This is a library-loving blog challenge!

For every commenter on this post between now and April 14th (my birthday!) at 12 pm, I will donate $1 to The Cherry Hill Public Library   http://www.chplnj.org, up to an amount of $ 50  total.

How easy could it be?  You comment, I cough up the money, the libraries get a gift!  If you don’t know what to say in your comment, “I love libraries” will do.

My pledge is “per commenter”—so if a single person leaves 50 comments, that still only counts once!  But you can do more by spreading the word … please link to this post, tweet about it, mention it on Facebook, etc.  You can raise money for additional local libraries by visiting the blogs of others participating in this blog challenge:

http://writerjenn.livejournal.com/

Thanks for your support!

~Coll

Today is the book birthday for Keri Mikulski’s new book, 

Head Games!

 Keri and I have been critique partners for years and have shared many highs and lows. I’m so happy for her success!

On with the questions.

1. Tell me about your journey. Did you always want to be an author? What

sparked you to start writing?

I’ve always loved to write, but sadly, I never thought I was smart enough to be a ‘real’ author.  I spent most of my childhood dreaming of becoming a professional softball player. But, when that didn’t pan out I worked as a lifeguard, a secretary, a nurse, a personal trainer, and a teacher, attempting to find myself. But, there was always one constant throughout it all – writing. I wrote constantly. And during this time, little hints of my future were popping up around me. One of my college papers was placed in the university’s archives, I began creating picture books for my niece, and I landed a job teaching reading and writing at a middle school. But, what ultimately sparked my writing was the birth of my daughter. After Kaci was born I felt like I could do anything. I enrolled in a writing course, sold my first article six months later, and set my sites on writing sports fiction for girls.  

2. Your characters seem similiar to what I imagine you were like when

you were younger (sports playing, boy-crazy girls). Yes? Do you base

your characters on real people?

Ha! I love it! You know me so well.

Absolutely! Every character I write begins with one characteristic of someone I know and A LOT of imagination. In fact, one of my favorite things to do is place little clues thoughout my books. That way if the person the character is based on reads the book, he or she will know it’s him or her.

3. You write for relunctant readers. Are there guidelines you must

follow? Vocab limitations? Sentence structure?

My books are not specifically packaged for ‘reluctant readers’. Therefore, I have no limitations. However, I do receive a ton of emails from reluctant readers.

 4. Will Derek Jeter ever appear in one of your books?

Too funny! I’ve actually written Derek Jeter into every single one of my books – either as a reference, a dream, etc.. I always imagined sending Jeter my books with a note attached to it. Then, he would call me, inviting me to lunch. *sigh* But, poor Derek always gets cut.

5. What’s your publicity schedule?

I’m scheduled to present at a bunch of workshops this Spring. I’ll excited to appear at the Delta Kappa Gamma New Jersey State Conference in March, the New Jersey Librarians Conference in May, NJSCBWI in June, and a bunch others. I plan on attending signings at both basketball and softball tournaments this summer. However, right now, most of my time will be devoted to writing Books 4, 5, and 6.

6. What are you working on now? When will it come out?

I’m finishing the copyedits for STEALING BASES, the next book in the series. STEALING BASES will hit bookstores on July 7th.  

7. Do you have a message for young girls struggling with life and love?

Hmm.. Go with your gut. And stay away from boys with lists.

Thanks bunches!

Keri

–

Keri Mikulski

http://www.kerimikulski.com

Author of Head Games (Penguin/Razorbill, January 2011)

Author of Stealing Bases (Penguin/Razorbill, July 2011)

tyle="font-size: 12px; line-height: normal" class="Apple-style-span">

Thank you everyone who joined me on twitter!

Today is the final installment of this year’s Paying It Forward blog series.

I hope readers found it helpful. The Rutgers conference is a wonderful event where writers and editors/agents come together to share information. Everyone gathers together for lunch—no segregation! Writers discover agents and editors are real people (not ivory tower dwelling power mongers), and agents and editors are given the opportunity to meet hopeful writers who perhaps will prove to be those elusive diamonds in the rough. The submission period is usually some time in June and acceptance letters are usually sent some time in August. So, talented readers, you have eight months to get your pages ready to submit for possible inclusion in next year’s conference. Mark your calendar!

