Q&A with Shannon Gallagher

What kind of manuscripts do you typically like? Are there types of manuscripts/genres that aren’t the best match for you?

I am open to all formats, from picture books through YA. And while these categories can be very different, what grabs my attention is a sense of energy and a comfort with, or command of language. I love characters with attitude and am a fan of subversive humor. With illustrations I’m drawn to the expressiveness of the characters more than the specific style of the artwork.

What is the single most important element in a manuscript or illustration in attracting your attention?

For manuscripts, I appreciate an author who realizes that the first few lines are the reader’s introduction to the story, and invitation to keep reading. An assured voice is key for drawing me in, and I appreciate a well-developed atmosphere as well. For illustrations, I tend to gravitate toward works that clearly and uniquely express emotion. I also like whimsy, playfulness, and a sense of mischief.

What are your particular preferences, or pet peeves, regarding submissions? Is there anything that might make a query irresistible to you?

I appreciate when a query indicates that someone is hoping for a career in children’s literature, not just a one-off project. For example, if a person is part of a literary organization like SCBWI or participates in critique groups, that indicates a dedication to the process — an asset, as the process can often be lengthy! An understanding, or willingness to learn, about traditional publishing also helps. Typos are a red flag for me.

What excites you about the industry at present?

The acknowledgement that traditionally underrepresented voices need to be heard, to be welcomed, to be celebrated, is an important and exciting one. For all children to be able see themselves in book characters has an invaluable impact on their development, sense of self, and understanding of the world around them.

How involved are you in the publishing process from the time a manuscript is submitted to a publisher until the final book hits the shelves?

Because of my experience in the marketing departments at trade publishers, I really enjoy keeping tabs on the entire publishing process. I love seeing how a book comes together, and even though the process of getting to a finished book can seem unending, it is always thrilling when I see that first copy. I also like to keep tabs on how the publisher is positioning and promoting the book, both for initial publication with social media outreach, advertising, and publicity, as well as further down the road with outreach to the library and academic markets, representation at trade shows, etc. More and more publishers are offering portals that provide extensive sales information, which is a good way to gauge the “success” of a title from a publisher’s perspective. As you can probably tell, I find it all fascinating!

Can you share some of your favorites to give a fuller picture of your range of interests?

• Foods: I cook almost every day and love experimenting with different cuisines: pernil, risotto, kofta kebabs, smoked turkey, Spanish tortilla, Persian style rice with tahdig. If I ever have a question on the best way to prepare something, I turn to the master, Kenji Lopez-Alt. He lays it all down.
• Movies: Anything based on a Jane Austen novel, anything with Kurt Russell in it (The Thing, Overboard, Escape from New York, Big Trouble in Little China, Death Proof, you really can’t go wrong), silly action movies, smart horror movies (Aliens, The Cabin in the Woods), and anything in the Criterion Collection.
• Hobbies: My latest obsession is finding and restoring vintage Coach bags (the all-leather kind, produced before the 2000s). I read a history of Lillian Kahn and Bonnie Cashin and was completely hooked –- what phenomenal, trailblazing women!
• Vacations: Ireland (county Donegal), Tulum, Mexico, France, California (north and south), Ibiza, and, with lots of family from New Jersey, “Down the Shore!”
• What music are you streaming? Phoenix, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Cat Power, Japanese Breakfast, boygenius, Prince, Arlo Parks, Tame Impala, Haim, Cornershop, The War on Drugs, Kurt Vile, Courtney Barnett, Nikka Costa, Beck, Weezer, Lucinda Williams . . . and I love discovering new music!