Welcome back to Meet the Faculty! In anticipation of the SCBWI-L.A. Working Writers Retreat on September 29–October 1, we’re getting to know the agents and editors who will be sharing their time and expertise at the event. This week we spoke with agent Sera Rivers and editor Sydnee Monday. Read on to discover what they look for in books and tips for making the most of the retreat!

(And if you’re inspired and would like to hear more from Sera and Sydnee, you can register for the retreat here! Registration will close at 11:59pm on Thursday, September 14.)

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Sera Rivers is an agent at Speilburg Literary Agency. She started reading at age four and has been obsessed with books ever since. A longtime member of SCBWI, she has worked as an author and editor. Now an agent, she represents middle grade and young adult novels, as well as select picture books. She believes that words have the power to change lives and is especially interested in inclusive narratives with authentic representation. Find her online @writeloudly.

Judy Faulkner: Thank you for joining us! What are you most looking forward to about the upcoming retreat?

Sera Rivers: Writing retreats are pure magic for me. I love getting together with other writers, agents, and editors to discuss all things writing and the publishing industry. It invigorates me. I love the brainstorming process and helping others see aspects of their story that might be missing because they’re too close to it. I’m excited to share the knowledge I’ve gained over the years as an agent, a writer, and an editor and to learn from the other faculty members and attendees. I always walk away learning at least one new thing from conferences and retreats!

JF: And sometimes you meet future clients! Can you tell us about your newest client and how you met?

SR: My newest client is Delia Ruiz. We met last October at an SCBWI conference when I critiqued her picture book. I really loved her story, and we shared a similar vision for it. She queried me in April with a different picture book, which was near perfect. When I reviewed her other picture book manuscripts and YA synopsis, I knew I had to sign her. Delia’s stories are about family and her Mexican American culture, and she beautifully weaves Spanish throughout the text. Her writing is lyrical, and her stories are truly special.

JF: How inspiring! What special item(s) would you encourage attendees (and all kidlit writers) to pack in their writer’s suitcase?

SR: I’m all about bringing favorite pens! Mine are Pentel Energel in multiple colors. Using different colors for different types of manuscript notes is really motivating and inspiring—and also really fun! I strongly recommend bringing a notebook. Sometimes writing with pen and paper can unlock pieces of your story that you’re struggling with. There is something magical about the physical act of moving thoughts to paper.

I also recommend business cards to easily connect with other writers after the retreat. If you don’t want to bring physical business cards, exchange contact info while there. And most importantly, bring an open mind and throw out all expectations! Just enjoy where the creativity and inspiration take you!

JF: Thank you! We’re looking forward to seeing you and your Energels there!

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Sydnee Monday is an associate editor at Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House that focuses on “centering historically marginalized stories and making space for storytellers to explore the full range of their experiences.” She’s assisted on titles such as the New York Times bestselling picture book Hair Love and National Book Award finalists Patron Saints of Nothing and The Legend of Auntie Po. Follow her online @sydneemonday.

JUDY FAULKNER: Welcome to Kite Tales! We’re excited to have you. How did you get started in publishing?

SYDNEE MONDAY: I graduated from Howard University with a degree in film and a minor in English, but I somehow never thought about publishing as a career possibility for me until about a year out of college when I was working in arts journalism in DC. I moved up to the NYC area [to work at Kokila]. I grew up in the Dallas area, and even though I went to school in DC, I think my path illustrates how geographically centralized publishing was pre-pandemic.

JF: What made you want to become an editor?

SM: Inner child work mostly—the ages of 4-8 are so impactful and generative that I knew that I’d benefit from thinking about childhood and children in a creative capacity. It’s that mission that helps keep me passionate about the work of making media for young people of color and marginalized people, who disproportionately experience trauma. It’s an immense privilege and responsibility to help walk creators through that process. Books can be an introduction into healing and reconciliation!

JF: Has there been anything in the past year that’s particularly excited you?

SM: I’m currently editing a middle grade novel-in-verse about a young person navigating gender, ADHD, and being a child of immigrants. It’s based on the author’s life, and it excites me because the author is focused on craft while simultaneously chewing through their childhood and thinking of their reader, who might also be working through similar themes.

JF: What do you look for in a project?

SM: Interiority, perception, and authenticity.  

JF: Thank you so much for sharing! Can’t wait to see you at the retreat!

Interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity. To read part 1 with agent Lucy Hamilburg, click here.

For more fantastic content, community, events, and other professional development opportunities, become a member today! Not sure if there is a chapter in your area? Check here.

Photos courtesy of Sera Rivers and Sydnee Monday.

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Kite Tales Co-Managing Editor Judy Y Faulkner is a former Hollywood story analyst, an award-winning writer and photographer, and a 10-year member of SCBWI-L.A. Visit her at judyyfaulkner.com.