Last chance to enter my contest. Follow me on twitter and one new follower will be randomly picked to

 *Remember to always check agent/editors submission guidelines. Some individuals listed below are only accepting queries from conference attendees—and they do check the list. Don’t burn any bridges.

And now:

Julie Tibbott, Senior Editor, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group. Julie works on MG and YA titles. Some recent books she has edited include Marlene Perez’s Dead Is paranormal mystery series (Dead is the New Black, Dead is a State of Mind, Dead is So Last Year, and Dead Is Just a Rumor), Swoon at Your Own Risk by Sydney Salter, The Bad Queen: Rules and Instructions for Marie Antoinette by Carolyn Meyer, The Clearing by Heather Davis, A Wizard of Mars by Diane Duane, and Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler. Julie is particularly interested in high-concept fiction and projects with series potential.

Andrea Tompa, Editor, Candlewick Press. Andrea Tompa has edited books by Joan Carris (Wild Times at the Bed & Biscuit), Dori Chacnas (Don’t Slam the Door!), Kate DiCamillo (The Magician’s Elephant), Megan McDonald (The Sisters Club: Rule of Three), and G. Neri (Ghetto Cowboy). She acquires books for all age groups but is especially looking to increase the diversity of her list, always hoping for more characters who are well-rounded but happen to be non-white, non-straight, non-middle-class, non-thin, and/or non-able-bodied. Will accept submissions for six months after the conference.

Christy Webster, Associate Editor, Random House Books for Young Readers. Christy has been at Random House since April 2005. There she edits a variety of formats from baby to YA, both trade and licensed. She is the editor of Anna Maria’s Gift by Janice Shefelman; the Calendar Mysteries series and A to Z Mystery series, both by Ron Roy; upcoming PB Perfect Soup, by Lisa Moser; and upcoming early reader Ducks Go Vroom, by Jane Kohuth. She is particularly interested in PBs, early chapter books and beginning readers. Christy is originally from Maine. Christy will be happy to receive one submission per attendee after the conference.

Noa Wheeler, Associate Editor, Henry Holt Books for Young Readers. Noa edits books for all formats except original board book. She has recently worked on Charles and Emma by Deborah Heiligman. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jackie Kelly, and The Queen’s Daughter by Susan Coventry. She is mostly drawn to YA and higher-level MG novels, and is particularly interested in fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction/historical romance, and contemporary stories. She is not looking for PBs with a gross-out factor or religious books. Will accept submissions for six months after the conference.

Marietta B. Zacker, Agent, Nancy Gallt Literary Agency (www.nancygallt.com). Marietta has professionally experienced every aspect of children’s books for over 15 years, working with authors, illustrators, publishers, educators and readers. As an agent, she is passionate about bringing those worlds together. She represents authors whose work makes her pause, shiver or laugh out loud and illustrators who add a completely different dimension to the story being told. Marietta approaches her work with the knowledge that there are remarkable books of all genres, targeted to all ages, just waiting to be discovered. Marietta is happy to receive submissions after the conference.

Happy Writing!

Coll

Day seven!

Follow me on twitter (button on the right side of the page). One new follower will win a sparkling piece of jewelry designed by me. Besides writing, I’ve worked as a fine artist and a jewelry designer.

*Remember to always check individual submission requirements.

Today’s information.

Kerry Sparks, Agent, Levine Greenberg Literary Agency. Kerry represents PBs, MG, and YA and is particularly interested in finding romantic YA, school stories, quirky MG, and narratives with a cinematic element. She tends to shy away from werewolves and zombies, but will read anything with a strong voice and compelling characters. Recent sales include debut YA author Jennifer Salvato Doktorski’s Dead Lines about a teen obit writer (Jen queried Kerry after the Rutgers 2009 conference!) and the PB book The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein. Kerry is open to receiving submissions from conference attendees with no time constraints.

