Alison Green Myers is an educator, novelist, and speaker. As the Program Director at the Highlights Foundation, Alison supports storytellers with fellowships and care throughout their careers. Alison is the author of the Schneider Family Award-winning A BIRD WILL SOAR and the forthcoming, Junior Library Guild selection, THIS WAY TO HAPPY (Dutton/2025). To learn more about Alison, please visit alisongreenmyers.com.

Alison  is donating a read and offer feedback on a middle grade query letter and the first chapter of the novel (up to 2500 words). Alison will provide details about what to submit once you connect and would be happy to follow up with a Zoom to discuss the feedback on your query and first chapter.

Website: alisongreenmyers.com

BlueSky: ‪@alisongreenmyers.bsky.social

Andi Chitty has been writing for children for over 4 years. With many contest wins and placements under her writing belt, Andi has a foot in both worlds of publishing, as she celebrates the release of her debut self-published board book, BANANAS IN THE BATH while pursuing a traditional publishing deal for her other stories. Check out her monthly video "podcast" Storytime Sprint, which she hosts with fellow author Ryann Jones!

Andi is donating a winner's choice of  one of the following: 

1.  30 min AMA (discuss self-publishing, queries, writing craft, go over a manuscript, whatever!)

2. PB or BB critique (fiction, <800 words, rhyming or prose is fine!)

3.  A copy of her debut self-published board book, "Bananas in the Bath"

Website: andichittybooks.com

Bluesky: ‪@andichitty.bsky.social

Instagram: andichitty_booksnbugs

Andrea Denish writes picture books that both educate and entertain young readers. She is the author of THE WAY WE SAY HELLO (Starry Forest Books, 2023) and EVERYONE LOVES A PARADE! (Astra Books for Young Readers, 2020). Andrea serves as the PAL coordinator for the Eastern Pennsylvania chapter of SCBWI. Please visit her website at andreadenish.com.

Andrea is donating a critique of a picture book manuscript of 500 words or less. Rhyming and nonfiction are welcome. 

Website: http://www.andreadenish.com

BlueSky: ‪@andreadenish.bsky.social‬

Instagram: @authorandreadenish

Angela De Groot was born in England, grew up in South Africa, and now lives in New Jersey with her family. Angela’s debut picture book, NOT POP-POP (PRH/Waterbrook) is a 2025 Anna Dewdney Read Together Award finalist. Angela hopes that her writing inspires curiosity and compassion while creating worlds that readers can find and lose themselves in. A lifelong lover of reading, Angela teaches ESL and Basic Literacy at her local library. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her in the garden talking to the birds. You can learn more about Angela at www.angeladegroot.com  and @angeladegroot8 on Facebook and Instagram.

Angela is donating a copy of NOT POP-POP by Angela De Groot & MacKenzie Haley (US only please) and a 20-minute Ask Me Anything Zoom call. 

Website: www.angeladegroot.com

Instagram: @AngelaDeGroot8  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelaDeGroot8

X:  @AngelaDeGroot8  

Anne is a published author with four children's books published through Clavis Publishing (WHAT CAN YOUR GRANDMA DO, THE HALLOWEEN COSTUME BALL, THE TWELVE DAYS OF PETMAS, A BOX FULL OF LOVE). Her latest book, BEFORE YOU, was just released in May through Abrams (repped by Mary Cummings of Great River Literary), and she has another book. THERE WAS AN OLD GRANDMA WHO GOT A TATTOO, currently under contract with Phoenix International. Anne has also had several articles published in Adoptive Families and Adoption Today, as well as online publications including, Grown and Flown Brain Child, and Blunt Moms. She is a practicing psychologist and lives outside of Boston with her husband, children, and many pets.

Anne is donating one fiction picture book critique.

Website: https://annesawanbooks.com

Berrie Torgan-Randall is an author/illustrator working from her home studio in Media, PA. Berrie’s illustrations have appeared in Ladybug Magazine, and her debut early reader graphic novel, BELLA & BLUE: BELLA MEETS BLUE was published by The Little Press Publishing in 2022. The second book in the BELLA & BLUE series is to launch in October 2026 titled BELLA & BLUE: TIMES TWO. In addition, Berrie’s debut picture book JUST DUCKY: A FRIENDSHIP TAKES FLIGHT is set to soar in October 2025  published by Cardinal Rule Press. Berrie is Cardinal Rule Press’s first author/illustrator.

