Industry Faculty

Natalie grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia reading as many fantastical adventures she could get her hands on. After graduating from New York University with a major in English and a minor in psychology, she joined HG Literary to assist Carrie Hannigan. As an agent, Natalie is primarily interested in fantasy of all kinds, but will read almost any genre of fiction. She loves found family, original magic systems (particularly those that utilize aspects from underrepresented cultures), complex dynamics, retellings, and romance.

Emily is the founder and owner of Keyes Agency LLC. She was an agent at Fuse Literary from 2013 to 2021. She has represented many award-winning titles mainly (but not exclusively) in the realm of children’s literature. She loves finding and nurturing new talent, as well as reading and representing projects that will get readers excited to go to the bookstore. Emily is actively searching for all kinds of children’s literature, as well as select adult projects in genre fiction—so long as it’s not “serious” literature and has a sense of fun. She is searching for authors and illustrators who will be her coworker for a long career.

Michelle is on the hunt for writers with a strong voice and masterful descriptive writing, stories with memorable characters, a great premise, a twist on an old tale and original concepts.

Allison Weintraub joined HarperCollins Children’s Books in 2019, and has grown into the role of associate editor. She is thrilled to have worked with many wonderful and award-winning creators. Her favorite books to work on reflect readers’ complexities—both directly and through a genre lens—and center historically marginalized perspectives. She is interested in middle grade and teen novels and graphic novels across all categories.

Tracy Shaw has been in publishing for over 25 years at Little, Brown and Company, currently an art director at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (LBYR). She studied Illustration at RISD which led her to book design, and has worked on everything from board books to adult nonfiction. For 7 years she led the art direction of James Patterson’s children’s imprint, Jimmy Patterson Books, and is now back to doing what she loves best - picture books.

Miloni Vora joined Simon & Schuster in January of 2022. She loves stories with strong, spunky characters that make her laugh (and cry). For YA she specifically enjoys multigenerational coming-of-age stories with a speculative twist. Her favorite fantasy books feature strong world-building, particularly from non-European cultures, and featuring multiple protagonists who use humor as a coping mechanism. For middle grade, she loves reading shenanigans featuring the class nerd and the class clown, and for picture books she loves everything from grumpy toddlers to stories filled with stunning, lyrical prose. On any given Sunday, you can find her at her favorite café, crocheting baby animals, and watching dramas that give her serious second-lead-syndrome. 

Yolanda Scott is VP, Publisher at Charlesbridge, where she has edited more than 250 titles since 1995. After graduating from Harvard with a degree in Slavic languages and literature, she was turned down by the CIA for a job as analyst. A desperate search for employment led her to stumble upon children's publishing, and she never looked back. She is former adjunct faculty at the Center for the Study of Children’s Literature at Simmons University; former board chair of the Children’s Book Council, where she also served on the CBC Diversity Committee; and a member of the Society of Printers.

Tova Seltzer (she/her) joined the Neal Porter Books team in 2022, with a background in freelance editing, sensitivity reading, and bookselling. She is looking to acquire fresh, surprising picture books with a strong narrative arc, whether fiction or nonfiction. She’s also partial to books touching on art and design (triple points for interior design and architecture). A few of her all-time favorites are Pokko and the Drum by Matthew Forsythe, Everything You Need for a Treehouse by Carter Higgins and Emily Hughes, and Backyard Fairies by Phoebe Wahl.

Laura Gruszka (she/they) is a junior agent at Writers House growing her list in picture books, MG, YA, and graphic novels. Her favorite picture books are full of heart and don’t talk down to kids. In MG and YA, Laura is drawn to line-level writing that doesn’t disappear when you read, but rather is essential to the pleasure of reading. Most of all, they’re seeking life-changing books for young readers, whether it’s finally seeing an authentic representation of their own experience, learning about a subject not discussed in their everyday life, or igniting their lifelong love for reading.

Linda Camacho is a senior agent at Gallt & Zacker Literary, where she has the pleasure of representing a roster of award-winning, bestselling writers and illustrators. In her two decades in publishing, she's held various positions at Simon & Schuster, Writers House, and Penguin Random House. Linda received her MFA in creative writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and has a short story published in the YA anthology Every Body Shines by Cassandra Newbould (Bloomsbury).

Michele McAvoy is the founder and publisher of The Little Press, a traditional children’s book imprint launched in 2020. A multi-award-winning children’s author, attorney, and K–6 educator, Michele blends her creative vision with nearly 20 years of legal and business experience in New York City. Having published with small presses herself, she understands the impact of opportunity and access in publishing. She created The Little Press to champion exceptional stories and support creatives—guided by the belief that a good book is a good book, no matter the logo on the spine.