Work-for-Hire Author Shares How She Wrote 50+ Kids Books | Writing Career Tips & Publishing Paths

Join award-winning author Aubre Andrus as she reveals how she built a thriving nonfiction writing career through work-for-hire publishing! With 50+ books for Scholastic, National Geographic Kids, American Girl, and more, Aubre shares insider tips on breaking into children's book publishing WITHOUT an agent.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What work-for-hire really means (and why it's more creative than you think)
• How to network with editors and land your first work-for-hire gig
• The skills publishers look for when hiring freelance authors How to write fast without sacrificing quality
• Tips for self-publishing children's books (including what Aubre wishes she'd done differently)
• How work-for-hire can be an "author bootcamp" for your career

Featured Books: • Chi Chi's Story (Scholastic) • America Celebrates (Quarto) • The Lookup Series (self-published STEM biographies) • Smart Girl's Guide series (American Girl)

Perfect for: Children's book authors, nonfiction writers, freelance writers, aspiring authors, teachers, librarians, and anyone exploring alternative publishing paths.

Connect with Aubre Andrus: Website: AubreAndrus.com

Resources Mentioned: • Writing for the Educational Market by Laura Purdie Salas • Darcy Pattison's "Publish" (self-publishing guide) • SCBWI conferences

[00:00:00] What Is Work-for-Hire? The Writing Prompt Approach

[00:01:00] Real Examples: From Travel Guides to Quiz Books

[00:03:00] Journey from Magazine Editor to 50+ Book Author

[00:06:00] Breaking Down Work-for-Hire vs Traditional Publishing

[00:09:00] Essential Skills for Landing Work-for-Hire Gigs

[00:12:00] Networking Strategies & Getting Your Foot in the Door

[00:15:00] Managing Tight Deadlines & Writing Fast

[00:17:00] Research Strategies for Fast Nonfiction Writing

[00:19:00] Why Self-Publish? The Lookup Series Story

[00:22:00] Self-Publishing for Kids: Costs, Challenges & Kickstarter Tips

[00:25:00] Choosing Your Publishing Path: Agent vs Work-for-Hire vs Self-Publishing

[00:27:00] Writing to Market & What Makes Books Sell

[00:29:00] Upcoming Books & Final Advice for Nonfiction Authors

Join host Kirsten W. Larson for a deep-dive craft conversation with award-winning nonfiction author Deborah Heiligman—known for Vincent and Theo, Charles and Emma, Torpedoed, and her newest YA biography, Loudmouth: Emma Goldman vs. America, A Love Story.

In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, Deborah breaks down her entire narrative nonfiction process:

• How she researches using primarily primary sources

• How to build tension-packed scenes in nonfiction

• Why young adult biography is about telling a story, not being a scholar

• How she finds her mantra for each book

• Why she starts her biographies in the middle

• The surprising challenges of writing Loudmouth

• What she hopes young readers take away from Emma Goldman’s story

Whether you're writing children’s nonfiction, YA biography, narrative nonfiction, or simply love craft discussions with master writers, this episode is rich with insights you won’t want to miss. 📚

Books discussed:

• Loudmouth: Emma Goldman vs America, A Love Story

• Vincent and Theo

• Charles and Emma

• Torpedoed

• She Persisted: Clara Lemlich

🔗 Learn more about Deborah Heiligman: deborahheiligman.com

🔗 Learn more about host Kirsten W. Larson: kirstenwlarson.com

00:00 – Welcome to Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations

00:39 – Introducing Loudmouth & Why Emma Goldman

02:04 – From Clara Lemlich to Emma Goldman

03:51 – Who Was Emma Goldman?

