Win a signed copy of The Familiar along with a limited edition wooden bookmark from Leigh Bardugo!

Leigh Bardugo is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Ninth House and the creator of the Grishaverse (now a Netflix original series) which spans the Shadow and Bone trilogy, the Six of Crows duology, the King of Scars duology, and much more. Leigh's short fiction has appeared in multiple anthologies including The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy. She lives in Los Angeles and is an associate fellow of Pauli Murray College at Yale University.

Image: A headshot of author Leigh Bardugo and an image of the book cover for The Familiar, along with a photo of a wooden bookmark.

United States only.

Win a virtual visit from No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Angie Thomas for your classroom, book club, or writing group - Ask Me Anything style! Chat about Angie's bestselling books, the writing process, and more.

Angie Thomas is the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give, On the Come Up, Concrete Rose, & Nic Blake & the Remarkables..

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Angie Thomas.

United States only.

Win a signed paperback set of the Shades of Magic series by V.E. Schwab! Titles include A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC, A GATHERING OF SHADOWS, A CONJURING OF LIGHT, and THREADS OF POWER.

VICTORIA "V. E." SCHWAB is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the acclaimed Shades of Magic series, the Villains series, the Cassidy Blake series and the international bestseller The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Her work has received critical acclaim, translated into over two dozen languages, and optioned for television and film. First Kill - a YA vampire series based on Schwab's short story of the same name - is currently available to stream on Netflix. When not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, she lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is usually tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters.

United States only.

For published *middle grade* authors! Win a 45-minute phone call with Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author and IP content generator, to take a deep dive into workshopping your career. Dhonielle will offer advice, troubleshooting, and ideas for how to navigate your book, agent, career trajectory, and/or challenges in the current publishing market.

Dhonielle Clayton is a New York Times bestselling author of The Conjureverse series, The Belles series, Shattered Midnight, co-author of Blackout, Whiteout, The Rumor Game, and of the Tiny Pretty Things duology, a Netflix original series. She is Board Chair of the non-profit We Need Diverse Books. She is the President and founder of Cake Creative and Electric Postcard Entertainment, IP story companies creating diverse books for all ages.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Dhonielle Clayton.

Deck your book club halls with a spicy holiday romance book club kit! One lucky winner will receive 10 signed copies of a Christmas Notch book of their choice, plus a 30-minute Zoom visit to your book club from authors Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone! Options include A Merry Little Meet Cute, A Holly Jolly Ever After, or A Jingle Bell Mingle. Please note that A Jingle Bell Mingle won't be available until after September 24th, 2024.

Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone are best friends and now the co-conspirators behind the more-naughty-than-nice USA Today bestselling world of Christmas Notch, Vermont. They promise no gingerbread cookies were harmed during the production of these novels.

United States only.

Image: A graphic with the covers of A Merry Little Meet Cute, A Holly Jolly Ever After, and A Jingle Bell Mingle.

Win a signed first edition of the National Book Award and Newbery Honor winning book Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson.

Raised in South Carolina and New York, Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Touching and powerful, each poem is both accessible and emotionally charged, each line a glimpse into a child's soul as she searches for her place in the world. Woodson's eloquent poetry also reflects the joy of finding her voice through writing stories, despite the fact that she struggled with reading as a child. Her love of stories inspired her and stayed with her, creating the first sparks of the gifted writer she was to become.

Jacqueline Woodson is a Macarthur fellow and writer of books for adults, children, and adolescents. She is best known for her National Book Award-Winning memoir Brown Girl Dreaming, and her Newbery Honor-winning titles After Tupac and D Foster, Feathers, and Show Way. Her picture books The Day You Begin and The Year We Learned to Fly were NY Times Bestsellers. After serving as the Young People's Poet Laureate from 2015 to 2017, she was named the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature by the Library of Congress for 2018-19. She was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal in 2020. In 2023, she was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship.

United States only.

Win a 30-minute phone call with New York Times bestselling author Holly Black, where she will review the first 50 pages of your work-in-progress!

(Manuscript pages should be written in English. Open to any age range/genre.)

Holly Black is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of fantasy novels, including the Novels of Elfhame, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, the Spiderwick Chronicles, and her adult debut, Book of Night. She has been a finalist for an Eisner Award and the Lodestar Award, and the recipient of the Mythopoeic Award, a Nebula, and a Newbery Honor. Her books have been translated into 32 languages worldwide and adapted for film. She currently lives in New England with her husband and son in a house with a secret library.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Holly Black.

