Elizabeth Schleisman is an associate editor with Beaming Books.
Currently acquiring fiction and nonfiction picture books and chapter books, as well as non-fiction middle grade and young adult.
We do not publish board books or activity books. While we’re hoping to branch into MG books in the future, acquisitions are currently on hold for them.
What I’m looking for:
Right now, I’m searching for books that center diverse, LGBTQ+, and/or disabled (including neurodiversity and mental health issues) characters with themes of values, ethics, morals, and advocacy. Books with a strong hook that meet a felt need for children, parents, educators, and/or librarians are our specialty.
I love unique, heartfelt, and sometimes a little quirky books that center kids’ experiences. I’d love to see projects that tackle topics such as intersectionality, gender expression (trans, nonbinary, gender-fluid characters), body positivity, big feelings, multigenerational stories, multicultural families and friendships, and exploring faith (progressive). I am also open to books that combine STEM topics with SEL themes: books that showcase connectedness, values of humanity, educate and equip kids to combat social issues, etc.
For middle grade nonfiction projects, I love to see books that combine educational content with a strong values component, such as encouraging kids to take action, be hopeful, and be courageous. I am not interested in collections of biographies.
Beaming Books publishes high-quality children’s books that help kids thrive in every part of who they are–emotionally, socially, and spiritually. With topics ranging from self-esteem to kindness, ethics, and faith, our books are designed to spark the imagination and equip kids and families to live full and flourishing lives, together.
Beaming Books is an imprint of 1517 Media. 1517 Media creates multimedia resources and distinctive books for Christian communities, higher-education learning and scholars, and the general reader. 1517 Media’s imprints include: Augsburg Fortress, Beaming Books, Fortress Press, and Sparkhouse.
Elizabeth has a Bachelor’s degree focused in Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature and English from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.