2026 Illustrators' Intensive: Interview with Laurent Linn

 

Here to round out our interview series for the upcoming Illustrators' Intensive, is the multi-faceted, and talented, Laurent Linn, artist and art director of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. I'm so excited to have him on the blog so I'll let Laurent introduce himself! Check it out!

1. It feels very full circle, as you were one of the first people I met when I attended my first SCBWI virtual conference, so I'm super excited to have you here on the blog! Though many of the readers know how talented, insightful and giving you are to the children's publishing world, in your own words, tell us about yourself and your role within SCBWI!

I’m so happy to be speaking with you for the wonderful SCBWI Blog! I wear different hats in the children’s book world and, by day, I’m an art director at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, where I work with wonderfully talented illustrators, authors, and colleagues on picture books, middle grade novels, and teen novels. (And many of the illustrators I work with are SCBWI success stories!)

With SCBWI, I am the President of the SCBWI Board of Directors, having been elected to this role at the end of 2024. It’s a true honor and also full-circle for me. I’ve been involved with SCBWI for over 20 years— attending and speaking at conferences around the US and globally, serving on the Advisory Council, and doing what I can to help support, encourage, and celebrate our incredible members. I first came to SCBWI as an attendee myself and knew right away I’d found my community. It soon became a deeply important part of my life and helped shape my career in children’s publishing as well as an illustrator and author myself.

As President of the Board of Directors, I am very grateful that I get to be able to look at the big picture of where the organization is now and where we want to grow it in the future. Our SCBWI community is so important and needed— especially now when, not only do children need our transformative stories more than ever, but we also need this caring and supportive creative community for ourselves.


2. What makes the Illustrators' Intensive unique compared to some other art intensives and workshops?

The Illustrator’s Intensive that we create for the in-person Winter Conference is always a special event. It’s a rare opportunity to dive deep into important aspects of specifically illustrating for children’s books. Other intensives or classes often cover broader territory and don’t bring in the rich variety of speakers that we have in-store for our intensive. We always choose a very specific topic and invite top experts in the field to show us how they bring their stories to life in singular ways. And, also unlike other sessions some may have seen, we present the intensive as peer-to-peer, professional to professional, not teacher to student. We recognize that attendees are serious about their craft.

Cecilia Yung, Pat Cummings, and I are on the SCBWI Advisory Council together and each year the three of us plan and host the Winter Illustrators Intensive with the intent of focusing in on a specific theme that is essential to creating successful children’s book illustration.

3. What inspired the creation of this year’s theme or curriculum?

For this year, we wanted to take advantage of being in-person and bring movement and action itself into the room. And this year's theme, ACTION! Harnessing the Visual Energy of Movement, is something we’ve been wanting to dive into for quite a while. We’ll start off with a hands-on figure drawing workshop led by the inspirational Eugenia Mello, then explore how to weave rhythm into your art with the legendary Rudy Guttierez, learn how emotion and motion work together with Jensine Eckwall, and end with a bang with celebrated comics and graphic novel illustrator Shawn Martinbrough.


4. How does the Illustrators' Intensive support artists who may be beginners or intermediate, and advanced?

The Illustrator's Intensive is specifically designed to be meaningful for all illustrators, no matter where they are in their craft or career. We'll dive deep into techniques, approaches, and specifics of movement and energy in narrative illustration—there will be new ideas for all. Published and professional children's book illustrators can experience new approaches to your craft as well as gain insights into new ways of thinking about your own work. For experienced illustrators who are pre-published but are well-versed in this field, it’s an opportunity to learn from industry professionals and learn how they make their art stand out. And those just starting out will gain a rich understanding of an aspect of illustration you may not have considered before, with tips and tricks and insights.


5. What message would you give to someone who is unsure about joining the program?

This intensive is an exceedingly rare opportunity to explore an aspect of children’s book illustration that is essential yet rarely focused on. It’s a special opportunity to invest in your own art in rich ways that could help shape how you tell your needed stories so they stand out.

Laurent Linn

Art Director, Author, Illustrator

About
As Art Director at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Laurent collaborates on picture books, middle grade, and teen novels with both celebrated and new illustrators. He is also the author/illustrator of the YA novel, Draw the Line.

Laurent is the President of the SCBWI Board of Directors and is Co-chair of the SCBWI Advisory Council. He is also Artistic Advisor for the Original Art exhibit at New York’s Society of Illustrators. Laurent began his career as a puppet designer/builder in Jim Henson’s Muppet Workshop for shows including the Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island films, eventually becoming Creative Director for the Sesame Street Muppets, winning an Emmy Award.

laurentlinn.com

2026 Illustrators' Intensive: Interview with Cecilia Yung

For our next blog post, I'm so pleased that we are joined by the fantastic, Cecilia Yung, the former Executive Art Director and Vice President at Penguin Random House, who will be answering some of your questions about the upcoming 2026 Illustrators' Intensive! 

When I attended my first In-Person Conference in 2021, I took part of Cecilia's session, and I still revisit those notes today! I'm so thankful to Cecilia for joining us here on the Official SCBWI blog, and am excited to share her insights!

1. Though you do not need any introduction, being a brilliant leader and advocate for children's literature and art, would you please tell us a little about yourself and your role within SCBWI.

