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Kathrin Köller

© Fotocenter Berlin
© Fotocenter Berlin

Please introduce yourself in two or three sentences.
I’m not a believer in ‘youth language’, or the idea that writing children’s literature is somehow easy. But it is fascinating, and you write for the best readers in the world. Narrating in a lively, crisp, fresh and slightly sassy tone – that’s what I get a kick out of; it’s quite simply the best job in the world.

What career experience do you have in your advising field?
For ten years, I’ve been writing and translating primarily for children’s and young adult media. From rhymed picture books to texts for early readers, from children’s storybooks to artful textbooks for children and young adults – I’ve done it all. As a result, I’m well familiar with the different children’s and young adult literature publishers and their various profiles.

What are some typical questions that participants might ask you in an advising session?
Should I send my manuscript directly to publishers or look for an agent? As a newbie, how do I get a foot in the door? What should I include in a proposal for publishers/agents? What opportunities are there for continuing education? Grants? Which book fairs should I visit, and how do I get appointments? And also: Can I tell you about my story? Of course, there’s not enough time for a thorough editing session, but by all means we can delve a bit into the dramatic composition together.

What are some of your professional achievements?
German Children’s Literature Award 2023; placement on the ‘The best seven’ list for young readers; Salon 5 young adult prize for Queergestreift: Alles über LGBTIQA+ (Queer-Striped: Everything You Need to Know About LGBTIQA+), together with Irmela Schautz (illustrations); on the translation team for Alice Oseman; Berlin Senate research stipend 2021; nominated for the GRIPS Children’s Theatre Prize 2019; Academy for Children’s Media grant 2016–17

What languages do you offer advising sessions in?
German & English

Where can you be found in the internet/on social media?
https://kathrinkoeller.com
LinkedIn
@queergestreift_lgbtiqa