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The Storytellers Summit: January 2026 + Pitch an Agent Event
Information forthcoming!
Podcast Guest Pitches
Our podcast operates primarily by invitation, but we welcome pitches from agents, publicists, and publisher representatives. We offer a mix of paid* and unpaid 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.
Please note: We are fully booked for our 2025 season, which runs through January 2026, and are currently curating our 2026 season.
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.
Award Submissions
For award-related inquiries, including nominations and eligibility, please visit our Awards Landing Page.
2025 Big Bang Guidelines (Submissions Closed)
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. Each selected book includes:
- A Kirkus-style review quote you can use in marketing
- A digital asset for use in promotional materials
- Direct links to purchase, plus author headshot and bio
- Inclusion in e-blasts to our network
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 2024-March 2026.
- 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.
- We will accept a DRC (digital review copy), but physical copies will be prioritized, and if your book is selected, we will require a physical copy (ARC is acceptable) for photography and promotion.
- Submissions must be received by October 5, 2025.
Please email us with the subject line: “Big Bang Gift Guide Submission” to receive mailing instructions. We will direct include addresses for shipment and request the title of your submissions, along with a biography.
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.