I’ve been working in children’s book publishing since 1980 and I recently retired after working as art director at Penguin Random House for 30 years. I’ve been on the Advisory Council of SCBWI since 2004 and I’m still working with the Illustrator Committee to plan programs for illustrators.


2. What make the SCBWI Illustrators' Intensive different/ unique compared to other intensives and workshops?

Many workshops target entry level illustrators and introduce picture book illustration as a template. SCBWI Illustrators’ Intensives address the needs of working early and mid-career illustrators, and our programs deconstruct the multi-faceted craft of visual storytelling by deep diving into specific issues, one topic at a time. At every Intensive, we invite a number of distinguished illustrators with distinctly different styles to contrast their process and solutions. The multiple viewpoints give an illustrator a range of tips and tools, but also provide a context for their own work and encourage them to fine-tune their true voice using their personal set of tools in a real world setting.


3. How does the Illustrators' Intensive help develop the artistic voice and professional readiness of the participating illustrators? 

Outside of an academic setting, there are few places for a professional to continue to develop and grow. The Intensive is an information gathering opportunity for a working illustrator looking to up their game. They will be surprised and inspired to see that established professionals also need to find ways to challenge themselves regularly and find exciting solutions. The Intensive might show them new ways to use the skills and tools they already have, but they might be prompted to experiment with ideas they had not previously considered. The goal is for everyone to personalize the new-found information and insights to create artwork that serves their story but is also true to their own vision.


4. What aspects of this intensive do you think will challenge the participants the most...in a good way?

In the process of creating a picture book, even the most experienced illustrator is likely to get stumped by some aspects of it, and it’s not unusual for that to happen in an intensive as well. An illustrator seeing their own work in this setting may be intimidated by their peers, or feel overwhelmed by the options, or realize that their skills may not be adequate for the task. It's helpful to know that self-doubt is ever-present in a lifetime of creative work, and is a necessary engine of growth. The best way to deal with doubt is to find the right place to ask questions, explore answers, and find a way through. The Intensive is such a place.


5. What message would you give to an artist who maybe unsure about attending the Illustrator's Intensive?

Come join us for the information and inspiration, and stay for the community. You will need all of it in your illustration career.

Cecilia Yung

Art Director, Illustrator

About

Cecilia Yung is the former Executive Art Director and Vice President at Penguin Random House where she was responsible for illustration and design for two imprints, G. P. Putnam's Sons and Nancy Paulsen Books. Over four decades in the industry, she is fortunate to have worked with some of the major illustrators of children’s books, but the highlight of her work is to discover and develop new talent. She is on the Advisory Council of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) as well as a member of its Illustrators Committee.

ACTION! Harnessing the Visual Energy of Movement

An Intensive for Illustrators, Friday, January 16th

Movement is the key that unlocks the themes, narratives, and emotions of an illustrated book. Visual stories rely on movement to bring characters to life, introduce change in static scenes, drive the engine of the narrative, and propel the reader to the visual climax. In individual scenes, motion can reveal characters’ personalities, articulate body language, and fuel the energy of the moment. But how do we achieve that in a two-dimensional medium like a book? Four noted illustrators will show us their unique ways of harnessing motion effectively and dramatically without the benefit of animation, sound, or dimension. Join us to learn how they bring their stories to life and make it look effortless.

2026 Illustrators' Intensive: Interview with Pat Cummings

I'm sure you know that SCBWI offers so many incredible panels, keynotes, sessions throughout the conference and this year, I want to shine the spotlight on one particular offering, the Illustrators' Intensive. Here to help me do so is the incomparable, Pat Cummings! Always a warm smile, and an encouraging word, Pat has been a wonderful presence in the children's publishing world, and I feel honored to have her here on the blog!


1. Thank you so much for joining us here on the Official SCBWI blog! A prolific creator, mentor and children's publishing icon, in your own word, would you tell us about yourself and your role within SCBWI.

Hi Justin,

I’ve been on SCBWI’s Illustrators’ Committee for about 360 years, ever since Cecilia Yung and Tomie DePaola invited me to join them. 

I got my first children’s book to illustrate shortly after graduating. I had NO idea what I was doing but I did know someone who knew someone who had once dated Tom Feelings. So, I called him up cold and he walked me step by step through illustrating a book. When I thanked him for his generous guidance, Tom said that he hoped I would help others when they needed it.

At SCBWI, I found people who shared that attitude. Members tend to be generous with advice and support. As a member of the Illustrators’ Committee on the Advisory Council, I help plan the Intensives and help with our Mentorship and Narrative Art Award programs.

2. What makes the SCBWI Illustrators' Intensive different/ unique compared to other intensives and workshops?

The Intensives always focus on one critical aspect of illustrating picture books. The faculty is chosen to include masters of the chosen topic who know how to break down their techniques into teachable lessons. Hands-on exercises at the Intensives hone in on the topics so specifically that participants will be exposed to techniques and concepts that can take their work to a new level.

3. What advice would you give an illustrator on how they can make the most of the Illustrators' Intensive?

Come with an open mind. Be open to experimenting, to playing, to surprising yourself. Be rested. And definitely take note of what materials to bring so that you’ll have everything you need.

4. How do you hope the attendees will grow creatively, as well as technically?

The wonderful thing about SCBWI is that everyone seems to learn from everyone else. I have yet to meet anyone at a conference, beginner or pro, who doesn’t want to further develop their skills. Hopefully, attendees will find that the techniques and concepts they learn will enhance what they already love doing when creating illustrations.


