Gianna Lakenauth, Editor - KNOPF BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS

Gianna Lakenauth is an editor at Knopf Books for Young Readers, an imprint at Penguin Random House, where she acquires picture books through young adult fiction. She especially loves stories with big emotions. Gianna is also a writer, with her debut picture book and middle-grade set to be published in 2027. Gianna holds a BA in Applied Psychology and an MS in Publishing from Pace University. She lives in NYC with her cat and husband, where you can find her editing, writing, and exploring the city.

https://www.giannalakenauth.com/

10:10 AM - 11:10 AM - BREAKOUT WORKSHOPS

How to Start Writing and Keep Writing [ALL]

- In this session we will explore different methods on brainstorming for a new project and how to start writing and keep writing. We will also touch on tools to navigate creative blocks and stumbles. There will be a 20 minute working session to either brainstorm or work through a creative block.

Presented by Gianna Lakenauth, Editor | KNOPF BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS

1:05 PM -2:05 PM - BREAKOUT WORKSHOPS

Finding the Emotional Heart of Your Story [ALL]

- A deep dive on writing the story you want to tell, with a focus on delivering emotional impact.

Presented by Gianna Lakenauth, Editor | KNOPF BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS

Gianna will provide 30 written critiques for board books/picture books, 5 written critiques for middle grade, and 10 written critiques for young adult novels. If you purchase one of Gianna's critiques, you will need to prepare the following:

Board Books or Picture Books - send one complete picture book manuscript, no more than 800 words as a PDF file.

Novels - send 10 pages of the manuscript and a one-page synopsis for your better understanding of the work as a whole in one PDF file. Note: the 10 pages do not include the synopsis.

Your critique materials will need to be received no later than Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Gianna will accept submissions from attendees following the conference beginning Monday, November 16, 2026, to December 31, 2026.

She is open to submissions the following categories and genres:

Category – young adult, only picture books that are humorous or character driven.

Genre – fiction, nonfiction, historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, realistic, horror, mystery, romance, biographies/memoirs, informational, humorous, STEM/STEAM, poetry/rhyme, folk tales/fairytales

Attendees may submit their manuscripts and portfolios. Specific instructions will be provided at the conference.