Michelle R. McCann Resumé
EDUCATION
Brown University BA
Vermont College MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults
EXPERIENCE
1997-present Children’s Book Author
I write award-winning children’s books in many genres: picture books, middle grade and YA non-fiction, and graphic novels. See list of published titles below.
2014-present Editor-in-Chief, Trackers Earth Books
I write, edit, art direct and market content for children and families. The books include middle grade graphic novels (co-published with Dark Horse Comics), non-fiction outdoor guidebooks and journals for all ages, middle grade fiction, blogs, short comics and more.
2001-present Editor & Art Director, Freelance
I edit and art direct children’s books for regional and national book publishers. I have worked on hundreds of books in all genres, from board books to young adult novels. Recent clients include Sasquatch Books, West Margin Press, Simon & Schuster/Beyond Words Publishing.
2001-present Editor-at-Large, Freelance
I scout for a variety of publishers. I recruit authors and illustrators, evaluate and acquire manuscripts, negotiate contracts with authors and agents, and do developmental editing. Recent clients include: Sasquatch Books/Random House, Beyond Words Publishing/Simon & Schuster, Trackers Earth Books.
2002-2015 Instructor, Portland State University
I taught Children’s Book Publishing and Publishing for Young Adults at Portland State University in their graduate program in Book Publishing. I also helped supervise the student-run publishing house, Ooligan Press, which produces some young adult books.
1991-2001 Director, Children's Division, Simon&Schuster/Beyond Words Publishing
I created and ran the Beyond Words Children’s Book Division (an imprint of S&S), leading acquisitions, editing, publicity and marketing. I produced picture books and middle grade non-fiction, including many award-winners.
2015-2016 Editor & Art Director, Oregon Reads Aloud
In 2015, national non-profit reading program Start Making A Reader Today (SMART) created a picture book to celebrate their 25th anniversary: a compilation of stories written and illustrated by 50 of Oregon's more beloved writers and illustrators. I recruited writers and artists and edited/art directed all the chosen stories. The book is an amazing tribute to Oregon's vibrant children's lit community, and collaborating with 50 of my favorite artists was a total blast.
authored Books
Trackers Fables: Wilders (Trackers Earth Books, 2024)
Trackers Fables: Rangers (Trackers Earth Books, 2024)
Trackers Fables: Wilders & Rangers (graphic novel, Dark Horse Comics, 2024)
Mystery Trackers: Monsters of Marmot (graphic novel, Dark Horse Comics, 2024)
Captain Nick & the Explorer Society: Compass of Mems (graphic novel, Dark Horse Comics, 2023)
Finding Fairies: Secrets for Attracting Magickal Folk (revised edition, Simon & Schuster, 2022)
Reading Together: Share in the Wonder of Books with a Parent-Child Book Club (Chronicle, 2022)
Enough is Enough: How Students Can Join the Fight for Gun Safety (Simon & Schuster, 2018)
More Girls Who Rocked the World (Simon & Schuster, 2017)
Boys Who Rocked the World (Simon & Schuster, 2012)
Girls Who Rocked the World (Simon & Schuster, 2012)
Luba: The Angel of Bergen-Belsen (Random House, 2003)
Going Places: Real-Life Teen Adventures (Beyond Words Publishing, 2003)
Boys Know It All (Beyond Words Publishing, 1998)
Girls Know Best (Beyond Words Publishing, 1997)
AWARDS
Oregon Spirit Award, Oregon Council of Teachers of English, 2006, 2017
Once Upon A World Award, Simon Wiesenthal Center, 2003
Honor Award, Jane Addams Peace Association, 2003
Book Sense Children’s 76 Pick, Independent Booksellers, 2003
Best Illustrated Book Award, Jewish Book Council, 2003
Oregon Book Award, Literary Arts, 2003
Notable Book for A Global Society, International Reading Association, 2003
Notable Book of Jewish Content, Association of Jewish Libraries, 2003
Anne Izard Storyteller’s Choice Award, New York Libraries, 2004
Take Our Children to Work Day selection, 2000, 2002
Scholastic Book Club/Fair selection, 1998, 1999, 2003
Troll Book Club selection, 1999
Children’s Book-of-the-Month Club selection, 1999
public speaking
I speak and lead seminars about writing and publishing children's books. I've spoken at elementary, middle and high schools, at colleges and literary conferences, and at publishing companies. Past appearances include: WordStock, SCBWI Conferences (western WA and OR), Literary Arts, Willamette Writers’ Conference, Pacific Northwest Writers Conference, Dark Horse Comics, Trackers Earth Books
Interviews
Afternoon Live (regional TV interview) 2017
AM Northwest (regional TV interview) 1997, 1998, 2003
Troll Author Connection, “Michelle Roehm Rocks the World” 2001
3-2-1 Contact, “Boys Vs. Girls: Kids Talk About Each Other” 2000
Great Day America (national TV interview) 1998
Publishers Weekly 1995, 1997, 1998
Time Magazine for Kids, “Do Girls Know Best?” 1997
REFERENCES
Available by request.