Submit a short pitch (100 words or less) of a zombie story that you'd like help reviving
Submit your pitch to the form on Friday, June 5, 2026 by 11:59 EST
One entry per person
Picture books only (just for the pitch, anyone can participate in the events to learn and grow as a writer and the pledge contest)
At least 3 winners will be selected by the hosts and they'll give each winner a group critique to help revive your dead story
For all participants (including PB, CB, MG, and YA authors), take the pledge on the Forms page that you revised (and/or are revising) a zombie manuscript, and you’ll be entered into a random drawing for PRIZES, listed below, which include critiques, books, and more!
Pledge: I solemnly swear I’m using my yummy brain to bring a zombie manuscript back to life. #KidLitZombieWeek
To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library! Don't forget to follow them on social media too!
Nancy So Miller (서혜석) is a Korean American children's book author/illustrator and traveling art teacher based in Savannah, Georgia. She creates handmade, dimensional paper worlds that capture the magic and joy of childhood. She shares her home with her husband and son. Her debut author-illustrator picture book, Sun, Moon, and Star, is published by Holiday House (Spring 2026).
Nancy is donating a signed copy of her picture book Sun, Moon, and Star: A Folktale from Korea. She only ships books in the US.
Website: www.nmillerillustration.com
Instagram: @nmillerillustration
Nisha Ligon is Thai-American writer, producer and educator based in East Africa. She co-created the educational TV shows AKILI AND ME and UBONGO KIDS, which are viewed by over 40 million kids around the world, and co-authored the picture book NO LEGS, NO LIMITS, coming in 2026 from Little Bee Books.
Nisha is donating a critique of 3 picture book manuscripts.
Website: www.nishaligon.com
X: @Nishaligon
BlueSky: @Nishaligon
Christina Shawn is a reading specialist, literacy coach, and author who writes heartfelt and humorous stories about magical moments in our everyday lives. She is the author of picture books AND THEN CAME YOU (Maydani, Chronicle Books) and the upcoming NO LOVE POTION (Miller-Gass, The Little Press, 2026), NO HATS ALLOWED (Jindra-Hodgson, Sleeping Bear Press, 2027), FIGALINA: NONNA’S ITALIAN FIG TREE (Ciao! Books 2027), and LUCAS PLAYS (Yu, 2017).
Christina is passionate about her literacy coaching with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and her writing projects, which focus on early literacy foundations while helping children feel seen, heard, and understood. Christina lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband, three kiddos, and two fluffy bunnies, who provide a constant supply of support, humor, and inspiration. She loves yoga, beach bike rides, mountain hikes, and adventuring to new places. Mostly, she loves the spark of learning something new and passing it along.
Christina will provide a written fiction picture book critique (up to 750 words) with the option for a Zoom brainstorming session.
Website: www.christinashawn.com
Instagram: @christinashawnbooks
Facebook: @christinashawnbooks
Threads: @christinashawnbooks
Sandra Sutter is the founder of Gnome Road Publishing, which focuses on making beautiful picture books with the "R" factor ... re-readability! Her background as a counselor and attorney helps with the many hats she wears at Gnome Road. In her free time, she plays chauffeur to two amazing kids and combats fast-growing weeds on her family tree and truffle farm. She's a fan of kind people and cookies (not necessarily in that order).
Sandra will provide a 30-minute Zoom "Ask me anything" chat.
Website: gnomeroadpublishing.com
Instagram: @gnomeroadpublishing
Tik Tok: @gnomeroadpub
Carren Jao is an award-winning Chinese Filipina storyteller. Her stories are like blankets that provide warmth and comfort for one, but can also be shared with many. Born and raised in Manila and a longtime Angeleno, she now calls Seattle home. She is deeply interested in finding the common threads between people of different cultures and amplifying the representation of Filipino and Chinese culture in children’s books. She lives with an all-star husband and two little ninjas. Find her online at carrenjao.com or Instagram @carrenjao.