Joanna Stampfel-Volpe, Agent, Nancy Coffey Literary and Media Representation. Joanna has been with Nancy Coffey Literary and Media Representation for over two years, and she represents all genres of juvenile fiction particularly MG and YA. Her previous sales include The Haunting Emma series (Bloomsbury Children’s) by Lee Nichols, The Duff (Poppy, September 2010) by Kody Keplinger, Divergent (Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins) by Veronica Roth, Sway (Hyperion, Spring 2012) by Amber Turner, and The Rotten Adventures of Zachary Ruthless series (HarperCollins) by Allan Woodrow. Joanna has also sold a number of audio books and has just finished negotiations on her first film option. Joanna is looking for clients who are as enthusiastic about writing and reading as she is, and is currently building her list. When she’s not reading (which is almost never), she enjoys cooking, watching movies, playing Guitar Hero and hanging with her husband and her Chihuahua, PeeWee. Joanna will be open to receiving submissions post-Rutgers.

Julie Strauss-Gabel, Associate Publisher, Dutton Children’s Books. Julie’s titles include Printz Medal Winner Looking for Alaska, Printz Honor Book An Abundance of Katherines, and Edgar Award Winner Paper Towns all by John Green; Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan; If I Stay by Gayle Forman; Morris Award Finalist Hold Still by Nina LaCour; The Children’s Choice Award Winning Winnie Years series by Lauren Myracle; and Grace by Elizabeth Scott. Among her upcoming titles are Matched by Ally Condie, A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, and Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma. Julie acquires MG and YA and is drawn to strong, literary voices with commercial appeal. She is probably not the best fit for nonfiction, high fantasy, or historical.

Becca Stumpf, Agent, Prospect Agency. Becca joined Prospect Agency in 2006 and is currently looking for adult, YA, and MG literary and commercial fiction, with a special interest in Urban Fantasy/Fantasy/SciFi novels with broad appeal. Becca falls hard for high concept plots that balance drama, wit, and intrigue in equal parts, and has a long-standing weakness for anti-heroes, fringe-dwellers, and the occasional scoundrel…provided such characters are richly drawn and demonstrate some serious soul (and a sense of humor doesn’t hurt!). For more about Becca, check out her agent biography at www.prospectagency.com. Becca will be open to receiving submissions post-Rutgers.

Kari Sutherland, Assistant Editor, HarperCollins Children’s Books. Kari focuses primarily on commercial teen fiction—both paranormal and realistic. She co-edited Firelight by Sophie Jordan, and was part of the editorial team for the bestselling Pretty Little Liars series by Sara Shepard. She is currently editing several supernatural projects as well as the next suspenseful mystery series from Sara Shepard, The Lying Game. She is not acquiring PBs or MG fiction, but is interested in YA novels with fresh voices, likeable characters, and compelling plots. While she is not adverse to nonfiction or historical fiction, it would need to have an exciting hook that will appeal to teens and an engaging narrative style. She is a member of Young to Publishing. Kari will be open to receiving submissions for up to six months post-Rutgers.

Emily Sylvan Kim, Agent, Prospect Agency. After working at Writers House Literary Agency, Emily founded Prospect Agency in 2005 with the vision of an agency that provided a touchstone for authors, editors, and agents in an ever changing marketplace. The agency has grown to include four agents hailing from diverse publishing backgrounds who represent a variety of material from PB illustrators to edgy YA. Some of the projects Emily represents include 2008 National Book Award Finalist The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp (Knopf), Rocky Road by Rose Kent (Knopf), 2010 YASLA Finalist The Great Wide Sea by Madaline Herlong (Viking), Struts and Frets by Jon Skovron (Abrams), and the upcoming Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs (Walker.) Emily is currently looking for MG and YA novels. She has a special interest in books for boys and novels that have large commercial appeal but lots of literary heart. She will be open to receiving submissions post-Rutgers.

Day six!

Follow me on twitter (button on the right side of the page). One new follower will win a sparkling piece of jewelry designed by me. Besides writing, I’ve worked as a fine artist and a jewelry designer.

*Remember to always check individual submission requirements.

Today’s information.

Emilia Rhodes, Assistant Editor, Simon & Schuster, Simon Pulse. Emilia works on commercial YA fiction at Simon Pulse. She has edited NY Times bestsellers Christopher Pike (Thirst and Remember Me) and Elizabeth Chandler (Kissed by an Angel and Dark Secrets), as well as Dia Reeves, Kelly Keaton, Jason Myers, and Kate Kingsley. Emilia is drawn to dark and twisted stories, both in the paranormal world, and set in reality. She also can’t resist a good romance, and loves new and different voices.