Win a manuscript critique of your YA or MG novel from award-winning author Francisco X. Stork!

Francisco X. Stork is the author of eleven novels, including Marcelo in the Real World, winner of the Schneider Family Award and Disappeared, a Walter Dean Myers Honor Book.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Francisco X. Stork.

Win a 30-minute AMA with Megan Tingley, President and Publisher of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers! Megan will provide publishing career advice, discuss writing and/or illustration, and delve into any other publishing-related questions you have!

Megan Tingley is President & Publisher of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, where she oversees the acquisition and publication of 175 titles including fiction and nonfiction in all formats. Megan is also the editor of the bestselling Twilight Saga, The Mysterious Benedict Society, and the National Book Award finalist Luna. The list of authors and artists she works with include Todd Parr, Sandra Boynton, Mary Ann Hoberman, Natasha Tarpley, and Rhett Miller.

Open internationally.

Image: A headshot of Megan Tingley.

Win an annotated book bundle containing the paperback editions of SIMON VS THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA and IMOGEN, OBVIOUSLY from Becky Albertalli!

Becky Albertalli is the award-winning author of SIMON VS THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA now a major motion picture: LOVE, SIMON. Her other works include: THE UPSIDE OF UNREQUITED, LEAH ON THE OFFBEAT, and WHAT IF IT'S US (in collaboration with Adam Silvera)

Image: A headshot of author Becky Albertalli flanked on either side by two book covers for SIMON VS THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA and IMOGEN, OBVIOUSLY.

United States only.

Win a signed and annotated set of DIVINE RIVALS and RUTHLESS VOWS. Rebecca will write ten annotations in each book, which will include fun behind-the-scene info. Books can also be personalized upon request of the winner.

Rebecca Ross is the #1 New York Times and Internationally Bestselling Author of fantasy novels for teens and adults. When not writing, she plants flowers and story ideas in her garden. She lives in Northeast Georgia with her husband and her dog.

Image: Cover images of both books in the Letters of Enchantment duology by Rebecca Ross.

United States only.

Win one Zoom school visit with Shannon Hale, New York Times bestselling author of 40+ books for young readers. On the platform of your choice, a 30-60 minute virtual assembly or classroom visit for any ages K-12.

Open internationally.

Shannon Hale is the New York Times best-selling author of over forty books for all ages, including multiple award winners The Goose Girl, Book of a Thousand Days, and Newbery Honor recipient Princess Academy. With LeUyen Pham, she created her best-selling graphic novel memoirs Real Friends, Best Friends, and Friends Forever; the Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn picture books; and the chapter book series The Princess in Black (with Dean Hale).

Image: Headshot of Shannon Hale.

Win a signed hardcover set of Victoria Aveyard's No. 1 New York Times bestselling Realm Breaker series, including all three volumes!

Victoria Aveyard is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the Red Queen series and the Realm Breaker series. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and her boss, a yellow Labrador named Indy.

United States only.

Image: A graphic with the covers of the Realm Breaker series.

Do you have burning questions about publishing? Win a 30-minute AMA call with Paige Terlip, literary agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency! You can talk about the current publishing landscape, your querying process, your book ideas, etc. The time is yours to use as you'd like, so ask Paige anything!

Paige Terlip has worked at Andrea Brown Literary Agency since 2017 and comes to agenting with a background in marketing, design, and freelance editorial. She has an MA in Children's Literature and an MFA in Writing for Children from Simmons University. If she's not reading, you'll find her training for a long distance open water swim, re-watching the Great British Baking Show, or hiking with her Husky-Shepherd mix.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Paige Terlip.

Win a 30-minute phone, Zoom, or messaging conversation with No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White - and signed editions of FIVE of her novels! Choose your favorite variety, or five of the same novel to combine with the Zoom chat for the best book club meeting ever. Whatever the format, we're going to have fun!

Kiersten White is the #1 New York Times bestselling, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of dozens of books for readers of all ages, including Star Wars: Padawan, the And I Darken trilogy, the Paranormalcy trilogy, the Buffyverse Slayer series, Hide, and Mister Magic.

United States only.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Kiersten White and the covers of And I Darken and Slayer.

