Posts Tagged “writing for children”

Meet Katie Monson, Literary Agent

By Susan Koehler on March 31, 2025 / Articles, Editor / Agent Spotlight

Katie Monson loves kids, and she also loves books. For 12 years, Katie was a self-employed childcare provider, watching children in her home and enjoying the privilege of being home to raise her children. But recently, she decided to massively change up her life and find a new path that still allowed her to work from home and be with her kids. That new path led her to SBR Media.

SBR Media is a literary agency for all genres. It was established in April 2016 by Stephanie Phillips. Today, SBR Media has 11 agents representing over 300 clients. As one of those agents, Katie Monson is known to be self-motivated, organized, and ready to represent clients and help lead them to success. We’re grateful she took the time to share a little bit about herself and her work with our MUF readers.

Welcome, Katie! Your path to becoming an agent is fascinating and not all that typical. What led you to the world of books and publishing?

I’ve always had a passion for reading, ever since I was a little girl. Over the years, I developed a strong interest in reading indie romance books, which naturally led to blogging, beta reading, and editing small manuscripts for authors.

It sounds like agenting was a natural fit. Now that you’ve been in this role for a while, what do you find to be the best and worst parts of being an agent?

The best part about being an agent is working with my authors and making their dreams come true!

The worst part is how I cannot possibly take on all the manuscripts that I read. I would love to be able to help everyone but it’s just not possible. Sending the rejection letters and knowing how the author is going to feel is the worst.

Here at MUF, we’re all about middle grade. As an agent who represents this category of work, what do you love most about middle grade novels?

I love middle grade novels because they are multifaceted. They can be for pure entertainment, but while they are being enjoyed, there can also be underlying themes that help kids navigate through life and challenges they may face. Middle grade books can help make kids feel less alone and know that what they are going through is normal!

Which middle-grade book(s) influenced you most as a child?

I loved the Wayside School books! They were so funny to me, and I still remember them to this day. I shared them with my own kids, and they loved them too!

What are some of your favorite current middle grade novels?

I really love any of Raina Telgemeier books! My kids loved them too!

Which genres/themes/subjects are you drawn to/not drawn to?

I am not a big sci-fi and fantasy reader, so I lack the experience needed to represent these. I love themes of being true to yourself, being a great friend/person, subtle lesson-teaching (not being in your face about it). I also love when a novel explains big feelings!

What do you look for in a query, and what types of queries do you hope to find?

A query needs to be brief and engaging. I want to be drawn in so quickly that I can’t wait to get my hands on the manuscript. Don’t give away too much, but don’t be vague either.

I’m on the hunt for another middle grade to add to my list. I’m looking for an engaging plot with a twist no one sees coming. I want to keep the kids reading on their toes (as well as the editor we are pitching to).

What are the top reasons you pass on a submission?

There are many reasons why but the top ones I would pass on are:

Word count is not where it needs to be
Not an exciting query that makes me NEED to read more
I couldn’t connect with the writing/story/characters

Do you ever participate in pitch parties, and if so, what do you love about them?

I participate in events when I find the time! LOL! I love to see how authors are able to explain their entire manuscript in such a short amount of words. I love these events so much that I have even set up a pop-up event of my own!

That sounds interesting! Can you tell us a little more about this pop-up event?

YES! I will randomly set up my own personal pop-up pitch event. I ask for a brief description of their manuscript (I usually have these open to all authors) and a mood board if they have one. From there, if I like their post then I have them contact me for more information on how to submit to me.

We know you’re closed to submissions right now, but can you give us an idea of when you’ll reopen?

The plan is this spring for a week. This is a really busy season for me, so I am unsure of the exact time, but it will most likely be sometime in May. My best advice is to watch my socials!

You can check out my Manuscript Wish List here: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/katie-monson/

My Instagram handle is https://www.instagram.com/litagentkatiem/ and you can follow me on X at https://twitter.com/.

Before you go, we’d love to learn about your life outside of work. What are your favorite things to do that have nothing to do with being an agent?

I love to get lost in a good book. What agent wouldn’t love reading for pleasure? (Although, it’s harder to come by these days!) I also love traveling! Seeing the mountains in Tennessee and the beaches in Florida are two of my most favorite things. And I love spending time with my family.