Chris Richman, Agent, Upstart Crow Literary. Chris joined Upstart Crow Literary in July of 2009 after cutting his teeth at Firebrand Literary. Several noteworthy clients include Jacqueline West (The Books of Elsewhere) and Matt Myklusch (Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation). Chris is actively building his list, enjoys working with debut writers, and is primarily interested in MG and YA, with a special interest in books for boys, books with unforgettable characters, and high concept material. He is not looking for paranormal romance, books based around supernatural creature such as fairies, vampires, or werewolves, chick-lit, or PBs.

Anica Mrose Rissi, Executive Editor, Simon Pulse (note: leaving out mailing address, since I can’t accept submissions). Anica looks for edgy, voice-driven fiction; unexpected or dark humor; smart writing; and characters that she can’t get out of her head. She especially enjoys launching and building the careers of debut novelists. Her acquisitions include Swoon by Nina Malkin, Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook, Pure and After the Kiss by Terra Elan McVoy, Nothing Like You by Lauren Strasnick, Beautiful by Amy Reed, Crash Into Me by Albert Borris, Break by Hannah Moskowitz, Mostly Good Girls by Leila Sales, The Hollow by Jessica Verday, and Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card. Simon Pulse is an all-YA imprint, and Anica edits only YA projects. She does not acquire PBs, chapter books, MG, or tween.

Holly Root, Literary Agent, Waxman Literary Agency. Holly represents MG and YA fiction. Among her clients are Rachel Hawkins (the Hex Hall series, Disney-Hyperion), Sara Bennett-Wealer (Rival, HarperTeen 2011), Chelsea Campbell (The Rise of Renegade X, Egmont), and Rae Carson (The Princess and the Godstone, Greenwillow 2011. She’s a fan of YA of all stripes—paranormal, realistic contemporary, dystopian, and fantasy (though isn’t the strongest read on issue books or high fantasy). For MG, she loves honest stories with heart and a sense of discovery—and if there’s a dash of magic or a dollop of humor, that’s wonderful too.

Adrienne Rosado, Agent, PMA Literary & Film Management, Inc. In her time with PMA, Adrienne has worked on a bit of everything from PBs to YA, but her primary focus is YA. Most recently she has worked with Caridad Ferrer on her newest YA, When the Stars Go Blue. She is also proud to represent Printz and Edgar Allen Poe award-winning author Carol Plum-Ucci. She loves edgy YA fiction, anything with an off-the-beaten path paranormal slant, and literary coming of age. Adrienne attends the London and Frankfurt Book Fairs annually.

Sara Sargent, Editorial Assistant, HarperCollins Children’s Books. At the Balzer * Bray imprint of HarperCollins, Sara works on projects ranging from PBs through YA and has worked with such authors as Candace Bushnell, Mo Williams and Doreen Cronin. While open to books for all age ranges, she is particularly interested in MG and YA fiction in the following categories: dystopian, literary romance, and coming-of-age stories. She has recently added 13 Reasons Why, The Hunger Games and Incarceron to her lists of favorite books. Sara will be open to receiving submissions post-Rutgers.

Emily Seife, Assistant Editor, Schwartz & Wade Books, Random House Children’s Books. Emily is looking to acquire PBs, MG fiction, and literary YA. She is the editor of the upcoming YA novel The Puzzle Box by McCormick Templeman, about the disappearance of three girls from the campus of an exclusive boarding school; and an upcoming PB by Laurel Snyder, a lyrical retelling of the Passover story. She has worked on books by Anne Isaacs, Polly Horvath, Jill McElmurry, Marisabina Russo, and others. Emily is very interested in well-written, character-driven PBs, and is not looking for science fiction of fantasy. Emily is happy to receive submissions after the conference.

Rebecca Short, Editorial Assistant, Random House Children’s Books. Rebecca attended the Columbia Publishing Course in 2008 and began working at Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, immediately afterward. Ms. Short works on MG and YA novels. She has co-edited the upcoming Black Radishes, a suspenseful and poignant MG story of a boy growing up in France during World War II, which will come out in November 2010. She particularly enjoys books with a classic feel and likes MG adventure stories, mysteries, and literary YA. But if the writing is good, she will read anything. Rebecca is happy to receive query letters, synopses, and up to two sample chapters for three months after the conference.

Day five!