Win a young adult query critique and a 30-minute AMA Zoom call with New York Times bestselling author Dhonielle Clayton! Come workshop your career with Dhonielle. She will offer feedback on your YA or MG query and answer any of your questions about the publishing industry.

Dhonielle Clayton is a New York Times bestselling author of The Conjureverse series, The Belles series, Shattered Midnight, co-author of Blackout, Whiteout, The Rumor Game, and of the Tiny Pretty Things duology, a Netflix original series. She is Board Chair of the non-profit We Need Diverse Books. Dhonielle is also the President and founder of Cake Creative and Electric Postcard Entertainment, IP story companies creating diverse books for all ages.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Dhonielle Clayton.

Win a signed and annotated copy of The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser, New York Times bestselling author! Karina will include at least 5-7 insider notes throughout the book, written by hand either on the pages or on Post-It Notes.

Karina Yan Glaser is the New York Times bestselling author of the Vanderbeeker series and the standalone middle grade novel A Duet for Home. She lives in Harlem with her husband, two teenagers, and an assortment of pets and houseplants. One of her proudest achievements is raising two kids who can't go anywhere without a book.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street and a headshot of Karina Yan Glaser.

Win a full manuscript critique and 30-minute video chat with Rebecca Coffindaffer, author of the Crownchasers duology and the upcoming book The Bloody & the Damned. Rebecca will provide feedback on your manuscript and follow up with a video chat to talk craft and the publishing industry. Open to all genres, but Rebecca specializes in fantasy and science fiction!

Rebecca Coffindaffer (they/she) grew up on Star Wars, Star Trek, fantastical movies and even more fantastical books. These days they live in Kansas with their family, writing stories about magic and politics, spaceships, far-off worlds, and people walking away from explosions in slow motion.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Rebecca Coffindaffer.

Win a signed and annotated Angie Thomas novel of your choice! Winner will also receive signed copies of Angie's other books.

Angie Thomas is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give, On the Come Up, Concrete Rose, & Nic Blake & the Remarkables.

United States only.

Image: A graphic with the covers of The Hate U Give, On the Come Up, and Concrete Rose.

Win signed hardcover editions of all three books in the Christmas Notch series: A Merry Little Meet Cute, A Holly Jolly Ever After, and A Jingle Bell Mingle. Winner will also receive matching ornaments for each book, along with a link to a very spicy (18+) bonus scene for A Merry Little Meet Cute. Prizes will ship after the release of A Jingle Bell Mingle on September 24th, 2024!

Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone are best friends and the co-conspirators behind the more-naughty-than-nice USA Today bestselling world of Christmas Notch, Vermont. They promise no gingerbread cookies were harmed during the production of these novels.

United States only.

Image: A graphic with the covers of A Merry Little Meet Cute, A Holly Jolly Ever After, and A Jingle Bell Mingle.

Win a signed and annotated hardcover copy of Melissa or another book of your choice by Alex Gino!

Alex Gino writes queer and progressive middle grade novels, including the Stonewall and Lambda Award-winning Melissa. They love glitter, ice cream, gardening, wordplay, and stories that reflect the complexity of being alive.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Melissa and a headshot of Alex Gino.

Win a 30-minute video call with Namrata Tripathi, founder and publisher of Kokila (PRH). Ask any questions you have about the children's book industry or strategize your next career steps with publishing veteran!

Namrata Tripathi is founder, president & publisher of Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House. She edits and publishes books across all formats for readers 0-18.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Namrata Tripathi.

Win a 30-minute phone call with Brian Geffen, Executive Editor at Macmillan Children's/Henry Holt Books for Young Readers! Brian will answer your burning questions on all things editorial and the publishing industry.

Brian Geffen is an Executive Editor at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, an imprint of the Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. He has worked with wonderful creators such as Remy Lai, Dhonielle Clayton, Nick Brooks, Katy Rose Pool, Christian McKay Heidicker, and Dan Gemeinhart. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Brian is a fan of traveling, eating all the things, late '90s hip hop, and learning foreign languages.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Brian Geffen.

Win a 30-minute ask me anything phone or video chat with Alvina Ling, VP and Editor-in-Chief at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers! Alvina will answer your questions about your work in progress or the publishing industry.

Alvina Ling is VP and Editor-in-Chief at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers where she has worked since 1999. She edits children's books for all ages, including A Big Mooncake for Little Star and Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, Dave the Potter by Laban Carrick Hill and illustrated by Bryan Collier, The Land of Stories series by Chris Colfer, The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes, Troublemaker by John Cho, The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan, and The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. Alvina co-hosts the podcast Book Friends Forever with author Grace Lin and lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two cats.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Alvina Ling.

