Author Teresa Robeson has not only demonstrated versatility and excellence in her writing, she’s also one of the kindest and hardest working people I know in the kid lit community. It’s no wonder that opportunity has knocked on her door multiple times! Huge congratulations to Teresa on two new books!
GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below for a chance to choose either FLASH FLOODS or ANIMALS OF THE CHINESE ZODIAC from Teresa!
Knock-Knock. Opportunity Here!
by Teresa Robeson
As fate would have it, two of my books released this week. Coincidentally, both were books that I had been approached to write versus selling on submission. So, it seemed like a sign to talk a bit about this lesser-trodden path to publication.
In many ways, this path is a lot like the one for work-for-hire projects. The main difference being that it wasn’t me who approach them for the projects. As well, for the project with Phaidon, I get paid an advance plus royalties like a regular book instead of work-for-hire.
I want to share how each of the projects look from behind-the-scenes as well as some words of advice.
Animals of the Chinese Zodiac
Last summer, while awaiting my flight to Vancouver for a family visit/vacation, I received a query via my website’s contact form.
It said, in part, “Dear Teresa, I hope you’re well. My name is Rachel and I am the Assistant Editor in the children’s team at Phaidon Press – it’s great to e-meet you! I’m getting in touch as I’d love to talk to you about an exciting children’s book we’d love you to write! We’re looking to create a highly illustrated 64pp non-fiction book for ages 6-9 about the animals of the Chinese Zodiac, to publish in Fall 26. We’re fans of your work, and we think you would be a perfect fit as author!”
I knew of Phaidon Press; an acquaintance had published with them and enjoyed her experience. And, I have seen their books before; they are gorgeous.
As the message said, I was approached for the project based on my body of published works. The rest of the email made specific references to my other books and what they liked about them that could be tapped into for this project.
So, this is a scenario that could happen to you once you’ve had a few books out.
Sometimes agents want an author to stick to a particular niche (e.g. lyrical nonfiction). But unless you’re enamored with that niche yourself, I’d advise you to not let them pen you in creatively. I happen to write lyrically but humorously as well. I also write both nonfiction and fiction, and I write about science but also my own culture. Phaidon wanted me because I happen to sit at the strange and wonderful intersection of those six things. If I had stuck with only PB biographies like my second agent had wanted, not only would I have suffered in the current market saturated with bios, but I wouldn’t have been an author Phaidon wanted.
Discover Now! Flash Floods
The other project came about because I had brought up (numerous times) with my CLOUDS IN SPACE editor that I had studied climatology/meteorology at university and was married to a climate scientist.
So when she was approved to do a colorful science series for early readers, I immediately came to her mind for writing the weather books in the series.
It wasn’t just serendipity or luck that brought me to this project. I proactively spread word about my expertise and knowledge wherever I can.
My advice to you, based on this experience, is to do likewise. Put the information about your background, education, and training on your website and social media accounts. Bring it up as organically as possible when chatting with editors, both ones you’re currently working with and the ones you get to meet, such as at SCBWI conferences.
This applies to agents, too, if you’re querying.
Luck favors the prepared. Write (or illustrate) good books to build your reputation, but also be your own best advocate about the wealth of knowledge you can bring to the publishing table…and you, too, might find opportunities knocking on your door!
I’m offering the winner of the giveaway a choice of either the FLASH FLOODS book or the ANIMALS OF THE CHINESE ZODIAC book.
Don’t forget to leave a comment below for a chance to win one of Teresa’s new releases! (US addresses only please. Winner announced 10/23/26)
Bio:
Teresa Ho Robeson is an Asian Pacific American Librarians Association Picture Book Award-winning author of fiction and nonfiction books on science and her own culture, from picture books to middle grade to graphic novels. A former Illustrator Coordinator and Co-Regional Advisor for Indiana SCBWI, Teresa also teaches about writing and the publishing life (Boyds Mills, SCBWI, Inked Voices, Writing Barn, 12×12, and more). She lives on a mini-farm in southern IN with her scientist husband, younger child, and a flock of unruly chickens.
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Teresa—Thank you for sharing your experiences here. I’m so grateful for your encouragement in this writing journey. Congratulations on the new books!
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