Unlocking the Secrets of Children’s Publishing: Insider Tips from an Industry Pro

In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa welcome Ivan Taurisano, Associate Editor at Abrams Books, to discuss the intricacies of children’s publishing. Ivan provides invaluable advice on creating standout submissions, navigating acquisitions, and understanding trends in middle-grade books.

Guest Bio

Ivan Taurisano is an Associate Editor at Abrams, specializing in children's licenses and intellectual property. His work includes novelty books, board books, graphic novels, and select MG and YA titles. He has collaborated on several successful series and brands, such as How to Catch, Little Heroes, Big Hearts, Sesame Street, Disney, Tokidoki, and Pokémon. His guiding principle is that a child whose life is transformed by a book is one step closer to becoming an adult who will change the world.

Key Discussion Points

1. How to Create Standout Submissions
Ivan stresses that while a manuscript doesn’t need to be perfect, it should be polished and refined. Authors can enhance their chances by:

• Doing thorough research on editors and publishers to find the right fit.
• Crafting query letters that demonstrate not just the story’s strengths but why the author chose that editor or publisher.
• Avoiding desperation—presenting a strong submission gives editors reasons to say “yes.”

2. Navigating the Acquisition Process
Ivan offers a behind-the-scenes look at how books move from submission to acquisition:

• Editors first pitch manuscripts to an internal editorial meeting.
• Projects that gain momentum are brought to a board meeting with sales and marketing teams, where decisions are made based on market potential.
• Authors should understand the collaborative nature of the process and be prepared for possible feedback or rejection.

3. Middle-Grade Trends and Opportunities
Middle-grade publishing is evolving, with readers seeking shorter, action-driven, and visually engaging books. Ivan encourages writers to think outside the box and innovate:

• Avoid following trends; instead, offer fresh, unexpected narratives.
• Books that focus on humor, escapism, and adventure resonate strongly with today’s young readers.
• Breaking traditional molds can capture the interest of publishers and readers alike.

4. The Role of Social Media and Author Track Records
While having a social media platform can boost visibility, especially for YA authors, it’s not essential for all genres. Ivan explains that for middle-grade and picture books, the story’s quality often outweighs the author’s online presence. He also highlights the significance of past sales performance, noting that authors whose debut books didn’t perform well should be prepared to explain the reasons to potential publishers.

5. Chapter Books: A Growing Opportunity
Ivan encourages writers to explore chapter books, an essential category for developing readers transitioning from early readers to middle-grade. He notes that publishers often seek series potential in this space and that character-driven adventures remain a strong draw.

Conclusion and Takeaways

This episode of Writers With Wrinkles offers a treasure trove of practical advice for authors aiming to break into children’s publishing. Ivan’s insights remind writers to:

• Focus on creating polished, market-ready manuscripts.
• Stay attuned to industry trends while offering fresh perspectives.
• Leverage every opportunity, from building relationships with editors to exploring new categories like chapter books.

For more invaluable advice, join the Writers' Room Facebook Group or visit the Writers With Wrinkles website for podcast notes and resources.

Links Mentioned

• Writers With Wrinkles Website
• The Waiting Room Facebook Group (invite only—contact Beth or Lisa to join!)