Win a 30-minute Zoom AMA with Brendan Kiely, award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of five YA books! Brendan will answer your questions about the writing, publication, or behind-the-scenes stories of any of his books.

Brendan Kiely is the New York Times bestselling author of four YA novels including All American Boys (with Jason Reynolds). His work has been translated into more than a dozen languages, received a Coretta Scott King Author Honor Award, the Walter Dean Myers Award, and was twice selected as one of the American Library Association's Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults. His most recent book, The Other Talk: Reckoning with Our White Privilege, was a School Library Journal, Bank Street, and Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Brendan Kiely.

Win 15 to 20-minute Zoom AMA call with Sarah Younger, Executive Agent at the Nancy Yost Literary Agency! You can ask Sarah anything about publishing-from your query letter, your book, or the industry at large-or you can talk about puppies, kittens, and horses. It's an anything chat! Please note that Sarah works primarily with Adult Commercial Fiction.

Sarah Younger is an Executive Agent at the Nancy Yost Literary Agency. She joined the NYLA Team in the fall of 2011 and has since cultivated a diverse and talented list of authors, including a variety of commercial fiction and select non-fiction titles.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Sarah Younger.

Win a 30-minute ask-me-anything phone call with children's book agent Ginger Knowlton! The winner will also be invited to submit a query letter and the first ten pages of a project.

Ginger Knowlton is Executive Vice President at Curtis Brown, Ltd., where she has worked since 1986. She is blessed with a wonderful client list of authors and illustrators, who impress her daily with their creativity, kindness and integrity.

Open internationally.

Image: A headshot of Ginger Knowlton.

Win a guest spot on the Book Friends Forever podcast! The Book Friends Forever podcast is a weekly unguarded, insider discussion from two uniquely qualified best friends: award-winning author-illustrator Grace Lin, and one of NYC's top editors, Alvina Ling. Go behind the scenes of kid lit and catch a glimpse of the lives of a bestselling author and editor, and the relationship between them. This offer is for one guest spot on the podcast, with the topic and episode recording to be determined after auction.

Alvina Ling is VP and Editor-in-Chief at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (a division of Hachette Book Group) where she has worked since 1999.

Grace Lin, a NY Times bestselling author-illustrator, won the Newbery Honor for Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. She was also awarded the Caldecott Honor for her picture book A Big Mooncake for Little Star.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with headshots of Alvina Ling and Grace Lin.

Win a query package review from freelance editor Connolly Bottum! Connolly will review your YA or MG query letter, your synopsis, and the first ten pages of your manuscript. She will provide detailed comments and tracked changes to highlight which elements of your query package work well and what might be worth adjusting.

YA/MG manuscripts preferred.

Prior to freelancing, Connolly Bottum worked at HarperCollins for nearly five years. At the beginning of her time with Harper, she edited romance novels for Harlequin's series division before later joining the editorial team for Inkyard Press, which gave her the opportunity to edit many wonderful YA and MG novels.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Connolly Bottum.

Open internationally.

Get pageant-ready with a copy of Tehlor Kay Mejia and Anna-Marie McLemore's Rainbow List Top 10 book Miss Meteor, plus a themed makeup bag full of product picks inspired by the book!

Anna-Marie McLemore (they/them) is the author of The Weight of Feathers, Wild Beauty, Blanca & Roja, Dark and Deepest Red, Lakelore, Venom & Vow (co-authored with Elliott McLemore), and National Book Award longlist selections When the Moon Was Ours, The Mirror Season, and Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix. Their latest release is Flawless Girls, a Southwestern gothic horror novel set at a finishing school.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Miss Meteor.

Win a handwritten deleted scene from the world of Orphan Island, plus a thirty minute call with author Laurel Snyder to discuss your questions or ideas! Many people have asked Laurel about the mysteries of Orphan Island, and she has made a policy of not answering-but this is your chance to read some of the outtakes and backstory! You will receive an exclusive glimpse of what precipitated the creation of the island and what the world is like on the other side of the water. Laurel will also throw in a signed and personalized copy of Orphan Island.