It’s always nice to see what has sold and what the professionals are looking for!

Follow me on twitter (button on the right side of the page). One new follower will win a sparkling piece of jewelry designed by me. Besides writing, I’ve worked as a fine artist and a jewelry designer.

*Remember to always check individual submission requirements.

Today’s information.

Ammi-Joan Paquette joined the Erin Murphy Literary Agency as an associate agent in early 2009, and placed a dozen manuscripts in her first year. Recent sales include The Monstore, by Tara Lazar (Aladdin, 2012—Yay, Tara!!!!). The Orphan Prince trilogy, by Jennifer Nielson (Scholastic, 2012), and Words in the Dust, by Trent Reedy (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, 2011). Joan represents all forms of children’s and YA literature. She is particularly drawn to a strong lyrical voice, tight plotting, and complex characters. Joan is also the author of The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Fairies (Tanglewood, 2009), as well as the forthcoming PB, Ghost in the House (Candlewick, 2012), and novel, Luchi, Undaunted (Walker, 2011). Joan is happy to look at queries from conference attendees; please use the submission form at http://emliterary.com. There is no time limit on submissions.

Annette Pollert, Associate Editor, Simon Pulse. Annette acquires contemporary, commercial teen fiction and the occasional nonfiction title. Working with and editing paranormal romance writers like NYT bestselling author L.J. Smith, Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie, as well as Jeri Smith-Ready, she is always interested in reading manuscripts in that genre that have inventive hooks and distinctive voices. She also enjoys dark, edgy suspense/mysteries, and novels in verse. Annette is interested in books based in—or out—of reality with complicated, engaging protagonists. Make her laugh, make her cry—mesmerize her with your really awesome manuscript! (No high fantasy, please.)

Beth Potter, Associate Editor, FSG Books for Young Readers. Beth edits children’s books for all ages, from PBs to YA novels. She is the editor of Annie Glover is Not a Tree Lover by Darleen Bailey Beard and (forthcoming this fall) Ellie Ever by Nancy Ruth Patterson and Edges by Lena Roy. She looks for emotionally resonant, smart, well-crafted YA projects that bridge the commercial and literary worlds by combining stellar writing with an irresistible hook. A few items on her acquisition wish-list are: a really gripping YA murder mystery, a project involving food or cooking or restaurants, and a gorgeously-imagined fairy-tale retelling. On the PB side of things, she’s looking for simple, fun, and funny.

Linda Pratt, Agent, Sheldon Fogelman Agency. Linda works with authors ad illustrators in all genres for children. Her clients range from award winners and bestsellers, such as Sharon G. Flake, Denise Brunkus, and Karen Beaumont to rising new talents like YA author and today’s Success Story speaker, Eric Luper (Seth Baumgartner’s Love Manifesto, published June 2010), debut MG novelist, Jane Kelley (Nature Girl, published May 2010), and author/illustrator, Angela Dominguez (Maria Had a Little Llama due out in 2010). Currently Linda is most interested in fiction: strong voices, timeless stories that couple a sense of reality with elements of escapism or otherworldliness, speculative fiction that retains a sense of hope, and characters not seen often or who may be familiar, but are portrayed in a unique way that feels fresh. Linda will be open to receiving submissions post-Rutgers.

 Happy Monday!

I think this Pay It Forward series may take a bit longer than a week! I hope people are finding it helpful.  The more informed you are about the agent or editor you approach with your project the better your chances are of success.

Don’t forget to check submission guidelines. Some of the agents and editors listed below are only open to unsolicited queries from Rutgers conference attendees.

Remember to follow me (writergirlrowan ) on Twitter.  : )

Coll

Steve Meltzer is currently the Associate Publisher/Executive Managing Editor for Dutton Children’s Books and Dial Books for Young Readers. He also edits the Celebra Children’s Books line. He has been in publishing for 25 years and has served in a variety of positions in the publishing industry. Steve is the editor of many books for young readers including John Madden’s Heros of Football:The Story of America’s Game; The Sydney Taylor award-inning, Hanukkah at Valley Forge by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Greg Harlin; Barbarians! by Steven Kroll, illustrated by Robert Byrd; and Useful Fools by C.A. Schmidt (a Booklist Best Book of the Year). His series include Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol and the Boy, Were We Wrong About…books. Dutton and Dial are looking for high concept MG titles, compelling YA fiction with a distinct voice and character based PBs.

