Season 2025
A “Get to Know Us” podcast episode where we speak about who we are, what inspired us to create this podcast, and what we hope to achieve with it.
A virtual #AMA! Send us your questions via our contact form and we will feature them all in a Countdown to Launch blog! Go ahead and ask us about publishing, us personally, or our plans for the podcast or summit.
Expert Q&A Topic: ?si=0fdrk-MgTb-1g8vM”>The Science Behind Book Launches 1 with President and Publisher of StoryMonsters, LLC, Linda F. Radke
Middle Grade Marvels: Spotlight ?si=3pqD7PLIEtN4vzUO”>interview with April Henley, author of the award-winning novel and coloring book, Treasures in a Bottle
Step into the realms of fantasy, sci-fi, and adventure as we explore immersive storytelling and the art of world-building.
Expert Q&A Topic: World of Writing Craft – Universe Building Edition with Dr. Rebecca Rowe, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Children’s Literature at East Texas A&M University.
Exclusive Author Interview: Drawing fantasy inspirations from the middle grade novel series Adventures in Oculus with Theresa Maria Villarreal
Middle Grade Marvels: Spotlight interview with Kris Paulsen, author of the Reader’s Favorite series, Galaxy Walkers
Discover how publishing professionals, agents, and illustrators support authors and guide them toward success.
Expert Q&A Topic: ?si=X7hNE3Vhi227DcDV”>Querying, Pitching, & Agenting with literary agent, Elizabeth Copps, of Copps Literary Services
Expert Q&A Topic: ?si=ko80-1eiW5CLVfjl”>An Illustrator’s Guide to Supporting Authors (& Themselves) with multi-award winning author and illustrator, John Parra
Uncover the secrets to achieving your writing and publishing goals while staying motivated this summer.
Expert Q&A Topic: ?si=lQmEsLDuKx1ZqJrF”>The Recipe for Author Entrepreneurship with author, financial advisor and Harvard alumni, Dr. Noni Carter, CEPA
Expert Q&A Topic: “>Reflections & Representation: Customizable Picture Books with the Felicia Norfor founder “Dream Creator” of the new Singapore-based publisher, StoryVerse Land
Middle Grade Marvels: Spotlight interview with author Laila Rifaat, Egypt-based author of the Aliya series and shortlisted participant for the 2021 Times/Chicken House award
Learn how to take control of your creative career, advocate for yourself, and navigate the publishing industry with confidence.
Expert Q&A Topic: Illustrating Your American Dream with illustrator, graphic artist, and picture book author, David Hilllman of Two Bridges Publishing
Expert Q&A Topic: Know Your Rights: Contract Legalese and Intellectual Property 101 with entertainment attorney Erin Rodgers of Rodgers Selvera, PLLC and authorpreneur & attorney, Tiffany Obeng
Middle Grade Mavels: Spotlight interview with Gene J. Miller, retired principal and author of WARNING: Short Stories for Middle School Boys Only, Because Girls Have Cooties!
Middle Grade Marvels: Spotlight interview with Sherri Winston, author of Shark Teeth
How words, books, and the literary community unite.
Expert Q&A Topic: Selling SEL: Tying Social Emotional Learning into Writing & Marketing with authors, speaker, and book reviewer, Meredith Davis
Expert Q&A Topic: Revitalizing Reading Culture in Nigeria with founder of The Bookworm Café and literary advocate, Farida Ladipo-Ajayi
Expert Q&A Topic: Let’s Talk Libraries with Michael Hardrick, Executive Director of the Forest Hill Library
Expert Q&A Topic: Words to Write By with Lois Lowry, author of the Newbery Medal winners, The Giver Quartet and Number the Stars
Middle Grade Mavels: Spotlight interview with Donna Galanti, author of Loon Cove Summer
Find out how to be active in the world of literacy and make books available to all.
Expert Q&A Topic: The State of Literacy & How to Become an Active Advocate with Kayla Hand, Executive Director of the nonprofit, Books Between Kids
Expert Q&A Topic: Literacy is a Right not a Privilege with Brandi Warren, the Executive Director of the African Library Project
Expert Q&A Topic: Making Memorable Historical Fiction with high school teacher and Australian author, Paul Rushworth-Brown
Expert Q&A Topic: Stay Curious with Robin Currie, former children’s book librarian and author of over 45 picture books
Expert Q&A Topic: Building Literacy Bridges with the team at Bookmarks: Books With Purpose, one of the country’s only nonprofit independent bookstores
Dive into stories of personal growth, change, and the evolving landscape of children’s literature.
Expert Q&A Topic: Transforming Your Manuscript with The Editorial Process with editor and former literary agent, Mary Kole.
