The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast

This is a teaser for our upcoming July episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast featuring Tyiana Combs , Associate Editor at Penguin Workshop. In the full conversation, Tyiana talks about children’s publishing, the editorial process, what can make a submission stand out, why editors sometimes pass, how stories grow through revision, and why writers should keep going through rejection. She also s...

Are you an author, illustrator, or storyteller trying to figure out how to market your book without feeling overwhelmed? The Marketing Mastery Summit was created to help writers better understand book marketing, publicity, author branding, social media, platform building, and visibility in the publishing world. Whether you are self-published, traditionally published, querying, hybrid, or still wor...

As we continue Season 2 of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast , we’re sharing more conversations with people who care deeply about children’s books, publishing, literacy, and the stories reaching young readers. In this reel, Carl Lennertz of the Children’s Book Council gives a preview of the kind of insight listeners can expect this season. And in the meantime, if you haven’t signed up for the Storyt...

Why do some picture books stay with us long after we close the cover? In this episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast , we’re joined by Phillip Stead , award-winning picture book creator and author of many beloved children’s books, including A Sick Day for Amos McGee , illustrated by Erin E. Stead, which received the 2011 Caldecott Medal . Phillip shares a thoughtful look at picture book craft,...

Marketing your book should not feel like guesswork. Stan Yan, graphic novelist and caricature artist, is joining The Storytellers Marketing Mastery Summit as a guest speaker for kidlit authors, illustrators, and publishing professionals. If you have ever wondered how to get your children’s book in front of more readers, how to talk about your work with confidence, or how to build a stronger author...

Are kids reading differently in a screen-heavy world? And how are publishers adapting? In this episode, Theresa Villarreal and Jackie Garcia-Morales welcome Jason Low, publisher and co-owner of Lee & Low Books , for a thoughtful conversation about children’s publishing, reading habits, screen time, independent publishing, book marketing, and the future of books for young readers. Jason shares...

📚 What are kids reading right now? In this episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, school librarian Rachael Welsh joins us to talk about what young readers are reaching for in today’s school libraries, why RL Stine and spooky books still connect with kids, and why diverse books, authentic representation, and strong library collections matter. ✨ We also discuss middle grade reading trends, bi...

Join us for the Storytellers Marketing Mastery Summit, featuring six great guest speakers, including Paola Santos. Designed for children’s book authors and illustrators, this virtual live summit offers practical marketing strategies, actionable insight, and encouragement to help creators grow with purpose. June 12–14, 2026 Virtual Live Summit Get your tickets today and check out our website for mo...

In Episode 3 of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast , we sit down with Tom Angleberger , bestselling author of Origami Yoda , to talk about his publishing journey, writing humor for young readers, working with editors, handling rejection, and building a lasting connection with kids through books and school visits. Tom shares honest insight into the creative process behind his stories, what revisions r...

In this episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast , we sit down with Derek Amarrillas , author of Socko: The Flamingo with Tennis Shoes , for a conversation about SEL books , emotions , and the power of storytelling in children’s literature. Derek shares insight into how stories can help children better understand their feelings, build empathy, and grow through meaningful reading experiences. Thi...

What do Big Five children’s book editors actually look for in submissions, and why do great projects still get passed on? In this Season 2 episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast , we interview Catherine Laudone , Senior Editor at Beach Lane Books (Simon & Schuster) , for an inside look at how kidlit publishing really works . If you’re writing picture books , middle grade , or building a ca...

The Storytellers Summit is now available for on-demand access , offering publishing education led by industry professionals. This summit includes educational sessions covering writing craft, book marketing, querying literary agents, and the business side of publishing. It’s designed for authors, writers, illustrators, and publishing professionals looking for practical strategies and real industry...

Thinking about attending a writing conference this year? The Storytellers Summit is a virtual event for kidlit authors, illustrators, and publishing professionals looking for real-world guidance and next-step clarity. Summit ticket holders gain access to: Exclusive mini-masterclasses for children’s book creators Practical publishing and querying insights High-value giveaways included with registra...

