I’ve been getting about 3-4 notifications of offers of representation each week since I opened back up to queries. This is just a gentle reminder to please set a reasonable timeframe if you really wish others to be able to read and get back to you. FWIW I would say two weeks is reasonable.

My dog is in her absolute glory this morning when it feels like 16 degrees. When it’s really cold she’ll close her eyes, push her head forward, and smile into the wind. So many people who looked miserable going into work smiled when they saw her 💗

Am reading: THE TELLER OF SMALL FORTUNES by Julie Leong

Thanks all who attended the @storytimesprint.bsky.social Zoom launch for The Abominable Snow Dancer! I had a blast, and it was the perfect way to kick off my debut picture book launch events. If you missed it, I still have a few in-person Bay Area events coming up: www.stephlaubooks.com/events

Current read: THE WEAVER AND THE WITCH QUEEN by Genevieve Gornichec

"I asked ChatGPT" "I asked Grok" ok well I asked Gandalf and he said he has not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm

This book is incredible. The audio is BEYOND. Currently reading: THE MAID AND THE CROCODILE by Jordan Ifueko

I’ve received a lot of queries through my main inbox today. Please *only* send to my query email or to Query Manager. Sending to my main inbox is how you’ll get lost!

COVER REVEAL, and brrrrr ice ice baby ❄️!!! The Incorruptibles 2 is available for preorder now: www.simonandschuster.com/books/Lightm... Cover art: @devinellekurtz.bsky.social Cover design: Tiara Iandiorio Publisher: @simonkids.bsky.social Editor: Kara Sargent Agent: @allielevick.bsky.social

New LUCKY BUG comic today over on my Substack newsletter 🐞 ✏️ #kidlit #comics

Quick query update. I’ve been open for about a month and I’m averaging somewhere between 300-350 queries per week. I know it’s frustrating to wait for a reply but…there are a lot of queries! It takes time to get to everything. I love being open to work and I’m excited to keep diving in.

Pals. Your dog should not be off leash if they are going to sprint at a strange dog from 100 feet away. You don’t know whether my dog is aggressive. I don’t know whether your dog is aggressive. You don’t know whether my dog is immune compromised (she is). This is a recipe for disaster. Do better.

I’m popping through #DVPit as I’m able today! If I 💗 your material and you feel we’d be a good fit please send the query and first 25 pages to me at alevick(@)writershouse(.)com For illustrators, please send along a dummy or link to your portfolio! Can’t wait to have a peek!

I have a second library card now and I think this might be too much power.

Big day! Finally starting THE BEWITCHING by Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

🍁 Hello friends! I’m joining #kidlitpostcard a wee bit late (I’m on deadline) but had to post something cuz this is my fav time of year. (Hooray for crunchy leaves & pumpkin spice!) I’m rep’d by @allielevick.bsky.social at Writers House. For more work visit my website at www.MeridthSaysHello.com 🍂

Pleased* to announce my second picture book! MEDUSA'S PET ROCK is slated to launch Fall 2026, with @harpercollins.bsky.social *Pleasssssssed Thanks to my agent @allielevick.bsky.social and editor Megan Ilnitzki for loving this story as much as I do ❤️🐍🏺 Can't wait for you all to read it! #kidlit

Got my Covid booster tonight (ok and cupcakes, I also got cupcakes).

Current read: THE KNIGHT AND THE MOTH by Rachel Gillig

Query tip: make sure you get someone who knows *nothing* about your book to read your query and explain the story back to you. You might find you’ve overemphasized some elements or confused them with others. An agent won’t know anything about your project, it needs to make sense to someone fresh!

If you find yourself thinking, I’ve washed this lime green beach towel a million times. What could it hurt to throw it in with the white towel load?! I’m going to invite you to rethink your choices. With love from the lady with ever so slightly neon towels

A couple reminders for the querying crowd: Dark romance? Not for me. Murder mysteries? Not for me. Picture book text only? Not for me. Graphic novel scripts? Not for me. Screenplays? Not for me.

