“Ask an Editor” is a forum wherein SCBWI members submit questions that are answered quarterly as part of our Kite Tales blog.
Hi Christine—I’m considering contacting local schools to earn money doing author visits. What are they generally like?
—Brianna, Los Angeles
Hello again, Brianna –
Let’s pick up where we left off last month. You’ve booked your author visit, and now you’re getting ready to spend your time with the class. Remember, each school visit will be unique.
“Ask an Editor” is a forum wherein SCBWI members submit questions that are answered quarterly as part of our Kite Tales blog.
Hi Christine—I’m considering contacting local school to earn money doing author visits. What are they generally like?
—Brianna, Los Angeles
Hello Brianna –
Each school visit is unique. Look into doing this if you feel comfortable speaking in front of people and enjoy interacting with kids. SCBWI.org has helpful information in its publication The Essential Guide to Publishing for Children. The “SCBWI School Visits and Speaking Engagements” section includes helpful articles and a sample contract.
Entranceway to the Jennifer Fisher Nancy Drew Collection at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library
From childhood fandom to literary preservation, one woman has spent decades helping safeguard Nancy Drew’s legacy while building a community for readers who have never stopped believing in the iconic sleuth.
Before there were conventions, archives, or dedicated museum-style collections, there were simply readers.
Readers like Jennifer Fisher, who grew up devouring Nancy Drew mysteries before eventually becoming arguably Nancy Drew’s foremost historian and preservationist, having donated more than 5,000 objects of her own for fans to explore and enjoy at the world’s largest collection of Nancy Drew materials.
And readers like me, a little girl growing up in Toledo with her own shelves full of Nancy Drew mysteries, who also once convinced a furniture store to sell her parents a Nancy Drew book that had been set up as part of a mock–living room display.
Decades later, those two parallel reading journeys converged inside the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, where Fisher’s expansive Nancy Drew Collection now draws visitors from around the country, fans who make literary pilgrimages to see the collection in person.
As Nancy Drew approaches her 100th anniversary, Fisher is working to continue to preserve rare artifacts and publishing history alongside her organizations, the “Nancy Drew Book Fans” and the “Nancy Drew Sleuths,” providing fans with a place to gather and a sense of belonging in celebration of a beloved fictional teenage detective.
In our conversation for SCBWI, Fisher discusses fandom, literary preservation, storytelling authenticity, and why Nancy Drew still resonates nearly a century later.
Philana Marie Boles visits the Jennifer Fisher Nancy Drew Collection during the series’ 95th Anniversary Conference.
Every writer wants to create something that lasts. A book that sells. A story world where readers return again and again, across years, even generations. Little House on the Prairie. The Chronicles of Narnia. Harry Potter. And nearly 100 years after its first publication, Nancy Drew.
Even if it isn’t one’s goal to write a multi-book series, the principles behind Nancy Drew’s staying power apply across genres and formats for all writers to consider. Readers connect with characters they enjoy, understand, and trust.
Originally written for girls aged 12–16, Nancy Drew has expanded into more than 600 mysteries since its debut in 1930 and an IP world that now includes a series for even younger readers, one with college-era stories, a modern reboot, and a contemporary relaunch. Television, film, and video games have sustained a global readership spanning generations, and Nancy Drew is arguably the earliest and most enduring example of a scalable story world.
“Ask an Editor” is a forum wherein SCBWI members submit questions that are answered quarterly as part of our Kite Tales blog.
Hi Christine – I keep hearing about “literary citizenship.” How does this apply to authors?
– KD, Redondo
Hello KD – For me, literary citizenship means establishing and maintaining relationships. It also means giving throughout our careers without expecting something in return; relationships aren’t a 50-50 thing. But, just wait; those relationships will pay off, guaranteed.
“Ask an Editor” is a forum wherein SCBWI members submit questions that are answered quarterly as part of our Kite Tales blog.
Hi Christine – I landed a critique from my dream agent at an upcoming writer’s event. I send in the manuscript ahead of time, then have a Zoom with them. Should I submit my best picture book manuscript or one that I’m struggling with?
– Paula, the Valley
Hello Paula – I’m always happy to hear that people are signing up for critique opportunities. How you proceed depends somewhat on your personality. Are you a planner or a pantser (e.g., you like to fly by the seat of the pants)? Pantsers tend to send in whatever story in whatever condition, figuring any feedback is good, and they’re willing to see where that submission takes them.
However, if you’re more of a planner, then consider the following information.
“Ask an Editor” is a forum wherein SCBWI members submit questions that are answered quarterly as part of our Kite Tales blog.
Hi Christine – I’m selling my book for the first time at an event. What tips can you share? I’m looking for things that have worked well for sales and that were cost-effective.
– Ellie, Pasadena
Hello Ellie – You’ll have fun! That’s one of the great things about being a kidlit author.
Authors who have been there and done that share their tips:
“Ask an Editor” is a forum wherein SCBWI members submit questions that are answered quarterly as part of our Kite Tales blog.
Hi Christine – My book deal has been announced on Publisher’s Weekly but I don’t have an ISBN, exact publication date, or a cover image yet. When should I announce it myself?
– Carrie, Los Angeles
Hello Carrie – Congratulations! It’s exciting seeing the PW announcement—now the world knows! You don’t need to wait for an ISBN or the book cover. In fact, even if you have the book cover, you can use that at a later date as a “book-cover reveal” announcement.
“Ask an Editor” is a forum wherein SCBWI members submit questions that are answered quarterly as part of our Kite Tales blog.
Hi Christine – I’ve been trying to land an agent for four years, but have had no success. Should I self-publish my book?
– Hana, Culver City
Hello Hana – It typically takes 3–5 years from when a manuscript is polished and querying begins until an author lands an agent or publisher, and there is no guarantee a manuscript will get picked up. I understand that’s a long time to wait on a chance.
“Ask an Editor” is a forum wherein SCBWI members submit questions that are answered quarterly as part of our Kite Tales blog.
Hi Christine – Should I post all or part of my manuscript on my website? I’m pre-published and seeking an agent.
—Stan, Los Angeles
Hello Stan – I realize it seems simpler to have your work on your website and have others come there to view it, but that goes against the expectations of our industry and increases your chances that your ideas or content may be used in ways that do not benefit you.
Kite Tales 