Professional Written Critiques

April 30th - June 4th, 2021

Improve your writing, get written feedback from children's publishing professionals, and enjoy the exclusive opportunity to submit your work to a dozen kid lit agents and editors!

Registration opens for members of the Utah/Southern Idaho SCBWI region starting Monday, March 1st at 8:00 p.m. MST. (Current members will receive an email with an Event Password.) Registration for non-members as well as those outside the region begins one week later, on Monday, March 8th at 8:00 p.m. MST, if any spots are left.

How it Works Sign up for paid written critiques from the agents or editors of your choice—$50 for members, $70 for non-members, with a limit of four (4) paid critiques per person. Scroll to the bottom of this page to register. (Note: Paid written critiques are non-refundable.) Then, during the month of April, attend one of the FREE peer critique sessions we're hosting throughout the Utah/Southern Idaho region, as well as online. (Register separately HERE.) Use the feedback you receive to improve your manuscripts before you submit your work to your chosen editor(s) or agent(s) by April 30th. You'll receive your written critiques back by June 4th. Then, for a limited time after the event, twelve of our incredible Great Critique faculty will accept submissions from ALL paying Great Critique participants—as well as from any SCBWI members who attended a free peer critique session. Submission guidelines will be emailed to participants mid-May. This event always sells out, so reserve your favorite faculty without delay. Questions? Please contact Angie Lucas at utahsouthidaho-ara@scbwi.org. Manuscript Formatting & Submission Guidelines Format your submission according to these detailed Manuscript Guidelines. Manuscripts that depart significantly from these guidelines will be returned for corrections. Save your file with the following filename: “YourLastName-FacultyName-Title" (example: Anderson-Jane Sanchez-12 Dancing Dinosaurs).

E-mail your submission to our manuscript critique coordinator Elizabeth Child at elizabethchild [at] gmail [dot] com no later than April 30th, 2021. Please use email subject line: "For Faculty Name: Title of Work" (example: For Jane Sanchez: 12 Dancing Dinosaurs). If you purchase multiple critiques, please send a separate e-mail for each manuscript you are submitting. You will receive written feedback on your submission via e-mail by June 4th, 2021. The Great Critique Faculty Tara Gonzales, Associate Agent—Erin Murphy Literary Agency Critiquing: young adult & middle grade

Tara Gonzalez is an associate agent, as well as the assistant to Erin Murphy and social media coordinator for EMLA. She’s somehow still located in Florida, although she's always planning her next big adventure. Beyond an obvious passion for books, Tara loves movies, buying things she probably doesn't need on Etsy, and getting hooked on TV shows that get cancelled after one season. She has a Broadway addiction and will see as many shows as she physically can whenever she makes it up to New York City. In another life, she'd be the manager of a competitive esports team or potentially the person who wipes the imaginary dust off celebrities on the red carpet. Tara has her master's degree in Media and Communication Studies and probably shouldn’t go back to school, but is always thinking about it. Tara's Editorial Interests I represent mainly young adult and middle grade novels. My sweet spot will always be young adult contemporary, but I love to read widely across genres, from historical fiction to adventure to fantasy. Karen Grencik, Agent—Red Fox Literary Critiquing: picture books

Karen Grencik became a literary agent because of a man she admired. She wanted the world to know his story, so she set out to make that happen. In 2001 she accomplished her goal when Double Luck, Memoirs of a Chinese Orphan, written by Lu Chi Fa with Becky White, was published by Holiday House. Double Luck received many awards, including The Parents’ Choice Gold Award for Best Nonfiction. Karen’s next sale, George Hogglesberry, Grade School Alien, written by Sarah Wilson, was acquired by a brand new editor, Abigail Samoun, at Tricycle Press. George Hogglesberry went on to win the coveted Golden Kite Award for Best Picture Book Text. Many other award-winning titles followed. In June 2011 Karen joined forces with Abigail Samoun to open Red Fox Literary, LLC, a boutique agency that specializes in children's book for all ages and genres. Karen's Editorial Interests Karen focuses primarily on narrative nonfiction and Own Voices picture books, and she loves matchmaking authors and their manuscripts with just the right editors in order to create the magic that is at the heart of children’s books. . Allison Hellegers, Agent—Stimola Literary Studio Critiquing: young adult, middle grade, picture books, graphic novels