Laurel Snyder is the author of thirty books for young readers, including the Geisel-winning Charlie and Mouse series with Emily Hughes, the National Book Award Nominee Orphan Island, and countless picture books, including Endlessly Ever After with Dan Santat. Her most recent novel is The Witch of Woodland.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Orphan Island and a headshot of Laurel Snyder.

Open internationally.

Win a 50-page manuscript critique and 30-minute phone or video call with Rachel Diebel, children's book editor at Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan Children's Publishing Group! Rachel will read and critique 50 pages of your manuscript, provide feedback, and answer your industry questions during your call.

YA manuscripts preferred.

Rachel Diebel is an editor at Feiwel & Friends (an imprint of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group), acquiring middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels. Throughout her career, she has worked on multiple New York Times bestsellers, as well as celebrity projects including books by Lili Reinhart, Jimmy Fallon, and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of book editor Rachel Diebel.

Open internationally.

Win a 30-minute query critique and virtual chat with Rosemary Brosnan, VP and Publisher of Quill Tree Books and Heartdrum at HarperCollins Children's Books! Rosemary will provide feedback on your query and answer your questions about the publishing industry.

Open to any genre.

Rosemary Brosnan has been at HarperCollins since 1999. During her career, she has published award-winning and bestselling picture books, nonfiction, chapter books, graphic novels, and fiction for all ages. Rosemary has been committed to publishing diverse books throughout her career. In addition to running Quill Tree Books, Rosemary is a co-founder of the Heartdrum imprint, with author and educator Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee). Heartdrum publishes contemporary stories by Indigenous authors and illustrators from the U.S. and Canada.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Rosemary Brosnan.

Open internationally.

Win a query critique and 30-minute phone call with Nadine Pinede, award-winning author and editor! Nadine will offer feedback on your YA or picture book query and answer any of your questions about her experience as a BIPOC in the publishing industry.

YA & Picture Book queries preferred.

Nadine Pinede, poet, author, editor, and translator, is the daughter of Haitian immigrants and the first Rhodes scholar of Haitian descent. Author of award-winning informational books, her fiction appears in Haiti Noir, edited by Edwidge Danticat, and her Pushcart Prize-nominated poetry has been widely anthologized. Nadine's debut young adult verse novel When the Mapou Sings will be published by Candlewick Press in December.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Nadine Pinede.

Open internationally.

Let's demystify the publishing industry and strategize about paths to success as a content creator or publishing insider! Win a 30-minute call with Porscha Burke, during which she will offer insights to help you along your path, seasoned by her 20 years of service in book publishing, supporting C-suite executives and working closely with legends like Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison as well as contemporary voices like Candice Marie Benbow and Styles P. Bring your questions about getting into the publishing industry, writing a book proposal, or publishing in genres unfairly dubbed as "niche", and your hopes for support and solidarity along your journey!

Preference for adult nonfiction.

Porscha Burke is Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and Senior Editor-at-Large at Random House & Crown Publishing Groups. A twenty-year veteran at Random House, Porscha has served as Maya Angelou's editor and spearheaded new editions of Toni Morrison's acquisition, The Black Book, and The Autobiography of Malcolm X. A Queens, NY native and child of hip-hop culture, Porscha received her MFA in creative nonfiction from Goucher College, where she currently teaches book proposal writing.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Porscha Burke.

Open internationally.

Win a 30-minute video call with Nathalie Le Du, Publisher at Odd Dot! Nathalie will help develop your nonfiction book concept and answer any of your questions about the publishing industry.

Nonfiction writers/concepts preferred.

In 2017, Nathalie Le Du co-founded Odd Dot within Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, driven by the mission to craft joyous books that empower young readers and feed their natural curiosity. As Publisher, Nathalie leads a creative team of book-makers, who leverage the power of play to produce unique bestsellers like the Antiquarian Sticker Book series, Outdoor School Field Guides, and World of Eric Carle: Brown Bear and Friends. Before establishing an imprint at Macmillan, Nathalie was at the helm and in the pages of such notable brands as Kumon Workbooks, Brain Quest, Star Wars Workbooks, and the Big Fat Notebook series.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Nathalie Le Du.

Open internationally.

Win a box set of signed Lee & Low titles, ranging from pictures books to young adult novels!

Lee & Low Books, established in 1991, is the largest children's book publisher in the United States specializing in diversity and has been a leader in the movement for greater representation in children's publishing for over 30 years. Our family-run, independent, and certified 100% Minority Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) produces high-quality, award-winning books for every age, that are truly "about everyone - for everyone".

