Lori Keating

Lori enjoys exploring a wide range of emotions in her writing. across kid lit genres, creating intriguing stories that captivate readers. When Lori is not busy writing or illustrating, she spends quality time with her family, making memories, and having a blast. Her picture book, THE MEMORY QUILT will debut January 9, 2024 with Caterpillar Books. Her young adult novel, BUTTERFLY INK releases June 2024 with Monarch Press. And her lower middle-grade novel, ANGELS IN THE SAND will release Jan 2025 with Caterpillar Books.

Christine Alemshah

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Christine Alemshah (she/her) is a bi-racial Filipino American children's author and classically trained vocalist. Christine writes children's picture books championing innovation, celebrating multiculturalism, and often having a musical vibe. She hopes readers will see themselves in the stories she writes. Her picture books DUMPSTER DIVING WITH LOLA and FROM FAYE, WITH LOVE, will debut with Free Spirit Publishing in Winter 2025.

Elizabeth James

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Elizabeth James is the author and illustrator behind the groundbreaking "Pippa Potter, President's Daughter" chapter-book series, which champions children's mental-health through a captivating narrative set in the White House.

With two decades of experience in the publishing industry, Elizabeth has previously worked as a magazine editor, freelance writer and publicist for New York Times bestselling authors and books. She is also the author behind the holiday trivia book, Trivia To-Go Family Challenge and has multiple devotions published in Guideposts' Pray a Word a Day, vol. 2 devotional.

April Berry

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April Berry is a budding children’s book author who writes stories filled with wonder, beauty, and heart as well as offers picture book critique services. Besides writing, April loves family, travel, nature, reading, and ice cream. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her husband, their three children, and their sheepadoodle dog.

Testimonials from #MidWeekCritique Participants

Hi Christine!

I am taking the Highlights Foundation Muslim Storyteller's Crash Course, so I'm learning more about Early Readers like you recommended :) Your critique was a great jumping off point for me!

Thanks again!

Shireen Hakim

Lori:

Thank you so much for your insightful critique. You have given me lots of things to think about. Thank you so much!!!

I appreciate you and thank you again.

Susan

April,

I am obsessed with your critique - It was so thorough. You answered questions I didn't even ask and many more. Thank you so much!
Jacqueline

THANK YOU to @elizjameswrites for an awesome #MidWeekCritique of my #MG. Her notes were right one and very professional. Thanks so much!!

A quick shoutout for the tremendous feedback Elizabeth gave me on my query letter. It was spot on and helped soooo much! Thank you!!!