Meet Editor Kiri Jorgensen from Middle Grade Publisher Chicken Scratch Books

Kiri Jorgensen is one of our editors this year. I asked several of our guests a few questions, and here's what Kiri had to say about working with writers.

I am the publisher and senior editor at Chicken Scratch Books. I'm also a teacher, writer, gardener, and grandma. I love finding wonderful, new, middle grade authors. 

My hopes when reading through a manuscript: I'm always looking for a protagonist who is solidly living their individual, motive-driven life. I want to understand why they do what they do very quickly, and it has to make sense and fit in the middle grade world. So often writers have a story to tell, but I want it to be the protagonist's story, not the writer's. 

What are the risks and payoffs for taking on someone new: As a young publisher, everything we do is a risk, so a new author fits in great! The payoffs are high, as I get to work with a new author through the editing process and help them hone their craft and story like never before. We've worked with many new authors, and it's been great.

If I take on your work, what do I expect from you: I expect an author who will consider all I have to say, then apply each piece that works for their story. I expect focused, timely work and thoughtful creation. I expect videos! I expect participation in the marketing process. These are all elements of being part of the Chicken Scratch Books team.