The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast

The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast
  • 5.0 (3)
  • BOOKS

The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast celebrates children's books and the vibrant publishing world that brings them to life. Hosted by two neurodiverse, Latinx-owned women passionate about breaking barriers, we provide kidlit book reviews and interviews with industry professionals. Whether you're seeking book recommendations, publishing advice, or valuable insights into the landscape of children's literature, we've got you covered. Join us as we champion diverse voices and empower aspiring creatives to tell their stories.

  1. MAR 3

    What Kidlit Editors Look For: Catherine Laudone (Beach Lane Books, S&S)

    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 career in children’s publishing, this conversation will help you understand the editorial and acquisitions process from a real industry perspective. In this episode, we cover:• What editors look for in manuscripts and submissions• Why voice and concept matter more than trends• What revise and resubmit (R&R) really means• How acquisitions decisions are made behind the scenes• Editor collaboration with authors and illustrators• Why strong projects may still be a “no” (fit, timing, market, list needs)• What makes a story memorable and more likely to sell Catherine also shares encouraging, practical advice for creators navigating querying, revisions, and publishing expectations. ✅ Follow the show on Spotify so you never miss an episode📺 Subscribe to our YouTube for full video interviews📬 Join our newsletter for episode drops, summit updates, and resources 🔗 All links (YouTube + newsletter + more):https://linktr.ee/thestorytellersshelfpodcast

    26 min

  2. SEASON 2 TRAILER

    Storytellers Summit On-Demand Access | Publishing Education for Authors & Writers

    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 insight. As the Storytellers Summit continues to grow, future offerings will expand into themed summits, focused learning experiences, and paid pitch events that provide deeper opportunities for writers at every stage. If you attended the summit, please remember to complete our survey to help shape future content. Stay tuned for Season 2, and subscribe to our newsletter and channel for updates on upcoming publishing education and events. Learn more: https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/storytellers-shelf-summit/

    1 min

  3. SEASON 2 TRAILER

    Summit GIVEAWAYS + Literary Agent Pitch Opportunity! Teaser

    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/

    1 min

  4. TRAILER

    Level Up Your Writing Craft | Donna Galanti, Guest Speaker for the Storyteller’s 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

    1 min

  5. TRAILER

    Unlock Your Author Potential – Get Your Summit Ticket Now!

    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

    1 min

  6. TRAILER

    The Storyteller’s Shelf Summit: KidLit Masterclasses & Literary Pitch Event

    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

    1 min

  7. 12/22/2025

    Writing for the Right Audience with Harshita Jerath Picture Books Early Readers and Cultural Storytelling

    “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 herehttps://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 linkhttps://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 contactdirectors@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#ChildrensBooks#PictureBookAuthors#EarlyReaders#KidLitCommunity#WritingForChildren#CulturalStorytelling#DiverseBooks#OwnVoices#AuthorPodcast

    30 min

  8. 12/19/2025

    Writing, Marketing, and Motivation with Anne Broyles | Award-Winning Children’s Book Author

    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

    38 min
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Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast celebrates children's books and the vibrant publishing world that brings them to life. Hosted by two neurodiverse, Latinx-owned women passionate about breaking barriers, we provide kidlit book reviews and interviews with industry professionals. Whether you're seeking book recommendations, publishing advice, or valuable insights into the landscape of children's literature, we've got you covered. Join us as we champion diverse voices and empower aspiring creatives to tell their stories.

Information

  • Creator
    The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast

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