Carren will provide a critique of a picture book manuscript and a 30 minute AMA on Zoom.
Website: www.carrenjao.com
Instagram: @carrenjao
Blue Sky: @carrenjao.bsky.social
Jolene Gutiérrez grew up on a farm in northeastern Colorado, surrounded by animals, plants, and history. Now, she lives with her family and a variety of animals near Denver, where she is an award-winning neurodivergent teacher librarian who has been working with neurodivergent learners since 1995. Jolene writes for young readers and hopes her books will help some readers feel seen and will help others learn and grow in compassion. Her books have been printed in nine countries and eight languages and include the recipient of four starred reviews, Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp (co-authored with Minoru Tonai); Mamiachi and Me: My Mami’s Mariachi Band (co-authored with her son Dakota); winner of the 2025 Crystal Kite Award for the Southwest Region, The Ofrenda That We Built (co-authored with her daughter Shaian); and Too Much! An Overwhelming Day.
Jolene is donating a 30-minute Ask Me Anything video chat.
Website: www.jolenegutierrez.com
Instagram: @writerjolene
Facebook: @writerjolene
BlueSky: @writerjolene
Rebecca Gardyn Levington is an award-winning children’s book author, poet, and journalist with a particular penchant for penning both playful and poignant picture books and poems – primarily in rhyme. She is the author of 18 books for children, including FINDING FORGIVENESS (a Sydney Taylor Book Award Notable and PJ Library selection), WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW (a SCBWI Crystal Kite Honor winner and Northern Lights Book Award winner, which has been translated into 11 languages), AFIKOMAN, WHERE’D YOU GO? A Passover Hide-And-Seek Adventure (a PJ Library selection which was named one of the best holiday books of the year by both School Library Journal and the Association of Jewish Libraries), SOME DAYS I’M THE WIND (a 2026 Children’s Book Council Librarian Favorite and a 2026 Children’s Literature Assemble Notable), and BRAINSTORM! (a Pennsylvania Readers’ Choice Award winner). Rebecca’s poems and articles have appeared in numerous anthologies, newspapers, and magazines. She lives with her family in Summit, NJ, where she enjoys bouncing on a mini-trampoline, playing Mah Jongg, and eating chocolate-peanut butter ice cream (although not usually at the same time!). Find out more and sign up for Rebecca’s monthly newsletter at www.RebeccaGardynLevington.com.
Rebecca is donating a 30-minute Ask Me Anything Zoom call.
Website: rebeccagardynlevington.com
Instagram: @rebeccagardynlevington
BlueSky: @rebeccaglevington
Facebook: @WriterRebeccaGL
Jaime Gelman is a children's book editor at Little Bee Books.
Jaime is donating a manuscript critique.
Michael Green is the former president and publisher of Philomel (Penguin Young Readers), and is currently acquiring and editing books for Marble Press. Over the years, he has edited 30 New York Times best-sellers, from picture books (e.g. The Day the Crayons Quit), to middle-grade fiction (Ranger's Apprentice; Alex Rider; Enola Holmes), and YA (Salt to the Sea).
Michael is donating a choice of one picture book manuscript critique, or one editorial assessment of the opening 20 pages to either a middle-grade or graphic novel manuscript.
Websites: www.marblepress.com and www.greenhouseedit.com
Adam is the Acquisitions Editor for picture books for Cardinal Rule Press. A former bookstore manager and nonprofit director, Adam earned his MFA in Fiction from Sarah Lawrence College and has written for both adults and children. He also works with writers on a freelance basis to shape and shine their stories. An active member of Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) and regular presenter at writing conferences, Adam lives in a hutch in Brooklyn, NY with his tween son and seriously adolescent bunny. www.adamdblackman.com.
Adam is offering a choice of a written critique or 20-minute Zoom brainstorm session for a PB, fiction or non-fiction. All subjects are welcome, although he does not consider himself an expert in rhyme.