So, when I’m not reading, sitting by the pool, or complaining about the cold Rochester winters, you can probably find me traveling to the beaches of Florida, the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, and spending time with my husband and four children in Rochester, New York.

Books, beaches, mountains, and family – that sounds great! Thanks so much for joining us, Katie. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you, and we’ll be watching for you to open for submissions.

STEM Tuesday– Radio/UV Waves and Applied Physics — Author Interview

By Jennifer Swanson on February 25, 2025 / Applied Physicis, STEM Tuesday

Welcome to STEM Tuesday: Author Interview, a repeating feature for the last Tuesday of every month. Go Science-Tech-Engineering-Math!

Today we’re interviewing Suzanne Slade, author of Unlocking the Universe: The Cosmic Discoveries of the Webb Space Telescope. Unlocking the Universe transports readers to NASA for an up close look at how the James Webb Space Telescope was designed, built, tested, and deployed. The behind the scenes photographs and wonderous space images will leave you agape in wonder!

Unlocking the Universe has been named:

Junior Library Guild Selection
NSTA 2025 Best STEM Book
New York Public Library Best Books for Kids

Plus, you can watch a goose-bump inducing book trailer here.

And now, let’s launch into the interview!

Emily Starr: I’ll start with the obvious. The Webb images are breathtaking! What was your involvement in choosing which images to include?

Ring Nebula

Suzanne Slade: I started writing this book before Webb had released any space images, so it was super exciting when its first image, a gorgeous galaxy cluster, was unveiled on July 11, 2022. After that, I waited with bated breath for each new spectacular image.

I wanted the book to share a variety of Webb space images, such as nebulas, galaxies, dying stars, nurseries where stars were being born, and more. For example, this image of the Ring Nebula (left) revealed new details of a dying star at the center that gives us a glimpse of what could happen to our Sun. (But nobody panic. The Sun has billions of years left!)

To be honest, there were so many gorgeous images that it was excruciating to decide which ones would make the cut. Near the end of the project, we did manage to squeak in some extra ones on the cover montage, in the back matter pages, and in the end sheets.

Emily Starr: This month, the blog is helping readers explore radio/UV waves and applied physics. Physics concepts can sometimes seem difficult and complicated to children (and some adults!) – like the electromagnetic spectrum. What are your considerations when thinking about how to make advanced science easy for kids to understand?

Suzanne Slade: There are many things to consider when writing about complex science topics for children. Here are a few I implemented in this book.

James Webb Space Telescope

Near the beginning of the book some basic science/space terms are defined within the text, such as “nebula” and “exoplanet,” to help readers ramp up on the topic.

Sidebars with colorful infographics helped explain more complicated topics (like the electromagnetic spectrum.)

As we know, a picture is worth a thousand words. So we made the decision to use photos, instead of illustrations, for the entire book. As I poured through hundreds of potential photos to show readers how the Webb telescope was designed and built, I carefully selected interesting ones that would draw the reader in.

Two page spread showing the Webb Space Telescope’s primary mirror

I also looked for photos which shared bits of information not covered in the text. For example, the book explains how Webb’s large primary mirror, which collects distant light in space, is made up of 18 hexagonal shaped gold panels. The photos in the spread at the left show how the panels are assembled into the primary mirror plus more, such as the size of the mirror relative to the workers, the precise way the panels fit together, how the workers and many components were protected from dust contamination, etc.

Emily Starr: Small blocks of layered text also make the book very accessible to younger readers. How did that format come about?

Suzanne Slade: The design layout, which includes the layered text you mention, was a collaborative effort between myself, the editor, and the spectacularly creative book designer. We tried a few different ideas before arriving at the book’s final design. One fun aspect about creating this book, which is not common in most book projects, was that I was able to meet with the editor and book designer in person can discuss the layout. Fortunately, I live north of Boston part-time, and the publisher, Charlesbridge, is located in Watertown near Boston.

Emily Starr: What was your process for contacting experts and conducting interviews at NASA? Was the agency receptive and helpful?

Suzanne Slade: It can be challenging to know who to contact at NASA or other agencies when working on science books, and these smart experts are very busy people. As luck would have it, one of my high school acquaintances, Dr. Jonathan Gardner, is the Deputy Senior Project Scientist for the JWST. I reached out to him, and he kindly agreed to answer questions and vet the manuscript, which was extremely helpful. I had worked with a NASA engineer, Sandra Irish, on a previous project. She was enthused about this book topic and happy to share her expertise. There are also great online interviews which were helpful as well.