5. What message would you give to an artist’s who maybe unsure about attending the Illustrators' Intensive?

Attending is an investment in yourself. Not only can you expect to discover new techniques but you’re sure to leave brimming with ideas for new projects. What’s really cool is that I’ve seen people find new friends who are on a similar path, friends who continue to inspire and support them.

Pat Cummings

Author, Illustrator

About
Pat Cummings is the author/illustrator of over forty books for young readers. She also edited the award-winning series, Talking With Artists, which profiles prominent children's book illustrators. She teaches at Parsons and Pratt, and her children's book illustration class has a growing number of notable illustrator/authors among its graduates. Pat serves on the SCBWI Board of Advisors as well as on the boards of the Authors Guild, the Authors League Fund, The Authors Guild Foundation and The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. She is a member of the Writers Guild of America, East. Her annual Children’s Book Boot Camp brings writers and illustrators together with agents and top editors and art directors from major publishing houses.

ACTION! Harnessing the Visual Energy of Movement

An Intensive for Illustrators, Friday, January 16th

Movement is the key that unlocks the themes, narratives, and emotions of an illustrated book. Visual stories rely on movement to bring characters to life, introduce change in static scenes, drive the engine of the narrative, and propel the reader to the visual climax. In individual scenes, motion can reveal characters’ personalities, articulate body language, and fuel the energy of the moment. But how do we achieve that in a two-dimensional medium like a book? Four noted illustrators will show us their unique ways of harnessing motion effectively and dramatically without the benefit of animation, sound, or dimension. Join us to learn how they bring their stories to life and make it look effortless.

Writer Intensives!!! (There's still some room in these amazing experiences on Monday August 4, 2014 in Los Angeles, CA!

The writer intensives at #LA14SCBWI are selling out, so grab these opportunities while they're still available!


Literary Agent Josh Adams of Adams Literary, who is a great character himself, on Character: Creating Memorable Protagonists (Morning Intensive A)


Bonnie Bader, Associate Publisher of Frederick Warne (where she oversees the Peter Rabbit and Spot publishing programs, as well as Editor-in-Chief of Penguin Young Readers/Early Readers (where she heads up the leveled reader and 8x8 programs) on How to Hook Readers from the Beginning of your Book so they'll Never let Go (All-Day Intensive B)


Thriller author Lamar Giles on Writing a YA Thriller (Morning Intensive C)


Deborah Halverson, editor and author of "Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies" on Crafting a Youthful Narrative Voice and Sensibility in MG/YA Fiction (Morning Intensive D)


Krista Marino, Executive Editor at Delacorte Press (Random House Children's Books) on World Building (best for fantasy, science fiction and speculative MG and YA fiction. Morning Intensive E)


Newbery-Winning Author Linda Sue Park's Write Here Right Now! A Novel Revision Workout (Morning Intensive F)


Literary Agent Kelly Sonnack of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency on Finessing Your First Pages (Morning Intensive I)


Andrea Welch, Senior Editor at Beach Lane Books, on Measuring Up Your Manuscript on the Ten Essential Picture Book Elements (Morning Intensive K and Afternoon Intensive M)


Speed Pitching Agents Alexandra Penfold (Upstart Crow) and Erin Murphy (Erin Murphy Literary Agency) (Morning Intensive L and Afternoon Intensive N)


Speed Pitching Agents Linda Pratt (Wernick & Pratt Agency) and Sarah Davies (Morning Intensive M)


Author of over 100 books for kids (and incredible live storyteller) Bruce Coville on The Light Fantastic - Writing Compelling Fantasies - where he'll do an "annotated storytelling" of the first two chapters of The Monster's Ring examining the tricks and techniques he used, and then explore ten specific tips for writing compelling Fantasies. (Afternoon Intensive A)


Agent Sarah Davies on What It Takes - an interactive, inside look at how to break in, how deals are done, surviving the publishing rollercoaster and building a career. (Afternoon Intensive C)


Editor and Consultant Emma Dryden on Robust Revision - Techniques and tools for picture books, middle grade and young adult authors. (Afternoon Intensive D)


Krista Marino, Executive Editor at Delacorte Press (Random House Children's Books) on Show It, Don't Tell It - Making Your YA Voice Stronger. (Afternoon Intensive G)


Agent Jen Rofé on The "So What?" Factor (Afternoon Intensive H)


Jill Santopolo, Executive Editor at Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group (Penguin Random House) on From Beginning To End: Tips on Plotting Your Plot (Afternoon Intensive I)


Sara Sargent, editor at Simon Pulse (an imprint of Simon & Schuster) on the key to writing that "unputdownable" book - The Tension Headache: Raising the Stakes in your Manuscript. (Afternoon Intensive J)


Julie Strauss-Gabel, Vice President and Publisher of Dutton Children's Books (Penguin Random House) on, whether you're published yet or not, deciding what you should write next: At the Crossroads: Choosing Your Next Project. (Afternoon Intensive K)

We hope to see you at the Summer Conference, and at the Monday intensives! Click for Conference, registration and more information on the intensives.

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

#la13scbwi 2013 Summer Conference Registration Selling Fast - Don't miss your chance to participate in the Intensives!

