Danielle Collins

I’m an Assistant Editor at Beach Lane Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, acquiring fiction and nonfiction picture books.

I’m drawn to stories that inspire curiosity, empathy, and joy in young readers. Books where they can both see themselves and discover more of the wide world that exists beyond. For fiction, I’m looking for picture books that tackle big feelings with a light & lyrical touch, and I’m especially interested in those that explore themes of identity, self-discovery, and self-expression. Humor is welcome if it is grounded in plot, and most especially if it’s written from underrepresented perspectives. For nonfiction, I’m in the market for projects that will pique readers’ interests in lesser-known people, periods, and fascinating STEM/STEAM topics. Above all, I’m seeking stories with beautiful writing, memorable characters, and a whole lot of heart. I like to work on the books that tug at your heartstrings every time you read them!

I’m actively looking for projects featuring historically underrepresented identities and communities. I especially want to see more books for young readers with LGBTQIA+ themes and characters, particularly BIPOC characters, trans/nonbinary/genderqueer characters, and other intersectional perspectives.

I am open to both text-only and author-illustrator projects.

Picture book wish list:

• Lyrical writing that makes for an engaging read-aloud experience
• Dynamic & fun stories that work on multiple levels (lessons with a very light touch)
• Books that tackle the big, complex emotions of childhood
• Humorous stories written from underrepresented perspectives
• Family representation that breaks out of heteronormative structures
• Celebrations of gender expression & gender fluidity in childhood
• Appreciation of the natural world and mindfulness
• STEM/STEAM that introduces fascinating topics in a fun & accessible way
• True stories centering BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled/neurodivergent figures
• Fables, myths, and legends outside of the white Western canon
• Books with a bilingual component
• Art styles that feel warm & inviting (I always love a touch of whimsy)

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Note: While my list at Beach Lane is now focused on picture books, I’m also open to select middle grade fiction. I enjoy literary-leaning middle grade that approaches big questions with an accessible voice, and I love found family and adventure in any genre. As with picture books, I’m drawn to middle grade stories about navigating identity, whether it’s gender identity, sexuality, cultural identity, or otherwise. Some themes that would pique my interest include mythological retellings, especially from BIPOC perspectives, stories of self-discovery and self-acceptance, and anything that makes you walk away feeling like there might be a little bit of magic in the world.

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To see some of the books currently on my list, check out:

https://www.simonandschusterpublishing.com/beach-lane/our-team.html

Submission Guidelines

Agents: Please submit to my S&S email address with a pitch and the full manuscript. You are welcome to submit to more than one editor at S&S; however, we ask agents not to submit simultaneously to editors within the same imprint, and to please let us know if a project is with other editors at S&S.

Authors and illustrators: I can only consider agented submissions. If you’re interested in working together, please have your agent submit to me.

Beach Lane Books Website