Berrie is donating a copy of Bella & Blue: Bella meets Blue. Shipping only to the US.

Website: https://www.berrietr.com/

BlueSky: ‪@berrietr.bsky.social‬

Instagram: @blue.berrie

Cathy Ballou Mealey is a picture book author, autism advocate, and scone aficionado. She lives in Massachusetts with her family, and loves reading to kids. Her books include the SLOTH & SQUIRREL series, MAKE MORE S'MORES, and WHEN A TREE GROWS.

Cathy is donating a winner's choice of a picture book critique or a signed copy of MAKE MORE S'MORES [US mailing addresses only please]

Website: https://cathyballoumealey.wixsite.com/author

Bluesky: ‪@catballoumealey.bsky.social‬

Instagram: @catballoumealey

Christie Megill works with artists and children’s book authors, offering long-term support in their careers and creative journeys. Storytelling is her passion, no matter the medium. 

Christie comes from a background in elementary education and before pursuing education, she previously worked as an editor at an academic press in New York City, as a volunteer at the Housing Works Bookstore in SoHo, and as a bookseller at the bygone Borders Books and Music in Columbus Circle. She holds a BA in English Literature from Fordham University. 

When she’s not losing herself in a good book, she spends her time writing novels for grownups, making butter-laden desserts, and hiking in the woods with her three children.

Christie, agent The CAT Agency,  is donating a written critique for one of the following:

• 1 picture book manuscript (any genre!)

• First 3 chapters of a middle grade novel (any genre!)

• A chapter book pitch package

• A graphic novel pitch package (early graphic novel-middle grade) picture book critique of any type under 1000 words.

Website: https://catagencyinc.com/

BlueSky: ‪‪@christiemegill.bsky.social‬

Instagram: @christiemegillbooks

Dianne Ochiltree wears a few hats: she's a published author of picture books, a writing coach, developmental editor, children's book reviewer, and certified creativity coach.  She has been involved in the children's publishing industry for over thirty years and has been writing since she WAS a child.    

Dianne is donating a Picture Book manuscript critique.  Will critique PB manuscript, up to 10 pages (including back matter), double-spaced, 12-point text, Times New Roman preferred font.  Manuscript may be fiction or nonfiction.  Winner will receive a written report of what's working and not-yet-working in current draft, as well as general information about the picture book marketplace.  Submission of materials and dialogue with author will be done via email.  Critique will be completed no later than 4 weeks from receipt of manuscript. Value of this Picture Book manuscript critique is $300. 

Website: www.dianneochiltree.com

Instagram: @dianneochiltree  

Facebook: https://facebook.com/dianne.ochiltree

X:  @WriterDi  

Ellen Ramsey's love of reading and writing led her to careers as a teacher, technical editor, and author of stories for children. Her debut picture book, A BOOK FOR BEAR, illustrated by MacKenzie Haley, celebrates friendship, inspires creativity, and encourages children to create books of their very own. Her work has also appeared in children’s magazines. One of her poems, published in Highlights High Five, won an SCBWI Magazine Merit Award for Poetry. 

Ellen is donating a copy of A BOOK FOR BEAR, with a bookplate signed by illustrator MacKenzie Haley and me; includes activity sheets and bookmarks. In this book, Bear, assisted by his friend Ellen, tries imaginative disguises in his search for a book of his very own. 

Bluesky: @ellenlramseybooks.bsky.social  

Website: www.ellenlramsey.com

Instagram: @ellenlramseybooks  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellen.l.ramsey.5

Emma Walton Hamilton is a best-selling and award-winning author, editor, producer and writing coach.

Together with her mother, Julie Andrews, she has co-authored over thirty-five books for children and adults, nine of which have been on the New York Times best-seller list, including The Very Fairy Princess series (#1 NY Times Bestseller). A Bridport Prize-winning poet, Emma's poetry collection, Door to Door, was published by Andrews McMeel Publishing, and her book for parents and caregivers, Raising Bookworms: Getting Kids Reading for Pleasure and Empowerment (Beech Tree Books), premiered as a #1 best-seller on Amazon.com in the literacy category and won a Parent's Choice Gold Medal.