The Monday (August 5th) Intensives are three hour and fifteen minute sessions that offer some amazing - and unique - opportunities to go deep into your craft with powerhouse editors, publishers, agents, illustrators and authors.

For Writers, there are 24 intensives to choose from, including:

Morning Writer Intensives

Bonnie Bader: How To Hook Readers From the Beginning of Your Book So They'll Never Let Go (part one)

Bonna Bray: It's Character Building!

Ginger Clark: From Offer To Out of Print: A Step By Step Guide To The Publication Process

Julie Hedlung & Sarah Towle: Writing and Submitting Interactive Apps and Ebooks

Ari Lewin: Novel Workshop

Carolyn Mackler: Realistic Teen Fiction: A Love Story

Melissa Manlove: Piece, Part, Whole: Picture Books

Krista Marino: Plot Revision: How To Shake The Problems Out Of Your Muddled Plot

Andrea Pinkney: The Chapter One Pact

Jen Rofé: The "So What" Factor

Steve Sheinkin: Writing The NonFiction Page-Turner

Joanna Volpe: Teen Series: How To Raise The Stakes With Each Book

Henry Winkler: Improv Your Character To Life

Afternoon Writer Intensives

Bonnie Bader: How To Hook Readers From the Beginning of Your Book So They'll Never Let Go (part two, which makes this a six and a half hour intensive!)

Laurie Halse Anderson: Weaving Magic From Truth: The Research, Writing, and Ethics Of Historical Fiction

Jill Corcoran: How to Write A Query Letter

Matt de la Peña: Authentic Dialog

Emma Dryden: Revision Precision: Techniques and Approaches To Revising Your Work

Deborah Halverson: How to Build Your Own Teenager: Techniques For Writing Believable MG/YA Characters

Ari Lewin: Executing Your Fantasy Novel

Krista Marino: Important Firsts: The Importance of The First Line, First Page, and First Chapter of Your Book

Molly O'Neill: Where Does Voice Come From?

Andrea Pinkney: Making Multi-Cultural Writing Real

Jen Rofé: The "So What" Factor

Namrata Tripathi: Developing Your Dummy: An Intensive for Author/Illustrators

Andrea Welch: Ten Essential Picture Book Elements - How Does Your Manuscript Measure Up?

For Illustrators, there's a day-long program, "Where Your Illustration Style Fits In Children's Publishing" that explores the genres and gives illustrators the opportunity to have pre-conference assignments reviewed in a First Look Panel and have their work seen in the Lunchtime Showcase!  The day includes:

Jannie Ho and Tom Lichtenheld: Before Picture Books: Books For Toddlers

Jessie Hartland and Dan Santat: Picture Books

Carson Ellis and Jarrett Krosoczka: Beyond Picture Books: Chapter Books, Illustrated Middle Grade & Graphic Novels

First Look Panel with Giuseppe Castellano, Allyn Johnston, Steve Malk and Kristen Nobles

Panel: Breaking Boundaries: Transcending And Redefining Genres with Donna Bray, Jarret Krosoczka and Steve Malk, moderated by Laurent Linn.

For details on all the intensives, visit scbwi.org here.

Check out the main conference Schedule (an incredible jam-packed three days),  bios on the Faculty, and find all the additional conference information here.

Space in the Intensives is selling faster than any other year - so if it's something you'd like to do, register now so you get a spot!

We hope to see you there.

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

17 Intensives for #LA12SCBWI Still Have Room for YOU!

As of today, there are only 17 intensives on Monday August 6th (directly after the main three-day conference) that still have space available.  These are incredible opportunities that won't be blogged by Team Blog, and are a chance to really dig deep!

AM • - Emma Dryden - Independent and Self Publishing: Best Practices

Designed for Authors and Illustrators who are already independently or self published or considering alternate publishing options for their work, this intensive offers reminders and guidelines to use as to best practicies to use to ensure you're publishing your work as professionally as possible.  It explores ways in which independently or self published authors and illustrators can recreate some of the best principals of traditional publishing (editing, design, marketing, sales); defines author/illustrator and publisher responsibilities; discusses various publishing platform options for picture books and fiction/non-fiction; considers the differences between print, e-, and POD; and explores the benefits and drawbacks of independent publishing.

And Emma's the Expert...

Emma D Dryden, the founder and principal of the children’s book editorial and publishing consulting firm, drydenbks provides editorial and consultancy support to authors, illustrators, agents, foreign and domestic publishers, and eBook and app publishers. Her children’s publishing career began at Viking and Random House, followed by a position with Margaret K. McElderry Books. After McElderry retired, Emma became VP, Editorial Director of McElderry Books, and in 2005, VP, Publisher of Atheneum Books for Young Readers and Margaret K. McElderry Books. Emma has edited over 500 books for children,from board books and picture books to poetry, novelties, non-fiction, MG, and YA fiction and fantasy.  As publisher, she oversaw the annual publication of over one-hundred hardcover and paperback titles. Authors and illustrators she has edited include Ellen Hopkins, Karma Wilson, Susan Cooper, Alan Katz, Raul Colon, Lee Bennett Hopkins, David Diaz, and Paul Zelinsky. Emma is also the leader of the Editorial Quality Panel for picture eBook platform uTales and is on the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Board of Advisors.

