iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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KidLitGN @kidlitgn.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Agent Tip: Hollie Michaels is a Literary Agent at Martin-Newmans Lit. She is the author of Golda and Ezra, and The Bad News Bestie. 📅 CREATORS PITCH Oct. 3-7 📅 Agents and editors view pitches Oct. 7-31 #kidlitgn #kidlit #kidscomics #pitchevent #interview

Dear Hollie Michaels: What are the best ways illustrators can attract your attention in a pitch event?

Final art that shows a strong sense of character design, showcasing movement (not a portrait) and strong visual storytelling through layout and color. From, Hollie Michaels.

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Vicky Weber - Agent, Author, Educator 📚 @vickyweberbooks.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

If you can delete a character and nothing changes, delete the character.

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Cindy Lozito @cindylozito.com · 15/09/2026

Happy Latinx / Hispanic Heritage Month! Preparations for Day of the Dead are already in full swing behind the scenes in my neighborhood in Philly, and the procession in November marks one of my favorite days of the year 🧡

An illustrated depiction of the Day of the Dead procession happening in Philadelphia along 9th Street.

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Off to NYC for the Latinx Storytellers Conference! If you’re attending and see me, be sure to come ask me questions! I’m here to be a resource all weekend. 👋🏽

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Angela Quezada Padron @angelapadron.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Join Sera Rivers and me (and some special guests) as we discuss the story and process behind my book SISTERS ALL THE TIME /HERMANAS TODO EL TIEMPO! Two lucky participants will win a copy of the book. Register at serarivers.com/shop #kidlit #publishing #childrensbooks #webinar #giveaway

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P.S. Literary Agency @psliterary.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

‼️ As of today, our submissions inbox has re-opened! Send us your queries and nonfiction proposals!

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Cover reveal days are such fun, huge days for authors. But you know who they can also be huge for? The illustrators. Don’t forget to credit them. Cover reveals always blow up outside of an author’s bubble, and someone who sees it could be that artist’s next gig. ❤️

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Charlene Chua @charlenedraws.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Cool read and I’m glad I didn’t spend $44K on marketing (that’s more than my entire advance on most books).

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Maria Kim @mkimwrites.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

#KidLitArtPostcard days are the best! So many incredible illustrations/artists to admire and 100% worth checking out!

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Hugo Russell @hesor.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Hi! Happy #KidlitArtPostcard day! I´m Hugo Russell and i’m an illustrator from México. I have passion for drawing animals 🐶. I’m currenly looking for representation ✒️ I’m interested in picture book projects, graphic novels, chapter books, board games and more. ✏️

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Heegyum Kim @heegyum-kim.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Happy #KidLitArtPostcard Day! Hi! I'm Heegyum Kim, a Korean illustrator based in New York. I love bringing whimsy, warmth, and a touch of humor to my illustrations. I'm currently open for picture books, board books, and other related projects. Represented by @publishing_eve at @redfoxliterary

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Charlene Chua @charlenedraws.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Hello #kidlitartpostcard ! I am Charlene Chua & I illustrate for kids. 🌟 Interested in books + other kids-related projects 🌟 Portfolio - charlenechua.com Rep' by Tracy Marchini Literary #kidlitart #illustration #smaugust #dragon

illustration of a pink dragon sitting on top a pile of gold, smiling at a friendly girl knight who is waving towards it.

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Maria Kim @mkimwrites.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Excited to announce I'm now represented by Sandra Proudman at Galt and Zacker! 🎉 #writingcommunity #kidlit

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

My annual “here’s a ton of free publishing advice” post. You can access: TWENTY successful query letters. Six book proposals that sold. A guide to research agents. And a guide to writing I.P. All for free, right here. www.ericsmithrocks.com/perfect-pitch

ericsmithrocks.com

Perfect Pitch — ERIC SMITH

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Scott Magoon @scottymagoon.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

I’m over the full moon to announce THE BATS ON THE BUS by Alison Jackson & illustrated by me, out TODAY only from @christyottavianobooks @littlebrownyr.bsky.social This one’s a spooky adaptation of the classic rhyme "The Wheels on the Bus."🎃 Link in bio. Thanks! #bookbirthday #summerween #halloween

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YAbookscentral @yabookscentral.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

#kidlit #bookreview WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO BE A CHAIR at YABC! yabookscentral.com/kids-review-... #wheelchair #representationmatters #selfdiscovery #mobility #mobilitydevices

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Charlene Chua @charlenedraws.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Hi! I am Charlene Chua. I’m the illustrator of multiple books for children. I’ve won a ALA Stonewall award, & worked with publishers including Simon & Schuster, Penguin, Macmillan, Candlewick, Abrams + more. Portfolio: CharleneChua.com Agent: TracyMarchini.com #PortfolioDay #kidlitart #kidlit

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Great new episode on @printrunpodcast.bsky.social about spotting red flags. Considering every day there’s another agent or editor talking about impostors, go tune in.