Website: www.adamdblackman.com
BlueSky: @adamdblackman
Facebook:@adam.blackman.100
LinkedIn: adam-blackman
Brandi-Ann Uyemura is a Japanese American writer, born and raised on the island of Oahu. She holds a BA in English/Ethnic Studies, an MA in Counseling Psychology. She started as an intern for Skipping Stones children's multicultural magazine and has written for various publications. She is currently working on several picture books about her culture and a middle-grade mystery.
Brandi-Ann is giving away a signed copy of I Am a Bon Dancer.
Website: brandi-annuyemura.com
Instagram: @brandialwayswrites
BlueSky: @brandiauyemura
Threads: @brandialwayswrites
Rosie J. Pova is an award-winning children’s book author whose work has been featured by The New York Times and Parents magazine. As founder of the Picture Book Author Academy (PBAA), she helps aspiring writers strengthen their craft, avoid tricky pitfalls, and develop submission-ready picture books through online courses, workshops, and mentorship programs.
Rosie regularly hosts literary agents, editors, and other publishing professionals, giving the kidlit community direct access to insider knowledge, current market insight, and exclusive submission opportunities.
Explore resources and training for picture book writers: https://keap.page/wfa867/resources-for-writers.html
Rosie is offering 3 incredible prizes:
Prize #1: Picture Book Manuscript Critique (Fiction, Non-Rhyming) via a Zoom call
A thoughtful, professional critique designed to elevate your manuscript and bring it closer to submission-ready.
The winner will receive a detailed editorial critique (up to 600 words) of one fiction picture book manuscript (non-rhyming), tailored specifically for unpublished, unagented writers.
This critique goes beyond surface-level notes. Using Rosie’s signature story-strengthening approach—one she applies in her mentorship and workshops—you’ll gain:
Clear, actionable feedback on structure, pacing, and page turns
Insight into what agents and editors are truly looking for
Specific revision strategies to strengthen your story’s marketability
Honest, professional guidance to help you avoid common (and costly) mistakes
Whether you’re just starting out or refining a promising draft, this is your chance to get expert eyes on your work—and move forward with clarity and confidence.
....
Prize #2: Admission to an Agent/Editor Workshop (Picture Book Author Academy)
Step inside the behind-the-scenes world of traditional publishing with a live, high-impact workshop featuring a literary agent or editor.
The winner will receive complimentary admission to an upcoming Agent/Editor Workshop hosted by the Picture Book Author Academy—a unique opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals and receive an exclusive direct, above-the-slush-pile submission opportunity.
Inside the workshop, you’ll:
>Discover what agents and editors are actively seeking
>Learn how to position your manuscript for success
>Gain insider knowledge on submissions, market trends, and expectations
>Have the opportunity to ask questions and get real-time insights
This experience is designed to demystify the publishing process and help you take strategic, informed steps toward your author goals.
Website: www.rosiejpova.com
Instagram: @rosiejpova
X: @RosiePOV
Maria Wen Adcock is the author of “It’s Chinese New Year, Curious George” and the acclaimed “My Name Is Ai Lin.” She’s the founder of the award-winning Bicultural Mama blog and has appeared in Bloomberg News, HuffPost, Newsday, and The Dr. Oz Show. She lives on Long Island where she volunteers for SCBWI Long Island, works at her local library in the Youth & Parent Department, and schedules author visits at schools and libraries.