Emily Starr: The JWST was such a long and complicated project that I’m sure you sifted through piles of research. How did you decide what details to include in the book?

Suzanne Slade: I could write volumes about research and the difficult process of deciding which information to include in a book and what seems best to leave out. The short answer is: I try to include some content that readers can easily understand or may already be familiar with, along with new information that will expand their understanding of the topic and hopefully inspire them to want to learn even more. I prioritize facts and random information nuggets I feel young readers will find fascinating.

Orion Bar

Emily Starr: As an educator who teaches students to expect and even celebrate failures, I appreciated the section about testing and setbacks. Why was it important to you to include those details?

Suzanne Slade: I’m a mechanical engineer who used to work on rockets and car braking systems, so I understand a big part of engineering and science is trial and error, or mistakes and re-designing. I think it’s important for readers to understand that progress in science is built on failures. As a storyteller, I also know that a happy ending is more satisfying when the journey to get there was filled with challenges that needed to be overcome.

Emily Starr: Many of your books delve into interesting space-related topics. What do you hope readers understand about space by reading your work?

Suzanne Slade: Basically I hope they catch a glimpse of the enormity of space, and the many mysteries and unanswered questions about our cosmos we have yet to understand. I’d also be pleased if my books inspire readers to pursue their dreams of a career in a space related field, such as a researcher, teacher, engineer, explorer, or citizen scientist.

Emily Starr: Are you working on other space-related projects in the near future? (Actually, we would be happy to learn about any of your upcoming projects!)

Suzanne Slade: In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, I wrote Countdown: 2979 Days to the Moon and Daring Dozen. Since then, I’ve been thinking about the many talented women who made the Apollo missions possible. So I wrote a book about the sharp, dedicated women who helped engineer, stitch, design, plan, and execute the Apollo moon missions. Of course, thousands of women worked on those missions, so it was difficult to decide how many women to feature. In the end, I decided to share the stories of twelve women to mirror the twelve men who’ve walked on the moon so far. This exciting book, titled Women on a Mission, releases in October 2025. I can’t wait!

Sibert Honor author Suzanne Slade has written more than 150 children’s books. As a mechanical engineer who worked on rockets, many of her titles are about space and women in STEM. Some recent titles include The Universe and You, Mars Is: Stark Slopes, Silvery Snow, and Startling Surprises, June Almeida, Virus Detective!, The Woman Who Discovered the First Human Coronavirus, and A Computer Called Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Helped Put America on the Moon (NSTA Best STEM Book). Her title, Astronaut Annie, soared to the ISS and was read by astronaut Anne McClain for Story Time From Space.

As a former fourth grade teacher and founder of StarrMatica, a STEM publishing company, Emily Starr has developed award-winning K-5 science curriculum and professional learning materials for 20 years. She is a member of the Iowa State Science Leadership Team, a peer reviewer for the National Science Teaching Association’s journal Science and Children, and a frequent presenter at state and national education conferences. Her debut middle grade nonfiction book will be released in 2025 from the Iowa Ag Literacy Foundation.

Author Spotlight: Sydney Dunlap

By Melissa Roske on February 14, 2025 / Author Interviews

Today, I’m thrilled to shine the Author Spotlight on children’s author and fellow MUF member Sydney Dunlap! Sydney’s latest MG novel, Racing the Clouds, praised by Kirkus as a “hopeful, heartfelt story of resilience… handled with a gentle touch,” is out February 18 from Jolly Fish Press.

Interview with Sydney

Melissa: Welcome to the Mixed-Up Files, Sydney! It’s always a pleasure to shine the Author Spotlight on a fellow MUF member, especially a new(ish) one.

Sydney: Thank you so much, Melissa! I’m very excited to be a part of MUF.

Melissa: Racing the Clouds, comes out in just FIVE days (!). What’s going through your mind right now? (I can only guess. 🙂)

Sydney: Honestly, that after working on this book for such a long time, it’s hard to believe it’s about to be out in the world. And I’m looking forward to my launch events. I’m very lucky to get to have an in-conversation event with Lynne Kelly (one of my blurbists) at a great independent bookstore called Buy the Book near my home in Texas, as well as one with Kate Albus (another of my blurbists) at the wonderful Scrawl Books in northern Virginia, close to where I lived for many years. I love going to my friends’ book launches as well as having my own. Gathering with friends and family to celebrate is so much fun!