A faculty member for Stony Brook University’s MFA in Creative Writing and Literature, Emma teaches all forms of children’s book writing and serves as Director of their annual Children’s Literature Conference, as well as Executive Director of the Young Artists and Writers Project (YAWP), an interdisciplinary writing program for middle and high school students. 

Emma is also the co-creator of Picture Book Summit, the world-class, annual online conference for picture book writers, and The Complete Picture Book Submissions System. Independently, Emma offers home-study courses and other products and resources for writers at her website, EmmaWaltonHamilton.com. 

Emma is donating 1 free copy of Emma Walton Hamilton's EDITOR IN A BOX for PICTURE BOOKS. This expanded and refined toolkit walks you through a complete picture book revision process—designed to help you elevate your story, sharpen your craft, and polish every page before you share your work with an agent, editor, or illustrator.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Essential Editorial Tools: A proven, multi-track revision sequence tailored to different picture book formats—narrative fiction, nonfiction, and rhyme—plus guides for structure, pacing, page layout, and visual storytelling.

• Craft & Language Support: Checklists, cheat sheets, and quick-reference guides to help you refine your voice, improve readability, and strengthen your manuscript’s appeal—whether it’s for lap-time reading or classroom use.

• Submission & Industry Resources: Glossaries, formatting tips, and expert insights on hiring freelance editors and preparing your work for submission—along with bonus interviews from top children’s book editors.

• Before you invest in professional editing—or submit to an agent or publisher—Editor in a Box gives you the tools and confidence to make your manuscript shine. 

Website: emmawaltonhamilton.com

Bluesky: ‪@emmawaltonhamilton.bsky.social

Instagram: @ewhamilton

Erin Dealey is an award-winning children’s author and playwright. You can learn more about her 20+ children’s books at erindealey.com and plays for young adults at Uproar Theatrics. A credentialed English/Theater teacher, Dealey’s books celebrate kindness and community, including her latest, JUST FLOWERS, award-winning DEAR EARTH…From Your Friends in Room 5 (NYSRA Charlotte Award/CT Nutmeg Award nominee), SNOW GLOBE WISHES (Anna Dewdney Read Together Honor Book), and THE HALF BIRTHDAY BOOK. Look for SQUIRREL DRAWS BIG FEELINGS coming next year from Beaming Books, illustrated by Luciana Navarro Powell. “Once a teacher, always a teacher,” Erin Dealey welcomes any opportunity to motivate students to read and write, and play with words.   

Erin is donating a winner's choice of either a PB critique (fiction, approx 350 words or less - rhymers welcome!) OR an AMA zoom (1-on-1 for authors or Class Zoom for teachers/ librarians). 

Website: https://erindealey.com/

BlueSky: ‪‪@erindealey.bsky.social‬

Instagram: @ErinDealey

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erin.dealey/

X: @ErinDealey

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/erindealey/

Blog: https://erindealey.com/blog/

Dealey/Links: https://erindealey.com/dealeylinks/

Hannah Holt is a children’s author with an engineering degree, and her books reflect her scientific curiosity. Her published works include A HISTORY OF UNDERWEAR WITH PROFESSOR CHICKEN (Roaring Brook, 2022), A FATHER'S LOVE (Philomel, 2019), and THE DIAMOND AND THE BOY (HarperCollins, 2018). A few highlights from Hannah's career include having a book selected for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, winning the Flame Challenge from the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, and setting the world record for fastest marathon dressed as a book. But Hannah's favorite part of being an author is connecting with young readers. She lives in Oregon with her husband, four children, eight chickens, and a cat. Find out more about her at HannahHolt.com.

Hannah is donating three picture books to one winner: The Diamond and the Boy, A Father's Love, and A History of Underwear with Professor Chicken. (USA mail delivery only please) 

Website: HannahHolt.com

BlueSky: ‪ ‪@hannahholt.bsky.social

Heather Dawn Torres is a children’s book author and former farmgirl originally from Iowa. She currently lives in Nebraska with her family. Heather is a member of 12 x 12, The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the Nebraska Writer’s Guild (NWG). Heather strives to write stories that inspire imagination, curiosity, and smiles in children—and their parents! 

Heather is donating a winner's choice of either a signed copy of her book THE TRACTOR SQUAD SAVES THE DAY or a 30-minute ask me anything about writing call. [US mailing addresses only please].