Allison Hellegers is a Literary Agent and Rights Director at Stimola Literary Studio with nearly 20 years of experience in children’s book publishing, ranging from editorial and managing editorial to scouting and foreign rights. After working with the packager, Alloy Entertainment, Allison spent the last 10 years as Foreign Rights Director with Rights People, helping authors build their international careers. She also co-agents picture books, middle-grade and young adult novels on behalf of foreign publishers and agencies (international, British, and Australian) to represent authors into North America. Her taste leans towards books that have film/TV and/or translation appeal and take the reader on a journey. Allison's Editorial Interests I’ve been selling mostly middle grade and YA novels, and I’m taking on a few picture books and also adult fiction and non-fiction. I’m a big fan of voice-driven, boundary-pushing fiction that can fit in multiple categories and cross age-groups, but I still need to have a vision for how it will fit in the current marketplace. I’m drawn to things that are joyful and offer meaning, but I don’t stray from darker storylines and genres. So, twisty mysteries, thrillers, and horror are fine – but the writing has to evoke multiples feelings and emotions, including humor and/or joy in order to appeal. Christa Heschke, Agent—McIntosh and Otis Critiquing: picture books, middle grade, young adult, non-fiction

Christa Heschke graduated from Binghamton University with a major in English and a minor in Anthropology. She started in publishing as an intern at both Writers House and Sterling Lord Literistic, where she fell in love with the agency side of publishing. Christa has been at McIntosh and Otis, Inc. in the Children’s Literature Department since 2009 where she is actively acquiring for all age groups in children’s. Christa's Editorial Interests For YA, she is especially interested in contemporary, thriller/mystery, fantasy and horror. She looks for a compelling voice and a strong hook that will set a YA novel apart in the flooded market. She is open to all types of middle grade and especially enjoys adventure, mystery, and magical realism. For both YA and MG, she is interested in unique settings and cultural influences, interesting structure, complicated romances, diverse characters, sister or friendship-centric stories, and stories that feature artists of any kind. In picture books she is drawn to cute, funny stories (as opposed to sweet and quiet) that will grab kids as well as the occasional nonfiction biography on a subject whose story has yet to be told. Sean McCarthy, Agent—Sean McCarthy Literary Agency Critiquing: picture books, early readers, chapter books, middle grade, non-fiction

Sean McCarthy founded his own full-service literary agency in 2013. He began his publishing career as an editorial intern at Overlook Press and then worked at Sheldon Fogelman Agency as the submissions coordinator and permissions manager before becoming a full-time literary agent. His clients include New York Times bestseller Zachariah OHora, Hyewon Yum, Dana Wulfekotte, Andrea Offermann, Jamie A. Swenson, and Heather Ayris Burnell, among others. Sean graduated from Macalester College with a degree in English-Creative Writing and is grateful that he no longer has to spend his winters in Minnesota. Sean's Editorial Interests My strengths for critiques are picture books (text only or text/art), early readers, chapter books, middle grade, and non-fiction. I don’t rep as much YA, but I am comfortable critiquing YA manuscripts. For graphic novels, I can critique author/illustrators, but I’m probably not the best fit for scripts only. I don’t represent poetry, so I may not be the best match there either. Saba Sulaiman, Agent—Talcott Notch Literary Services Critiquing: picture books, both fiction and non-fiction

Saba Sulaiman is an agent at Talcott Notch Literary Services, a boutique agency located in Milford, CT. She holds a BA in Economics and Middle Eastern Studies from Wellesley College and an MA from the University of Chicago, where she studied modern Persian literature. Being an immigrant who is constantly negotiating her own identity and sense of belonging in a place she now calls “home,” she is committed to championing books by writers from marginalized communities with compelling stories to tell; stories that demonstrate the true range of perspectives that exist in this world, and address urgent and often underexplored issues in both fiction and non-fiction with veracity and heart.

Saba's Editorial Interests In picture books, I'm drawn most to stories with a nuanced emotional takeaway, fun wordplay, notes of whimsy, textual economy, and memorable characters. I love smart, unexpected narratives where authors are experimenting structurally; I love funny books, both the sweet and soft kind and the wry, dry kind; I love layered storytelling with subtextual richness, that can provide as a launchpad for readers to start a conversation; and I love idiosyncratic narratives that take mundane processes and make them seem utterly delightful. I also represent non-fiction, and am particularly interested in biographies of lesser-known trailblazers who have made a significant impact in their fields, stories with environmental themes, and creative nonfiction that almost feels like it could be shelved in the fiction section.