Image: A graphic with the logo of Lee & Low Books.

United States only.

Win a 45-minute publicity consultation with Molly Ellis, VP of Publicity at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group! Molly will offer guidance and insights on the ever-evolving world of children's and YA publicity and provide answers/feedback on any specific questions you have about this area.

Open to all genres.

Molly Ellis is Vice President, Executive Director of Publicity at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and is responsible for oversight of Publicity and School & Library marketing across all of MCPG's imprints. Molly has more than a decade's experience executing successful campaigns for children's and adult titles, working with authors including Leigh Bardugo, Lady Gaga, Senator Bernie Sanders, Eric Carle, and the archbishop Desmond Tutu. A Maryland native, Molly now resides in Queens, New York.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Molly Ellis.

United States only.

Win a written manuscript critique from Karen Chaplin, Executive Editor at Quill Tree Books! Karen will offer a written critique of the first 25 pages of your middle grade or young adult manuscript.

YA/MG manuscripts preferred.

Karen Chaplin is an Executive Editor at Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins. She edits books of all genres and for all age ranges, from picture books through YA.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Karen Chaplin.

United States only.

Win a collection of 20 carefully curated children's books that center diverse, inclusive voices and stories! (Titles may vary from photo).

Ann Marie Wong is the Editorial Director of Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers, and is focused on building a list that elevates the voices and stories of underrepresented communities. She is also a Program Director for WNDB, where she helps facilitate the LitUp Fellowship Program.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a collection of diverse children's hardcover titles.

For published *young adult* authors! Win a 45-minute phone call with Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author and IP content generator, to take a deep dive into workshopping your career. Dhonielle will offer advice, troubleshooting, and ideas for how to navigate your book, agent, career trajectory, and/or challenges in the current publishing market.

Dhonielle Clayton is a New York Times bestselling author of The Conjureverse series, The Belles series, Shattered Midnight, co-author of Blackout, Whiteout, The Rumor Game, and of the Tiny Pretty Things duology, a Netflix original series. She is Board Chair of the non-profit We Need Diverse Books. She is the President and founder of Cake Creative and Electric Postcard Entertainment, IP story companies creating diverse books for all ages.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Dhonielle Clayton.

Win a middle grade query critique and a 30-minute AMA Zoom call with New York Times bestselling author Dhonielle Clayton! Come workshop your career with Dhonielle. She will offer feedback on your YA or MG query and answer any of your questions about the publishing industry.

Dhonielle Clayton is a New York Times bestselling author of The Conjureverse series, The Belles series, Shattered Midnight, co-author of Blackout, Whiteout, The Rumor Game, and of the Tiny Pretty Things duology, a Netflix original series. She is Board Chair of the non-profit We Need Diverse Books. Dhonielle is also the President and founder of Cake Creative and Electric Postcard Entertainment, IP story companies creating diverse books for all ages.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Dhonielle Clayton.

Win a chance to be a background character in one of award winning LeUyen Pham's books, and win a copy of the art as well!

LeUyen Pham is the award-winning and best selling creator of over 140 books for children. She has worked with... well, everybody. You can find out all about her on her website www.leuyenpham.com, and if you so feel compelled, you can update her wikipedia page, because she does not know how to do that herself.

Image: A headshot of illustrator LeUyen Pham.

Open internationally.

Win an original illustration from a book by award-winning illustrator Raul the Third!

Raul the Third is a New York Times and 4 time Pura Belpre award winning author/illustrator of picture books and graphic novels. He is best known for his WORLD OF VAMOS! books with Versify and Harper Alley books. He lives in Medford,MA.

Image: Three book covers from Rau the Third's WORLD OF VAMOS picture books.

United States only.

Win a completely unique, one-of-a-kind original sketch of Grahame, a bespectacled book-reading dragon from the New York Times bestselling book Kenny and the Dragon, written by award-wining artist Tony DiTerlizzi!

The #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi has been creating children's books for over twenty years. From fanciful picture books like The Broken Ornament and The Spider & the Fly (a Caldecott Honor book), to chapter books like Kenny and the Dragon and The Search for WondLa, DiTerlizzi imbues his stories with rich imagination. With Holly Black, he created the middle-grade series The Spiderwick Chronicles, which has sold over 20 million copies, been adapted into a feature film and TV series, and translated to multiple languages.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a drawing of Grahame from Kenny and the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi.

