Presenters

In-Person Conference

As a Literary Agent/Senior Content Development Editor at Folio Jr., Estelle edits picture books, middle grade, and young adult, and acquires and develops existing talent alongside Emily van Beek. Since 2012, Estelle has been working as an editorial consultant and developmental editor with established authors, many of whom are bestsellers and award winners; and while she is committed to supporting published authors, she has also developed a keen eye for new talent and a passion for working to bring a fresh perspective to their work and assist as they move toward publication confidently and with the highest level of artistic creativity.

What she’s looking for:

MIDDLE-GRADE: I’m currently on the lookout for stellar, exquisitely imagined middle grade and am especially on the lookout for a middle grade crush, first-tremors-of- love book. I’d love a comedy, or a humorously mischievous story, but I’m not the right fit for broadly silly. I am always open to spooky. Favorites include: FAR FROM HOME by Jasmine Warga, AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS by B.B. Alston, THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN by Katherine Applegate, KEEPER by Kathi Appelt, and PET by akwaeke emezi.

YOUNG ADULT: I’m eager to find novels that are high concept and also incredibly well written. I want to be in the marrow of human experience here. Give me something bold and fresh with a voice that’s impossible to put aside. I’m probably not the best choice for “message” or hard science-fiction books. What I’m really looking for is the intersection between stellar writing and plot, something that leaves me puffy eyed or laughing out loud. I, like most teenagers, am looking for emotional connection, for drama, for hope. Oh! Something else–I would love, love, LOVE to discover a FUNNY manuscript like RAYNE & DELILAH’S MIDNITE MATINEE by Jeff Zentner. Other favorite YA includes (takes deep breath): TYRELL by Coe Booth, I WILL SAVE YOU by Matt de la Pena, I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN by Jandy Nelson, THE FIREKEEPER’S DAUGHTER by Angeline Boulley, STRANGE THE DREAMER by Laini Taylor, MOSQUITOLAND by David Arnold, GIRL IN PIECES by Kathleen Glasgow, DAMSEL by Elana K. Arnold, TOKYO EVER AFTER by Emiko Jean, A MILLION JUNES by Emily Henry, THE BELLES by Dhonielle Clayton, THIS SAVAGE SONG by Victoria Schwab, DIG by A.S. King, KILL THE BOY BAND by Goldy Moldavsky, ALL BOYS AREN’T BLUE by George Michael Johnson, and FABLE by Adrienne Young.

PICTURE BOOKS: At this time, I am exclusively interested in AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATORS. I’m especially looking for award-worthy artwork, character-driven series, and work by diverse creators featuring diverse stories.

I am not looking for board books, novelty, picture book texts, and chapter books at this time.

Presentations