I'm especially committed to working more with BIPOC creators, queer creators, disabled creators, and creators who are writing at the intersection of these identities, writing stories of joy and celebration, in particular.

Scholarship Opportunity: SCBWI Utah/Southern Idaho is offering three additional critiques with Saba Sulaiman at no charge to writers who belong to marginalized communities that have been historically underrepresented in publishing. To apply, fill out this Google Form by April 1, 2021.

Kristin Allard, Assistant Editor—W.W. Norton Critiquing: middle grade, young adult, and some picture books

Kristin Allard is the Assistant Editor at Norton Young Readers, W. W. Norton's first-ever children's imprint. She graduated magna cum laude from Northeastern University, and completed the Columbia Publishing Course at Oxford University. She worked at Speckled Pen Publishing Consultancy in London before returning to New York and working at Book Revue, Long Island's largest independent bookstore. She then joined and helped launch Norton Young Readers, where she edits the imprint's middle grade and young adult list. In her spare time, she attempts to chip away at the ever-growing list of books, TV shows, and movies she has been meaning to get to. Kristin's Editorial Interests I'm looking for middle grade and young adult fiction, though I am also open to picture book submissions. Julie Bliven, Editor—Charlesbridge Critiquing: picture books, middle grade, non-fiction, illustrator portfolios

Julie Bliven joined the Charlesbridge team in 2009. Since then, she has edited more than seventy titles, including fiction and nonfiction board books, picture books, and middle-grade novels. Julie has been lucky enough to work with multiple award-winning authors and illustrators, including Lesléa Newman, Melissa Stewart, Anne Sibley O’Brien, Paul Reynolds, and JaNay Brown-Wood. Julie also has experience as contracts manager, negotiating and executing publisher-client agreements. She holds an M.A. in Children’s Literature from Simmons University, where she has taught and mentored students in the University’s M.F.A. program. Julie is a former member of the Children’s Book Council Diversity Initiative. Follow her on Twitter @Julie_Bliven. Julie's Editorial Interests I’m looking for picture books and middle grade novels. I’m particularly drawn to a deliberate, unique structure in nonfiction picture books, as well as nonfiction biographies that employ a fresh, conversational voice and/or a surprising story angle. I’m a sucker for fiction picture-book characters who gradually reveal ambitious agency, a change of heart, or delightful problem-solving skills. For middle-grade novels, contemporary-realistic is usually my sweet spot. I’m not the best match for historical fiction or high-fantasy. Across the board, I’m also seeking #ownvoices stories and globally aware projects. Melissa Francis, Assistant Editor—Sterling Critiquing: picture books, middle grade, young adult

Melissa Francis is an assistant editor at Sterling Children's books. She works on a wide range of titles, from board books and picture books to middle grade and young adult novels. She is passionate about building a list that is inclusive of voices from underrepresented cultures and communities. Melissa's Editorial Interests I’m looking for picture books, middle grade, and young adult fiction. I enjoy books that blend genres, and classic stories that are made fresh by telling it from a new perspective. For picture books, I prefer fun, character-driven stories. In both middle grade and YA, I'm particularly interested in fantasy, sci-fi, and contemporary fiction. For YA specifically, I’m interested in thrillers, and own voice contemporary romance with main characters from underrepresented communities. . . Anne Heltzel, Executive Editor—Abrams Critiquing: young adult, non-fiction

Anne Heltzel is an Executive Editor at Abrams Children’s Books, where she edits fiction and nonfiction and oversees in-house creative development. Prior to joining Abrams in 2014, Anne worked as a fiction editor at Penguin Random House and an assistant at a literary agency. Some of Anne’s acquisitions include the New York Times bestselling Avatar Kyoshi novels by F.C. Yee; the New York Times bestselling Essentially Charli by TikTok megastar, Charli D’Amelio; the New York Times bestselling JoJo’s Guide to the Sweet Life by JoJo Siwa; the Everything You Need to Know series by New York Times bestselling author, Kirsten Miller; The (Other) F Word: A Celebration of the Fat & Fierce, edited by Angie Manfredi; This Is 18, a photographic collection featuring young women around the world, edited by New York Times Gender Editor, Jessica Bennett; Out!: How To Be Your Authentic Self, by trans activist Miles McKenna; and many more. Anne earned her MFA in creative writing from The New School and has written a dozen books for kids and two forthcoming novels for adults. Anne's Editorial Interests My specialty is YA (I very seldom acquire middle grade or younger), and I tend to be drawn to contemporary thrillers, horror, rom-coms, and unique coming-of-age stories from fresh voices. I am actively looking for work from BIPOC creators as well as any other creators who have a unique perspective to share. The novels I like best are fast-paced and commercial with strong emotional or psychological undercurrents. I am also drawn to sweeping historical novels focused around cultural turning points. In addition to fiction, I edit quite a bit of non-fiction and like to see non-fiction that focuses on sociopolitical topics (anything that's in the current zeitgeist). I often veer toward topics of empowerment and stories that uplift marginalized groups. Alexandra Hightower, Associate Editor—Little, Brown Critiquing: picture books, middle grade, young adult