AM •- Ellen Hopkins - Building a Career Through Self Promotion 

No matter how you publish, self-promotion is an integral tool for developing broad readership.

And Ellen's the Expert...

Ellen Hopkins is a poet and the award-winning author of 20 nonfiction books for children and eight NY Times Bestselling young adult novels-in-verse. Her first novel for adults, Triangles, published in 2011. In the fall of 2012, her ninth YA novel, Tilt (a companion to Triangles) will publish, along with a crossover novel, Collateral. Ellen lives near Carson City NV with her husband and teenage son, a bottomless well of inspiration for her YA fiction.

 

AM •- Ann Whitford Paul - The C.P.R. — Character, Plot, Rhythm of Picture Books

Apply techniques to revise your manuscript to be the best it can be.

And Ann's the Expert...

Ann Whitford Paul has published many award winning picture books—both fiction and non-fiction—poetry and early readers for children, including Tortuga in Trouble, Word Builder, If Animals Kissed Good Night and recently a book for adults titled WRITING PICTURE BOOKS:  A Hands-on Guide from Story Creation to Publication.   

AM •  Melissa Stewart - Four Steps To A Stronger Nonfiction Manuscript  

After discussing how to focus a nonfiction topic in a way that will interest editors, we will practice a four-step method for transforming a manuscript from okay to outstanding.

And Melissa's the Expert...

Melissa Stewart is the award-winning author of more than 150 nonfiction books for children, a member of the SCBWI Board of Advisors, and the PAL Cordinator for SCBWI's New England region. Her recent picture book Under the Snow was a Junior Library Guild Selection, a Charlotte Zolotow Award Honor Book, and a Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year. It was also nominated for thirteen state book awards.

AM • Sonya Sones - Writing the Verse Novel (Should Your Tomes be Written in Poems?  Crafting the Novel in Verse)

Thinking of writing a novel in verse?  In the middle of writing one already?  This session will be jam-packed with info, tips and secrets about using poetry to tell your stories.

And Sonya's the Expert...

Sonya Sones has written four YA novels in verse, which have received many honors, including a Christopher Award, the Myra Cohn Livingston Award for Poetry, the Claudia Lewis Poetry Award, and a Los Angeles Times Book Prize nomination. She’ll be the first one to tell you that in 2010 her novel in verse, What My Mother Doesn’t Know, made the ALA’s list of the “Top 100 Most Challenged Books of the Decade.” Sonya’s latest book, the Los Angeles Times bestseller The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus, is her first novel in verse for grownups—a coming of middle-age story about learning to grow old disgracefully. She is this close to finishing her fifth YA novel in verse.

AM • Dan Yaccarino: From Inspiration to Publication: The Essentials of A Picture Book 

This intensive covers the basic mechanics of picture books.  A picture book isn't just drawings depicting text, but images and words uniquely combined to create a story.  Learn the fundamentals, from format and character development through basic storytelling.

And Dan's the Expert...

Dan Yaccarino has written and illustrated over fifty children’s books, most notably, The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau, Unlovable, Every Friday and Go Go America. His bold, stylized illustrations add wit and energy to the work of such prestigious authors as Margaret Wise Brown, Jack Prelutsky, Kevin Henkes and Patricia MacLachlan in addition to his own stories. He is also the creator and producer of his own animated television series Oswald and the Emmy Award-winning Willa’s Wild Life, as well as the designer behind Nick Jr's Emmy-winning The Backyardigans. Dan lives in New York City with his family and vintage toy collection.
 

  

AM • L - A Morning With 8 Agents  

With these powerhouse literary agents:

Josh Adams, Adams Literary;  

Jamie Weiss Chilton, Andrea Brown Literary Agency;  

Stefanie Von Borstel, Full Circle Literary;
Jill Corcoran, Herman Agency;  

Natalie M. Lakosil, Bradford Literary Agency;
Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary Agency; 

Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt Agency;  

Deborah Warren, East West Literary Agency; 

Ken Wright, Writers House

PM •  Jill Corcoran - How to Write a Query Letter  

Hands-on workshop in which you will walk away with a query letter that will get agents and editors salivating for your work.

And Jill's the Expert... 

Jill Corcoran is an agent with The Herman Agency representing PB, CB, MG & YA. Her current interests include high concept Young Adult and Middle Grade Thrillers, Mystery, Romance, Romantic Comedies, and Adventure manuscripts. With an English degree from Stanford University and an MBA in Finance and Marketing from the University of Chicago, Jill has marketed everything from sneakers to cereal at Leo Burnett Advertising, LA Gear, Mattel, and at her own consulting company, LAUNCH! New Product Marketing. Clients include Robin Mellom, Janet Gurtler, Martha Brockenbrough, Kelly Milner Halls, Ralph Fletcher, & Jen Arena. Jill is also the editor of Dare to Dream-Change the World (Kane Miller, 2012), a poetry anthology which includes Ellen Hopkins, Jane Yolen, J. Patrick Lewis, & Lee Bennett Hopkins.  

PM • - Eddie Gamarra - Adapting Your Work for Film or Television   

• What kinds of books are best suited for adaptation? 

• How does the adaptation process work? 

• What’s the author/illustrator’s role in that process and who else is involved? 

• How to market your book and its adaptation to the entertainment industry

• Some tips on creating truly cinematic stories with words or illustrations 

And Eddie's the Expert...

