“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

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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

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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

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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

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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

The Storytellers Summit is a week-long master class for children’s authors, illustrators, and educators, running January 12–17. Hosted by The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, this immersive event explores children’s literature, storytelling craft, and the business of publishing. The summit concludes with a literary pitch event featuring Syrone Harvey of The Belcastro Literary Agency.

Learn more and reserve your spot at

https://thestorytellersshelfpodcat.com

“A single book can spark confidence, belonging, and a lifelong love of reading.” — Griffin Granberry, Madison Reading Project

This week on THE STORYTELLER’S SHELF PODCAST, we talk with Griffin Granberry and Josh Bulavko of Madison Reading Project about how joyful, high-quality books reach children through book buses, free book fairs, early-literacy programs, and strong partnerships with schools and families. Their stories from the field reveal exactly how the right book at the right time can change a child’s life.

If you want to deepen your craft and strengthen your path in kidlit, join us at the Storyteller’s Shelf Summit, January 12–17 ; A full week of masterclasses, craft intensives, and a live pitch event with Syrone Harvey of Belcastro Agency.

Get your tickets and full details at our website:
https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/storytellers-shelf-summit/

Enjoy a cup of Harney & Sons Fine Teas, blended with care by a family passionate about exceptional tea.
Learn more: https://Harney.com/discount/STORYTELLER

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#childrensbooks #kidlit #literacy #bookaccess #madisonreadingproject #storytellersshelf #writersummit #belcastroagency #harneyandsons #scrivenerforwriters

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“If you don’t understand your publishing contract, you don’t own your career.” — Melissa Nasson

If you’ve ever stared at a book contract and thought, “I’ll just sign it,” this episode is the moment that changes everything.On THE STORYTELLER’S SHELF PODCAST, literary lawyer and former literary agent MELISSA NASSON pulls back the curtain on the clauses, rights, royalties, and hidden traps that shape your entire publishing future.

Whether you are writing picture books, middle grade, YA, or self-publishing your own titles, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence you need before putting pen to paper.Melissa breaks down:

✔️ How royalties really work (and how “net receipts” can destroy your income)

✔️ Predatory hybrid/self-publishing red flags

✔️ Out-of-print and reversion clauses that protect your long-term rights

✔️ Subsidiary rights authors MUST guard (audio, translation, podcast, film/TV, merchandising)

✔️ Contract negotiation strategies that actually work

✔️ How agents and literary lawyers tag-team contract reviews

✔️ Illustrator contracts for self-publishers that protect your IP, characters & sequels

✔️ The clauses authors skim that carry the biggest financial consequencesThis is the contract masterclass every creator wishes they heard before querying, before hiring an illustrator, and definitely before signing a publishing deal.

🎟️ THE STORYTELLER’S SHELF SUMMIT — JAN 12–17A full week of masterclass-level training for authors, illustrators, self-publishers, and publishing professionals — ending with our special live Pitch Event featuring literary agent Syrone Harvey of Belcastro Agency.PLUS: This Summit kicks off our brand-new season of monthly pitch events.

👉 Get your Summit Ticket https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/storytellers-shelf-summit/

☕ Support the Podcast

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#KidLit #KidLitAuthor #PictureBookAuthor #MiddleGradeBooks #YACommunity #PublishingContracts #BookDeal #SelfPublishingTips #HybridPublishing #IndieAuthors #AuthorRights #AmWriting #WritersOfInstagram #AuthorSummit #WritersConference #PitchEvent #WritingMasterclass #StorytellersShelfPodcast #LiteraryLaw #CreativeEntrepreneur

“Growing up in Nashville taught me that storytelling lives in every corner—music, movies, books—and that creative spark never leaves you.” — Adam Rosenbaum

If you’ve ever dreamed of writing middle grade stories but felt your background didn’t “fit,” this episode will inspire you to leap. On THE STORYTELLER’S SHELF PODCAST, we sit down with Nashville native Adam Rosenbaum, the screenwriter-turned-author behind the debut middle grade novel The Ghost Rules—a funny, heartfelt, and slightly spooky adventure that blends humor with healing, grief, and emotional depth.

