As we wrap up this enchanting month of fantasy here at The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, we’re thrilled to bring you a final spotlight that’s as inspiring as it is imaginative. Meet Sarah, a British illustrator whose work breathes magic into every page and whispers wonder into… Read More »How to Illustrate Fantasy Picture Books: Insider Advice from a Pro Illustrator
At The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, we champion children’s literature and the incredible creators who bring stories to life. We also strive to demystify publishing and provide insight into the creative process. Since April is our month of magical worlds, we’re diving deep into world-building for… Read More »World-Building for Picture Books: Crafting Worlds for Young Readers
Marketing your book as an author can feel like a daunting challenge, but with the right strategies, you can turn your story into a success. As part of our March Madness Month, we’re thrilled to debut The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, where we celebrate children’s books… Read More »Marketing Secrets Every Picture Book Author Needs to Know
As February settles in and winter lingers, there’s nothing more comforting than curling up with a great book and a warm cup of tea. At The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, we believe that reading rituals should be cozy, and what better way to enhance them than with… Read More »Best Cozy Winter Books & Tea Pairings for the Ultimate Reading Ritual
As a middle-grade author, I’ve found that well-rounded characters and immersive worlds are transformative for kids. Consider the classics that have stayed with us from childhood into adulthood: the early Harry Potter books, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Percy Jackson & the Olympians. Good stories… Read More »Why You Should Outline Your Middle Grade Novel + Free Worksheet Download
The middle-grade landscape (roughly for ages 8–12) is in a tough spot. Kids have an almost endless buffet of digital entertainment, everything from video games to binge-worthy streaming shows—vying for their attention. It’s books versus tech and it’s a tough competition. How can we, as… Read More »Middle Grade: Books versus Oculus
A donated book can change a life. It might be a child’s very first “favorite” bedtime story, a bright spot in a tough time, or even the spark that inspires a future writer or artist. By sharing books, you become part of someone’s personal story.… Read More »Literary Champions!
The Importance of Finding Community as a Creative The journey of writing (or illustrating), particularly in the field of children’s literature, can often feel isolating. For many creatives, especially those embarking on their first project, self-publishing, or working without the guidance of an agent, publisher,… Read More »Writing Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely
The holiday season is here! It’s a time filled with joy, excitement, and cherished moments with loved ones.How do you keep up with your creative pursuits while fully embracing the magic of the holidays?
How to Query Literary Agents Effectively From our professional and personal experiences, we’ve learned that querying literary agents is both an art and a science. After interviewing countless agents and experiencing the querying process firsthand, we are sharing our most valuable insights to help you… Read More »Pathways to Publication