Website: www.heatherdawntorres.com

BlueSky: ‪@hdtorresauthor.bsky.social

Instagram: @hdtorresauthor

Heather Stigall uses her experience with children and her degrees in Child Development, Psychology-based Human Relations, and Social Work to create stories that speak to kids. She is an active volunteer for the Eastern PA Chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, a member of the 12x12 Picture Book Challenge, and wife and parent to five children and one pup. When she’s not writing, you can find Heather hanging out with her kids (hopefully at the beach), reading, eating chocolate, baking, or creating all sorts of treasures. She is the author of GILBERT & THE GHOST (Beaming Books, 2025) which Kirkus Reviews praised as "a surefire hit for readers looking for seasonal fun." Her debut picture book, PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY (Clavis Publishing, 2023), was a 2023 Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Awards nominee and is available in six languages. You can connect with Heather through her website, HeatherPierceStigall.com, and her social media links at https://linktr.ee/HeatherStigall.

Heather is donating a critique of a fiction picture book (no free verse, please) of 800 words or less.

Website: www.HeatherPierceStigall.com

BlueSky: ‪@heatherstigall7.bsky.social

Instagram: @heather_stigall7

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.stigall

Janie Havemeyer is the author of over 40  books for children. Her picture book, MOTORCYCLE QUEEN: THE LIFE OF BESSIS STRINGFIELD (The Creative Company, 2024), was an Amazon Editor's Pick for Best Books for ages 6-8 and a Betsy Bird's 31 Days, 31 List of Memorable 2024 Biographies for Kids. 

Janie, publisher at The Creative Company and Jump!, is donating 7 books in the series, "The Thinking Girl's Treasury of Dastardly Dames." These narrative, non-fiction biographies, aimed for children 9-13, tell the stories of notorious queens, from Egypt's Cleopatra to France's Catherine de' Medici. The books raise the question of whether these rulers were judged "dastardly" because they were women, even though they had traits praised in powerful men. Two of the books in the series were authored by Janie Havemeyer. Books will be shipped to the winner. US addresses only.

Website: http://www.janiehavemeyer.com

Instagram: @janiehavemeyerauthor

Jocelyn Rish is an award-winning author and filmmaker who loves researching weird and wonderful animals and sharing what she learns. Her first book was the nonfiction picture book BATTLE OF THE BUTTS (Running Press Kids, 2021), about ten animals that do weird things with their butts. Her next NF PB book moved to the other end with BATTLE OF THE BRAINS (Running Press Kids, 2022), about ten animals with mind-blowing brain abilities. She also writes middle grade and young adult novels, as well as screenplays for all ages. Jocelyn lives in South Carolina with her ridiculously adorable dog Kenzi. Learn more at jocelynrish.com.

Jocelyn is donating a picture book critique of any type under 1000 words.

Website: https://www.jocelynrish.com/

BlueSky: ‪@jocelynrish.com‬

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelynrish/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JocelynRish.Author

Judith Valdés B. is a Mexican American author-illustrator, born and raised in a pueblo full of vibrant colors and traditions. Currently living in Mexico City, Judith celebrates her cultural roots through storytelling. Her debut picture book, AN OFRENDA FOR PERRO, has been published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. It is a 2024 NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor Award for Outstanding Fiction. It was included in the Bank Street College of Education's list of the best children's books, 2024 Edition, and the Chicago Public Library’s list of the Best of the Best Picture Books of 2024. 

Judith is donating one critique of a fiction manuscript.. 

Bluesky: @judithvaldesb.bsky.social‬  

Website: https://judithvaldesb.com

Instagram: @JudithValdesB  

Justin Colón is a NY-based actor and children's author. His debut picture book, THE QUACKEN (illustrated by Pablo Pino), was a Kid's Indie Next Pick and 2026 Sunshine State Young Reader Award Junior Book. His other picture books include IMPOSSIBLE POSSUMS and IMPOSSIBLE POSSUM FOR MAYOR (Disney Hyperion, 2024 & 2025), THE ZOMBEES (S&S, 2025), and VAMPURR (FSG/Macmillan, 2026). Justin previously hosted PBChat, a free community and mentorship program that assisted over 115+ emerging picture book creators on their path to publication. He now offers critiques, consultations, classes, and mentorship through justincolonbooks.com.