05:36 – Writing Biography: Hook, Theme & Mantra

08:55 – Finding the Book’s Shape & Mantra

11:45 – The Messy Process of Finding What a Book Is About

13:29 – Deborah’s Research Process: Primary Sources First

17:10 – When Secondary Sources Matter

19:11 – Avoiding Bias & Forming Your Own Interpretation

23:05 – When Research Turns Into Writing

25:56 – Choosing Where to Start a Nonfiction Story

27:57 – Building Mystery in Nonfiction Structure

30:51 – Crafting Scenes in Narrative Nonfiction

33:14 – When Research Contradicts Itself

37:01 – Balancing Emotion, Fact, & Tension

43:22 – Nonfiction Details: What You Can and Can’t Include

45:45 – YA vs. Adult Nonfiction: What’s the Difference?

49:34 – What She Hopes Readers Take Away

50:16 – The Amazing Scene That Didn’t Make the Book

52:30 – Where to Find Deborah Heiligman

53:40 – Closing Thoughts & How to Support the Podcast

Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q3KYjmcvyBGfeYBuTqY60dE8koU5eae8/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111347193035867287487&rtpof=true&sd=true

How do you write an authentic story rooted in a real place and culture?

In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, host Kirsten W. Larson talks with Sandhya Acharya, author of Living Bridges: The Hidden World of India’s Woven Trees, illustrated by Avani Dwivedi.

Discover how Sandhya turned her immersive travel research in Meghalaya, India, into a stunning informational fiction picture book about the living root bridges made from ficus trees and tended by the Khasi people.

You’ll learn:

✔️How a spark of inspiration led to years of research and discovery

✔️The role of immersive, on-the-ground research in shaping authentic children’s stories

✔️Ways to respectfully connect with experts and communities to ensure cultural accuracy

✔️How to balance fiction and nonfiction in informational picture books

✔️Tips for capturing sensory details and emotional impressions while in the field

This conversation is a must-listen for children’s book authors, nonfiction writers, and educators seeking to bring rich, authentic details into their stories.

📖 Living Bridges: The Hidden World of India’s Woven Trees is available wherever books are sold. Learn more on Sandhya's website. https://www.sandhyaacharya.com/

🔗 Transcript, summary, and writing resources at Kirstenwlarson.com.

Key moments:

00:00 – Introduction: Living Bridges and Authentic Storytelling

01:00 – Inspiration: A Spark from Bridges and Gratitude

05:00 – Research from Afar: Falling Down the Rabbit Hole

07:00 – From Nonfiction to Informational Fiction

09:00 – Traveling to Meghalaya: Immersive Research in Action

12:00 – Writing with All Five Senses

15:00 – Cultural Authenticity and Community Collaboration

18:00 – The Power of Fictional Elements in True Stories

23:00 – Collaboration with Illustrator Avani Dwivedi

27:00 – What’s Next for Sandhya

🎙️ Episode 16: Writing Across Genres and Age Categories in KidLit

How do successful children’s authors move seamlessly between board books, picture books, early readers, middle grade, and even books for adults—without losing their voice or audience?

Host Kirsten W. Larson sits down with award-winning authors Marzieh Abbas (A Dupatta Is…, Yasmeen Lari: Green Architect, Aarzu All Around) and Valerie Bolling (Let’s Dance!, Ride Roll Run: Time for Fun!, A Flea for Justice, Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom) to discuss how they write “all the things.” You’ll hear how they:

• Balance fiction, nonfiction, and informational fiction
• Adjust craft for different age levels
• Use mentor texts to grow across forms
• Manage career focus and creative bandwidth
• Say yes to opportunities that expand their writing lives

Perfect for children’s authors, teachers, and anyone curious about the creative and business sides of kidlit.