Beth Miller, Literary Agent Assistant, Writers House. Beth has been Robin Rue’s assistant at Writers House since 2007. She has the pleasure of working with a number of adult fiction clients, as well as such YA and children’s authors as Garret Freymann-Weyr, Elizabeth Scott, Holly Lisle, Helen Lowe, Jennifer Bradbury, and Carmela & Steve D’Amico. She is always on the lookout for YA or MG, but isn’t the best choice for PBs. In her other life, she was a DNA sequencing technician at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory on Long Island. She much prefers books to E. coli.

Joe Monti, Agent, Barry Goldblatt Literary. With over twenty years of experience ranging from bookseller to children’s fiction buyer for B&N, and then sales director to editor, I feel I offer a unique and wide background to my clients. Of note: While I made my career by doing what I love, namely championing fantasy works, and helping create the modern YA category; MG fiction is the soft spot in my dragon scale armor, particularly realistic MG. You see, I’m actually still nine years old inside. I’m also not interested in representing folks who solely write PBs or solely illustrate, but happily have clients that do both. Joe will accept queries after the conference.

Brianne Mulligan, Associate Editor, Razorbill/Penguin Young Readers. Brianne primarily edits YA and MG commercial fiction. She acquired the forthcoming Department 19 by Will Hill, the first in a major new YA trilogy, Darwen Arkwright & the Peregrine Pact, bestselling author A.J. Hartley’s upcoming MG debut, and is working with NY Times bestselling author Nancy Holder on her next novel for Razorbill. She began her career on the adult side, first at Random House’s Double day Broadway, then at Penguin’s Gotham Books, where she edited several nonfiction titles that could sit comfortably in the teen section, including Hill Harper’s Letters to a Young Sister and Lucky Magazine’s The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style. Brianne is looking for high concept YA and MG fiction with a strong hook and an ambitious plot, and especially loves books for boys.

Daniel Nayeri, Editor, Clarion Books. While open to anything weird and new, Daniel is mostly looking for high concept MG and YA fiction; books of rampant disregard for educational value, and dedicated solely to wonderlust. He wants stuff that reminds him of an 18^th century circus in France, knife fights in Cairo, and the exact manner in which to dispose of jerks at school. Generally speaking, Daniel would rather avoid holiday books, children of divorce books, books of greater pedagogical interest than whimsy, or really anything with political bones to pick. Daniel will be open to receiving submissions post-Rutgers.

Catherine Onder, Senior Editor, Disney-Hyperion Books for Children. Catherine edits PBs and chapter books and MG and YA novels. Authors and illustrators she has worked with include R.J. Anderson, Matthew Armstrong, Ally Carter, Geraldine McCaughrean and Jenny Valentine. She loves editing a variety of genres, but always looks for a strong voice and clear vision in all.

Kathleen Ortiz, Associate Agent and Foreign Rights Manager, Lowenstein Associates. Kathleen began her career in publishing as an editorial assistant and interactive media designer for the YA section before moving on as an online editor for the features, art& entertainment sections for an online news outlet and teaching high school classes as a visual media instructor. She’s currently Associate Agent and Foreign Rights Manager at Lowenstein Associates. With the continued demand for online marketing in publishing, a strong online platform is essential for today’s authors. Kathleen uses her background in interactive media design to assist Lowenstein Associates’ clients with branding themselves. Kathleen is currently seeking YA (specifically edgy/darker, MG and chapter books. A strong voice and unique plot are essential in capturing her attention; however, shed pretty much perform a happy dance on YouTube if a creepy, keeps-her-up-at-night YA thriller or a YA romance with a male POV were to cross her desk. Kathleen will be open to receiving submissions post-Rutgers.

Day 3 of my annual PAY IT FORWARD week. This week I will be sharing the information I received at the Rutgers One on One Mentoring Conference. I hope you find it helpful!

*remember to always follow submission guidelines. Some editors and agents are only taking unsolicited subs from conference attendees (and they do check).

