There are a few occupational hazards to being an editor in children’s publishing. One is how often people feel compelled to tell you their book ideas—sometimes in unexpected (and unwelcome) circumstances. We asked editors about the most unusual places they’ve been pitched a children’s book.
Dana Leydig
Executive editor and associate publishing director, Viking Children’s Books
I was pitched a book mid-labor at the hospital, by the anesthesiologist who came in to do my epidural. He was very polite, asking what I do for a living, and I told him I’m a children’s book editor. Well, that got him all charged up. He started pitching me this book that not only wasn’t for kids but was so niche, I struggled to think of who the target audience might be. He did all this while pinballing around the room preparing for the procedure. You’d think this would make me more anxious, but it actually took my mind off what was about to happen when I stopped to think of the absurdity of it all. Needless to say, I did not offer to review his material. And while I can’t speak to his future as an author, he earns top marks for his medical skills. The rest of my labor was a breeze.
Christopher Franceschelli
President, Handprint Books/Chronicle
Years ago, I was returning home from Boston, as usual very late for a plane at Logan. Clutching my work bag and with several children’s book catalogs under my arm, I tried to rush through security, grateful that neither I nor my bag triggered the metal detector. So I was surprised and dismayed when the TSA agent pulled me aside. No, there was absolutely nothing suspicious, the agent assured me, but he’d noticed the catalogs and figured if he detained me, he might get a few pointers on how to get published. In fact, he had a children’s book manuscript in his break room he’d happily give me if only I might just wait another minute or two.... That was a manuscript that never got read.
Frances Gilbert
VP, editor in chief, Doubleday Books for Young Readers
I once bought a pair of shoes on eBay. The seller must have Googled my name when she got my mailing info, because the shoes arrived with a picture book manuscript inside the box.
Karen Boss
Senior editor, Charlesbridge
I was recently at a social event at a friend’s house, and an older man asked what I do for a living. I said I’m a children’s book editor, something I often don’t share because the chance for pitches is so high. He said, “How often does someone try to pitch you a book after you tell them that?” I replied, “Way too often,” and I laughed kindly. He stopped for a beat and then said, “Well, it’s my son’s book—so I’m going to tell you about it.” And off he went. He stopped short of pushing for my contact info or to ask if his son could be in touch, which I very much appreciated!
Jean Feiwel
SVP and publisher, Feiwel and Friends
I’ve always wanted to recount this story! Early on in my career I was at a conference in Dallas. I was meant to give a speech. I was very nervous and broke out in a case of hives all over my body. One of our sales reps very nicely drove me to a local clinic. I was seen very quickly, went into a changing space and put on a gown. When I came out to meet the doctor, he was looking at my chart and said, “I see you’re in children’s books. I have a great story for kids. Do you mind if I tell it to you?” He did tell it to me. I don’t remember what he said. All I remember was getting some kind of antihistamine—and itching throughout the conference.
Liesa Abrams
VP, editor in chief, Labyrinth Road
My two greatest/worst book pitch stories ever were from a dentist while he was removing my wisdom teeth, and from a rabbi who was about to speak at my grandmother’s funeral. In the former, I was under local anesthetic but wide awake and obviously couldn’t speak while I had to listen to this dentist detail his winning idea for a children’s adventure story. He must have just been excited to have a trapped audience, because he clearly knew I couldn’t give him feedback! At my grandmother’s funeral, the rabbi introduced himself to me before the service and then said, “I hear you’re an editor of books for kids.” I was immediately on guard, but couldn’t quite fathom he’d really be so brazen. Well, he was—because the next words out of his mouth were, “I’m working on this project you might be interested in....” Thankfully, neither the dentist nor the rabbi followed up with me.
Zoie Konneker
Assistant editor, Peachtree
One of my guilty pleasures is having my astrological chart read by an astrologer once a year at the Renaissance Fair. Each reading takes up to 20 minutes and is, of course, very expensive. The last time I sat for a reading, the astrologer asked how much I knew about astrology. I admitted that I was very interested in the subject and eager to learn more. The reading went on as usual, but once we got to discussing the 10th house—the position in the sky that rules your career—I explained that I was an editorial assistant at a children’s book publisher and accidentally derailed the session for a full 10 minutes.
Seizing her opportunity, she pitched me a picture book she had written to explain astrology to young children. I listened in horror. At that time, I had no power over acquisitions, and I could tell by her description that even if the project was absolutely fabulous, it wasn’t a good fit for the publisher I worked for. I felt completely caught off guard and terrified to hurt her feelings. I tried to be encouraging and get the reading back on track. After it was over, she asked a few more questions about publishing and I took her card, but unfortunately, nothing came of it. I hope one day she gets to publish that book—I would definitely buy it!
Mark Siegel
Editorial director, First Second Books
Does an unusual location on the calendar count? Nothing like receiving a pitch at 7:30 a.m. on January 1st.
Jill Santopolo
VP and publisher, Philomel Books
When I first started working in children’s editorial, I thought that being pitched a children’s book manuscript at a family friend’s bridal shower was jaw-dropping—that is, until my dad started getting pitched children’s books on my behalf. My father was an endodontist, and while he was performing a root canal on a patient, the patient said to him, “I heard your daughter is a children’s book editor. I wrote a manuscript I think she might like.” My dad listened to the synopsis while he drilled, and then gave the patient my email address. When he called to tell me about it, he said he hoped he’d found me the next Harry Potter. He, of course, had not, though I did appreciate his enthusiasm and desire to help. But since those were the days of slush piles, I told him to please give my mailing address from then on. He did end up sending a few other patients my way, but, disappointingly to him, I never published any of them.