MG authors, this PW article is worth a read! www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
Children's & YA book editor at Julie Scheina Editorial Services | Former senior editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | Coffee & book lover
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MG authors, this PW article is worth a read! www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
Another week, another 19 reasons why libraries are awesome.
Congratulations to Jo Beckett-King on her MG debut, THE HOUSE OF FOUND OBJECTS! Perfect for readers who love mysteries, Paris, prickly friendships, and solving puzzles hand-in-hand with characters. Kirkus says, “Codebreakers and mystery fans will want to read this fun adventure, tout de suite.”
Fantastic! Congratulations!!
What's that about using AI for "just for research" again?
Can Aye 👀 absentmindedly reach to remove a stray hair from its neck while driving, only to discover it’s not a hair, it’s giant flying insect? I don’t think so. (I didn’t crash the car. Please clap.)
So...until now, authors and editors had to physically live in the same city to work together? And this is the tech we should trust to edit books? 2/2
Please tell me again how "smart" gen AI is when I receive AI software pitches that claim 1) skilled editors only live in cities like London and New York (!); 2) that this leaves writers living elsewhere (?!) without access to skilled editing; and 3) this is why genAI editing is necessary (!?!?). 1/2
Here are 30+ fiction and nonfiction titles to help you understand the power, importance, and history of protest. From the Civil Rights Movement to Stonewall to Indigenous sovereignty and beyond, let these stories empower you and those in your community!
If you think picture books are just for young kids, you’re missing out! (With bonus library haul photobomb!)
Me to my husband whenever I make a TikTok: “Okay I’ll show you, but first you have to watch these 3-5 videos so you understand the genre.”
Team #bringabook & #alwaysbereading. (Sources say Cloud Puppy: Game On! is great!)
One moment you're telling your child, "Say thank you, sweetie," and the next they're shouting "THANK YOU, SWEETIE!!!!" at top volume to a friend at a crowded Dave & Buster's and from then on you feel a zing of happiness every time you hear someone say "sweetie" in the wild.
+ If you ever have a chance to meet or work with @editorsangeeta.bsky.social, @rwestonliterary.bsky.social, @allisonm610.bsky.social, @alvinaling.bsky.social, or the other lovely people pictured that I can’t tag, take it! :)
Kidlit publishing has the best people. 🚕❤️📚Had such a great time in NYC and at the US Book Show seeing friends old and new!
If you’ve ever thought about asking ChatGPT for feedback on any piece of writing, read this first:
💯💯💯
human sales reps?" The time to stand up to AI is now.
drive sales "at a tiny fraction of the historical cost." But the true underlying message is: "Wouldn't publishing be so much more profitable without all those time-consuming and expensive human authors, human narrators, human editors, human designers, human publicists, human marketers,
And this is just a small fraction of the companies with deep pockets working hard to use AI to replace humans at every level of publishing. These companies promise to take manuscripts "from developmental edits to copy edits to final proofs in days rather than weeks" or to
If you're wondering why people in publishing are speaking up against AI, take a look at the sponsors for next week's U.S. Book Show. I count at least half a dozen companies paying for the chance to pitch their AI services to publishers, literary agencies, and other publishing professionals. (thread)
Spent a few minutes wondering why I wrote ACK on my to-do list before I realized it was supposed to say "pack." In case you're wondering how the day's going.
Ugh. I understand how kids might be tempted, especially when they see everyone else doing it. I wonder if having kids write essays in class by hand will ultimately be the solution.
I already second-guess myself enough; I don't also need to second-guess a probability engine.
Once you realize how many details AI makes up in ways that seem almost-true but are actually blatantly wrong, you have to wonder whether it wouldn't actually take less time (in addition to being better for you, free speech, the environment, etc.) to think for yourself.
Once again, the best argument against using LLMs is to look at what you actually get if you use LLMs.
imma go with worse
Thanks very much for reading and sharing!
juliescheina.com/2025/05/16/p...
My latest post is about advertising, AI, and paper towels…plus something you may not know about me. (Link in first reply.)
We've had one spot open up in our upcoming two-submission MG workshop with @juliescheina.com This is a terrific opportunity to get market and editorial, developmental feedback on 15K of your MG novel! Apply at app.inkedvoices.com/event/worksh...
100%! I do not want to be blindsided.
My opinion on dead dogs in books: when I was a kid my family owned a VHS of Where the Red Fern Grows: Part Two and that was enough for me.
Website description, if you don't want to click through:
And on her website! www.suzanneselfors.com/smells-like-...
In light of this week's dog discourse, I am reminded of Suzanne Selfors' brilliant SMELLS LIKE DOG series, which comes with a "no dead dog" guarantee in each book.
@sarazarr.bsky.social might have suggestions?
Good question! It's just a toy...maybe the crow is bored and/or worried about tariffs?
