Chatting with Disney-Hyperion Editor Steph Lurie about William’s Winter Nap, Writing Advice & More (Plus Giveaway!)

I sold my first manuscript 20 years ago this month. That sale grew out an SCBWI manuscript critique with editor Allyn Johnston, then at Harcourt. Although Allyn was distinctly lukewarm about that particular story, she offered to look at others, which eventually led to the sale of BABIES ON THE GO.

The second manuscript I sold, THE ESSENTIAL WORLDWIDE MONSTER GUIDE, was a straight-out-of-the-slush-pile story. An editorial assistant at Simon & Schuster plucked it from that infamous mound of manuscripts and shared it with her boss, Stephanie Lurie, who acquired it in early 1998.

Since then, I’ve worked with Steph on many books—with multiple publishers—including my newest, WILLIAM’S WINTER NAP, illustrated by Chuck Groenink. Steph recently paid a visit to  PictureBookBuilders to chat about the book, about other recent favorites, and about Disney-Hyperion’s publishing program. She also shares some excellent advice for picture book writers. Stop by the blog—and be sure to leave a comment there for a chance to win a copy of WILLIAM’S WINTER NAP.