SCBWI Illinois Recording: Both Sides of the Desk: An Editor-Turned-Agent Secrets

What happens when a veteran editor becomes a literary agent? You get a unique ally in the publishing process. In this recording, Carter Hasegawa reflects on his first year at the agency after a nearly 15-year tenure at a top-tier children's publisher. Carter dives into the "editorial agent" model—how he uses his acquisitions background to champion his clients—and share his "on-the-ground" perspective of the current market. Come learn what he’s looking for today and how he’s preparing his authors and illustrators for the publishing landscape of tomorrow. Carter Hasegawa has been in the children’s book world for nearly 20 years—as a book seller for various indies across the US, as an editor at Candlewick Press, and now, as a literary agent with Tugeau 2 Art and Literary Agency. “The thing I’ve always loved about children’s literature,” he says, “is that beyond the sheer range of incredible stories, it’s always served as a sort of testing ground for me: of new ideas, of new experiences, of new viewpoints, of emotional extremes.” Some of his favorite books include Watercress, My Papi Has a Motorcycle, Big, Tar Beach, Wednesday Wars, Ender’s Game, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Notorious Benedict Arnold, and SO MANY others. Originally from Seattle, Carter now lives in Boston with his librarian wife and their two young sons.

Did you miss the free network event? Then enjoy UNLIMITED viewings of this recorded Illinois program with a small convenience fee. Your fee supports Illinois’ free events & opportunities like Networks (offered online or in-person for free) and scholarships and mentorships. TO GET THE LINK: To view the recording, go to MY EVENTS in your SCBWI website Member Home page, then click on the MEETING INFO button for the event to access the recording link. QUESTIONS?: Email [email protected] Pamela Morgan, Co-RA