So I've had to run surveillance on my mailbox today because TWICE a crow has stolen and pecked its way into a package I'm trying to mail and the postal carrier is running late. My apologies to the squirrel I blamed until I caught the crow in the act and had to chase it off with an umbrella.
Friends, I’ll be in NYC for the New York Book Show June 2-June 4. Please reach out if you’re attending and/or would like to meet and catch up! :)
Also in said book club…one of the books was introduced as being about the Vietnam War. I was halfway through The Buried Giant before I stopped trying to read it as an allegory and realized I had mixed up two different book titles. (It’s a fantasy set in 7th century England.) 🤦🏻♀️
over in our minds, & pushes us to interrogate our assumptions. Kazuo Ishiguro excels at this (“What makes us human? Are you sure?”). So does Suzanne Collins (“Is there ever a just war? Are you sure?”). 2/2
I’ve been in a book club with a group of incredibly smart people for 10+ years. The best discussions stem from books that ask thought-provoking, often unanswerable questions. It takes a lot of work to write a satisfying story that leaves readers w/lingering questions, lets us keep turning pieces 1/2
juliescheina.com/2025/04/29/w...
What does Top Chef have to do with formula, structure, and voice? Find out in my new post (and learn the kidlit connection in this season of Top Chef!). (Link in first reply.)
Some of this week’s library books. #picturebooksareforeveryone #libraryhaul #library
"Should you be saying that, as a LOCAL MOM?" 🙀--my kid ❤️, a local mom who said our cat was acting weird
Excited to be doing another @inkedvoices.bsky.social workshop! If you have a complete MG manuscript, check it out:
Finally started watching Severance and I’d like a word with the person who told me it was a funny workplace comedy.
juliescheina.com/2025/04/10/w...
How long should your manuscript be, really? And what should you do if your word count is higher or lower than others? Read all about word counts in my new (ironically above word count!) post. (Link in first reply.)
Weekend highlights: “Mom, I can’t find MIXED-UP! Do you know where it is? I wanted to read it again!" @kamigarcia.bsky.social, you know a book is good when it’s on the reread list!
Congratulations to Sara B. Shirley on the publication of A ZIGZAG LINE! Part mystery, part adventure, this book is set in a tight-knit rural community that reminded me of one of my all-time favorite settings, Avonlea. It would make great summer reading for the upper MG/young YA readers in your life.
Ask the Agent question of the day: To an author stressing about Word Count; I drop what may be a v surprising truth bomb: Nobody gives a sh!t what your word count is if your book is great. And if your book isn't great, it doesn't matter what your word count is. www.tumblr.com/literaticat/...
juliescheina.com/2025/03/20/h...
Whether you’re joining a writing group or looking for a critique partner, learning how to give a good critique is an invaluable skill to develop. Hint: it’s not about you. (Link in first reply.)
So enjoyed being a guest on on the wonderful Book Friends Forever podcast with long time colleagues (and book friends) Alvina, Grace & Julie. Have a listen!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b... Don’t miss their other great episodes, including their publishing curriculum series!
Excited to be on @alvinaling.bsky.social and @authorgracelin.bsky.social’s Book Friends Forver podcast with @editorsangeeta.bsky.social to talk about freelance editing (my first podcast!). Would love to hear what you think if you check it out (link below)! 1/2
Such a great post. 🌟
And the P.S. is my favorite part. Almost all written and/or drawn material can have educational value. I wish, for instance, that some grown-up had encouraged me to examine the comedic timing of Garfield strips. Or to research the historical accuracy of Asterix comics. Etc.
YES!
I feel the pain of the Garfield books. For me it was the Disney movie retellings. But I kept my mouth (mostly) shut and my kids didn't read them forever.
Thanks so much!! ❤️❤️
Thank you for reading! ☺️
Thank you for reading!! ❤️
Absolutely! Garfield has inspired my daughter to draw her own comics and stories on more than one occasion!
Yes! I’ve been at the movie/TV show retelling stage, too. 🤐😬😅
A recent library experience showed me just how easy it can be to discourage kids from reading. Check out this week’s Your Editor Friend post if you’ve ever worried about kids reading graphic novels and picture books instead of chapter books and novels: juliescheina.com/2025/03/12/w....
Proud member of the Book It! kids to publishing people pipeline. 🍕📚😅
😂😂😂 Microsoft, I just want to talk!!
When I saw @cherylklein.bsky.social post about this adorable mini Lego typewriter, I had to have it. My daughter & I finished putting it together last night, and seeing it on my desk brings me such joy. If you are looking for a great gift for the book-lover in your life, check it out!
My foolproof* book recommendation process: 1. sneak book into house 2. wait for daughter to discover book 3. definitely DON’T blow my cover by mentioning book first 4. try to act surprised when daughter says she’s reading a great book (*not, in fact, foolproof, but so satisfying when it works!)