Maria is offering a signed copy of the award-winning picture book MY NAME IS AI LIN - In this empowering story, one child shows that by making the effort to properly pronounce someone's name, we send the welcoming message that everyone is worthy of respect and dignity. (Mailed to U.S. addresses only)
Website: www.mariawenadcock.com
Facebook:@mariawenadcockauthor
Instagram: @biculturalmama
Naomi Kirsten is an independent editor, creative consultant, and co-creator of the Substack SOS: SECRETS OF SUBMITTING. During her 16 years as an editor at Chronicle Books, Naomi acquired and edited hundreds of titles, including picture books, novelty books, board books, cookbooks, stationery, and games. Naomi’s notable and award-winning picture books include THE BOOK THAT CAN READ YOUR MIND by Marianna Coppo, a Barnes & Noble Best Picture Book of the Year; Kirkus Best Book of the Year I AM WE: HOW CROWS COME TOGETHER TO SURVIVE by Leslie Barnard Booth, illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey; New York Times Notable Book THERE MUST BE MORE THAN THAT! and New York Times Best Illustrated Book THE BORING BOOK by Shinsuke Yoshitake; NEIGHBORS by Kasya Denisevich, winner of the 2021 BolognaRagazzi Award Opera Prima 2021; and the six-title I DIDN'T DO MY HOMEWORK BECAUSE... series by Davide Cali and Benjamin Chaud, which has been translated into more than 20 languages. Naomi has also developed publishing, licensing, and product lines with Taro Gomi, Marc Boutavant, Marianna Coppo, Moomin, NASA, LucasFilm/Star Wars, Girl Scouts, Micah Player, GAMAGO, and Richard McGuire, among others. For more about Naomi, visit naomikirsten.com.
Naomi is donating a 45-minute video meeting to discuss one picture book manuscript (fiction or nonfiction) (no word limit)
Website: www.naomikirsten.com
Instagram: @naomi_kirsten
David McMullin is a children’s book writer and poet. His books include FREE TO BE FABULOUS! (HarperCollins), ROCK ’N’ ROLL BABY (Penguin/Random House) and the PERCY & SPECK early reader series (Simon & Schuster). Honors include an SCBWI Ann Whitford Paul Award, a Writing with the Stars mentorship, an Astra International Picture Book Writing Contest award, a Madness Poetry championship, and the Inpact and Legacy Fund’s Humor Award. David is a world traveler, bird nerd, and YouTuber. In past careers he was a Broadway actor, an educator, and a children’s librarian.
David is offering a picture book critique of any kind, or a 30 minute AMA zoom call.
Website: www.davidmcmullinbooks.com
Instagram: @davidmcmullinpb
Tielmour Press is Canada's nature children's book publisher, focusing on connecting young readers with nature.
Jon is donating one picture book critique (non-rhyming, less than 600 words)
Website: www.tielmourpress.com
Instagram: @tielmourpress
Facebook: @tielmourpress
YouTube: @tielmourpress
Threads: @tielmourpress
BlueSky: @tielmourpress
Claire Tattersfield is an associate editor at Viking Children’s Books, where she works on books for all ages of kids, from board books to young adult. She has edited many books for children, including the Piggle the Pig books, the Proper Badger Would Never! books, and Exca-Gator!. She also has a heavy hand in working with Viking’s legacy brands, including Corduroy, Pippi Longstocking, Llama Llama, and the works of Roald Dahl. Additionally, she is the New York Times bestselling author of Cupig: The Valentine’s Day Pig, which was illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr.
Claire is offering one AMA Session: Ask her about the publishing process, audience questions about your specific manuscript, or any other questions that cross your mind!
Website: www.clairetattersfield.com
Instagram: @clairetatters
Threads: @clairetatters
BlueSky: @clairetatters
Amy Nielsen spent twenty years as a youth librarian connecting eager readers with books they loved. Eventually, her career pivoted, but her focus didn't change. Now as a senior literary agent at The Purcell Agency, she helps authors bring their stories to editors—and eventually into the hands of those same eager readers. When she's not reading or writing submission letters, Amy and her family can be found boating the waters of Tampa Bay with a canine co-captain in a mermaid life vest.
Amy is donating one PB Query and Manuscript Critique for a picture book.
Website: www.amynielsenauthor.com
Instagram: @author_amy.nielsen
Facebook: @AmyNielsen.BigAbilities
Jessica Whipple is a poet and author of two children's picture books: Enough Is... (Tilbury House 2023, illust. Nicole Wong) and I Think I Think a Lot (Free Spirit Publishing 2023, illust. by Josée Bisaillon). Her work for adults has appeared in print and online literary magazines, most recently Philadelphia Stories, ONE ART, McSweeney's, and Gastronomica: The Journal of Food Studies. "Splinters," appearing in Door Is a Jar, received a Best of the Net and a Pushcart nomination. Visit her online at AuthorJessicaWhipple.com or follow @JessicaWhippl17.