Justin is donating to one lucky winner both of the following prizes: 

1. A signed/personalized copy of his next picture book, The Zombees, a rhyming, Halloween tale illustrated by Kaly Quarles, published by Simon & Schuster (July 15, 2025). DETAILS: Will ship to US-based addresses only.

2. A full picture book manuscript critique. DETAILS: Manuscript must be under 800 words and submitted for critique within one week of Kidlit Zombie Week's prize announcements. Please no rhyme—it is not Justin's editorial strength. He is especially adept with humor and darker, spookier tales but is open to nonfiction and lyrical stories, too. For full guidelines and additional information, please visit www.justincolonbooks.com/editorial-services.

Website: www.justincolonbooks.com

BlueSky: ‪@justincolonbooks.bsky.social

Instagram: @Justincolonbooks

Substack: @Justincolonbooks

Kim-Hoa Ung is a Chinese American author-illustrator and amigurumi artist. She enjoys creating stories that explore family relationships, friendship, empathy, culture and heritage, and immigrant life. She is a lover of all things kawaii and inspirational. When Kim-Hoa is not creating stories, you can find her crocheting pieces for art shows, sending snail mail, and making arts and crafts with her kids. She lives with her family in Southern California. A GIFT FOR NAI NAI is her debut picture book.

Kim-Hoa is donating a giant crocheted pencil plushie OR a signed copy of A GIFT FOR NAI NAI. US shipping only. 

Website: kimhoaung.com

BlueSky: ‪@AutumnLeaflet.bsky.social

Instagram: @AutumnLeaflet

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutumnLeaflet

X: @AutumnLeaflet

TikTok: @autumnleaflet

Laura Gehl is the award-winning author of more than fifty picture books, board books, and early readers including ONE BIG PAIR OF UNDERWEAR (Charlotte Zolotow Highly Commended Title, International Literacy Association Honor Book, Booklist Books for Youth Editors’ Choice); the PEEP AND EGG series (Parents’ Choice Recommendation, Amazon Editors’ Pick, Children’s Choice Book Award Finalist); MY PILLOW KEEPS MOVING (Junior Library Guild selection, New York Public Library Best Books of the year selection); DONUT (Junior Library Guild selection, Indie Next List selection, Dolly Parton Imagination Library selection); ODD BIRDS (Blueberry Honor Book; Cybils Award Finalist; Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year selection; Kirkus Best Books selection) and APPLE AND MAGNOLIA (Kirkus best book of the year; Cybils Award Finalist; Charter Oak Children’s Book Award nominee; a White Ravens International Children’s and Youth Literature Selection). Laura lives in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with her husband and four children. She is represented by Erzsi Deàk at Hen&ink Literary.. 

Laura is donating a signed copy of ORSON AND THE WORLD'S LOUDEST LIBRARY and/or a 30-minute AMA.

Website: www.lauragehl.com

BlueSky: ‪ ‪@authorlauragehl.bsky.social‬

Instagram: @authorlauragehl

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraGehl

X: @AuthorLauraGehl 

Laura Parnum writes stories that blend humor and heart with a touch of horror. Her first novel, PERIL AT PRICE MANOR, won the 2024 Carolyn W. Field award for best book for young people by a PA author or illustrator. Her upcoming novel, THE HAUNTING OF BELLINGTON COTTAGE, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. When she’s not writing, she’s editing other people’s stories and helping out at local elementary school libraries. She currently serves as Co-Regional Advisor for the Eastern Pennsylvania region of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Laura lives with her family in Philadelphia. They have a turtle that bites and a snake that doesn’t. 

Laura is donating a critique of the first 10 pages of your middle grade or young adult novel (double spaced, Times New Roman). 

Website: www.lauraparnum.com

BlueSky: ‪ ‪@lauraparnum.bsky.social‬

Instagram: @lauraparnum

Lee Y. Miao grew up in a small Pennsylvania town and recently returned to live in the state with her family. After working in financial jobs and writing K-12 educational material, she turned to fiction. Her contemporary middle-grade novels have mystery, sports, heart, and humor while the characters discover connections to their cultures from their pasts. Lee’s novels, WEI TO GO! and IT’S A RHAP, CAT (&MG imprint, Clear Fork, 2022-2023) are part of the Ellie & Co books. TAKE A SHOT, KIPP, to be released in 2025, will round out the series.