·      sorry, wasn’t able to post yesterday due to illness. Back on track today : )

Ty King, Literary Agent Assistant, Writers House. Ty King has worked at Writers House since 2008 as the assistant to senior literary agents, Kenneth Wright and Rebecca Sherman. Ty works with a diverse client list, including PB author/illustrators through MG/YA fiction and nonfiction authors and several adult nonfiction clients. Upcoming titles Ty has worked on include SIREN by Tricia Rayburn (Egmont, July 2010), 4-U by Holly Goldberg Sloan (Little, Brown, 2011) and INTENTIONS by Deborah Heiligman (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2011). Ty is open to books across all age ranges and is particularly interested in humorous MG fiction/nonfiction and high-concept fantasy/adventure series for MG/YA audiences. She is also looking for graphic novels for the MG audience and interested in adult narrative nonfiction. Ty is a graduate of the University of Florida Levin College of Law and a member of the SCBWI and The Young to Publishing Group.

Diane Landolf, Editor, Random House Children’s Books. Diane is looking for MG and YA novels and standalone chapter books. She has edited the Heck series; the Century Quartet (Book 11, Star of Stone, is out this fall); many titles in the A to Z Mysteries series: the medieval historical, The Book of the Maidservant, by former Rutgers mentee, Rebecca Barnhouse (Yay, Rebecca!); and Rebecca’s next book, a historical fantasy called The Coming of the Dragon, out this fall. She is interested in MG and YA novels across all genres, with a particular interest in quirky or dark fantasy/speculative fiction and literary titles. For YA, a strong voice is what she looks for most. For contemporary MG, she loves stories where kids are smart and figure things out, especially by working together. For historical, she prefers pre-20^th century. The older the better! Diane will accept submissions of chapter books and novels only (no PBs, please) from attendees for three months after the conference.

Sarah LaPolla, Associate Literary Agent, Curtis Brown, LTD. Sarah is interested in YA fiction ranging from literary coming-of-age stories to urban fantasy and science fiction. She loves complex characters and engaging narrators, and would love to see stronger female protagonists in YA. Sarah is always looking for YA with crossover appeal, but is also open to representing high concept MG. Sarah would not be the best match for writers of PBs, poetry, or early-reader chapter books. She recently worked with Book Arts Bash by providing feedback to the winners of their annual contest for homeschooled authors, and is a member of Young to Publishing.

Kate Lee, Agent, International Creative management. Kate represents MG and YA fiction. She is agent to Anna Carey, author of the Eve trilogy (forthcoming from Alloy), Lesley M. M. Blume (Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters; Tennyson; and Modern Fairies, Dwarves, Goblins, & Other Nasties: A practical Guide by Miss Edythe McFate), Robin Palmer (Cindy Ella; Geek Charming; Little Miss Red; and the Lucy B. Palmer series), Tom Dolby (Secret Society series), Tina Wells (Mackenzie Blue series), as well as award –winning YA author Crissa Jean Chappell (Total Constant Order), among others. She is currently interested in high-concept YA fiction with a commercial bent, NG fiction (both boy-and –girl-driven), and is probably not the best match for PBs and smaller, more character-driven projects.

Alvina Ling, Senior Editor, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Alvina acquires children’s books for all ages (baby-teen), with a particular interest in literary fiction and books with multicultural themes. She is interested in both genre (including science fiction, fantasy, and mystery) and contemporary fiction, and is a fan of beautiful and/or funky PBs with unique illustration styles, as well as trade nonfiction books. Some of her recent publications include the NY Times bestselling PBs Shark vs Train by Chris Barton and Tom Lichtenheld, The Curious Garden by Peter Brown, Wabi Sabi by Mark Reibstein, illustrated by Ed Young; Eggs by Jerry Spinelli; The Newbery Honor winning Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin; North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley; Sorta Like a Rock Star by Matthew Quick, Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey, and The Candymakers by Wendy Mass. Before starting at Little, Brown in 1999, Alvina was a bookseller, and has always been a life-long lover of children’s books. She is not open to receiving submissions post-Rutgers.

Julia Maguire, Assistant Editor, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. Julia has worked on PBs as well as novels, both MG and YA. She has edited the PBs 1 Zany Zoo and the upcoming How Do You Hug a Porcupine?, both GM Spoonful of Stories contest winners. She has also assisted in editing The Talent Show by Dan Gutman, Crescendo, the sequel to the NY Times bestseller Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han and Elixir by Hilary Duff. She is looking for literary as well as commercial MG and YA fiction with a strong voice that is grounded in reality, but she is not averse to paranormal, provided there is a strong emotional center. Julia is not the best match for science fiction or fantasy.