Alexandra Hightower is an Atlanta native who took a circuitous route to publishing. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in neuroscience, and then, realizing her passion lay closer to books, she pursued a MS in Publishing, Print and Digital Media from New York University. Currently, she is an Associate Editor at Little Brown Books for Young Readers (Hachette Book Group) and when not editing and devouring manuscripts, she can be found bingeing any and every podcast. Alexandra's Editorial Interests I am excited to build my list at LBYR with a range of titles, from picture books to middle grade and young adult titles. On the picture book end, I enjoy stories about empowerment—whether it’s a gently uplifting project or a bold tale about developing inner confidence. My middle grade taste spans genres. In the contemporary realistic space, I love voice-y and humorous stories about changing friendships, intergenerational family ties, and unexpected grand adventures. I’ll also dive into commercial fantasies with smart, slightly snarky, and imperfect protagonists. Secret missions and odd, twisty plots will keep me reading. In YA, I’m a huge fan of the dark and speculative. Genre-blending projects that play with (or even break!) the fabric of reality catch my interest. I also have a soft spot for realistic fiction that tackles big topics head on—give me vulnerable, lovestruck, angsty teens questioning themselves and the world around them. I’d also love to see narrative nonfiction in MG and YA with strong voices and perspectives on current or historical issues. As a science nerd, any book (picture book, MG, YA) that approaches the topic in a fresh, kid-friendly way will pique my interest. Rebecca Kuss, Editor—Inkyard Press/HarperCollins Critiquing: middle grade, young adult

Rebecca Kuss (she/her) is an editor at Inkyard Press, a children’s imprint within HarperCollins. She was raised by a hardworking immigrant mom in the icy suburbs of Wisconsin. With a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, where she studied young adult literature, she then came to New York City to champion stories that provide mirrors, windows, and doors for marginalized and underrepresented voices. Follow her on twitter @reebsthereader for daily thoughts on Claudia Kishi, the perfect french fry, and of course, books. Rebecca's Editorial Interests I am interested in middle grade and YA stories that center and celebrate BIPOC creators and characters - especially contemporary fiction that leads with *joy*. For YA, I love diverse love stories, romcoms, romdrams, and am a sucker for anything with high emotional stakes and a touch of aspiration (basically, if it feels like a Shonda Rhimes show in book form, I love it). For MG, I love anything with a folklore/fantasy edge that feels funny and action-packed, makes you cry, or has a generational family angle (bonus points if it has all three!). Note: Rebecca won’t be able to accept submissions after the event, but she is more than happy to consider any of the manuscripts she critiques for acquisitions if they fit the brand. (All other editors and agents in this event will be open to submissions from all Great Critique participants for varying time frames after the event ends.) Claire Stetzer, Associate Editor—Bloomsbury Critiquing: picture books, middle grade, young adult

Claire Stetzer grew up outside of Pittsburgh and fell in love with children’s books as a bookseller at her local indie (Penguin Bookshop), where she worked throughout high school and college. She graduated summa cum laude from Duquesne University in 2014 with a degree in English/Creative Writing and a minor in psychology before moving to New York to complete NYU’s Summer Publishing Institute. She worked as an editorial assistant at Sterling’s children’s bargain books imprint and then in 2015 joined the Bloomsbury Children’s team, where she is now an associate editor. Claire's Editorial Interests Claire is building her list in all age categories, picture book through YA. She is looking for humorous and heartfelt picture books with clever use of illustrations, especially ones that tackle difficult subjects or have seasonal tie-ins. In middle-grade, she is looking for a strong hook and a memorable voice in all genres. In YA, her wish list includes high-concept contemporary, layered romance, pacey thriller, and contemporary fantasy. Claire is especially eager for diverse voices in all age categories.