Chelsea Tornetto

Profile

Join date: Jul 20, 2021

About

Chelsea Tornetto is an author, world geography teacher, and mom who has been writing ever since she was a kid. Her first book, Conquering Content Vocabulary, was published by Scholastic in 2018, but now her passion is picture books! Her first picture book titles, Gardens Are For Growing (Familius) and God Made You Too (Worthy), both released in early 2022. She lives in Jackson, Missouri with her husband, Mike, and her two kids, Tessa and Milo. She loves snow days, lattes, and summer. She hates spiders, her sinuses, and laundry.

Posts (77)

Apr 13, 2026 ∙ 3 min

How to Get Your Self-Published Book into Elementary School Libraries

When a kid pulls your book off a school library shelf, you aren’t just a "self-published author"—you’re a storyteller who has passed the test of the world’s toughest gatekeepers: Elementary School Librarians. But here’s the no-nonsense truth: You can’t just walk into a front office with a stack of books and a smile. Schools are government-funded and highly regulated. If you want in, you have to play by their rules.

Mar 2, 2026 ∙ 3 min

Do I Need A Literary Agent for My Picture Book?

Think of an agent as your professional filter and advocate. While they bring a lot to the table, they also come with a specific set of hurdles.

Feb 16, 2026 ∙ 3 min

Picture Book Manuscript Format: What Should Your Manuscript Look Like?

If you're just trying to get your book out of your head and onto a page, that's totally fine! Heck, you can jot your very first draft down on a napkin if you have to. (We’ve all been there!) But, there comes a time when you have to dress your manuscript up for the big leagues. If you’re ready to pitch an agent or an editor, there are some general guidelines to follow.