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"How I Met My Publisher and Editor" by Melissa Stoller

7/26/2018

7 Comments

 
​I’ll always remember the story of how I met two of the most important people on my writing journey: my publisher and my editor.
 
I met my publisher, Callie Metler-Smith from Clear Fork Publishing, by sending her a query for a picture book about a squirrel. In that email, I mentioned that I also had a time-travel chapter book manuscript ready. Callie responded saying I should send the PB manuscript, but what really interested her was the time-travel story.
 
Callie bought my chapter book series. Book One, THE ENCHANTED SNOW GLOBE COLLECTION: RETURN TO CONEY ISLAND, released in August 2017, and Book Two: THE LIBERTY BELL TRAIN RIDE, will come chugging down the tracks this year. And the squirrel story? I’m still revising that one!
 
At the same time, I was working on a manuscript about a girl who paints with a magic paintbrush. This story was inspired by my love of art history and the Impressionists specifically. I discovered that Callie is also an artist and is similarly fond of Impressionist painters. I pitched my story idea to Callie, and later signed a contract for my debut picture book, SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH!
Picture
With Callie Metler-Smith at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Then, enter my editor. I had been taking several classes and was an assistant for Mira Reisberg’s Children’s Book Academy (www.ChildrensBookAcademy). Lucky for me, Mira became an Art Director and Editor at Clear Fork, and is art directing and editing my picture book. And Mira paired me with one of her former students, the extremely talented illustrator Sandie Sonke (www.SandieSonkeIllustration.com). I am truly thrilled with the team on this manuscript!
 
It’s been a long journey, and I’m very excited that my debut picture book will be releasing soon! I am especially grateful to my mentors, Callie and Mira, for believing in this project and supporting me at every stage of the process. 
 
Thanks for reading about how I met my publisher and editor! Good luck with your submission process!
 
Melissa Stoller
SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH
by Melissa Stoller, illustrated by Sandie Sonke
Clear Fork Publishing, August 2018
Available for pre-order at https://www.clearforkpublishing.com/store/p66/ScarletMagicPaintbrush.
www.MelissaStoller.com
Picture
7 Comments
Lisa R. link
7/27/2018 08:42:46 am

Great story, thanks for sharing!

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Doreen Robinson
7/27/2018 09:36:48 am

Melissa - thank you for sharing! Having just met Callie Metler-Smith through a critique and having taken a course by Mira Reisberg, I would venture to say that you are one lucky person to have this dynamic duo in your life! Wishing you continued success in your writing journey!

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Tina Cho link
7/28/2018 02:48:09 pm

How neat you met both publisher and editor!

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Vivian Kirkfield link
7/30/2018 09:49:18 pm

I love getting the inside peek to writer's journey. Thanks so much, Melissa...and yours is especially fascinating because you pitched the story/stories yourself...and were successful! I've enjoyed the Coney Island time travel book so much (having grown up in Brooklyn) and I can't wait for your picture book to debut!

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Dee Knabb
7/31/2018 06:44:34 am

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story and the influences that lead you to this successful partnership. Congratulations.

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Carmela Simmons
7/31/2018 08:14:09 am

How encouraging to read about your journey as I start mine. Thanks, Melissa.

Reply
Jean James link
7/31/2018 01:05:56 pm

What a great back story. Congratulations on your books!

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