Eddie Gamarra is a literary manager/producer at The Gotham Group, which represents screenwriters, directors, animators, authors, illustrators, publishers, and animation studios.  He specializes in children’s & family entertainment, including animation, live action and literature ranging across picture books, novels, anthologies and graphic novels.  His clients include numerous New York Times best-selling authors and illustrators as well as Oscar, Emmy, Caldecott, Newbery, and Geisel award winners and develop and sell projects for all platforms ranging from online shorts to live action feature films.  In addition to his work at The Gotham Group, he has consulted for Teen Magazine, National Geographic's TV series HOLLYWOOD SCIENCE, and MANswers on Spike.  He has lectured at Vassar, North Carolina School of the Arts, and University of Arkansas, Little Rock.  He received his BA in Psychology from Vassar College, a Masters in Cinema Studies from NYU and a PhD in Psychoanalysis & Film from Emory University.

 PM • - Ellen Hopkins - Creating the Really Truly Real Teen Characters     

The quickest way to turn off a YA audience is to write teen characters who little resemble teens.

And Ellen's the Expert...

Ellen Hopkins is a poet and the award-winning author of 20 nonfiction books for children and eight NY Times Bestselling young adult novels-in-verse. Her first novel for adults, Triangles, published in 2011. In the fall of 2012, her ninth YA novel, Tilt (a companion to Triangles) will publish, along with a crossover novel, Collateral. Ellen lives near Carson City NV with her husband and teenage son, a bottomless well of inspiration for her YA fiction.

 PM • - Ann Whitford Paul - Rhyme Time in Poetry and Picture Books    

  

Editors have a love-hate relationship to rhyme.  Learn how to avoid the pitfalls that make them throw up their arms and plead, "NO RHYME!"

And Ann's the Expert...

Ann Whitford Paul has published many award winning picture books—both fiction and non-fiction—poetry and early readers for children, including Tortuga in Trouble, Word Builder, If Animals Kissed Good Night and recently a book for adults titled WRITING PICTURE BOOKS:  A Hands-on Guide from Story Creation to Publication. 

 PM • - Dan Yaccarino - How To Do Successful School Presentations  

The Fundamentals of how to create a successful live presentation for both children and adults.

And Dan's the Expert...

Dan Yaccarino has written and illustrated over fifty children’s books, most notably, The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau, Unlovable, Every Friday and Go Go America. His bold, stylized illustrations add wit and energy to the work of such prestigious authors as Margaret Wise Brown, Jack Prelutsky, Kevin Henkes and Patricia MacLachlan in addition to his own stories. He is also the creator and producer of his own animated television series Oswald and the Emmy Award-winning Willa’s Wild Life, as well as the designer behind Nick Jr's Emmy-winning The Backyardigans. Dan lives in New York City with his family and vintage toy collection.
  

 

 PM • - An Afternoon with 8 Agents   

With these powerhouse literary agents:

Stefanie Von Borstel, Full Circle Literary; 

 Jamie Weiss Chilton, Andrea Brown Literary Agency;  

Natalie M. Lakosil, Bradford Literary Agency;  

Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary Agency;  

Julie Kane-Ritsch, Gotham Group;  

Linda Pratt Wernick, Pratt Agency;
Deborah Warren, East West Literary Agency;  

Ken Wright, Writers House

 PM • - Bonnie Bader - Leveled Readers   

This hands-on intensive will not only give you a greater understanding of Leveled Readers, but it will also give you effective writing tools to become an author for this growing market.  In class activities to include:  paging out manuscripts, writing art notes, writing your very own reader, and more!

And Bonnie's the Expert...

Bonnie Bader, Editor-in-Chief of Early and Beginning Readers at Grosset & Dunlap is also the head of the U.S. arm of Fredrick Warne, which publishes Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit, Flower Fairies, and Spot. At Grosset, Bonnie oversees all of Penguin’s leveled readers, which fall under the imprint, Penguin Young Readers. In addition, she is starting up an 8x8 picture book program, and a beginning/early chapter book program which will launch in 2013. She continues to edit and oversee several series including Hank Zipzer by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver, Katie Kazoo Switcheroo and George Brown, Class Clown by Nancy Krulik, and Frankly Frannie by Amanda Stern. Upcoming series include Almost Identical by Lin Oliver (Fall 2012) and The Magic Bone by Nancy Krulik (Summer 2013). Bonnie is also a member of the SCBWI Board of Advisors.

 PM • - Ari Lewin - First Pages: An In-depth Analysis of the Very Best Ways To Start A Novel      

A hands-on workshop where we analyze the first pages of successful YA and middle grade novels, then apply what we've learned to YOUR stories.

And Ari's the Expert...

Arianne Lewin is an executive editor at G. P. Putnam’s Sons, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group.  She edits all kinds of books, with an emphasis on young adult novels and fantasy. Ari has worked with Mike Rex, Cinda Williams Chima, Rachel Hawkins, Katie Alender, Marie Lu and Jessica Spotswood.  

 PM • - Jen Rofe - The ”So What” Factor  

When reading manuscripts, Jen Rofé asks herself “So What? Why should I care about these characters and their story?” In this three-hour intensive, we will examine the plots of successful books to uncover how the author made us care, and we will discuss techniques for developing your own “So What?” factor in your manuscript or work-in-progress. Be warned: Side effects of this intensive include: Torturing your- self with “So what?”; looking for the “So What?” factor in books you read; and writing strong, compelling stories.

