SCBWI-LA Writers and Illustrators Day: The Pen and the Palette

JAMIE WEISS CHILTON is a Senior Agent at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, where she represents authors and author-illustrators in all categories: board books, picture books, early readers, middle grade, and young adult. Jamie looks for an intense emotional experience, in all categories. She’s seeking manuscripts that stay with her. This could mean the sweet pang of an “I love you” picture book, or the shock of recognition of an honest window to the tween or teen psyche.

CHRISTIE MEGILL joined The CAT Agency in 2022 and she works with artists and children’s book authors, offering long-term support in their careers and creative journeys. Storytelling is her passion, no matter the medium. Christie comes from a background in elementary education, and previously worked as an editor at an academic press in New York City, as a volunteer at the Housing Works Bookstore in SoHo, and as a bookseller at the bygone Borders Books and Music in Columbus Circle. She holds a BA in English Literature from Fordham University.

KIANA (Kiki) NGUYEN is a literary agent at Donald Maass Literary Agency. Kiki started in publishing in 2015 with an internship with Wunderkind PR, independent book publishing PR company, working on campaigns with authors such as Ernest Cline. There, she discovered a practical industry for her codependent love of fiction. She joined Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2016 as an intern and is now an agent building her own list. Kiki represents young adult and adult fiction across genres, with a particular hunger for Horror and genre-Thrillers and a focus on queer and BIPOC authors. She has represented New York Times, USA Today, Sunday Times bestsellers, and award winning titles.

VICKY WEBER is an Associate Literary Agent with Creative Media Agency. She is also a bestselling children’s book author and publishing industry expert with years of experience helping authors navigate both traditional and self-publishing. As the founder of At Home Author, she has guided countless writers through the process of crafting, publishing, and marketing successful books. With a background in education, Vicky is passionate about breaking down complex industry concepts into actionable steps. Whether securing book deals for her clients or sharing insights on the ever-evolving publishing market, she is dedicated to helping authors turn their creative dreams into reality.

EUGENE YELCHIN is a painter, designer, and a writer and illustrator of books for young readers. His many accolades include a National Jewish Book Award, a Newbery Honor, National Book Award Finalist, a Sydney Taylor Honor Award, Golden and Crystal Kite Awards, and Tomie DePaola Award. His books have been included in the Best Books of the Year lists by the New York Times, People Magazine, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and USA Today among others, and have been translated into fourteen languages.