2008 FACULTY
Bios & Kudos

In 2008, we welcome agent Edward Necarsulmer, executive editor Anne Hoppe and author/former editor Deborah Halverson. For exclusive, in-depth interviews with these individuals on the first of every month, February through April, click here.

Anne Hoppe, Executive Editor HarperColllins Children’s Books www.harpercollinschildrens.com		Edward Necarsulmer, Agent McIntosh & Otis, Inc., Children’s Dept. www.mcintoshandotis.com		Deborah Halverson Author; former editor www.deborahhalverson.com

• Anne Hoppe is an executive editor at HarperCollins Children’s Books. Titles she has edited  include the multi-award-winning YA novel Your Eyes in Stars by M.E. Kerr, and the Caldecott Honor Book The Stray Dog, by Marc Simont. She has also edited New York Times bestsellers such as Why War is Never a Good Idea, by Alice Walker; Wintersmith, by Terry Pratchett; and Wicked Lovely (a debut novel), by Melissa Marr. To read our exclusive interview with Anne, click here.
  
  
• Edward Necarsulmer, agent, is director of the Children’s Department at McIntosh & Otis, an agency established in 1928. He has represented Lynne Reid Banks, Nancy Garden, Madeleine L’Engle, Scott O’Dell Estate and M.E. Kerr, among others. To read our exclusive interview with Edward, click here.
  
  
• Deborah Halverson has authored two Delacorte youth novels and is writing a third. A Harcourt Children’s Book editor for 10 years, she worked with Norma Fox Mazer, Gary Soto, and Eve Bunting, and also taught fiction writing at the University of California-Extension. More lively notes about Deborah are forthcoming. Watch for our exclusive interview with Deborah, and a sneak peek at her workshop focus session, on April 1. For an “appetizer,” click here.

KUDOS

Anne Hoppe

  “I’ll gladly vouch for Anne Hoppe’s intelligence, professionalism and keen knowledge of the children’s book field. I’ve known Anne for 15 years, and have heard her speak at several MFA programs, including Vermont College (Writing for Children and Young Adults Program) and Emerson College (Writing, Literature and Publishing Department). Her talks are clear, informative, engaging and inspiring. Anyone who is fortunate to hear her speak will come away with a better sense of writing, publishing and the field in general. Anne is a vast wealth of knowledge, and her delivery is impeccable.” — Lisa Jahn-Clough, Hamline University instructor (Writing for Children and Young Adults Program) and author of three youth novels (Houghton Mifflin, 2004-2009)

  “Edward is brilliant at cultivating a clean manuscript and giving broad direction without hampering the creative process. His contractural skills are astounding. As my editor at Flux said, ‘I’ve never seen anyone get a client a better, cleaner contract.’ Edward’s communication style is occasionally philosophical, but always clear.

“He’s not an agent who just thinks of one book or one sale. He is constantly trying to guide the continuing careers of his writers. Smart and savvy, with an amazing knowledge of friendship and honor, Edward is the perfect agent—an author’s knight in shining armor.” — Carrie Jones, author of the contemporary YA novels Tips on Having a Gay (ex) Boyfriend (Flux, her debut); Love and Other Uses for Duct Tape, and Girl, Hero (both Flux); plus two other books (Bloomsbury).
  
  “Edward Necarsulmer IV pulled me out of the slush pile about two years ago, and I now have book contracts with Random House and Bloomsbury. If you ever thought you were a writer who didn’t need an agent, then you haven’t met Edward. He knows the business inside and out, he is a cracker-jack negotiator, he is well liked, and he loves his work.

“Edward’s editorial input is clear, and concise without being intrusive. He understands the writing process, and he has a keen eye for story and voice. His suggestions are always encouraging, and playful, but his eye is always on the prize to help you write a great marketable manuscript that you can be proud of.

“Edward is witty, and smart, and he always returns phone calls. He has completely changed my life. I can call myself a writer because of Edward Necarsulmer IV.” — Georgia Bragg, Matisse on the Loose, Random House

  “I attended an Alabama conference at which Edward and an editor performed a ‘mock-negotiation’ skit—very informative, especially for writers who are intimidated by, or haven’t yet considered the intricacies of negotiating literary contracts. But though a contract is clearly the goal of both agents and writers, being an agent is about so much more! Edward is accessible, enthusiastic and sincere. He seems to genuinely enjoy the company of authors who are serious about being published.” — Claudia Pearson, PCCWW alum; Hollins University M.A. graduate in Children’s Literature

Deborah Halverson

Stay tuned for our spotlight on this sensitive, fun, talented teacher, former editor, and author. Meanwhile, check out her blog, subtitled “The thrills, chills, & spills of being a triplet mom and writer.” There, you may read about her new YA novel, Honk if You Hate Me (Delacorte/Random House), which Publishers Weekly describes as “Teeming with offbeat characters and situations.” Also on her website, check out her middle grade novel, Big Mouth (Delacorte/Random House).

Deborah’s hands-on, focus session is sure to keep your juices flowing!

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