Jessica is offering a 30-Minute Brain-Picking Session -- Think of it as an ask-me-anything! Jessica will share her experience where she can, or direct you to other resources for further help. This will be available at a mutually-beneficial time after June 15th.
Website: www.AuthorJessicaWhipple.com
Instagram: @JessicaWhippl17
BlueSky: @Jessicawhippl17
Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic is a New York Times-bestselling author who was raised in Minneapolis, MN. She is the picture book author of several middle grade novels and multiple picture books, including the instant NYT-bestseller and Indie Next Pick, ZOMBIE & BRIAN ARE FRIENDS (2025), and the critically acclaimed TOUCH THE SKY (2024). She has a bellybutton phobia, two extra wisdom teeth, and believes that cats greatly improve one's quality of life. You can find her hiking on trails in the Bay Area or on Meta and Bluesky as @grubreport and at her website stephanielucianovic.com
Stephanie is donating a 1 hour AMA. The world of kidlit publishing is vast, slow-moving, and confusing and Stephanie says that some of the best advice and information she's gotten over the years has come from her fellow kidlit creators. She loves talking about the ins and outs of this industry and giving pep talks!
Website: www.stephanielucianovic.com
Instagram: @grubreport
Threads: @grubreport
BlueSky: @grubreport
Angela Quezada Padron is a published children's book author-illustrator with over 18 years experience working as a freelance writer, illustrator, and developmental editor for various educational and trade publishers. Besides her own published children's books, Angela has written, edited, and art directed a series of decodable books called Cover to Cover as part of Reading Partners' curriculum that addresses the science of reading. She has earned six college degrees, including an MFA in Illustration from Academy of Art University. Angela also provides critiques, developmental editing, art directing, book layout design, and publishing career consultations for both authors and illustrators.
Angela is giving away one critique of one manuscript that is up to 10 pages, double spaced, 1” margins and 12 point font (board book, picture book, chapter book or middle grade only; fiction or nonfiction OK)
Website: www.dreamjarpublishing.com
Instagram: @dream_jar_publishing
Threads: @dream_jar_publishing
BlueSky: @dreamjarpublishing
Facebook: @dream_jar_publishing
Bonnie Kelso is an award-winning picture book author and illustrator from Las Vegas, Nevada. With a background as an exhibit designer for organizations such as Smithsonian Institution, National Geographic, and NASA, Bonnie enjoys taking complex information and distilling it into bite-sized pieces. Her passion for nature and environmental awareness shines through in her books, murals, and community art workshops. She is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and has nine published picture books. Her latest, Dexter the Stand Up Dog, received a California Reading Association Eureka! Silver Honor for nonfiction. Visit her website at www.BonnieKelso.com.
Bonnie is offering a 30 minute "Ask Me Anything" zoom session.
Website: www.BonnieKelso.com
Instagram: @bonnie.kelso
BlueSky: @bonniekelso
Leigh Anne Carter (she/her) is a writer and illustrator of stories for young readers. She wants to inspire with tales filled with empathy, kindness, and empowerment. Leigh Anne is the author and illustrator of YETI IS NOT READY FOR SCHOOL and the upcoming YETI IS NOT READY FOR GAME OVER (July 2026). If she's not at her desk working, you can find her lost in a book or the forest. She lives and works in North Carolina.
Leigh Anne is donating a picture book critique OR a copy of her book Yeti Is Not Ready for School (US only).