And Jen's the Expert...

Jennifer Rofé handles children's fiction projects at Andrea Brown Literary Agency ranging from picture books to young adult. Middle grade is Jennifer's soft spot and she's open to all genres in this category, especially the tender or hilarious. She is always looking for fresh and distinct voices; stories that simultaneously tug at her heartstrings and make her laugh out loud; and "adorkable" heroes. As for YA, Jennifer is drawn to contemporary works; dramatic or funny romance; and urban fantasy/light sci-fi. She's especially interested in mind-blowingly smart projects that are layered, complex, and unexpected, and she appreciates big, developed worlds. In terms of picture books, early readers, and chapter books, she is interested in character-driven projects and smart, exceptional writing. 

The Illustrator Intensive: Writing For Illustrators

Do you have a vivid picture demanding to tell a story? Do you have a lively character struggling to find a voice? Are you ready to be an author-illustrator? If you are an illustrator with an original idea and you are looking for the right shape and format, this day-long intensive will help you create a story that is as personal, compelling and imaginative as your art.  

A full day of talks (check out the schedule here) from successful illustrators, editors, agents, publishers and art directors is followed by a panel review of book proposals to illuminate what it takes to put together a successful proposal for your story and art.  

With these Experts:

Tony DiTerlizzi is a new York Times bestselling author and illustrator who has been creating books with Simon and Schuster for over a decade. From his fanciful picture books like, Jimmy Zangwow’s Out-of-this-World Moon Pie Adventure, G is for One Gzonk! and The Spider & The Fly (a Caldecott Honor book), to chapter books like Kenny and The Dragon and The Search for WondLa, Tony always imbues his stories with a rich imagination. His middle-grade series, The Spiderwick Chronicles (with Holly Black), has sold millions of copies, been adapted into a feature film, and has been translated in over thirty countries.

Arthur A. Levine is Vice President and Publisher of his own imprint, Arthur A Levine Books, which is celebrating its 15th Anniversary at Scholastic Inc. While Levine has edited and published exceptional books for children of all ages including Shaun Tan's Lost and Found, Jonah Winter's Just Behave Pablo Picasso! !, Dan Santat’s Sidekicks! and Lisa Yee’s Warp Speed,  he is perhaps most recognized as co-Editor of the Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling. Levine is the author of Monday is One Day , illustrated by Julian Hector, All the Lights in the Night (a Sidney Taylor Honor Books) illustrated by James Ransome, and the forthcoming A Very Beary Tooth Fairy  illustrated by Sarah Brannen. Arthur takes special pleasure in launching the careers of authors he’s met through SCBWI including Martha Brockenbrough (Devine Intervention), Mike Jung (Geeks, Girls and Secret Identities) and many others.

Bryan Collier is the author and illustrator of the Coretta Scott King Award-winning book Uptown. He received Caldecott Honors for the books Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport, which was also a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor book; Rosa by Nikki Giovanni, which received the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award; and, most recently, and Dave the Potter by Laban Carrick Hill. Mr. Collier lives in New York.

Laura Godwin is Vice President and Publisher of Henry Holt Books for Young Readers (a division of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group), where she has worked for over twenty years. Jackie Kelly, Eugene Yelchin, Deborah Heiligman, Eric Carle, Peter McCarty, Dave Milgrim, Bryan Collier, Denise Fleming and William Low are some of the many authors with whom she works.  Laura likes nothing better than working with an author or illustrator at the beginning of his or her career, and has been thrilled to see five such newcomers go on to become either Newbery or Caldecott honor recipients. She grew up in Alberta, Canada and now lives in Manhattan.

Rubin Pfeffer launched his career as a designer for Macmillan in 1974 after which he joined Harcourt Brace Jovanovich serving for more than 27 years with responsibilities spanning from entry level designer to President of the Trade division.In 2001, Rubin joined Pearson, Inc.as SVP and Chief Creative Officer of the Pearson Education companies where he coordinated cross-company product development.  He served as SVP and Publisher for Simon & Schuster Children’s Books.  Imprints reporting to Rubin included S&S Books for Young Readers, Atheneum, McElderry Books, and Aladdin Paperbacks.His imprints achieved the Newbery Medal and Honor and the Caldecott Hono. In 2008, he launched Beach Lane Books, a commercial children’s picture book imprint. Rubin joined the East West Literary Agency in December, 2009, as a partner and works with talents as David Diaz, Patricia MacLachlan, Richard Jesse Watson, Susan Cooper, Michael Hague, Jeff Mack, and a host of other published and new talents. He served as a judge of NAPPA’s annual round-up of best children’s books for the years 2010 and 2011and has consulted for the digital publisher Ruckus Media Group where he executive produced Ruckus’ first original story app for children, A Present for Milo, which quickly became a bestselling children’s app on iTunes.

Jon Klassen, 

Antoinette Portis graduated from the UCLA School of Fine Arts and then––since being a video performance artist paid her the nice round sum of nothing whatsoever––she worked as a graphic designer and advertising art director. She was a creative director at Disney for many years before she bolted to do what she had always wanted to do: be left alone in a room to write and make pictures. Her first book was the best-selling Not A Box, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book and a Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor Book. A Penguin Story was also a New York Times Best Illustrated Book. She was one of four recipients of the 2010 Sendak Fellowship. Antoinette lives in Southern California with her husband, Michael. They have a daughter who is also an artist.