Elena Mechlin, Agency Assistant, Pippin Properties. After a few years in marketing, Elena found the perfect position from which to pursue her love of all things children’s literature at Pippin properties. At Pippin, she’s lucky enough to be reading all incoming queries and loves the treasure hunt! She has also been instrumental in the editing of various upcoming projects, both PBs, Mg, and YA. Elena loves funny PBs, is typically averse to rhyming texts, likes goofy MG, and is on the hunt for some hot YA! If you’d like to submit to Pippin, please email your query to info@pippinproperties.com.

Come back tomorrow for more info. By the way, I’d love for you to follow me on twitter (writergirlrowan). At the end of the Pay It Forward series of posts I will award a sparkling jewelry prize to one of my new followers  : )

Day 2 of my annual PAY IT FORWARD week. This week I will be sharing the information I received at the Rutgers One on One Mentoring Conference. I hope you find it helpful!

*remember to always follow submission guidelines. Some editors and agents are only taking unsolicited subs from conference attendees(and they do check).

Katherine Jacobs, Associate Editor, Roaring Brook Press. Katherine works on everything from PBs through YA, fiction and nonfiction. She is editor of the chapter book series Gym Shorts by Betty Hicks and Don Brown’s nonfiction PB Gold! Gold from the American River! She is Jaqueline Wilson’s U.S. editor and has worked on books by Kate Thompson(Creature of the Night), David Whitley (The Agora Trilogy) and Marcus Sedgwick (Revolver). Katherine is interested in smart, fresh, character driven stories for all ages (with a special fondness for historical fiction) and is probably not the best math for gritty, dark, realistic YA novels. She is also a graduate of the Center for the Study of Children’s Literature at Simmons College in Boston, MA. Will accept conference submissions.

Molly Jaffa, Literary Agent and Subsidiary Rights Associate, Folio Literary Management. Molly has been with Folio since 2008, when she began assisting agency partner Jeff Kleinman. She then became the agency’s Subsidiary Rights Associate, selling Folio clients’ audio rights and assisting with foreign rights sales. As part of the launch of Folio Jr., an initiative within the agency devoted to children’s and YA titles, Molly is now actively building her own list. She has a deep affinity for young readers, and loves working closely with the writers who bring their voices to life on the page. She’s particularly interested in voice-driven, high concept MG and YA fiction; projects with elements of magical realism; stories featuring characters who have (or are in search of) strong passions and talents, and books that open up a rich new world for the reader to discover. Molly is happy to accept submissions after the conference.

Grace Elizabeth Kendall, Assistant Editor, The Blue Sky Press and Scholastic Press. Grace assists Bonnie Verburg and Dianne Hess with a wide range of material from board books to YA novels, both fiction and nonfiction. Recently, she assisted Bonnie with It’s Christmas, David!, the next picture book in the No, David! series, written and illustrated by David Shannon. She also assisted Diane with Zen Ghosts by Jon J Muth, the third installation of Mr. Muth’s Zen books, and George Washington’s Spy, the sequel to the bestselling novel George Washington’s Socks by Elvira Woodruff. She spent last spring working with Editorial Director Ken Geist on Eight Days: A Story of Haiti, which is a powerful account of hope and resilience surrounding the Port-au-Prince earthquake. It was published to national media attention and a starred review in Kirkus last month. The editors she works with are always looking for well-crafted, engaging, enjoyable, and enlightening children’s literature. Grace is open to receiving submissions from the 2010 Rutgers One-On-One Conference only. 2010 Conference attendees will please also note that The Blue Sky Press is not currently accepting submissions. Grace is happy though to receive submissions for Scholastic Press, as she also works with an editor of that imprint. Envelopes should be clearly marked as submissions from Rutgers One-on-One 2010 attendees.

*Sorry for the short post today. Had mouth surgery and not up to par.

Come back tomorrow for more info. By the way, I’d love for you to follow me on twitter (writergirlrowan). At the end of the Pay It Forward series of posts I will award a sparkling jewelry prize to one of my new followers  : )