Win an original piece of art from Gene Luen Yang, creator of the graphic novel American Born Chinese.

Gene Luen Yang is the creator of award-winning graphic novels such as American Born Chinese, Boxers & Saints, and Dragon Hoops. He is the fifth National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.

US only.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Gene Luen Yang.

Win a critique of the first 30 pages of your manuscript OR full picture book from LBYR Editor Ruqayyah Daud! Open to all genres except graphic novels and novels-in-verse.

Ruqayyah Daud is a children's book editor at LBYR and a WNDB Internship Program alumnx. Ruqayyah has a special spot for fantasy and love stories.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Ruqayyah Daud.

Win a three-chapter manuscript critique and a 30-minute phone call with Emily Grey, sci-fi, fantasy, and romance author! Emily will offer feedback on the first three chapters of your manuscript and answer any of your questions about your work or the publishing industry.

Emily Grey is an author of queer fiction who always gives her characters the happily-ever-after they deserve. When not writing or reading, Emily can be found gardening, figuring out new soup recipes, or adding to her enamel pin collection. She lives with her wife and their dog in New York, is repped by Eric Smith at P.S. Literary, and has been a mentor in both PitchWars and Author Mentor Match.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Emily Grey.

Win a query critique by Courtney Stevenson, an editor at Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins Children's. Courtney will give feedback on your query email and line edits on the first 50 pages of your manuscript!

YA/MG manuscripts preferred.

Since joining HarperCollins in 2016, editor Courtney Stevenson has worked on such amazing books as The Poet X by National Book Award-winning author Elizabeth Acevedo, Ogre Enchanted by Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine, I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day, as well as repackaged editions of titles on the team's rich backlist.

In building her own list, Courtney is focused on middle grade and YA books, with a particular interest in historical stories and settings not often seen, clever humor, family dynamics, the occasional pop nonfiction, and writing that pulls her along to the next page.

Image: A headshot of HarperCollins editor Courtney Stevenson.

Open internationally.

Win a YA or MG graphic-novel script critique from editor and writing coach Tanya Gold! Tanya will provide feedback on your script or script-in-progress during a 30-minute video chat. You'll come out of your conversation with a sense of how your script aligns with your goals, how you can make your story stronger, and what you can do to make your graphic novel resonate better with your target readers!

Tanya Gold is a book editor, writing coach, translator, and literary omnivore who works on and devours SFF, horror, retellings, queer stories, experimental narratives, interactive fiction, and graphic novels. They also teach courses for editors and writers. It's been suggested that they read too much for their own good - this might be true.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Tanya Gold.

Win a critique of your YA or adult fiction query and the first 50 pages of your manuscript from C.J. Subko, author of several published short stories! C.J. will offer detailed feedback on your query and sample pages.

C.J. Subko is currently on submission with agent Maria Brannan of Greyhound Literary. She has published several short stories in magazines including Spindle House and the upcoming Negative Creep anthology.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of C.J. Subko.

Win a manuscript critique and 30-minute phone call with Foyinsi Adegbonmire, editor at Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan! Foyinsi will offer feedback on the first 3 chapters of your YA manuscript and answer any question about your work/career or the publishing industry.

Foyinsi Adegbonmire is an Editor at Feiwel & Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. She acquires middle grade and young adult fiction, from contemporary to mystery to grounded science-fiction, and enjoys lighthearted stories with conversational narrative voices. She was named a 2021 PW Star Watch Honoree and her acquisitions include New York Times-bestseller Ace of Spades by Faridah.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Foyinsi Adegbonmire.

Win a chapter book critique from Jess Hernandez, author of First Day of Unicorn School. Jess will offer big picture edits as well as line editing. Maximum 5,000 words.

Jess Hernandez is from the Pacific Northwest. She's spent her grown-up life working with kids and books-as a teacher, a children's librarian, and an author. Her first book, First Day of Unicorn School, was illustrated by Mariano Epelbaum and was a 2023 Kentucky Bluegrass Nominee.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Jess Hernandez.

Win a 30-minute portfolio review with Catia Chien, a Society of Illustrators Gold Medal winner for THE BEAR AND THE MOON. A portfolio review will consist of: insights on best practices when building a portfolio, tips on how to capitalize on your strengths and make improvements on your work and insight on what art directors/editors look for.