HAPPY RELEASE DAY CESAR!!! Woke up late but had to do a little photo shoot to celebrate release day! The Golden Boy’s Guide to Bipolar is finally out in the world and I couldn’t be more proud 🥰

I’ve opened back up to queries! Please *only* use my Query Manager form or my query email. Anything sent to my main email will be deleted. I’m excited to dive into new work!! MSWL: www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/alev...

Evening walkies, fall edition: That’s not your acorn. That’s not your acorn. That’s not your leaf. That’s not your acorn.

I was worried I’d gotten to Kpop demon hunters too late after everyone was hyping it up. No. Y’all didn’t hype it up enough. Do better. I *LOVED* this movie and the wider world it created. Holy moly.

*whispers* I’m opening to queries 9/15. 👀👀👀

It's back to school, you've got the perfect dress, and *someone* had to go and wear the same thing. I'm Steph, author-illustrator & former pastry chef. I make picture books & graphic novels, usually with a splash of mischief #KidLitArtPostcard Rep: @allielevick.bsky.social www.stephlaubooks.com

Thrilled to say that I'm now represented by @allielevick.bsky.social at Writer's House! Her enthusiasm, encouragement, and vision for my story about— 🤫 Family secrets 🏚️ A creepy house in a small town 🌳 Spooky woods that have seen some sh*t —makes her the perfect champion!

Periodic reminder to back your computer up!

Latest read.

Hi all, I’m finally dipping into #QueerPit!! If I 💗 your pitch, please feel free to send your query and first 25 pages pasted in the body of the email to alevick(@)writershouse(.)com Thanks! 🎉

Yesterday, a picture book hurt me emotionally. Today, a YA is doing psychological damage. This is a harrowing job 😂

The school across the street is having their farm day (????) so I’ve got a symphony of roosters, turkeys, and a cow this morning.

New read: A HOUSE WITH GOOD BONES by T. Kingfisher

Absolutely adored the first book, already loving the second only 15 pages in✨ A WITCH’S GUIDE TO MAGICAL INNKEEPING by Sangu Mandanna

SINNERS was great, but it was even better having just read THE BUFFALO HUNTER HUNTER. *chef’s kiss*

Posting an oldie for #kidlitartpostcard. I'm Steph, an author-illustrator of picture books & graphic novels. I make stories with misfits and mischief. My debut PB, The Abominable Snow Dancer (Penguin Workshop) is coming out this Nov! 🍧Website: www.stephlaubooks.com 🐶Rep: @allielevick.bsky.social

Current read: BUFFALO HUNTER HUNTER by Stephen Graham Jones Told myself I could listen while I cleaned, now I’m looking for extra things to clean 😂

I just watched an influencer spend 20 min taking pictures of their breakfast only to bring multiple other plates of less aesthetic food over when the camera went away. A stark reminder of curation.

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST DAYS OF MY LIFE 🥹 Presenting the book cover of “I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy,” written by myself and illustrated by my friend Lorraine Nam. Published by Random House Children’s Books 🐧💚 Preorder at bit.ly/ISHYH-Reveal 📖✨

Yesterday, I got to email someone the phrase “hot diggety!” What do we know from this? 1. We got some *supremely* cool news. 2. I am a goober.

DAY TWO storytime! #LesbianaRereadChallenge Prompt: Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Before Capitalism: What is the most creatively unhinged thing you've ever done for money? In high school, I quickly learned that when you ask your peers if they have a dollar for lunch money, they say no. BUT...

Summer Friday flowers✨

Merlin Bird ID is such magic. I spent the whole weekend identifying little birds and having a grand old time 😊

More obligatory flowers. No idea what they are, but I love them!

Peep that beautiful red peony 👀

If you think COVID vaccines should continue to be available to all: take 5 min and add your comments at the link below. (Advice for what to say in the linked thread.)

Current read

Delightful.