🔗 https://marziehabbas.com/

🔗 https://www.valeriebolling.com/

📚 Learn more: kirstenwlarson.com | writers.kirstenwlarson.com

00:00 Ep. 16 - Writing Across Genres and Age Categories in Kid Lit

00:07 Title: Writing Across Genres and Age Categories in Kid Lit

00:38 Chapter 1: Meet Our Guests

01:55 Chapter 2: Exploring Different Forms of Writing

09:53 Chapter 3: Craft Considerations Across Genres

42:44 Chapter 4: Career Impact of Writing Across Genres

50:39 Chapter 5: Future Writing Goals

In this episode of the Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations podcast, host Kirsten W. Larson interviews award-winning nonfiction author Melissa Stewart. They discuss Stewart's five kinds of nonfiction classification system, its impact on writers, educators, and publishers, and the importance of expository nonfiction. Stewart shares insights on finding the perfect hook for manuscripts, how nonfiction authors connect emotionally with their topics, and how her research process shapes engaging books for young readers. They also spotlight Stewart's new book "From BAM! to BURP," including her initial inspiration during a school visit.

00:00 Welcome to Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations

00:17 Introducing Melissa Stewart and Her Work

01:30 Exploring the Five Kinds of Nonfiction

06:25 Impact on Educators, Librarians, and Publishers

08:56 Addressing Misconceptions About Expository Literature

13:39 Emotional Connection in Nonfiction Writing

18:02 The Importance of a Strong Hook

21:05 Finding the Perfect Hook: A Journey

24:44 Staying Organized as a Prolific Author

27:20 The Phases of Research

28:40 Deciding What Stays and What Goes

31:11 Introducing 'From BAM! to Burp!'

31:47 The Hook and Approach for Complex Topics

33:52 Personifying a Carbon Atom

37:23 Trends in Children's Nonfiction

40:58 Upcoming Book: Monarch and Mourning Cloak

46:00 Final Thoughts and Advice for Writers

46:29 Conclusion and Podcast Outro

Find more resources on Melissa's website: https://melissa-stewart.com/

Kirsten's website: https://kirstenwlarson.com/

Support the podcast through our Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/NonfictionKidlitPodcast

Welcome to the Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations podcast! In this episode, host Kirsten Larson sits down with Emily Starr, founder of Starrmatica, to explore the craft and business of writing true stories for kids—especially in STEM and science education.

Discover how to inspire curiosity in young learners, the latest trends in elementary science classrooms, and actionable tips for authors and educators to make science engaging and accessible.

Emily shares her expertise on integrating nonfiction picture books into science curricula, the impact of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and how authors can align their work with classroom needs without sacrificing creativity.

Whether you’re a children’s author, educator, or parent passionate about STEM, this episode is packed with insights, book recommendations, and practical strategies.

Join Emily's science workshops for children's writers here (or purchase the replays): https://starrmatica.com/kidlitscienceseries/

Timestamps / Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction: Meet Emily Starr & Starrmatica

01:00 - Emily’s Background and Mission in Science Education

03:17 - The State of Science Learning in US Classrooms

05:31 - Why Elementary Science Matters: Sparking Curiosity Early

07:45 - Common Misconceptions & The Importance of Early Science

10:00 - How Science is Taught Today: Time, Challenges, and Opportunities

13:05 - The Shift to Inquiry-Based Science & NGSS Overview

16:20 - Challenges Teachers Face Bringing Science to Classrooms

18:20 - How Authors Can Support Teachers with STEM Books

21:00 - What Makes a Great STEM Picture Book for Classrooms

24:00 - Designing Books to Nurture Curiosity and Inquiry

27:00 - Book Structures & Storytelling Techniques that Spark Inquiry

30:00 - Using Books to Model Scientific Thinking & Practices

33:00 - Advice for Authors: Aligning with Classrooms Without Losing Creativity

36:00 - Emily’s Book Recommendations & Standout STEM Titles

39:00 - Emily’s Upcoming Book and Author Workshops

41:00 - Final Advice for Children’s Nonfiction Authors

43:00 - Where to Find Emily Starr’s Resources & Closing

Keywords: nonfiction kid lit, STEM books for kids, science education, elementary science, inquiry-based learning, Next Generation Science Standards, NGSS, children’s book author, writing for kids, science picture books, author resources, teacher resources, book recommendations, Emily Starr, Kirsten Larson, Starrmatica, curriculum guides, science teaching tips, inspiring curiosity, children’s nonfiction, podcast

Ready to take control of your children's book publishing journey? Join host Kirsten Larson as she interviews self-publishing expert Darcy Pattison, who has successfully published 70+ children's books through her own publishing house, Mim's House Books.

