Looking for community? Join our new Facebook Group!
Podcast Guest Pitches & Marketing/Editorial Packages
Our podcast operates primarily by invitation, but we welcome pitches from agents, publicists, and publisher representatives. We offer a mix of paid* and unpaid media opportunities, as well as customizable marketing packages that can feature editorial content tailored to titles, creatives, and companies.
Representatives are encouraged to send pitches to directors [at] thestorytellersshelfpodcast [dot] com. We will provide our media kit and outline available offerings for guests or marketing* and editorial* advertising.
Please note: We are fully booked for our 2025 season and are closing curation for our 2026 season for creatives interviews* and expert Q&A.
Important: Even if a guest is pitched by an agency or representative, we first evaluate whether they are a good fit for our program before extending an invitation. Inclusion is never automatic.
If you’ve been referred by a past guest, we encourage you to contact us via email titled “Referral from [Name].” Please include your background so we can explore whether your story suits our programming.
The Storytellers Summit: January 2026 + Pitch an Agent Event
A week of expert lectures culminating in a live networking event and a live, virtual Pitch an Agent Event connecting literary agent Syrone Harvey of Belcastro Agency with queries from our Storytellers.
Buy a ticket for the event and an the pitch opportunity here!
Presentation Sneak Peek
These mini-masterclasses will be released to ticket-holders throughout the week! This remote summit is asynchronous so you don’t have to work around your work calendar to participate. On the final day, we will share an exclusive Q&A with agent Syrone Harvey so you can get a better idea of her wishlist and we’ll connect you to a special code to use in her Query Tracker to submit a children’s manuscript or portolio with her for consideration; Syrone has committed to giving queriers a decision in an expidited 2.5-3 weeks.
Presentation videos will be up throughout January. As a ticket-holder, you’ll also be entered into an automatic giveaway for a free 30 minute book launch consultation with Jackie. Learn more here or on our Summit page.
Pitch an Agent Event Series 2026
Are you an unagented illustrator or author? Join The Storytellers Foundation in our forthcoming Pitch an Agent events! These remote opportunities are designed to create possibilities by allowing you to present your elevator pitch to an agent in real time, either in person via video call or in, compiled email moved to the top of the agent’s inbox, or exclusive Query Tracker codes. Subscribe to our website for more details on when tickets are available.
Award Submissions
For award-related inquiries, including nominations and eligibility, please visit our Awards Landing Page.
2026 Big Bang Guidelines (Submissions Open)
The Big Bang Notable Book List:
Expanding the universe of young minds, one read at a time.
Our Big Bang Notable Book List is a gift guide that publishes in November and features a curated list of standout board books, picture books, early readers, graphic novels, middle grade, and young adult titles that we personally read, enjoyed, and recommend.
Please Note:
- Inclusion is not guaranteed, even for past or upcoming podcast guests.
- You do not need to be a guest to be considered for the guide.
- You may submit more than one book.
To submit your book for consideration:
- Ensure your book fits our age parameters: 0-17 years old. Your book must be officially published within that age bracket. We cannot consider adult books with “young adult” appeal.
- Your book should have been published/should be set to publish between January 2025-March 2027.
- Your book can be self- or traditionally published.
- We strongly prefer two physical copies of the book for review. We are unable to reimburse you for postage; we recommend you use USPS media mail for a low cost shipment.
- Submissions must be received by August 5, 2026. Exceptions can be made for delays in shipments and Fall/Winter season books with ARCs due late. See our form below for more information.
All winners will have the freedom to backlink the list. All winners will have the option to purchase rights to use the digital seal and printed stickers for application on physical titles.
Note: Physical copies of books may be kept, used in a giveaway, or donated in our annual book drive to: literacy nonprofits, children’s hospitals, Tier 1 schools, free little libraries, and/or local families in need.
Career Opportunities
Applications for volunteers are now closed. We had over 75 incredible applicants for publicity, marketing, and blog opportunities! Thank you! Please subscribe to see when the next vacancies are open. Meet our past and present volunteers!
Though we are not currently advertising open roles, we are open to rolling pitches. If you’re interested in blogging for us, volunteering with us, or masterminding your own position, please send us an email with the title “Volunteer Pitch” plus your self-pitch and resume. We are committed to remaining open-minded because, as a platform dedicated to equity and empowerment, we want to create opportunities where growth mindset can be nurtured in this competitive industry.