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W H O I S K W ? E D I T O R S [alphabetical order] |
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| Exhilarating and illuminating—Kindling Words makes you part of a community, really feeling respect and support for the work we all love. And, in a refreshing change, the authors really don't follow editors into the ladies room, waving manuscripts! | < Deborah Brodie Executive Director, Roaring Brook Press |
| The Editor's Strand at KW is basically an editor's dream. It is at the same time informative and inspiring. I am surrounded by true professionals, discussing practical, instructional things while fostering relationships I would find at summer camp. It's a completely open and honest environment where we discuss everything from how to best negotiate a book deal to how to avoid getting burned out. We also meet over 70 accomplished writers, who aren't there to get us to read there manuscripts. They're too busy revising ones that are already in contract! We were able to sit in on a brilliant presentation by author Tim Wynne-Jones--where we discussed things I should have probably known before, but am so grateful to know now. It's the truest definition of retreat: you travel away from your daily life, you relax, rejuvenate, and eat dessert with every meal. | < Margaret Cardillo Former Assistant Editor, Hyperion (recently left to work on MFA) |
| I highly recommend Kindling Words. I've been three times and have come away feeling refreshed and stimulated. The structure is such that you participate only as much as you want—a nice balance between workshops [and] lectures and ‘sabbatical’ time to walk and meditate. Only published authors can attend, so editors aren't attacked by housewives and grandmothers desperate to see their work in print! There are closed sessions with other editors—unique to this conference—and discussions are professional and enlightening. Why not get out of the city and build a snowman at the end of January? Good for the soul! | < Margery Cuyler Editorial Director, Marshall Cavendish Children's Books |
| Kindling Words is a unique and restorative experience that is entirely unlike any other creative or professional conference I’ve attended. It’s rare that editors are brought together to learn from one another, to support one another, to talk about their day-to-day work as well as their professional growth. I love the flexibility, too. I’ve been to Kindling Words several times, and have crafted it into whatever I needed it to be in any given year: I’ve used the weekend to retreat, to read, to edit, to write, to mix and mingle and network, to hear what’s on the minds of authors and illustrators actively working in children’s books, to attend all the formal sessions or none at all. It’s a gift of time and space. | < Mary Lee Donovan Executive Editor, Candlewick Press |
| I'd heard about Kindling Words for years, but I wasn't prepared for what a hidden gem it is. There is literally nothing else out there like this for editors. The closed sessions provided the opportunity to speak honestly and frankly about the joys and challenges of our industry, to explore commonalities and differences between publishing houses, and to learn from the incredible collective wisdom of colleagues. Participants ranged from heads of houses to assistants, from large corporate employees to freelancers--yet all brought something of equal value to the table, and all voices were heard, supported, and encouraged. Interaction with the authors and illustrators was likewise inspirational. The informal, non-competitive atmosphere was the perfect backdrop for creative renewal, personal reflection, and deepened understanding of the extraordinary craft of shaping books for children. I plan on making KW an annual tradition. | < Yolanda LeRoy Editorial Director, Charlesbridge |
| I loved attending the carefree, laidback and inspiring Kindling Words. One of the best things about it was just hearing that my colleagues experience many of the same frustrations about the business that I do! It was very heartening to share our struggles, to talk about what inspires us and keeps us going. There's nothing like spending a weekend in community with editors who truly love their jobs! Also, since there's none of the pitching that goes on at other writer's conference, it is truly a chance to relax, and a chance to meet fun writers and forge relationships that are based on enjoyment of one another’s company. | < Nancy Mercado Senior Editor, Dial Books for Young Readers |
| There is just nothing like Kindling Words out there. The Editors' strand offers a rare opportunity for editors at all levels to gather in a supportive environment to share strategies, swap stories, and pick each other's brains about everything from craft to contract negotiation. I was struck by how generous and genuine everyone was--and by the sheer wealth of information and energy in one room. This retreat's as inspiring as it is useful. | < Deborah Noyes Wayshak Author & Editor, Candlewick Press |