What You'll Learn:

• When self-publishing is the right choice vs. traditional publishing
• How to develop your art directing skills for picture books
• Essential business skills every indie author needs
• Marketing strategies that actually work for children's books
• How to get your books into schools and libraries
• The truth about making money in self-publishing
• Using Kickstarter for book launches and pre-orders

Key Takeaways:

• Why self-publishing is about "abundance vs. scarcity"
• The importance of building a backlist for long-term success
• How to find and work with illustrators (contracts included!)
• Metadata that boost discoverability
• Why one book won't make you rich (and what will)

📖 About Darcy Pattison: Award-winning children's author with 8 traditionally published books and 70+ self-published titles. Founder of Mim's House Books and creator of the upcoming guide "Publish: Find Surprising Success Self-Publishing Your Children's Book."

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Mim's House Books: mimshousebooks.com
• Indie Kids Books blog: indiekidsbooks.com
• Darcy's Kickstarter (launches Sept 15): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/darcypattison/publish?ref=profile_created&category_id=48

Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome & Introducing Darcy Pattison

01:48 – Darcy’s Publishing Journey

05:00 – Betting on Yourself as a Creator

08:03 – Why Self-Publishing? Speed, Profit & Control

11:30 – The Power of Series and Backlist

14:45 – Misconceptions About Self-Publishing 18:12 – Becoming Your Own Art Director

22:30 – Ensuring Quality for Schools and Libraries

26:48 – Distribution, Metadata & Marketing Strategy

32:55 – Kickstarter for Children’s Books

Perfect for: Children's book authors, illustrators, indie publishers, picture book creators, nonfiction writers, anyone considering self-publishing

Want to finally finish your writing projects? Discover the accountability system that's helped two children's authors publish dozens of books!

In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, host Kirsten Larson sits down with fellow children's author Marcie Colleen to reveal their secret weapon: an 8-year accountability partnership that starts at 5:30 AM every weekday.

What You'll Learn:

• How to find the perfect accountability partner for writers
• Different accountability systems that actually work (not just morning check-ins!)
• The "Adequate Daily Progress" hack for preventing frustration
• How to stay motivated during tough creative periods (including pandemic writing!)
• Why is only takes small chunks of writing time to make your book a reality
• Where to find accountability partners in writing communities

Perfect for: Children's book writers, picture book authors, middle grade writers, nonfiction authors, freelance writers, anyone struggling with writing consistency

Guest: Marcie Colleen - Author of "Happy Friendsgiving" and multiple children's books, comics, and graphic novels

Resources Mentioned:

12x12 Picture Book Writing Challenge

"The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron

"Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert

Marcie's "Last 100 Days" writing workshop; email Marcie here for information.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Meet the 8-Year Writing Partnership

02:30 - How We Started: From Critique Partners to 5:30 AM Accountability

07:45 - What Is an Accountability Partner? (Definition & Benefits)

15:20 - Different Accountability Systems That Work

18:45 - Blocking Distractions: Email, Social Media & Focus Strategies

21:10 - Grace vs. Discipline: When to Push vs. Rest

24:45 - Goal Setting Without the Overwhelm

28:00 - Writing Through COVID: Staying Creative During Crisis

31:40 - The "Big Magic" Approach to Writer's Block

34:50 - Habit Formation: Don't Get Off the Bus

37:25 - Where to Find Your Perfect Accountability Partner

39:45 - The 100 Days Challenge: Year-End Writing Goals

42:30 - Lightning Round: Productivity Tools & Recent Wins

44:15 - The "Adequate Daily Progress" Method Explained

47:30 - Making Invisible Work Visible: To-Do List Hacks

49:20 - Final Thoughts: Small Steps, Big Results