About the Book

Melissa: Can you tell readers a bit about the novel? Also, what was the inspiration behind it?

Sydney: Racing the Clouds is the story of a 13-year-old girl named Sage who has a big secret involving her mom’s whereabouts. The story begins after she hears from her grandparents—her mom’s parents, who she’s never met—for the first time in her life. They invite her to visit, and she wants to fix what’s gone wrong in her family, so she flies to Ohio by herself as soon as school gets out for the summer. She feels an almost immediate connection with her grandfather, but her grandmother is so strict and formal that it doesn’t seem they’ll ever see eye-to-eye. Sage learns that family relationships—and people—can be much more complex than they appear on the surface. She also begins to understand more about the power of forgiveness and how to find her way forward during a difficult time.

As for the inspiration, I like writing about topics that are very real and part of a lot of people’s lives but aren’t always discussed that much, like drug addiction, which is a component of the story. I also thought it would be interesting to explore what might happen when a person hears from relatives they’ve never met and never heard anything good about, and to find out their perspective.

Hiding in Plain Sight

Melissa: Sage, the protagonist, is hiding more than she’s telling—especially when it comes to her mom. (I’ll avoid spoilers, so I won’t say more.) What was it like to get into the head of such a guarded character? Carrying a secret is such a heavy burden to bear.

Sydney: I used to be involved in theater when I was growing up, and I think that acting gave me a chance to feel like I really was the character. When I write, I have that same kind of experience, so I only revealed what it felt like Sage would be okay revealing at different points along the story. It was a huge relief when Sage could finally tell her friend Marla the whole story. I felt a burden off my chest, the same as Sage did, after writing the scene where she reveals what really happened.

Exploring Real-Life Issues

Melissa: Your previous novel, It Happened on Saturday, is also a contemporary novel that deals with real-life issues, namely human trafficking. What compels you to write about difficult issues for young readers? I know this is something you’re passionate about.

Sydney: As a child, I loved to read books about real things that could happen to kids in real life, and I especially enjoyed books written by Katherine Paterson and Judy Blume, because they wrote so honestly about all kinds of difficult topics. My experiences volunteering with child trafficking survivors and my realization that I couldn’t find any middle grade books with that subject matter – even though kids ages 11-14 are an especially vulnerable group — led me to write It Happened on Saturday. As for Racing the Clouds, I feel that there is room for more books for young readers dealing with addiction in the family, as it is a huge part of life for many children.

It’s a Dog’s Life

Melissa: Another passion of yours is animals, which is evident in your sympathetic portrayal of Nicky, a stray dog Sage rescues while visiting her estranged grandparents in Ohio. Can you tell us more about Sage’s bond with Nicky, and how it helps Sage to connect with her prickly grandmother?

Sydney: The Philadelphia apartment where Sage and her family lived until their recent move didn’t allow dogs, so Sage has never had a pet. When she meets Nicky, she is drawn to him because he seems so lost and like he could really use a friend. Sage is utterly flabbergasted to discover that her strict, formal grandmother has a soft spot for dogs. Taking care of Nicky together gives them a common purpose and something they can be in complete agreement about. Dogs bring such positive energy wherever they go, and I’ve seen people in my own extended family who disagree on pretty much everything else find common ground in their love for dogs.

Drummer Girl

Melissa: Like her dad, a once-almost-famous musician, Sage is a talented drummer. Is this a common interest, or did you have to do extensive research on how to play the drums?

Sydney: My son used to play the drums when he was in elementary and middle school, and I got to sit in on lots of drum lessons and of course see many concerts. We still have his old drum set in our house and my husband likes to play around on it, so drums are pretty familiar to me.

Path to Publication

Melissa: Switching gears, can you tell MUF readers about your path to publication? I know you were an elementary school teacher for many years. What led you to writing for kids?

Sydney: I’ve always loved books and writing, and ever since elementary school, I’ve had the idea that one day I wanted to be an author. I took creative writing classes in high school and college, then became a member and also a conference organizer for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, where I studied the craft and business aspects of writing for a long time. I drafted some manuscripts and sent them out here and there, but it wasn’t until I had the idea for It Happened on Saturday that I got really serious about pursuing traditional publication. Once I started working on that manuscript, I began writing almost every day and eventually signed with my agent, Ann Rose.

