Della Farrell

I’m an editor at Holiday House Publishing. Before joining Holiday House in 2018, I assigned nonfiction reviews at School Library Journal. I am deeply passionate about nonfiction for young readers. I’m particularly interested in projects related to labor history, nature/environmental topics, and stories where science meets social history. I’m proud to have edited BREAKING THE MOLD by Dana Alison Levy (an SLJ Best Book), THE FOREST IN THE SEA by Anita Sanchez (A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection), and I’M GONNA PAINT by Anne Broyles and illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov (Silver Medal for the SOI Original Art 2023 show and a Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2024 illustration winner).

I also work on middle grade and YA fiction as well as graphic novels. My favorite genres are contemporary, rom-com, fantasy, and horror. I love voice-driven stories with sharp humor and working-class characters. If your teen protagonist has a job–that’s a project I want to read. I believe in stories that are honest about how confusing and (oftentimes) cruel life can be, but also emphasize strength and the power of solidarity. Some new and forthcoming titles that I’ve enjoyed working on include Jennifer Ann Richter’s BIRD NERD, Natalie Leif’s TAKE ALL OF US, Kate Glasheen’s CONSTELLATIONS (an SLJ Best Book, a Booklist Top Ten First Novel for Youth, and a Booklist Editor’s Choice), and Linda Crotta Brennan’s THE SELKIE’S DAUGHTER (a Kids’ Indie Next Selection).

Submission Guidelines

Submissions should be emailed to dfarrell@holidayhouse.com

Submissions from this site can be sent to: dfarrell@holidayhouse.com

Please include #MSWL in the subject line of your email and include a short summary in the body of your email. Submissions can be attached as a Word document or a PDF.