Expert Q&A Topic: The Evolution from Graduate to Editor: Career Pathway Chat with Lori Wieczorek, Senior Editor in Trade Licensing at Scholastic
Expert Q&A Topic: Agenting & Graphic Novels: A Career Interview with Janna Morishima, founder of Kids Comics Unite, literary agent at Janna Co., and founder of the Graphix imprint at Scholastic.
Expert Q&A Topic: The Inspiring Road to Publishing with Kwame Mbalia, publisher at Disney-Hyperion‘s imprint Freedom Fire, award-winning author of middle grade novel Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky (Rick Riordan Presents); picture book Captain America: Brave New World: A Hero Looks Like You (Marvel Studios); and YA novel, Star Wars: The Last Order (Random House/Star Wars).
Make science, technology, engineering, and math exciting for young readers through storytelling and education, while learning the formula to keep your creative momentum.
Expert Q&A Topic: The Science Behind Book Launches 2 with middle grade author, treasure hunter, and writing coach, Andy Coats
Expert Q&A Topic: Publishing Unfiltered: The Highs, Lows, & Lessons Learned in Building a Publishing Company with Kate Simkins of Big Thinking Publishing, a U.K. publisher focusing on literary magazines and children’s books
Expert Q&A Topic: Writing for Big Screen Children’s Media with Max Beaudry, a graphic novel author and Emmy Award-winning writer of TV and film, who has worked for studios like Disney, Nickelodeon, Netflix, and DreamWorks
Expert Q&A Topic: Publishing Poetry with renowned Institute of Children’s Literature instructor and STEAM-based poet, Heidi Bee Roemer
Middle Grade Marvels: Spotlight interview with Dana Goldstein, author of the Dax Masters series
Expert Q&A Topic: Real Stories, Real Impact with author and founder of the Indie Author Book Expo nonprofit, Jenn Thompson
Celebrate the power of kindness, generosity, and uplifting stories that inspire during the holiday season.
Expert Q&A: The Music and Might of KidLit featuring Eric Litwin, #1 New York Times best selling, award winning author of over 29 literary awards
Middle Grade Marvels: Spotlight feature on Adam Rosenbaum, “The Ghost Rules,” Screenwriting,and Southern Storytelling.
Expert Q&A Topic:: The Fine Print with literary lawyer, retired literary agent, and Contracts Director at Beacon Press, Melissa Nasson
Expert Q&A Topic: Give Back and Grow with the team at Madison Reading Project, a nonprofit dedicated connecting free books to communities
Middle Grade Marvels: Spotlight feature on with Karl Buechner, Jeremy Mueller, and Keith Ward, authors of The Unraveling: Counsel of Crows
Expert Q&A Topic: Author Coach Codes for Success, with award winning author, Ellen Potter
Middle Grade Marvels: Writing, Marketing, and Motivation Anne Broyles, award-winning author of children’s picture books, I’m Gonna Paint: Ralph Fasanella, Artist of the People, Priscilla and the Hollyhocks, Arturo and the Bienvenido Feast, Arturo and the Navidad Birds and Shy Mama’s Halloween
Expert Q&A Topic:: Write for the Right Audience: Picture Books vs Leveled Readers with special guest Harshita Jareth, picture book and leveled reader author of Leaping Ladoo, Cooler Than Lemonade, &A Sweet Diwali.
The Storytellers Summit – January 12-17, 2026
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.
- How to Harness Your Inner-Child Wonder to Write for Kids with Donna Galanti: Donna is the children’s book author of the Unicorn Island series, Joshua and the Lightning Road series, and Loon Cove Summer as well as the bestselling Element Trilogy thrillers for adults. She has lived in fun locations including England, her family-owned campground in New Hampshire, and in Hawaii where she served as a U.S. Navy photographer. Donna is an avid outdoor adventurer and nature lover. She volunteers for the Old-Growth Forest Network and the National Audubon Society.
- All About Community with the KIDLIT411 Team: Sylvia Liu grew up with books and daydreams in Caracas, Venezuela. Once an environmental attorney protecting the oceans, she now spins stories about nature, strong girls, and the intricacies of family and friendship. Her books include Stealing the Score (Scholastic, Feb 2026), Near and Deer (Scholastic 2024), Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation (Razorbill 2022), Manatee’s Best Friend (Scholastic 2021), and A Morning with Grandpa (Lee & Low New Voices Award winner). Sylvia co-runs the kid lit resource website Kidlit411 and lives in Virginia with her family and a fluffy cat.
- The Agent-Author Relationship with Shifa Saltagi Safadi: Shifa is the National Book Award winning author of Kareem Between, the Amina Banana series, and several picture books, including The Gift of Eid. She has a bachelor’s degree in English literature, is a former ELA teacher, and is passionate about spreading a love of reading through storytimes and school visits. Shifa was born in Syria and immigrated to the US with her parents as a young girl. She lives near Chicago with her husband and four children.
