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From Pitch to Print: Insider Tips from Publishing Pros

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From Pitch to Print: Insider Tips from Publishing Pros

2025-10-05 10:00:00 2025-10-05 11:00:00 America/Los_Angeles From Pitch to Print: Insider Tips from Publishing Pros Join us for a conversation with book editors and literary agents to learn about the publishing process, from pitch to print. West Hollywood Library -

Sunday, October 05
10:00am - 11:00am

Add to Calendar 2025-10-05 10:00:00 2025-10-05 11:00:00 America/Los_Angeles From Pitch to Print: Insider Tips from Publishing Pros Join us for a conversation with book editors and literary agents to learn about the publishing process, from pitch to print. West Hollywood Library -

Join us for a conversation with book editors and literary agents to learn about the publishing process, from pitch to print.

So you've written a book -- what comes next? Our panel of experts is here to guide you through the process, from drafting your first query letter to avoiding publishing scams, from the thrill of signing with an agent to navigating the lows of rejection. We'll demystify the process and provide helpful tips as you explore the next steps in your storytelling journey. 

This panel will take place in the West Hollywood Library Community Meeting Room.

Melanie Figueroa is a literary agent at Root Literary with over a decade of experience in the book publishing industry and an active member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA). She earned an M.S. in Creative Writing and Book Publishing from Portland State University and a B.A. in English Rhetoric and Composition with a professional certification in Technical Writing from California State University, Long Beach. Her career in publishing started as an editorial project manager and freelance editor. She joined Root Literary in 2018 as an agency coordinator and quickly transitioned into her current role as a literary agent. Her portfolio of representation spans across children’s literature and adult fiction.

Dr. Eddie Gamarra runs Gamarra Media, selling stories and building franchises across publishing and entertainment. Prior, he was VP Literary Affairs for Paramount's Nickelodeon & Awesomeness brands where he scouted & acquired books & other IP.  He was previously a Literary Manager/Producer at The Gotham Group representing screenwriters, directors, animators, authors, illustrators, & publishers. Clients included NYT best-selling storytellers as well as Oscar, Emmy, Annie, Caldecott, Newbery, & Geisel winners/nominees. As Executive Producer, he worked on THE MAZE RUNNER trilogy which grossed almost $1 Billion dollars. He also EP'd Jerry Spinelli's iconic STARGIRL for Disney+ and Jordan Peele's WENDELL & WILD for Netflix.

Jordan Hamessley joined JABberwocky as an agent in 2023 with over 15 years of publishing experience both as an agent and an editor at Penguin Young Readers (Grosset & Dunlap), Egmont USA, and Adaptive Studios. After graduating from The New School with a BFA in Musical Theater and spending time performing across the country, Jordan made the leap to publishing and loves continuing to help new stories get into the world across various mediums. She represents a list of diverse children’s fiction from picture books through YA and select adult genre and pop culture writers. She also represents a growing list of graphic novelists and illustrators. She is always looking to find stories that bring the queer experience to the children’s space across all age ranges.

Erinn Pascal is a children’s book editor with over 12 years of experience. She’s edited hundreds of picture books, chapter books, guidebooks, storybooks, novelty books, cookbooks, activity books, graphic novels, and more. The companies she’s worked for include Simon & Schuster, Disney, Scholastic, and Andrews McMeel Publishing. Licensors she’s worked with include Disney, Lucasfilm, Warner Brothers, DC Comics, Marvel, Neopets, Nickelodeon, Hasbro, and NBCUniversal.

West Hollywood Library

Phone: 310.652.5340

Hours
Mon, Sep 08 11:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, Sep 09 11:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Sep 10 11:00AM to 7:00PM
Thu, Sep 11 11:00AM to 7:00PM
Fri, Sep 12 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Sep 13 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Sep 14 1:00PM to 5:00PM

About the branch

West Hollywood Library began service to the area (then unincorporated ) in 1913. The library was previously located at Sherman School, a cottage on Clark Street, a building on Westbourne Drive, and a building near the present site. The Library has an active Friends of the Library group.

