Editor Karen Nagel

About Me

Archives

Categories

Welcome! Doris Kutschbach,
Kidlit Editor
of

OH MY! Kidlit Editor:
Barb McNally

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

Welcoming a Busy-Eyed Kidlit Editor!
Andrea Welch