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SCBWI @scbwi.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Join us today for this special event sponsored by the ACA! Register here: www.scbwi.org/events/how-t...

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

“Surely this isn’t what Mary Oliver wanted for you, to spend your one wild and precious life yelling at an anonymous poster with a One Piece avatar.” A little rant about taking publishing advice on social media, and to make sure you research the people dishing it. open.substack.com/pub/ericsmit...

open.substack.com

Publishing Advice on Social Media and Other Ways to Scream Inside Your Heart

Mary Oliver didn't want this for us.

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zilla @zillawrites.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

I took this class before I queried my last novel. Not only did I receive 27 requests, but I got my dream agent (after MULTIPLE offers)!! She goes over every part of the query package, the state of the industry, and is planning to critique pages live! www.jenichappelleeditorial.com#signup

jenichappelleeditorial.com

Jeni Chappelle Editorial

Jeni Chappelle | Professional Book and Novel Editing

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Vicky Weber - Agent, Author, Educator 📚 @vickyweberbooks.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Did you know: The book that gets you an agent is rarely the first one you write. And the book that gets you an agent? It’s rarely the first to sell to a publisher. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself and just...write.

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Here at WNDB, we've curated another reading guide to help you celebrate Juneteenth and continue supporting Black authors—today and all year long! 📚❤️💛💚🖤

Black graphic with curved red, gold, and green stripes at the bottom. The graphic is titled, “A Reading Guide: Books to Celebrate Juneteenth”.

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ryan rae harbuck @ryanraeharbuck.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Denver friends! Please share, if you can--I certainly don't want to read to myself 😅🙏

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Maria Kim @mkimwrites.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Happy pride month!🥰🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

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jen rofé @jenrofe.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

AUTHORS! Do not, without the explicit permission of an illustrator, upload the art from your book into any AI system to create content like trailers for your book. I cannot believe this needs to be said AND HERE WE ARE.

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Roxanne Troup @roxannetroup.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Congrats @jenniferdoehring.bsky.social! Less than a month out and our book is on its second printing!! (It's also listed in the top ten of multiple #bestseller categories on Amazon!) #kidlit #america250

screen shot of Amazon ranking for Happy Birthday, America! by Roxanne Troup and Jennifer Doehring (published by Albert Whitman) shows the title in the #3 spot for best selling children's books on the U.S.; #4 spot for bestselling children's independence day books; and the #7 spot for bestselling children's non-religious holiday books

book cover for Happy Birthday, America! by Roxanne Troup and Jennifer Doehring features a young family sitting on a red and white stripped blanket watching a colorful fireworks display

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Jo Knowles @joknowles.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

This Wed, 7-8pm EST, editor Paula Wiseman is giving a workshop on the importance of picture books and how to sell them: "How do you write books that are relevant, interesting and that matter to readers and what do editors look for in picture books?" #kidlit www.eventbrite.com/e/rs-present...

eventbrite.com

R&S! Presents: Why Picture Books? (And How You Can Sell Yours...)

Join Paula Wiseman, Editor-at-Large for Simon & Schuster, for this informative talk about the importance of picture books.

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Kate Messner @katemessner.com · 21/05/2026

Writer friends! The AI-generated email scams targeting authors are getting more sophisticated. I got one today w/ a real editor's name on it, which could be very convincing to someone who doesn't know how actual editors communicate, so I annotated it to highlight red flags. Spread the word, ok?

Photo shows an email that reads:

From: Allison hunter Hill <allisonhunterh@gmail.com>
Subject: Loved the storytelling in Disaster on the Titanic

Message Body:
Hi Kate,

I recently read *Disaster on the Titanic (Ranger in Time #9)*, and I really appreciated how effectively you combine historical detail with fast-moving adventure in a way that feels both exciting and emotionally grounded for young readers. The tension builds naturally throughout the story, and Ranger’s perspective adds a unique warmth and accessibility that makes the historical setting especially engaging.

I’m Allison Hunter, Senior Editor at Nosy Crow US, where I’m currently building a focused list of character-driven, voice-led middle grade fiction. Your work aligns closely with the kind of immersive, emotionally resonant storytelling I’m actively looking to develop for young readers.

I’m reaching out because I’m reviewing a small number of upcoming projects over the next couple of weeks. I’d love the chance to see what you’re working on next or learn more about any new middle grade adventures you may be developing.

If you’re open to it, I’d be glad to connect through your agent.

