Supporting 500+ Authors
We believe everyone has a story to tell and the ability to tell it. Through our continuum of programs — Writing Workshops, Publishing, Author Talks, and Author Pathways — we support our network of 500+ (and growing!) authors in sharing their own stories in the ways they choose.
WRITING WORKSHOPS serve as the first step for Shout Mouse Press authors. All book projects begin with a non-profit program partner, who recruits young writers from their community. Our non-profit program partners are carefully selected and serve communities whose identities are underrepresented as characters and creators within young people’s literature. All workshops and 1:on:1 writing mentorships are run by professional teaching artists, many of whom share identities and lived experiences with our authors. During workshops, youth are coached to write mission-driven books in a variety of genres. We pass the pen to those who can best represent themselves and their communities with authenticity, knowledge, and understanding.
“I wanted to write lyrics… I actually wasn’t so psyched about being a writer in the first place because I had never written before. But it turns out that everyone has their own unique voice that sounds really great when they write it out on paper.”
IN CENTERING MARGINALIZED PERSPECTIVES, we aim to diversify the next generation’s bookshelves. We publish youth-authored, diverse, and inclusive children’s and young adult books. We also provide platforms for emerging artists from marginalized backgrounds by connecting them to industry mentors and hiring them to illustrate their first children’s book. We actively promote and sell these books, both in traditional and educational marketplaces, because we believe that peer voices are powerful voices, and they can engage audiences in ways that adult authors cannot. Finally, we ensure that earned income from book sales are invested directly back into young people themselves: proceeds support scholarship funds for author communities, salaries for author interns, and programs that help young people speak up, be heard, and be taken seriously as leaders in their communities.
“Literally one hour after I had cataloged and displayed the book How to Grow up Like Me in our middle school library, it was seized upon by an 8th grade boy who is a reluctant reader, and to my knowledge, had only checked out one other book while in middle school. He made an instant connection with the honest and powerful stories written inside. This student ran down to show the book to his reading teacher and now can’t wait to come to class to read the stories of these courageous authors. This is a great victory. Thank you for sharing this inspiring collection with our students. This is real. This is life-changing.”
OUR AUTHOR TALKS PROGRAM is one of two post-publication leadership opportunities for all Shout Mouse authors. Our authors are routinely invited to serve as guest speakers — in school, university, community, and literary spaces — as a way to address community issues on which they are truly experts but rarely consulted. We provide training for these public speaking engagements as well as transportation and honoraria for all authors.
“What a very moving experience we had [at the author talk] this morning. My scholars were captivated by China’s story and courage. She was able to reach them and their hearts, for humanity’s sake.”
OUR AUTHOR PATHWAYS PROGRAM is our newest post-publication leadership development track for Shout Mouse authors. Pathways encompass a variety of career and college access supports, including author internships, college and scholarship essay support, and direct contributions to scholarship funds for author communities.
“Shout Mouse Press’ internship program has been a great learning experience for me. I’ve had the opportunity to get a look into the publishing industry, learn about operating a nonprofit, and attend fun and exciting events where I can meet authors and showcase my work. This space is nothing if not accepting, supportive, and educational. ”
