A bit about me.

I'm a New Yorker (born in NY, raised in NJ, and back where I belong!) who has been passionate about book publishing as a career since my sophomore year of college at Columbia University. Reading my peers' writing in workshops, taught by accomplished writers like Karen Russell, Amy Benson, or Idra Novey, and having my editorial advice taken seriously as we sat around those sturdy wooden tables, was exhilarating.

I spent the last 17 years in a variety of roles across trade print and audiobook publishing, as well as publishing technology and innovation, including literary agenting, content acquisitions (across all formats, various genres, and for all ages), subsidiary rights, early-stage startup growth, content partnerships, and original podcast development. That's a long way of saying -- I've been around, and have a wide range of insight into the publishing industry, and how it's changing.

In 2023, I completed my MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults through Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA), which has deepened my enthusiasm for all things kidlit, including print, audiobooks, podcasts for children, middle schoolers, and teens, IP development, and content creation across all formats. 

When I'm not working, I can be found weightlifting, boxing, cycling, practicing yoga, thrifting, writing for children, or drinking too much coffee in Washington Heights NYC with my partner (an oncologist and physician-scientist, who adores his work) and our two joyful young children. No pets yet, but our stuffed animal bins are very tidy. 

Connect with me directly at Shira.Schindel@gmail.com.