Website: www.lacarter.com
Instagram: @lacarterbooks
Threads: @lacarterbooks
BlueSky: @lacarterbooks
Melissa Taylor, MA., is a writer, author, children's book reviewer, marketing consultant, and former teacher. She founded the popular children's book review blog, Imagination Soup, for parents, teachers, and librarians, and is currently offering publicity and marketing services through Imagination Soup Consulting. Her first children’s picture book, Tova’s Sweet Solution, was published on April 21, 2026. She freelance writes about topics in education for publications such as Brightly, Adobe Education, and Parenting. She’s an active volunteer at The Right Step, Inc., an adaptive riding barn that serves disabled children and adults. For more information about Melissa, please visit her websites, melissataylor.net or imaginationsoup.net.
Melissa is offering a 30-Minute Zoom: Ask Me Anything (About Marketing & Publicity).
Websites: www.melissataylor.net and www.imaginationsoup.net
Instagram: @imaginationsoup
Facebook: @imaginationsoup
BlueSky: @imaginationsoup
Julian Plum is an author-illustrator making picture books in gouache. He spends an awful lot of time crouched in the woods looking at moss, so it's really a wonder he manages to make things, but somehow, he does! He's a lover of poetry, bright colors, and creatures of all sorts. In his former life he was a graphic designer, which was all well and good but didn't involve much painting, so it wasn't quite the right fit.
Julian is donating one written critique of a picture book manuscript or book dummy, plus a half-hour Zoom to go over the feedback and generally chat! He's skilled in poetry & nonfiction, but is open to all kinds of writing.
Website: www.julianplum.com
Instagram: @plumjules
BlueSky: @julianplum.com
Stephanie Wheeler is the author of Meet Reba, a finalist for the IBPA Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book. She holds an MFA in creative writing, and her short fiction has appeared in New Ohio Review, The Masters Review, The Saturday Evening Post, and other publications.
She is also the founder of Spinning Wheel Stories, an independent children’s publisher dedicated to creating picture books that are thoughtfully written, visually rich, and rooted in curiosity, empathy, resilience, and connection. Through her work, Stephanie hopes to bring meaningful, beautifully crafted stories to young readers and to support programs that help put books into children’s hands.
Stephanie is donating a collection of 3 newly translated Finnish Picture Books published by Spinning Wheel Stories: No Fish in My Dish, Button Up, Buttercup! and The Vole Who Looked at the Moon.
Website: www.spinningwheelstories.com
Instagram: @spinning_wheel_stories
BlueSky: @spinwheelstories
Facebook:@spinning_wheel_stories
TikTok: @spinningwheelstories
Judith is an author and illustrator of children's books. Her first picture book as an author, "An Ofrenda for Perro," is an NCTE Charlotte Huck Award for Outstanding Fiction for Children Honor Book, illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera and published by Little Bee Books.
Judith is donating a critique of one manuscript (+ 1 revision critique)
Website: www.judithvaldesb.com
Instagram: @JudithValdesB
BlueSky: @JudithValdesB
Anitra Rowe Schulte is the author of DANCING WITH DADDY, illustrated by Ziyue Chen (Two Lions), WILLOW AND BUNNY, illustrated by Christopher Denise (Two Lions), and the chapter book series STARLIN, illustrated by Katie Crumpton (Beaming Books), which releases in 2026. Anitra's picture books have been recognized with Christopher Awards, a Dolly Gray Award, and a Crystal Kite Award, and honored as Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year. She has worked as a journalist for The Kansas City Star and the Sun-Times News Group, as a staff writer for Chicago Public Schools, and as a publicist. Anitra lives in Chicagoland with her husband, three tween daughters, and fluffy cat, Pancake. She is represented by Stephanie Hansen of Metamorphosis Literary Agency.
Anitra is donating a copy of Willow and Bunny and Dancing with Daddy to a winner in the US.