Lee is donating a critique of the first three chapters of a middle-grade manuscript (contemporary genre) up to 5,000 words. 

Bluesky: @leeymiaowriter.bsky.social  

Website: leeymiao.com

Instagram: @LeeYMiao.writer  

Lynne Marie is a multi-published, award-winning author of picture books. BROOMMATES: A BREWING BOUNDARY BATTLE (The Little Press 2024), is a 2025 Anna Dewdney Read Together Award honor book, a 2025 Children’s Book Council Favorite from Teachers, Kids and Librarians, and a 2024 Northern Lights Book Awards Holiday Category winner.

Lynne Marie, Editor at The Little Press / Mentor, Critique and Writer Guide / Director of Rate Your Story is giving away the following: 

• AMA Sessions to three winners

• Exclusive Submission Passes to three winners

• Rate Your Story Speed passes (PB - F or NF) to three  winners

Website: www.LiterallyLynneMarie.com

BlueSky: ‪@literallylynne.bsky.social‬

Instagram: literally.lynne.marie

Facebook: Lynne Marie 

X: @Literally_Lynne 

Melissa Coffey is the author of FRIDGE-OPOLIS, her debut picture book which won the 2022 Writers’ League of Texas Discovery Award and the forthcoming ONE SPARK (Bushel & Peck, 2026). She spent 20+ years writing professionally for grown-ups before discovering her passion writing for kids. Melissa lives with her family in Austin, Texas and is a member of SCBWI, 12x12, TLA and ATX Authors. (https://substack.com/@atxauthors).

Melissa is donating a signed copy of FRIDGE-OPOLIS (US only) or a 30 minute AMA. 

Website: www.melissacoffey.com

BlueSky: ‪@coffeycreative.bsky.social

Instagram: @coffeycreative

X: @coffeycreative

Melissa Trempe is the co-author of LADYBUG LAUNCH: INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY OF CHINITAS IN SPACE (S&S 2024) and author of THE GIRL WHO DREAMED OF SPACE (Sourcebooks 2027). When she's not crafting her own nonfiction and humorous fiction stories, she provides a critique service for authors and loves presenting at school visits! Learn more at https://www.melissatrempe.com/.

Melissa is donating a picture book critique and 20 minute 'Ask Anything' Zoom! Fiction manuscripts must be under 700 words and nonfiction under 1200 words (NOT including art notes or back matter), and kindly include a 2-4 sentence pitch. 

Website: https://www.melissatrempe.com/

BlueSky: ‪@melissatrempe.bsky.social

Instagram: @melissatrempe.author

The PB26 Debut Group is a group of picture book authors and illustrators who are debuting in 2026!

The PB26 Debut Group is donating a "Pitch Packet Critique" for one query letter and 5-7 picture book pitches. As a group, they will rank, comment, and leave detailed notes to help you confidently navigate pitch contests and the querying process.

Bluesky: @pb26debut.bsky.social‬  

Instagram: @pb26debut  

Sandra Martín Denis was born in Cienfuegos, Cuba, and raised in California on a healthy diet of library books, museum visits, and performances at the Music Center and Hollywood Bowl.

Sandra is donating a copy of her picture book, WHY THE TURTLE WALKS SO SLOWLY.  (US address only) 

Website: sandramartindenis.com

BlueSky: ‪ ‪@sandramdwrites.bsky.social‬

Instagram: @sandramdwrites

Sarah Aronson began writing for kids and teens when someone in an exercise class dared her to try. Since then, she has earned an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults and published a variety of books for kids and teens from HEAD CASE, to BEYONE LUCKY, THE WISH LIST series, as well as JUST LIKE RUBE GOLDBERG, illustrated by Robert Neubecker, BRAND NEW BUBBE, illustrated by Ariel Landy, and ABZUGLUTELY!: BATTLING, BELLOWING BELLA ABZUG, illustrated by Andrea D’Aquino.

When Sarah is not writing or reading (or making great soup or riding her bike along Lake Michigan), she is talking to readers about creativity, writing, social action, and of course, sparkle power! She loves working with other writers one on one or in one of her classes at the amazing Highlights Foundation. Warning: When she gets really excited, she makes funny faces and talks with her hands. Don’t be shocked if she talks about the power of play.

