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 registration

Writers who purchase the Pitch an Agent add-on are eligible for a raffle to receive a 10-minute critique from literary agent Syrone Harvey of the Belcastro Agency. Critiques are awarded by raffle in the following categories:

• Picture Book

• Middle Grade / Chapter Book

• Young Adult

Critiques provide direct, actionable feedback on your query, concept, and next steps.

All Summit ticket holders are also entered into a raffle to win either:

• A 30-minute book launch strategy session

• A professional book review

Book reviews are coordinated through:
👉 https://theresamariavillarreal.com

Learn more and get your ticket at:
👉 https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/storytellers-shelf-summit/

🎬 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 week of masterclasses with 7 publishing professionals, designed for authors, illustrators, educators, and creative storytellers. The event includes pre‑recorded sessions you can watch on your own schedule and culminates with a special literary pitch event — a unique opportunity for authors to pitch directly to literary agent Syrone Harvey of Belcastro Agency and receive expedited feedback. The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast🎟️ Summit Details & Tickets: https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/storytellers-shelf-summit/ The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast✨ Whether you’re writing picture books, middle grade, or YA, this summit will help you build craft, confidence, and real industry connections. Don’t miss out!#mythology #childrensbooks #FantasyForKids #MythologyForKids #InnerChildStories #KidLitAuthors #MiddleGradeBooks #YoungReaders #StorytellingForKids #AuthorMasterclass #LiteraryPitch #DonnaGalanti #WritingForChildren #PublishingTips #YAAuthors #amwriting #storytelling #writingcommunity #kidlit #booktok #authortube

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 #authortube #booktok #masterclass

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 participate, you must purchase both the summit and pitch event tickets. The summit sessions are pre-recorded on YouTube, and tickets are required to watch.

🎟️ Secure your tickets today to access the summit and your chance to pitch to a top agent!

https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/storytellers-shelf-summit/

#KidLitSummit #ChildrensBookWriters #BookIllustrators #WritingMasterclass #PublishingTips #LiteraryPitchEvent #SyroneHarvey #KidsBookAuthors #VirtualEvent #StorytellingTips

“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 kidlit craft and careers

How do you know who you are writing for and how do you make sure your story truly connects with young readers

In this episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast we are joined by children’s author Harshita Jerath author of The Leaping Laddoo Cooler Than Lemonade and A Sweet Diwali Harshita shares practical experience based insight into writing for the right audience breaking down the differences between picture books and early readers and explaining how age empathy and cultural authenticity shape strong children’s stories

Harshita discusses her journey into children’s publishing and offers guidance on writing age appropriate stories leaving space for illustrators understanding early reader structure and representing culture in ways that feel natural meaningful and respectful

This episode is ideal for aspiring children’s authors picture book writers early reader writers educators and anyone interested in kidlit craft and storytelling

If you enjoyed this episode please Like Share and Subscribe to The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast Your engagement helps us grow the channel bring on more guests and continue creating educational content for the kidlit community

The Storytellers Summit is a full week of master classes with publishing industry experts ending with a literary pitch event with a literary agent This summit directly supports the ongoing production of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast

Get your summit tickets and full details here
https://linktr.ee/thestorytellersshelfpodcast

We use Scrivener to plan organize and draft our podcast scripts episodes and writing projects Purchasing through our affiliate link helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you

Scrivener affiliate link
https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=storyteller

The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast reaches a dedicated audience of children’s authors educators librarians and publishing professionals If your brand organization or service aligns with books literacy education publishing or creative tools we would love to connect

For advertising and sponsorship inquiries please contact
directors@thestorytellershelfpodcast.com

Media kit and audience details available upon request

Join the Storytellers Summit, Writing Tools That Support Our Work, Interested in Advertising or Sponsoring the Podcast

#WritingForTheRightAudience
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#AuthorPodcast

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 decades of experience in children’s publishing.

Anne shares practical insight into writing children’s books, building a long-term author career, and staying motivated in traditional publishing. We discuss crafting picture books that connect with readers, working with editors, and approaching author marketing with clarity and intention.

This episode is ideal for children’s authors, picture book writers, educators, and aspiring storytellers looking for experience-based guidance from a seasoned professional.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
• Are you an author in need of help with your writing? Check out our Scrivener link to save on writing software we use and recommend
• Explore The Storytellers Summit and get your tickets for a full week of publishing masterclasses and a literary pitch event
• Support the podcast: Buy us a Ko-fi to help support the show as we grow

#ChildrensBookAuthor #PictureBookAuthor #KidLitPodcast #WritingMarketingMotivation #AuthorInterview #WritingChildrenBooks #TraditionalPublishing #StorytellerShelfPodcast #AspiringAuthors #ChildrensPublishing #AuthorMotivation

#amwriting #librarians #teachers #educators

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 to close.”— Ellen PotterIn this episode, we cover:How accountability partners help writers finish booksWhy 10 focused minutes a day worksPicture books vs chapter books vs middle gradeWriting stronger queries and avoiding common agent pitfallsPractical ways authors market books through school visits and pre-orders🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations on kidlit, publishing, and writing craft — and share this episode with a writer who needs it.☕ Support the podcastKo-fi → https://ko-fi.com/storytellersshelfpodcastGoFundMe → https://www.gofundme.com/f/storytellersshelf🍵 Support our sponsorHarney & Sons Fine Teas (listener discount):👉 https://harney.com/discount/STORYTELLER

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thestorytellersshelfpodcast

#ChildrensBookWriting #Kidlit #WritingCommunity #QueryingAgents #AuthorPodcast

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, parenting, and storytelling, they explore why middle grade readers are capable of engaging with complex ideas and meaningful themes.“Middle grade readers can handle more than we give them credit for. They are smart and they are ready for deeper stories.”Jeremy MuellerThroughout the conversation, the authors discuss writing collaboratively world-building with intention and using storytelling to explore compassion forgiveness and responsibility.Topics discussed in this episode include:Middle grade fantasy world-buildingWriting collaboratively as multiple authorsForgiveness and compassion as central themesEnvironmental and animal centered storytellingHow music education and life experience influence narrative voiceStoryteller’s Shelf Summit January 12 to 17! Get your tickets today!The Storyteller’s Shelf Summit takes place January 12 through January 17 and is fully online. This is a full week of pre recorded masterclasses for writers illustrators educators and publishing professionals followed by a Literary Pitch Event. Visit our website for more information.If you enjoy the podcast and want to support our workSubscribe Like and ShareBuy us a Ko fi

https://ko-fi.com/storytellersshelfpodcast

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Your support helps us continue creating free educational content for the kidlit and publishing community.#support #animalstories #quest #middlegradefantasy #middlegradebooks #kidlit #FantasyAuthors #worldbuilding #authorinterview #writingcommunity #booktok #supportourchannel #education #musician #authortube #fantasyauthors #MiddleGradeAuthors #FantasyAuthorInterview #writingtips #kidlitcommunity #authortok #writing #fantasyworlds #environmentalstorytelling #kidlitpodcast #EarthCrisis #PathOfResistance #HardcorePunk #HardcoreCommunity #MusiciansTurnedAuthors #PunkRockCulture #MetalAndBooks