In preparation for The Loft’s Children’s and Young Adult Literature Conference (April 27–29, 2012), keynote speaker Justin Chanda responded to four questions posed by Twin Cities picture book authors. Chanda is vice president and publisher for Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, and Margaret K. McElderry Books. 

1. What expectations do publishers have for author promotion? What media seems to be working? (Tracy Maurer)

An active author is a blessing and it is something we are absolutely looking for.

Particularly when you’re talking about debut authors/artists, someone who has taken the time to establish a Facebook/Twitter presence, who is familiar with the online community around them and the networking that can and should be done, it’s a real plus.

Every publisher will handle the promotion of a book in a different way — it depends on the book, the list, and, most importantly, the budget.