🎬 Watch this exclusive clip from Donna Galanti — one of the expert speakers at the Storyteller’s Shelf Summit, January 12–17, 2026! In this session, Donna explains how fantasy and mythology help children—and adults—harness their inner child, spark imagination, and build empathy — essential elements for powerful kidlit storytelling. The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast📅 About the Summit:Join us for a...

Season 2 is almost here! We’re kicking it off with our exclusive Author Summit Masterclass , only available through YouTube tickets. Don’t miss insider tips, expert advice, and strategies to grow your writing career. Secure your ticket today! Get your tickets today: https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/storytellers-shelf-summit/ #kidlit #bookreviews #amwriting #education #libraries #teacehers #...

Join The Storyteller’s Shelf Summit from January 12–17, a virtual week of expert-led masterclasses for children’s literature creators. Learn from professionals on writing, illustrating, and publishing kids’ books, and gain insights to grow your career. This year’s summit includes a literary pitch event with Syrone Harvey of the Belcastro Agency ! Authors can pitch directly to an agent, but to part...

“When you know exactly who you’re writing for your story finds its focus and that’s when it truly connects.”-Harshita Jerath Writing for the Right Audience with Harshita Jerath Picture Books Early Readers and Cultural Storytelling Subscribe to The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast for weekly conversations with children’s authors publishing professionals and educators sharing real world insight into kidl...

In this episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast , we’re joined by Anne Broyles , award-winning author of children’s picture books and middle grade titles, including I’m Gonna Paint: Ralph Fasanella, Artist of the People , Priscilla and the Hollyhocks , Shy Mama’s Halloween , Arturo and the Bienvenido Feast , and Arturo and the Navidad Birds . Anne Broyles is of the Cherokee Nation and brings de...

If you’ve ever struggled to finish a children’s book or felt stuck querying agents, this episode is for you. On @thestorytellersshelfpodcast, we talk with award-winning author, book coach, and editor Ellen Potter about finishing drafts, building character-driven stories, and navigating today’s children’s publishing landscape.“If you stay away from your story too long, the door to that world starts...

In this episode of  @TheStorytellersShelfPodcast  , we sit down with Karl Buechner, Jeremy Mueller, and Keith Ward, the authors of the middle grade fantasy novel Unraveling and the Council of Crows. The authors share how collaboration honesty and lived experience shaped a powerful fantasy world where animals inherit culture magic and history after humanity disappears. Drawing from music, education...

“A single book can spark confidence, belonging, and a lifelong love of reading.” — Griffin Granberry, Madison Reading Project This week on THE STORYTELLER’S SHELF PODCAST, we talk with Griffin Granberry and Josh Bulavko of Madison Reading Project about how joyful, high-quality books reach children through book buses, free book fairs, early-literacy programs, and strong partnerships with schools an...

“If you don’t understand your publishing contract, you don’t own your career.” — Melissa Nasson If you’ve ever stared at a book contract and thought, “I’ll just sign it,” this episode is the moment that changes everything. On THE STORYTELLER’S SHELF PODCAST, literary lawyer and former literary agent MELISSA NASSON pulls back the curtain on the clauses, rights, royalties, and hidden traps that shap...

“Growing up in Nashville taught me that storytelling lives in every corner—music, movies, books—and that creative spark never leaves you.” — Adam Rosenbaum If you’ve ever dreamed of writing middle grade stories but felt your background didn’t “fit,” this episode will inspire you to leap. On THE STORYTELLER’S SHELF PODCAST , we sit down with Nashville native Adam Rosenbaum, the screenwriter-turned-...

What if joyful, musical storytelling could rebuild kids’ love of reading even in a world dominated by screens. In this episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast we sit down with  ⁨@ericlitwinbooks⁩  , the original author of Pete the Cat and a #1 New York Times bestselling creator whose innovative use of music, rhythm, and storytelling has transformed early literacy for millions of children "...

In this episode, we sit down with YA author and Indie Author Book Expo founder JENN THOMPSON to explore what it truly takes to thrive as a self-published author and create YA stories that genuinely connect with readers. Jenn opens up about why she founded a nonprofit dedicated to indie authors, how confidence in marketing grows through consistent effort, and why investing in quality editing is ess...