Coaching

Children's Book Industry Coaching

I help published and yet-to-be published children's book creatives (authors and/or illustrators) through a three-month discovery and exploration journey that provides my clients with a in-depth, nuanced, and robust understanding of the children's book industry and how to more successfully navigate it.

Why choose me for coaching?

There are two main qualities that make me well-equipped for this type of coaching:

Equity & justice are very important to me and are at the root of all I do. There is much we, as creatives, can do to promote equity & justice within the children's book industry. I enjoy working with anyone who similarly values and am specifically interested in coaching people of the global majority, people from the LGBTQIA+ community, disabled people, and others who have identities that are marginalized.
My experience in the children’s book industry spans over 15 years and most of the major areas of the industry including:
- Bookstores (book buyer, bookstore manager, bookseller)
- Publishing houses (editorial intern)
- Book review journals (book reviewer)
- Libraries (children’s and general staff and volunteer)
- Schools (assistant and substitute teacher)

In addition to my experience, I also hold a Master of Arts degree in Children's Literature from Simmons University and have served on multiple award and selection committees. The breadth of my experience is unique and makes me especially qualified to help my clients better understand the inner workings of the children's book industry and equip them navigate it successfully.

What is Children’s Book Industry Coaching?

My Children’s Book Industry Coaching offering is a three-month virtual exploration, discovery, and coaching program that will help you better understand, navigate, and be more successful within the children’s book industry. Whether you’re an aspiring author or already published, a more thorough and robust understanding of the industry will enhance your career.

What will we cover?

During our three months together, we will cover the major facets of the industry, their inner workings (including how they intersect), and how you as a creative can be successful within each facet. Facets of the industry include:

- Literary agencies
- Publishing houses
- Book review journals
- Bookstores
- Libraries
- Schools
- Awards and selection committees

What will you get out of coaching?

- A robust and well-rounded understanding of the major facets of the children’s book industry, the inner workings of each facet, how each facet intersects (and where they don’t intersect), how to navigate each facet the industry, and how to advocate for yourself and your book(s)
- Kickoff Zoom call to discuss your questions and pinpoint specific areas of interest and growth
- 24/7 access to the Questions Portal were you can add any industry questions as they come to you
- Six (two per month for three months) 1:1 question & discovery Zoom/calls with me
- Special guest industry insiders specifically chosen based on your express needs
- Access to the Knowledge Portal with links to helpful resources on your continued journey
- Financially supporting and learning from a Black, first gen woman writer (Black Lives Matter!)

Who is this for?

- All children’s book creatives, published or yet-to-be published
- Children’s book creatives who care about equity & justice
- Creatives who are serious about their artistic journey
- Creatives creating for any genre aimed at children’s age groups (ages 0-18(ish))

What don’t I cover and why

I don't offer manuscript and/or art reviews. Why? There are already a plethora of writing/art coaches who do that. My heart’s desire is to help creatives understand how the children’s book industry works so they can be more successful within it and help the industry become a more equitable and just space.

Your Investment

Three month commitment
$3,000 for three months of coaching*
$1,500 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot, remaining $1,500 due two weeks before Kickoff Call

*Due to the nature of my offerings, refunds are not available.

Here's what clients & colleagues have to say about working with me:

“Working with Stephanie is absolutely wonderful. It’s hard to find another person so deeply passionate about and experienced with children’s literature. She is extremely knowledgeable; having worked in nearly every field of the book world, you won’t find anyone more qualified than her. In addition to her dedication to children’s literature, Stephanie is a staunch advocate and leader for social justice and DEI locally and globally, and of course, in books. Along with Stephanie’s impressive background and skills, her warmth and compassion are not to be understated. Friendly and open to ideas, and just an overall wonderful human being, Stephanie is the person you want in your corner."

-Tildy Lutts, Bookstore Manager, Children's Book Buyer, and Gift Buyer at Belmont Books

“Working with Stephanie is truly an honor. She challenges me to challenge myself. I know that with her expert advice and insightful contributions anyone will benefit exponentially from her coaching.”

- Sara Hines, Owner & Book Buyer, Eight Cousins Books

“Stephanie has been a children’s book buyer, librarian, award committee member, and book reviewer. So she is well-versed in children’s literature from a variety of perspectives and with a wide breadth of knowledge. In addition, she is a DEI educator, facilitator, consultant, and sensitivity/authenticity reader.

I have worked with Stephanie as a consultant on a large-scale DEI project and as a sensitivity reader for MANY books at Chronicle Books. She is the best sensitivity reader I’ve worked with. Her feedback is always insightful: to the point, while also digging deep. She is a compassionate partner in a crisis, and she has consistently delivered helpful, timely reads on book after book. She is a trusted go-to partner for many other editors as well.

Stephanie is a wealth of knowledge and wisdom, and I have been so grateful for our partnerships. I can’t recommend her highly enough.”

- Ariel Richardson, Senior Editor, Children’s at Chronicle Books

"I have had the pleasure of working with Stephanie in a number of roles under the children's publishing umbrella. Always insightful and creative with an incredible knowledge of children's literature, her ability to predict trends and position titles is unparalleled."

-Emma Sector, Marketing and Publicity Manager, Storey Publishing and former literary agent with Prospect Agency

Ready to start working with me? Here are the next steps:

Fill out this intake form and I’ll respond via email to schedule an introductory discovery call
Then the adventure begins! Once you’re officially signed up, we'll schedule biweekly discovery calls over the span of three months
You’ll get 24/7 access to the Questions Portal where you can add any questions you may have along that we will discuss during our biweekly discovery calls

Interested but have questions? Contact me via email!

I look forward to working with you!

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