Overview
I joined the Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers editorial team in November 2013. Prior to Simon & Schuster, I graduated from the University of Chicago with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities, focusing on mythology, folklore, and fairy tales; interned at Albert Whitman & Company; taught English abroad in France; completed the Columbia Publishing Course; and was the editorial manager for the teen and kids' review websites at The Book Report Network. I have had the privilege of working with authors and illustrators such as Jeff Mack, Stuart Gibbs, Whitney Gardner, Jessica Lawson, Michelle Hodkin, and many others. It is a true pleasure to help make manuscripts and pitches the best they can be for readers and the market!
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Children’s Non-Fiction
Comics Non-Fiction
Fiction
Comics & Graphic Novels
Middle Grade
Picture Books
Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
- Columbia Publishing Course
Work experience
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Nov, 2012 —
Present
Liz Kossnar acquires and edits books picture books, middle grade, and teen novels and non-fiction. She most prefers stories that are weird and subversive, and those that play with structure. Anything feminist is a plus.
Portfolio
Twelve-year-old Flor faces a bittersweet summer with a pageant, a frenemy, and a hive full of honey.It’s the summer before eighth grade and Flor is stuck at home and working at her family’s mattress store, while her best friend goes off to band camp (probably ... read more
Wonder meets Mary Poppins in this heartfelt debut novel about magic, healing, and the importance of family.Twelve-year-old Luna loves the nighttime more than anything else. It’s when no one gives her “that look” about the half mask she has to wear while healin... read more
From the author of Cure for the Common Universe comes a monster-movie-like novel that bravely challenges perceived notions of beauty, identity, and modern voyeurism.Phoebe Lane is a lightning rod for monsters. She and her mom are forced to flee flesh-eating pl... read more
Teddy Fitzroy returns as FunJungle's resident sleuth when a lion is falsely accused of killing a distinguished dog in the latest novel in New York Times bestselling author Stuart Gibbs's FunJungle series.For once, operations at the enormous zoo/theme park appe... read more
Ben is taken to Mexico by his nemesis in the hopes that he’ll finally be able to take down SPYDER in this latest addition to the New York Times bestselling Spy School series.Thirteen-year-old Ben Ripley has been caught in the snares of SPYDER more than once an... read more
“A truly inspiring read.” —Booklist (starred review) “A solid account of women’s contributions as aviators during World War II.” —Kirkus Reviews In the tradition of Hidden Figures, debut author Patricia Pearson offers a beautifully written account of the remar... read more
In this sweeping and inventive debut novel that’s perfect for fans of Roald Dahl, Neil Gaiman, and Tim Burton, a prodigal inventor flees his home to find his destiny.In the humdrum town of Moormouth, Walter Mortinson’s unusual inventions cause nothing but trou... read more
“Elena is one of the brightest stars in our game today and an iconic role model.” —Lisa M. Borders, WNBA President “Inspiring in many ways.” —Kirkus Reviews Elena Delle Donne, 2015 WNBA MVP and 2016 Olympic gold medalist, shares her inspirational story of bein... read more
PERIOD founder and Harvard College student Nadya Okamoto offers a manifesto on menstruation and why we can no longer silence those who bleed—and how to engage in youth activism.Throughout history, periods have been hidden from the public. They’re taboo. They’r... read more
“LOL funny.” –Girls Life A Huffington Post Best Children’s Book of 2018 A middle schooler comes head-to-head with his vampire slayer crush in this laugh-out-loud funny graphic novel that’s a perfect coming-of-age story for anyone who’s ever felt too young, too... read more
In the tradition of Judy Blume, debut author Kristi Wientge tackles the uncomfortable—but all too relatable—subject of female body hair and self-esteem with this “sparkling and triumphant tale of a middle school misfit” (Heather Vogel Frederick).Karma Khullar ... read more
Liz has 2 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
cassy P.
Dec, 2019
Kathryn J. B.
Jun, 2019