The #lkbf25 Publishing Auction is LIVE! Auction proceeds benefit the Latinx Kidlit Book Festival, a 501(c)3 nonprofit literacy organization. A portion of the proceeds will also go toward providing new books for schools impacted by the Los Angeles fires: bit.ly/lkbfauction25.
Louise Glück wrote, “We look at the world once, in childhood. The rest is memory.” But how does this apply to writers? I write about looking at the world in my latest letter from Your Editor Friend: juliescheina.com/2025/02/03/l....
Congratulations to @kamigarcia.bsky.social on the publication of her first MG graphic novel, MIXED-UP! Can’t wait to read and share with my graphic novel loving kid! 📚👓🥳
Happy 2025! Wishing everyone a colorful year. ❤️🌼📚 (Art by the talented and amazing @steveemond.bsky.social!!)
Last chance for bids! The auction closes tonight (December 10) at 9pm ET!
You accidentally recycle the spelling test list ONE time and now they all come home like this… (I dug it back out before it went to the curb, for the record!)
The Authors for Voices of Color/ @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social Auction goes live today (12/2) at noon! You can bid on: 📚Signed & Annotated Books ☎️Book Club Visits & Author Chats 🛍️Exclusive Book Swag + Merch 📜Query & Manuscript Critiques (including one from me: e.givesmart.com/events/Frv/i...)
I made a Picture Book Author Starter Pack! This is trad pub'd authors with books currently out 🙂 go.bsky.app/B8U5Ekc
Welcome, new Bluesky users! 🦋 Feel free to check out my Unofficial Guide To Bluesky, a work-in-progress with the help of the community here: publish.obsidian.md/debbieohi/bl... Quickstart Guide: publish.obsidian.md/debbieohi/qu... Starter Threads: publish.obsidian.md/debbieohi/st...
Would be happy to be added. Thank you!
Thank you, Highlights! (And check out the many resources offered by @highlightsfound.bsky.social if you’re a kidlit writer or illustrator.) 3/3
Little did we know Highlights had already mailed her this certificate, explaining not only the timing and luck involved in publishing, but also emphasizing the creative process rather than just the end result. Something we could probably all use a reminder of! 2/3
Shoutout to Highlights for respecting and encouraging kids’ creativity! My daughter sent in a piece of artwork to Highlights and (despite my attempts to manage her expectations + explain printing lead times) shouted, “I bet it’s in this one!” when a new issue arrived the next week. 1/3
What does a bathtub have to do with writing emotions? Find out in my newest letter from Your Editor Friend: juliescheina.com/your-editor-.... #editing #writing #revision #kidlit
Thank goodness for that corn or poor Mrs. Frisbee would be 0/3. Text: I was reading about Mrs. Frisbee. Timothy is so sick, he can’t see or hear! Mrs. Frisbee found a good supply of corn! Mrs. Frisbee’s husband and their children’s father died!
love and loss quite so beautifully. Writers, if you’re looking to strengthen your characters’ emotions, relationships, or internal growth, I highly recommend reading WHEN YOU TRAP A TIGER. 3/3
relationship at the heart of WHEN YOU TRAP A TIGER by Tae Keller. The scenes in which Lily must come to terms with saying goodbye to her halmoni are exceptionally thoughtful and honest; I don’t think I’ve ever read a MG novel that captures the many conflicting emotions of 2/3
As someone whose independent grandmother was an endless source of comfort, adventure, special treats, and love—and who had a house that always seemed full of surprises (and closets where I'd hide to avoid going home)—I immediately connected to the grandmother-granddaughter 1/3
Somehow, someway, each cat finds their own special method for destroying your house.
The struggle is real.
* Rich physical details & emotions that build suspense & allow readers to envision themselves in the characters’ shoes (like sweating inside a storage closet w/the thief!) * Thoughtfully forged connections across seemingly disparate eras, from the Renaissance to 1900s Paris to the present 4/4
If you’re a writer or reader of nonfiction, historical fiction, thrillers, or mysteries, check out this book for its: * Short chapters, engaging art, lively writing, and cliffhangers that are accessible to readers of MG novels, graphic novels, chapter books, illustrated nonfiction, and beyond 3/4
THE MONA LISA VANISHES is an exceptional example of how to make familiar topics and tropes (da Vinci, The Mona Lisa, the unexpected thief, the brilliant detective) feel fresh and accessible to modern readers. 2/4
As a kid, I loved reading historical fiction but hated dry history textbooks and most (equally dry) nonfiction. I wish I’d read more books like THE MONA LISA VANISHES and realized at a younger age how engaging, dynamic, and surprising nonfiction can be! 1/4
#priorities #AddytheIntern
* Timeless, thought-provoking themes Writers: if you’re looking to improve these areas of your craft, I recommend adding TLM to your list of books to read & study. (And you don’t just have to take my word for it—check out those stickers!) 3/3 #kidlit