Writing Is Rewriting

Melissa: As a follow-up, your debut MG novel, Jeremy Norbeck: Animal Whiz Kid, came out in 2014. What have you learned about the publishing industry—and about writing—since then?

Sydney: I wrote that story while I was an elementary school teacher, and I used to read it out loud to my students while I was working on it. I wanted to use it right away in my classroom because it fit right in with our unit on animal adaptations, so I published it through CreateSpace (now Kindle Direct Publishing) to have it available immediately. I had already learned a lot about the publishing industry through my experiences with SCBWI, but I learned much more once I signed with my agent and then got a publishing contract for It Happened on Saturday.

My biggest takeaway is that writing is really rewriting over and over, and that you are almost never done, because there will always be something to edit or improve, up until your last look before a book goes to the printer. You work as hard as you can (with help from your critique group if that’s part of your process) to have a story be its very best before your agent sees it, and then you do the same thing with their assistance until it goes to your editor, and then you do the same thing with their expertise and guidance. And when you compare what you started with to the finished product, you realize how amazing it is that the spark of an idea could turn into a finished story, and that you are incredibly lucky to have had so many wonderful helpers along the way.

Confessions of a Pantser

Melissa: While we’re on the subject of writing, what does your writing routine look like? Also, are you a plotter or a pantser?

Sydney: My writing routine varies a lot, depending on what else I have going on. I’ve been traveling quite a bit lately, and I’m trying to learn to work while on the go, such as editing a manuscript while on a flight. At home, I sandwich writing in between my other responsibilities, my part-time work tutoring students, and my activities, and I find I’m always better able to write if I get some exercise first, usually walking my dog, going running, or doing yoga. I am a pantser through and through; I have to start writing a story to figure out who my characters are, what they want, and what obstacles will be in their way.

Sydney’s Writing Advice

Melissa: What advice would you give to fledgling MG authors?

Sydney: I’d say to read a lot of books in your chosen genre and try to think of them as texts showing examples of different ways to start/end a story, describe settings, keep up your pacing between action and dialogue, reveal character, etc. And I’d highly recommend joining a critique group. Writing friends are the BEST. You can provide each other an amazing listening ear, as well as sharing and getting helpful feedback on your work. And you all speak the same language. Non-writer friends might have no idea what you mean when you talk about queries or MG, YA, plotting vs. pantsing, etc.

Melissa: What are you working on now, Sydney? Can you give Mixed-Up Files readers a sneak peek?

Sydney: I’ve been working on a story told from two points of view that involves themes of freedom and standing up for yourself, both within one’s own family and within society.

Lightning Round!

Melissa: No MUF interview is complete without a lightning round, so…

Preferred writing snack? Granola bar

Coffee or tea? Tea

Superpower? Flying. I would LOVE to fly, not just to get places quickly, which would be amazing, but also for the experience of soaring through the air with the birds.

Favorite travel destination? Anywhere with a beautiful mountain view

If you were stranded on a desert island with only three things, what would they be? I’m not sure about the rules, but if allowed, I’d bring my dog, my cat, and a horse from the stable where I ride! Exploring a desert island on horseback with my furry pals running along beside me could be kind of fun! 😊

Melissa: Many thanks for joining us today, Sydney, and congratulations on the forthcoming publication of Racing the Clouds. It’s an engaging and heartfelt book, and I’m sure MUF readers will agree!

Sydney: Thank you again for your kind words and thoughtful questions, Melissa! I’m very grateful for the opportunity to share this behind-the-scenes look at Sage’s story with the MUF audience!

Bio

Sydney Dunlap is an award-winning author and former elementary school teacher. She enjoys reading and writing heartfelt, hopeful books that explore tough topics that aren’t often addressed in middle-grade literature. Her 2023 debut novel, It Happened on Saturday, has received several medals and was named a 2025 OLA Masterlist selection and Utah Beehive Award nominee, as well as a Crystal Kite Honor Book. A lifelong animal lover, Sydney lives with her family in a home where the dogs and cats outnumber the people. You can find her online at www.sydneydunlap.com.