Melissa Sweet has illustrated many award winning children’s books from board books to nonfiction and jacket covers.  Her collages and paintings have appeared in the New York Times, Martha Stewart Living and for eeBoo Toys. She has written and illustrated Tupelo Rides the Rails, Carmine: A Little More Red,  a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book, 2005  and the 2012 Sibert Medal winner, Balloons Over Broadway :The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade. Melissa illustrated A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams by Jen Bryant, a 2009 Caldecott Honor book and a New York Times Best Illustrated, among other awards. When she is not in her studio, she can be found taking in an art class, hiking with her dogs or riding her bicycle. She lives with her family in Rockport, Maine.

Eugene Yelchin is a Russian-born author and illustrator of children’s books. In 2012, Breaking Stalin’s Nose, his first illustrated novel, received a Newbery Honor award. That same year, Won Ton, A Cat Tale Told In Haiku, which Yelchin illustrated, became an American Library Association Notable Book, among numerous other awards. In 2010, his illustrated picture book Rooster Prince of Breslov received the National Jewish Book Award. Yelchin received a Tomie de Paola award in 2006 at the SCBWI winter conference. Since then his books received starred reviews and were included in the Best Books of the Year lists.

Pat Cummings is the author and/or illustrator of over 35 books for young readers.  She also edited the award-winning series, Talking With Artists, which profiles prominent children's book illustrators. She teaches at Parsons and Pratt, and her children's book illustration class has a growing number of notable illustrator/authors among its graduates.  Pat serves on the SCBWI board as well as on the boards of the Authors Guild, the Authors League Fund, The Authors Guild Foundation and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Along with visiting schools, universities and organizations to speak about children’s books, she conducts a summer Children’s Book Boot Camp that brings writers and illustrators together with top editors and art directors from major publishing houses.

and 

Cecilia Yung is Art Director and Vice President at Penguin Books for Young Readers where she oversees illustration and design for two imprints, G. P. Putnam's Sons and Nancy Paulsen Books. She is fortunate to have worked with some of the major illustrators of children’s books, but the highlight of her work is to discover and develop new talent. She is on the Board of Advisors of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) as well as a member of its Illustrators Committee.

To find out more about these intensives, the assignments for attendees, and to register,  go here.

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

SCBWI TEAM BLOG Pre-Conference Interivews: ADs Denise Cronin & Lucy Ruth Cummins

Happy New Year, dear readers! I've missed you. I hope you missed me back.

And--fingers crossed--I'll get to see many of you at the 12th Annual SCBWI Winter Conference that's coming up in mere weeks (January 28-30) in New York City. There's still time to register!

While I was busy shopping, wrapping, making ravioli and assuring the boy that Santa exists, SCBWI TEAM BLOGger Jaime Temarik was busy posting some year-end interviews with art directors on her blog CocoaStomp (and I'm fairly cerain she also baked some cookies).


First Jaime talked to Lucy Ruth Cummins, Associate Art Director at Simon & Schuster. Below is a bit from her interview. Click here to read the full post. 

Jaime: Okay, help is on the way. In the meantime, I'm having my people send Justin [Chanda] a bunch of emails so he'll be distracted and hopefully you'll be able to answer a few more questions. Illustrators will definitely want to know if you are currently acquiring?

Lucy: We are always acquiring new talent. I'm always keeping my eyes peeled. Even if I can't place someone on a project immediately (and it is true that some parts of publisher's lists are shrinking!) I'll often keep them on hand waiting for the right project. An example of this is the debut book from illustrator Jon Klassen, CATS' NIGHT OUT by Caroline Stutson - Jon just received the Governor General's Award for this project, and I had had his work on hand for several years before I was able to pair him with the perfect project. Although we may not always be able to immediately put the rubber to the road with new folks, good artwork makes a strong impression and the quest for a winning collaboration is always on my mind.

As for what I'm looking for - there's never anything specific. I love such a range of things, but I'm mainly looking for things I'm touched by. I love cute. I love simple. But I also love creepy and detailed! There's no one thing I'm looking for and I'm always happy to be surprised.

Next Jaime talked with Denise Cronin, Vice President in the Penguin Young Readers Group and the Art Director for Viking Children’s Books. There's a snippet below. Click here to read the full post.

Jaime: Denise, did you know not only are you an Art Director, you're a flipping Vice President? What is your average day like?

Denise: If you count time spent on the train, checking files and reading manuscripts, my day is about 9 hours. We are usually juggling about 60 books at various points of development. I work very closely with the editors and the designers in my department from start to finish. Making books is very collaborative. Rarely do I work alone.

Be sure to check out both the interviews for insights from these terrific art directors and to see if they had the same answers to Kill, kiss or marry: Helvetica, Baskerville or Comic Sans? If you attend the conference, you can meet each of them during their breakout workshops. And--attention illustrators--there's still space in the Illustrators' Intensive, Beyond Books: Picture Books and the New Media.

And remember, whether you join us in New York or not, SCBWI TEAM BLOG will offer full coverage of the conference and intensives, live blogging throughout. Bookmark or follow the Official SCBIW  Conference Blog today!