- To Podcast or Not to Podcast: What you need to decide before starting a podcast! with Valerie Fentress: Valerie Fentress is a mom of three boys with a passion for growing a love for God and books in young kids. Whether that is in the books and articles she writes or on Sunday morning as a preschool storyteller. Her book An Easter Bunny’s Tale was an AWSA Christian Picture Book finalist. In 2024, her book Beneath the Hood won the Illuminations Award-Enduring Light Gold Medal. Valerie considers books a love language and loves talking about children’s books on her BookWorthy Podcast.
- How Creative Confidence Grows Before Structure and Why Representation Makes It Possible with Paula Banks: Paula is a children’s author and creative educator who teaches families how to build confidence through storytelling. She is the founder of LitKids Create and EION Books Publishing, and the voice behind the Story Hustle movement, a growing ecosystem of tools designed to help parents support their child’s imagination and self-expression at home. Her work includes The LIT Writing Method™, The Story Glow-Up™, and the Five Storytelling Types, frameworks that give families a simple, culturally grounded way to understand and guide their child’s creative process. Through workshops, school partnerships, and her Story Hustle TV series, Paula offers guidance that feels warm, practical, and rooted in real-life teaching and parenting experiences. She believes children thrive when the adults in their life slow down, listen closely, and make room for their ideas. Her mission is to help families do exactly that one story at a time.
- How Do Authors and Illustrators Work? with Dave Perry: David is a freelance comic illustrator, character designer, and screenwriter, specializing in pitch material for animated series, and he is the lecturer of 2D Animation, Character Design, and Comics at Indiana University – Indianapolis. He is an award-winning writer, and has had illustrations and writing published at Butler University’s ‘Manuscripts,’ Indiana University’s ‘Genesis,” and California State University – Northridge’s ‘Northridge Review,’ as well as Flora Fiction and New York’s Hudson Valley ‘Chronogram.’ He is the illustrator for Emmy-winning Nickelodeon writer Max Beaudry’s ‘Aw, Nuts!’ middle grade graphic novel, Netflix producer Max Botkin’s ‘Jen, Glen, and the Line Between Them’ children’s early reader book, and he is the creator of ‘Mallory Bash’ (web comic and animated series concept) and ‘Pie Girl’ (graphic novel and animated short concept).
- Q&A Wishlist and Pitch Opportunity with agent Syrone Harvey: Syrone Harvey is an impassioned literary professional with a strong background in publication, editorial services, development and project management. She is committed to providing a “bookend” of individual support to authors at every level. As a published author, Syrone holds genuine enthusiasm for literature and a love for storytelling. She is deeply committed to championing diverse narratives, nurturing emerging talent, and presenting fresh perspectives. She embraces the belief that everyone has a unique story to share. Her dedication is in collaborating with authors while listening and drawing from their interpretation of their creative art. Syrone understands the developmental process, providing insightful feedback, helping authors refine their manuscripts and navigating the nuances of the publishing process. Syrone has a keen editorial eye and a knack for identifying market trends. Whether it’s guiding debut novelists or supporting seasoned writers seeking a new direction, she is passionate about building long-lasting relationships with her clients. She takes a patchwork quilt approach with her authors—every story is unique and one-of-a-kind. She will walk your literary journey with enthusiasm, expertise, and a shared commitment to bringing exceptional stories to readers worldwide.
Season 2026 Preview
Our 2026 vision is all about growth and opportunity! We’re launching 13 podcast episodes and focusing on serving our audience with new ways to learn, connect, and shine — from pitch events to hands-on classes and valuable resources designed to help you succeed.
- Tyiana Combs, Associate Editor at Penguin Workshop (PB, MG, YA)
- Jason Low, Publisher at Lee & Low
- Catherine Laudone, Senior Editor of Beach Lane Books at Simon & Schuster
- Rachael Welsh, Advocate, Speaker, & Librarian at Pearland’s bilingual Sablatura Middle School
- Esther Cajahuaringa, Editor at Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Carl Lennertz, Executive Director of the Children’s Book Council & Every Child a Reader
- Tom Angleberger, author-illustrator, creator of the Origami Yoda series
- Megan McDonald, best-selling author of the Judy Moody series
- Pat Zietlow Miller, NYT best-selling picture book author and founder of Read, Write, Repeat
- Phil Stead, Caldecott Medal winner and author of A Potion, A Powder, A Little Bit of Magic
- Derek Amarillas, author-publisher of SEL picture book, Socko the Flamingo
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.