In March 2024, Sarah was awarded the Prairie Writer Award for contributions to literature and literacy. She lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Sarah is donating a brainstorming session (Let's brainstorm!!!! You send me your outline. We'll get on the zoom and talk characters, possibilities, potential, theme and setting . . . whatever comes up! Story is the boss, and conversation can unlock all kinds of genius! )

Website: http://www.saraharonson.com

BlueSky: ‪‪@saraharonson.bsky.social‬

Instagram: @sarahnaronson

Facebook: @saraharonson

Substack: @saraharonson

Schneider Family Award winning author, Shannon Stocker, has written such picture books as LISTEN: HOW EVELYN GLENNIE, A DEAF GIRL, CHANGED PERCUSSION (Dial/Penguin Random House), CAN U SAVE THE DAY (Sleeping Bear Press), WARRIOR: A PATIENT’S COURAGEOUS QUEST (Sleeping Bear Press), and her debut YA novel STRONGER AT THE SEAMS (Blink/HarperCollins Focus). Shannon is a fierce advocate for children with disabilities (her daughter is a cancer warrior, her son is neurodivergent, and she is a Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy patient who completed medical school herself). Cool facts: Shannon survived a coma and once performed two songs, including one original, as part of an opening act for Blake Shelton. Upcoming books include her next YA novel, THE ROACH KING OF RALEIGH (Blink/HarperCollins, 2026), picture books GET A HUG (S&S), and more! Shannon lives in Louisville KY with her husband, two children, a hidden stash of dark chocolate, and way too many critters. She’s represented by Allison Remcheck of Stimola Literary Studio.

Shannon is donating a fiction critique of a non-rhyming picture book (max 800 words for fiction or 1000 words for NF), or a rhyming picture book but without the scansion (max 600 words). 

Bluesky: @shannonstocker.bsky.social  

Website: shannonstocker.com

Instagram: @shannonstocker_  

Stephanie represents authors with their debut novels and New York Times-bestsellers and has brokered deals with small presses, mid-size publishers, every major publishing house, foreign publishers, audio producers, gaming app companies, reading app companies, film distributors, and film producers. She holds a master’s degree with a Creative Writing Specialization. She represents everything fiction from children's to adult books. She also represents non-fiction projects with heart. Previously editorial for Mind’s Eye Literary Magazine and consulting with Hollywood book & film agent Michele Wallerstein, she joined Metamorphosis July 2016. Originally looking to help Midwest authors in "flyover states" to garner the attention of major publishing houses, she found camaraderie with multiple agents and editors. Based in the Kansas City metropolitan area, she enjoys coffees and lunches with publishers & major house editors during trips to NYC. Stephanie is unilaterally deaf with 90 dB tinnitus and hearing loss as well as nerve damage on the other side. She's dedicated to elevating voices that often go unheard. AALA member https://aalitagents.org/author/shansen/

Stephanie, agent at Metamorphosis Literary Agency, is donating a box of Metamorphosis Literary Agency KidLit Titles (US Shipping Only):

1. The Unboxing of a Black Girl by Angela Shanté

2. Naomi Teitelbaum Ends the World by Samara Shanker

3. Dancing with Daddy by Anitra Rowe Schulte (Author) and Ziyue Chen (Illustrator)

4. Mara Hears in Style by Terri Clemmons (Author) and Lucy Rogers (Illustrator)

5. Stone Feather Fang by A.G. Rodriguez

Website: https://www.metamorphosisliteraryagency.com/

Bluesky: @metamorphlitag.bsky.social‬  

Instagram: metamorphosis_literary_agency  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metamorphosislitagent

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@metamorphosis_literary_agency

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metamorphosis-literary-agency/

TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@metamorphosisliterary

Street magic performer. Hog-calling champion. Award-winning ice sculptor. These are all things Tara Lazar has never been. Instead, she writes quirky, humorous picture books where anything is possible! Her latest book is FLAT CAT: THE CLASS PET.

Tara is donating a fiction picture book critique via video call.

Website: Taralazar.com

Bluesky: ‪@Taralazar.bsky.social

Instagram: @Taralaser