Website: www.anitraroweschulte.com
Instagram: @anitraroweschulte
In previous chapters Marcie Colleen has been a teacher, an actress, and a nanny, but now she spends her days writing children’s books! She is the acclaimed author of THE SUPER HAPPY PARTY BEARS chapter book series, as well as picture books, LOVE, TRIANGLE, illustrated by Bob Shea, PENGUINAUT!, illustrated by Emma Yarlett, and THE BEAR'S GARDEN, illustrated by Alison Oliver. Her picture book, SURVIVOR TREE, illustrated by Caldecott Honor Winner Aaron Becker, celebrates the real-life story of a pear tree who survived the September 11th attacks and was named a 2022 ALA Notable Book. Marcie’s latest release, HAPPY FRIENDSGIVING: A Thanksgiving Celebration of Found Families has been called “a delightful, inclusive, modern-day depiction of holiday celebrations with a family of choice” (Kirkus) and “a heartfelt ode to the celebration of chosen family” (School Library Journal). Up next, she teams up with illustrator Chad Thomas for TOUGH FLUFF, a graphic novel chapter book series with Random House Graphic (debuting summer 2027). The series follows Ewenice, an ex-acrobat sheep with a mysterious past and superhero alter ego, Steel Wool, as she and her wannabe squirrel sidekick face off against a villainous, sleep-deprived duck. A former Epic! Originals Senior Writer/Editor, Marcie created comics and prose for their digital platform, including the KITTEN NINJA series, which has over 41 million reads! She lives with her husband and a beloved herd of stuffed animals in San Diego, California.
Marcie is offering a critique of a picture book manuscript (of 700 words or less) PLUS a one-hour video chat to discuss the manuscript and have dialogue over possible strategies for revision.
Website: www.thisismarciecolleen.com
Instagram: @marciecolleen
BlueSky: @marcie.colleen
Selene Castrovilla is an award-winning author of more than twenty nonfiction and fiction books. Her work is dedicated to uncovering hidden truths about both American history and the human experience. She is also a writing coach and developmental editor who helps writers strengthen their craft, deepen their storytelling, and bring their work to its fullest potential. Selene holds an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School and a BA in English from New York University. She founded the Long Island Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and served as its first Regional Advisor for five years. She lives on a lagoon with swans, egrets, and her Black Lab named Bean. Learn more about Selene’s editorial and coaching services at https://selenecastrovilla.com/editorial-services
Selene is offering a critique of a picture book manuscript or up to ten pages of a longer manuscript. Any genre is okay.
Website: www.selenecastrovilla.com
Instagram: @selenecastrovilla
Threads: @selenecastrovilla
TikTok: @selenecastrovilla
Facebook: @selene.castrovilla
Ellen Ramsey's love of reading and writing led her to careers as a teacher, technical writer, and author. She loves to write imaginative stories and poetry and nonfiction articles about her favorite creatures—birds, bees, and butterflies; squirrels, chipmunks, and flying squirrels. Her debut picture book, A Book for Bear, illustrated by MacKenzie Haley, celebrates friendship and love of reading, inspires creativity, and encourages children to create books of their very own. The book received the Moonbeam Award for the Best First Picture Book, was nominated for a Keystone State Literacy Association Elementary Book Award, and was a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library selection.
Ellen is donating a signed copy of A BOOK FOR BEAR and a 30-minute AMA.
Website: www.ellenlramsey.com
Instagram: @ellenlramseybooks
Facebook: @ellen.l.ramsey.5
BlueSky: @ellenlramseybooks
Lynne Marie is an award-winning author and speaker, Season/Special Acquisitions Editor for Little Press, CEO of RateYourStory.org, Mentor of the https://www.literallylynnemarie.com/, Co-Host at SeasonsofKidlit.com and Columnist at Children's Book Insider.
Lynne is offering fantastic three prizes:
Prize #1: A half hour AMA
Prize #2 A half hour critique session
Prize #3: A Rate Your Story Speed pass
Websites: www.rateyourstory.org, www.literallylynnemarie.com and www.seasonsofkidlit.com
Pinterest: @lynnespinz
BlueSky: @literallylynne
Instagram: @literally.lynne.marie
Facebook: @LiterallyLynneMarie
GoodReads: @Lynne_Marie