Warm regards,
Allison Hunter
Senior Editor
Nosy Crow US

It's annotated in red to highlight the following:
Not sent from publisher email.
Weirdly formal opening paragraph - this is AI voice.
Strange that introduction didn't come first.
What does the sentence about "reviewing upcoming projects" even mean?
Offers to connect through agent - but has already reached out directly. ?

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Caroline @carolinewu.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Whew! I so so enjoyed reading all of the #PBParty entries 🎉The finalists this year are seriously talented. I laughed, I cried, and I loved every story. Agents and editors can still request through end of May: mindyalyseweiss.com/pbparty-2026...

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PB Rising Stars @pbrisingstars.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

It’s time! Now announcing the 2026 PB Rising Stars Mentees, Runners-Up, and Honorable Mentions ⭐️ Head on over to our website for the full details: www.pbrisingstars.com/2026announce...

A blue graphic with a clip art person in a space suit holding a star balloon. Text says:

Now announcing:
2026 PB Rising Stars Mentees, Runners Up, and Honorable Mentions…

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Caroline @carolinewu.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

So touched by #PBParty entry "S is for S'agapo". The pitch and sample are both beautiful and feel so deeply personal. mindyalyseweiss.com/4-s-is-for-s...

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Caroline @carolinewu.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

So moved by #PBParty entry "Meka & Yari". My heart aches after reading the sample, and what an important story to tell. Can't wait to read this full story one day! mindyalyseweiss.com/14-meka-yari/

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Caroline @carolinewu.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

#PBParty entry "Roommatezzz" is hilarious and so voicey. Love all the little fly names, especially Sebastian-Erickson 🤣 mindyalyseweiss.com/18-roommatez...

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Mychal Threets @mychal3ts.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Children’s literature encourages readers that books are for us. We belong in books! Their books see us, teach us, amplify empathy & kindness, make us laugh, magnify our whimsy. Books are our friends. Thank you, children’s literature authors & illustrators. You create so much wonderful work for us 💛

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Janine Le @janinele.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Update May 2026 I am now open to queries. Please note a policy change that due to time limitations I will only respond if interested. I appreciate the chance to consider each submission as well as your understanding that I have very limited space on my list.

Querytracker.net screenshot

Send a Query to Janine Le at Janine Le Literary Agency

Update May 2026

I am now open to queries. Please note a policy change that due to time limitations I will only respond if interested.

Please submit a query letter introducing yourself and your work and include a pasted sample of your writing or link to illustration portfolio. Please only submit one project unless additional work is requested. No file attachments please.

I appreciate the chance to consider each submission as well as your understanding that I have very limited space on my list.

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Mindy Alyse Weiss @mindyalyseweiss.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Have you seen the amazing #PBParty Showcase? Everyone is welcome to browse the finalists & Illustration Showcase. Comments are only for agent/editor/AD requests. I love these entries & illustrations so much...and can't wait for them to be out in the world. 💗 mindyalyseweiss.com/pbparty-2026...

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Maria Kim @mkimwrites.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

The #PBparty Showcase is live this week! I was truly blown away by how many incredible entries there are this year. If you have a minute it's definitely worth checking out! mindyalyseweiss.com/pbparty-2026...

mindyalyseweiss.com

PBParty 2026 Showcase ⋆ Mindy’s Writing Wonderland

Check out the 55 PBParty 2025 finalists & Illustration Showcase out of over 1000 entries. Comments are only for agents, editors & ADs.

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Roxanne Troup @roxannetroup.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Hooray! A nice #bookreview from Kirkus for HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA! @jenniferdoehring.bsky.social @albertwhitman.bsky.social Link to full review: kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews... #kidlit #America250 #2026picturebooks #fireworks

Dark background with bright exploding firework surrounds the book cover for "Happy Birthday America" by Roxanne Troup. To the right of that cover book review text from Kirkus says, "An effective introduction to a major US holiday."

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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 28/04/2026

Some books don’t find their readers right away. Timing, visibility, and word of mouth all matter—and sometimes the right readers show up months or even years later. A slow start doesn’t mean the story failed. #AuthorSky #BookSky

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Brian Kirby @boringstorybook.com · 24/04/2026

I really want to convey to everyone who entered #pbparty that the process is really the prize, and the difference between finalists, honorable mentions, and those that didn’t make it is like a single step at the START of a VERY long staircase. Don’t be discouraged!

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Michelle Schaub @schaubwrites.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Happy Arbor Day! Celebrate with some children's books that honor trees and forests! @nellcrossbeckerman.bsky.social @mcusolito.bsky.social @megosphere.bsky.social #arborday

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Maria Kim @mkimwrites.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Aggggggh! Today was the longest most exhausting day and this was absolutely the best way to end it😭🥳 Thank you so much @mindyalyseweiss.bsky.social and all the rest of the incredible #PBparty judges for the time and energy you put into making this amazing opportunity happen!

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