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.

Always greet your neighborhood turkey politely: good morning, good sir! 🦃

See y'all soon 💜

@sonorareyes.bsky.social you’ve done it again! This ARC was AMAZING! Cesar is one of my favorite characters and his story spoke volumes. The way you were able to capture mental health.. PHENOMENAL. Yall watch out for September, because you’re going to want to get your hands on this one! #booksky

👯💃*doing the promo dance*💃👯 Preorders are 25% off at B&N! If you're shopping, I would love if you included my picture book debut, The Abominable Snow Dancer! Link: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-abomin... #BNPreorder #kidlit #books

If you’ve been eyeing THE INCORRUPTIBLES, now is the time to nab it! 25% off B&N through Friday. 🌈 sapphic 🏳️‍⚧️ with many queer characters ⚔️ kickass 🏫 anti-magic school ⭐️ review from Kirkus: “a breathless series opener with a big scope.” So don’t miss your chance to purchase at a discount!

Twice in the last 24 hours I’ve experienced a car going the wrong way into one-way traffic. I’m absolutely begging everyone to please pay attention. Do not endanger those around you.

Marginalized creators! Polish up those manuscripts, #DVPit returns October 2025 on bluesky with over 40 participating agents and editors! #booksky #writersky

Lori Beth Denberg reprised her All That librarian character to do a pro-library, anti-book banning reel and I love it so much??? www.instagram.com/reel/DIK0_bD...

9 weeks until we get a book where sorcerers are tyrannical oppressors—where the influential, rich, and powerful use their strength/magic to punch down. Gee, wonder what gave me that idea… 🙃

1/ This is an illo from DOOR BY DOOR: HOW SARAH McBRIDE BECAME AMERICA’S FIRST OPENLY TRANSGENDER SENATOR (story by Meeg Pincus, art by me.) Unfortunately it’s been challenged/banned since publication. (I just found out it’s 1 of the top 10 most challenged/banned books in Alabama this year.) #kidlit

SUNRISE ON THE REAPING broke me. Please leave me at peace for 5-7 business days.

Everyone is so far ahead of me in SUNRISE ON THE REAPING and so I am just aghast by myself 😭

The first trade review came in for The Incorruptibles, and it’s a ⭐️ STAR ⭐️ from Kirkus!!!!!! Read the whole beautiful thing below or here: www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews... ) Thank you, Kirkus!!! So grateful that the Buttercups, Thistles, and Clovers have been met with such warmth 💛💜💚

ICYMI: Signed/personalized copies of the🩰❄️The Abominable Snow Dancer❄️🩰 are now available at @mrmoppsbooks.bsky.social! Just add any personalization requests to Order Comments, like so. ✨ www.moppsbooks.com/book/9780593... P.S. For industry folks, an interior sneak peek is now on Edelweiss! 😘

This morning someone flipped me off for trying to cross in a crosswalk, so apparently it’s going to be that kind of day 🥴

Smart as a whip, funny, and clever, this little visual metaphor of a picture book is the best possible way to make it crystal clear the responsibilities some kids shoulder. (Fuse 8)