Today we’d like to introduce you to PJ Gardner.
Hi PJ, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
“Why not me?”
This has been my motto since I committed to becoming a traditionally published author ten years ago. At the time I was forty-two years old, unemployed, and searching for purpose. I’d tried to write a book before, but had never truly believed in myself. In my mind only people who’d been writing from childhood could properly call themselves writers. No one had ever told me I should write. And my own dreams had never involved being a storyteller. My childhood dreams had revolved around being married to John Travolta, being a dental hygienist, and/or having a recurring role on the Carol Burnett Show. (Spoiler alert: none of those things happened.)
In the midst of this angst, the thought came to me, “People are writing books, finding agents, getting publishing deals, so why not me?”
With that in mind I wrote a book. It was deeply flawed, but I didn’t see it at the time. I queried agents and sadly no one wanted it. It broke my heart, but didn’t stop me. I wrote another book, queried again. And this time I received an offer of representation from an agent. It wasn’t smooth sailing after that, unfortunately. That book didn’t sell to a publisher. Neither did the next one, or the one after that. But I reminded myself, people are getting deals, so why not me? And after talking to my agent I went back to the first book. I spent a month rewriting it and then we sent it to publishers. three weeks later I had an offer from several different editors and the rest is history.
Now I am an established kidlit author and, as of March 2026, I will have five books published with HarperCollins.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The traditional publishing path is rarely, if ever, smooth. For me the greatest struggle has been the lack of influence that I have on my own success. I can write and edit an amazing book, but I’m still reliant on someone else to choose it. Whether it’s finding an agent or getting a book deal I can only do so much. I think that’s why so many people enjoy Indie publishing. they have complete control over everything. Unfortunately, they also have all the responsibility.
That said, I have been extremely fortunate in my career. I’ve had two wonderful agents who have supported and advocated for me. I’ve also had a fantastic working relationship with an editor at HarperCollins that has shaped me as an author.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the author of five middle grade novels including the HORACE & BUNWINKLE series, THE GREAT ZOODINI, and WORST IN SHOW (coming March 31, 2026) all published by imprints of HarperCollins, as well as TOOLS, NOT RULES: A WRITING GUIDE FOR YOUNG CREATIVES written in conjunction with three other authors.
All my fiction books have humorous and heartfelt stories that feature animal protagonists. I think that combination is what sets my books apart from other animal stories. They’re super funny, but also very tender. And there is always some form of healing journey as well. It’s important to me to give children the language to understand and express their feelings while also entertaining them. I’ve had great success with reluctant readers, which makes me unbelievably proud.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The best way to support me is to either buy my books or check them out from the library.
Also, I love doing school visits, whether in person or virtually. Children who meet an author, even if it’s over Zoom, are much more likely to read the book being discussed, and then continue in their reading journey.
If anyone wants to book a visit can reach me at [email protected]. I never charge for virtual ones and do my best to keep costs low for in-person events.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pjgardnerswitzer.com
- Instagram: @pjgardnerswitzer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063792840208
