Publishing with Orca

Sarah Howden

I edit board books, picture books (fiction and nonfiction), early chapter books (Echoes) and middle-grade fiction for Orca. I appreciate how much variety I get in my work—my day can veer from learning about West African lungfish to perusing stunning picture book artwork to tearing up over a poignant moment in a middle-grade novel. And it’s such a pleasure getting to work with authors to make their book the best it can be.

When I’m reading a submission, my biggest consideration is whether a book meets readers where they’re at. Does it reflect what the kid audience feels and thinks about? And does it do this in a unique and authentic way? As well, I always keep an eye out for unique stories that represent diverse experiences.

Georgia Bradburne

Alongside editing a selection of picture books and nonfiction that Orca buys from foreign publishers, I manage photo research, permissions and licensing for our middle grade nonfiction list. I'm always looking for active and diverse images—whether that's keystone species, important figures from history or kids getting involved in their community.

I guide our nonfiction manuscripts through the final stages of the production process, working together with our talented authors, freelancers and the production and design teams to meet deadlines and ensure content quality and accuracy. When reviewing submissions, I most look forward to reading work that will make kids think and view the world around them with empathy and kindness.

Jenna Campbell

I edit Orca's nonfiction books with middle grade being my specialty. I am a collector of fun facts and always on the hunt for books that make me see the world a little differently. My intention is to help create books that are full of wonder and spark curiosity that kids can carry with them as they grow up.

I think the best children's nonfiction balances depth with accessibility. I'm on the lookout for books that are rigorously researched while being fun and lively—and books that reflect to kids their own agency and inspire them to take action. Lastly, I'm watching for manuscripts with unique topics that haven't yet been explored within the middle-grade marketplace, written by authors deeply connected to the subject matter who voice diverse perspectives and ideas.

Gabrielle Prendergast

When acquiring new books for Orca’s Currents, Soundings and Anchor lines of hi-lo fiction, and for our middle-grade horror line, Shivers, I’m looking for fast paced stories with clear, concise writing and high concept plots. Because hi-lo books are quite different from the rest of the genres in kidlit publishing, pitches and manuscripts that are closely comparable to popular published books, TV shows or games are welcome.

The stories don’t need to be gritty or edgy, but they need to be relatable and compelling to our readers. I’m especially keen to incorporate contemporary themes in a range of popular genres, such as sci-fi, horror, fantasy, mystery, action, adventure or romance.

Finally, I’m keen to get submissions from authors from racially, ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds, authors with disabilities, LGBTQ+ authors and authors from religious minorities, as well as submissions that incorporate many forms of diversity in their casts. For now, I prefer plots that hinge on some particular identity, written by someone who shares that identity.

Tara Solomon

A large part of my work focuses on books by Indigenous authors and stories that celebrate Indigenous voices and experiences. As a Métis editor, I approach each project with care and respect for the author and communities whose stories are being shared.

I edit picture books, early chapter books, middle-grade fiction and nonfiction, and I'm especially drawn to stories rooted in lived experience, whether rooted in traditional cultures or exploring contemporary life. I look for manuscripts that are well crafted and meaningful and that offer young readers something engaging, accessible and true.

When a story helps a child see themselves, learn something new, or view the world in a different way, that's the kind of book I'm excited to champion.