The new library was dedicated October 1, 2011.

Upcoming events

Mon, Sep 08, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room
Join us for a screening of the 2023 film The Graduates, starring Mina Sundwall and Alex R. Hibbert and directed by Hannah Peterson. Not rated. For adults.

Wed, Sep 10, 11:45am - 12:15pm
Meeting Room
Let’s get ready for school! Enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement while learning school readiness skills and having fun. For ages 2 - 5 with their parent or caregiver.

Wed, Sep 10, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
In response to an increase in fentanyl and other opioid related overdoses, we've partnered with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and California Department of Health Care Services to offer free doses of Naloxone (Narcan).

Thu, Sep 11, 11:15am - 11:45am
Meeting Room
Join us for a session of play, curiosity, and creativity with infant toys, art supplies, puppets, and more! For ages 0 - 5 with their parent or caregiver.

Fri, Sep 12, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Teen Study Room
Join us for conversation circle. We will meet to practice conversational English in a fun, informal, and supportive environment. For adults.

Fri, Sep 12, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room
LA County Department of Public Health is partnering with LA County Library to provide FREE School Readiness Vaccines for Kids and COVID-19 Vaccines for adults.
Register

Fri, Sep 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Teen Study Room
Join us for a stress-free, no pressure art session where the objective is to create the worst looking art imaginable! We’ll even provide all the supplies you’ll need. What will your disaster-piece look like?! For teens ages 13 - 17. Teen Study Room.

Sat, Sep 13, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Meeting Room
Join us for a poetry workshop with former West Hollywood City Poet Laureate Kim Dower. For adults.
This event is full

Sat, Sep 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room
Do you like to play cribbage? If so, the West Hollywood Library is looking for people like you! Whether a beginner or expert, come by and learn what all the fun is about with the locals! For adults.

Tue, Sep 16, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room
Go on an imaginary hike and learn to spot different animal tracks during this live animal show with Wonders of Wildlife! Recommended for ages 5 - 12.

Wed, Sep 17, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
In response to an increase in fentanyl and other opioid related overdoses, we've partnered with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and California Department of Health Care Services to offer free doses of Naloxone (Narcan).

Thu, Sep 18, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room
Keep your brain fresh with engaging games like Qwirkle, Qwix, Kingdomino, and more! Games are provided by the Friends of the West Hollywood Library. Especially for adults 55 and up.

Fri, Sep 19, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Teen Study Room
Join us for conversation circle. We will meet to practice conversational English in a fun, informal, and supportive environment. For adults.

Sat, Sep 20, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Meeting Room
Join us for a poetry workshop with former West Hollywood City Poet Laureate Kim Dower. For adults.
This event is full

Sat, Sep 20, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room
Learn about 3D design and printing using the free computer-aided design (CAD) software Tinkercad. Design a small object to be printed on the library's 3D printer (to be picked up at a later date). For adults.

Wed, Sep 24, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
In response to an increase in fentanyl and other opioid related overdoses, we've partnered with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and California Department of Health Care Services to offer free doses of Naloxone (Narcan).

Wed, Sep 24, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Teen Study Room
Are you a teen interested in making a difference in your library and community? Join the Teen Advisory Board! For ages 13 - 17.

Wed, Sep 24, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Room
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a colorful craft! Join us to paint your own ceramic coasters inspired by traditional Mexican Talavera tiles. For adults.
This event is full

Fri, Sep 26, 10:00am - 6:00pm
Meeting Room
Learn Basic Tech (LBT) is dedicated to bridging the digital divide in Los Angeles County. For adults.
Register

Fri, Sep 26, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room
Meet the artist inspired by Elizabeth Taylor jewels in a class for adults.

Sat, Sep 27, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Meeting Room
Join us for a poetry workshop with former West Hollywood City Poet Laureate Kim Dower. For adults.
This event is full

Sat, Sep 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room
Join West Hollywood Library’s non-fiction book club where we'll discuss Erik Larson's historical non-fiction bestseller "The Devil in the White City". For adults.