Adam shares how his screenwriting experience sharpened his storytelling voice, the real journey to finding a literary agent, and why publishing needs more emotionally honest, diverse books for boys. He opens up about balancing writing with parenting four children, building character-driven stories, and how a lighthearted ghost idea became a meaningful exploration of loss for young readers.

As a storyteller shaped by Music City’s creative heartbeat, Adam reflects on how Nashville’s culture—where music, books, film, and artistry intersect—influences his work. This ties beautifully to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a Nashville-rooted program fostering young readers and a lifelong love of stories.

This episode is packed with insights for teachers, librarians, and writers alike:
• Social-emotional learning (SEL)
• Grief support and emotional processing
• Classroom read-alouds or literature circles
• Reluctant readers seeking humor and heart
• Boys needing representation in emotionally honest stories
• School libraries looking to expand middle grade selections

🎧 Listen in to meet a Nashville storyteller whose work deserves a spot on every classroom and library shelf—and gain inspiration for your own creative journey.

📣 Cyber Monday Alert: Today is the last day to grab your tickets to The Storytellers Summit at 40% off! Use code CYBERMONDAY at checkout to save. The Summit runs January 12–17 and includes workshops, craft guidance, and opportunities to pitch to literary professionals. Don’t wait—secure your discounted tickets now: https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/storytellers-shelf-summit/

If you enjoyed this episode, consider buying us a coffee on Ko-Fi to support the show and help us keep bringing you amazing guests.

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What if joyful, musical storytelling could rebuild kids’ love of reading even in a world dominated by screens.

In this episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast we sit down with  ⁨@ericlitwinbooks⁩ , the original author of Pete the Cat and a #1 New York Times bestselling creator whose innovative use of music, rhythm, and storytelling has transformed early literacy for millions of children

"If we want kids to love reading we must out-fun the screens and we can" — Eric Litwin

About Eric Litwin:

Eric Litwin is the author of the original Pete the Cat series including:

I Love My White Shoes, Rocking in My School Shoes, Four Groovy Buttons, and Saves Christmas as well as Groovy Joe, The Nuts, The Power of Joyful Reading, and The Poop SongHis books have sold over 17 million copies worldwide and are celebrated for their engaging use of music, rhyme, and interactive storytelling which support early reading skills.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

How music, rhyme, rhythm, and call-and-response support the five pillars of readingHow interactive storytelling builds vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

Why the attention economy challenges children’s reading habits.

The decade of school performances that shaped Pete the Cat before publicationHow authors can build their own audience and community even when traditionally published.

Writing stories that serve both specific literacy needs and general audiencesHow joy and verbal interaction can compete with digital distractions.

A preview of Eric’s upcoming mindfulness-through-music program for kids, teens, and adults.

Whether you are creating children’s books or supporting young readers in the classroom this episode provides actionable guidance and inspiration.

Explore Eric’s Work and More ResourcesVisit Eric Litwin’s resources and upcoming projects to explore his books, music, literacy tools, and check out our upcoming Storyteller’s Shelf Winter SummitPodcast and Support LinksHANG OUT WITH US AND

GET FREEBIES…and pitch to agents in our events!

https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/

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#teacher #educator #librarylife #library #books #petethecat #mowillems #authortube #authortok #childrensbooks #EarlyLiteracy #WritingForKids #KidLit #KidLitAuthors #Illustrators #Librarians #Teachers #AttentionEconomy #Storytelling #ReadingFoundations #publishingindustry

In this episode, we sit down with YA author and Indie Author Book Expo founder JENN THOMPSON to explore what it truly takes to thrive as a self-published author and create YA stories that genuinely connect with readers.

Jenn opens up about why she founded a nonprofit dedicated to indie authors, how confidence in marketing grows through consistent effort, and why investing in quality editing is essential for building trust with your audience.

We also dive into YA craft through a meaningful lens: how drawing from real-life experiences helps young readers feel understood and supported. Jenn reflects on the moments from her youth that shaped her perspective as a writer and how authenticity continues to guide her storytelling today.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations about kidlit, YA, and the world behind children’s publishing.

☕ Support the podcast:

KOFI → https://ko-fi.com/storytellersshelfpodcast

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