Sat, Sep 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Spanish Classical and Flamenco Dancer, Susana Elena. Join us for an exciting, interactive program perfect for children ages 5+ and their families.

Tue, Sep 30, 11:15am - 11:45am
Meeting Room
Join us for a fun yoga session with instructor Petra Poschmann! Parents and toddlers will practice basic yoga poses inspired by nature and animals. For ages 0 - 5 with their parent or caregiver.

Tue, Sep 30, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Meeting Room
Join certified instructor Petra Poschmann for a relaxing and restorative yoga session at the library. For adults.

Tue, Sep 30, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Children's Theater
You've heard of snow globes, but did you know you can make a globe with fall colors using leaves and twigs? Join us for this activity celebrating all things fall! Recommended for ages 5 - 12.

Tue, Sep 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room
Join the LGBTQ+ Book Club for a hybrid (in-person and online) discussion of I Might Be in Trouble by Daniel Aleman. For adults.

Wed, Oct 01, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
In response to an increase in fentanyl and other opioid related overdoses, we've partnered with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and California Department of Health Care Services to offer free doses of Naloxone (Narcan).

Thu, Oct 02, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Room
Join us for LGBTQ+ History Month Trivia, a fun and educational program celebrating the people, events, and milestones that have shaped LGBTQ+ history. For adults.

Sat, Oct 04, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room
Looking for a place to connect with fellow writers and grow your craft? Join Writers Supporting Writers! For adults.

Sun, Oct 05, 10:00am - 11:00am
Join us for a conversation with book editors and literary agents to learn about the publishing process, from pitch to print.
This event is full

Sun, Oct 05, 10:00am - 11:00am
Join content creators Alexandria Juarez and Taylor Capizola for an unmissable deep dive into the world of online bookfluence.

Sun, Oct 05, 11:15am - 12:15pm
Join award winning literary fiction authors Esinam Bediako and E.P. Tuazon as they discuss their journeys to make something out of nothing.
This event is full

Sun, Oct 05, 11:15am - 12:15pm
Anyone who's tried it knows -- writing for young people is not "easier" than writing for adults! Our best-selling and award-winning panel explores the highs and lows of writing for kids and teens.

Sun, Oct 05, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Join best-selling and award-winning graphic novelist Jen Wang for a behind the scenes look at how graphic novels get made. Then, grab a pencil and get to work on your own!

Sun, Oct 05, 1:45pm - 2:45pm
Whether you've got a draft in the pocket or you're completely new to screenwriting, our panel of filmmakers is here to explore the ins and outs of telling your story for the big (or small!) screen.
This event is full

Sun, Oct 05, 1:45pm - 2:45pm
If it's time to tell your story, sit down with our memoirists to hear about what it takes to craft a narrative out of your own life and memories.
This event is full

Sun, Oct 05, 2:15pm - 2:45pm
Esinam Bediako and E.P. Tuazon will be signing copies of their books.

Sun, Oct 05, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join us for a discussion around creating and crafting genre fiction: how does genre fit into the wider world of writing, how to keep it fresh, and how to make it your own.
This event is full

Sun, Oct 05, 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Julia Lee, Meredith Maran, and Michelle Tea will be signing copies of their books.

Sun, Oct 05, 4:10pm - 4:40pm
Aimee Lim & Edward Underhill will be signing copies of their books.

Sun, Oct 05, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Join LA County Librarian in conversation with acclaimed authors Jacqueline Woodson and Justin Torres as they delve into their creative processes and the power of storytelling in the face of oppression and erasure.

Sun, Oct 05, 5:40pm - 6:10pm
Jacqueline Woodson and Justin Torres will be signing copies of their books.

Mon, Oct 06, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room
Join us for a screening of the 2018 film We Have Always Lived in the Castle, starring Taissa Farmiga and Alexandra Daddario and directed by Stacie Passon. Rated TV-14. For adults.

Tue, Oct 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Room
Join the book club for a hybrid (in-person and online) discussion of The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami. For adults.