Catia Chien is the illustrator of such titles as THE BEAR AND THE MOON, which was a Society of Illustrators Gold Medal for Original Art winner, and THE LONGEST LETSGOBOY, a Golden Kite award winner. Her art has been shown in galleries worldwide including the Beijing National Gallery and the Bologna Children's Book Fair exhibition.

Image: A headshot of Catia Chien.

Intended for: picture book creators

Open internationally.

Win a written manuscript critique from Andrea Wang, Newbery Honor-winning author of Watercress. Andrea will offer line edits and feedback on up to 10 pages of your picture book or middle grade manuscript, fiction or nonfiction!

Andrea Wang is an acclaimed author of children's books, including Watercress, which received the Caldecott Medal, a Newbery Honor, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor, among other accolades. Her other books, Summer at Squee, The Many Meanings of Meilan, Luli and the Language of Tea, Magic Ramen, and The Nian Monster, have also received awards and/or starred reviews. Andrea's work explores culture, creative thinking, and identity.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Andrea Wang.

Win a written critique of your MG query and the first 10 pages of your manuscript from Shana Targosz, Oregon Literary Fellow and author of The Underwild: River of Spirits (Aladdin, 2025). Shana will provide feedback on your one-page query letter and the first 10 pages of your manuscript!

Shana Targosz writes about magical girls, budding friendships, ghosts who may or may not be friendly, and fiercely-held hope. She is an Oregon Literary Arts Fellow and the 2021 recipient of the Edna L. Holmes Fellowship for Young Readers. Her debut novel is The Underwild: River of Spirits (Aladdin, Spring 2025).

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Shana Targosz.

Win a critique of your YA query and the first 10 pages of your manuscript from Erica Waters, author of The River Has Teeth and other spooky YA novels! Erica will offer one round of written feedback on your query and manuscript via email.

Erica Waters writes dark fantasy and horror for young adults. Her second novel, The River Has Teeth, won the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Young Adult Novel and was also an Indie Next pick and a Kirkus Best Young Adult Book of 2021. Erica's other works include Ghost Wood Song, The Restless Dark, and All That Consumes Us.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Erica Waters.

Win a detailed critique of up to five pages of your picture OR up to 10 pages of your middle grade or young adult nonfiction manuscript from Sibert Medal-winner Cynthia Levinson! You will also receive a 30-minute follow-up phone or Zoom chat with Cynthia.

Cynthia Levinson is an author of nonfiction and historical fiction PB, MG, and YA. Her books have won the Sibert Medal, the Jane Addams and the Carter G. Woodson Book Awards and multiple honors from SCBWI, ILA, ALA, and others. She also struggles with writing as much as you do.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Cynthia Levinson.

Win a 20-page middle grade manuscript critique from author Jessica Vitalis! Jessica will offer developmental and line level feedback to help take your story to the next level.

Jessica Vitalis is a Columbia MBA-wielding author with Greenwillow/HarperCollins. Her books have been translated into three languages, received multiple starred reviews, and appeared on "Best Book" lists for Kirkus and CCBC. Jessica is an experienced mentor and loves using the extensive craft knowledge she gained in the thirteen years she wrote before landing her first deal to help pre-published writers.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Jessica Vitalis.

Win a written critique of your YA or adult fiction query and the first three chapters of your manuscript from Lauren Thoman, author of Mindy's Book Studio pick I'll Stop the World and the upcoming speculative mystery You Shouldn't Be Here. Lauren will offer detailed feedback on your query and the first three chapters of your manuscript (up to 30 pages)!

Lauren Thoman writes speculative fiction for teens and adults. Her debut novel, I'll Stop the World, was selected for publication in 2023 by six-time Emmy nominee Mindy Kaling through her eponymous imprint, Mindy's Book Studio. Lauren lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and two children in a house full of dogs and fish.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Lauren Thoman.

Win a three-chapter manuscript critique from Alison Green Myers! Share the first three chapters of your middle grade novel or novel in verse with Alison. Alison will check with you via email about the specific type of feedback you are seeking, provide a written critique, and then follow up with a 30-minute Zoom call to answer your questions and talk next steps.

Alison Green Myers serves as the program director for the Highlights Foundation facilitating fellowships for storytellers. Alison is a National Writing Project Fellow and the author of A Bird Will Soar which earned the Schneider family book award from the American Library Association. Alison would love to discuss middle grade books with you, and talk about two upcoming middle grade projects (especially the one with an alligator whose ring-name is Fuzzy).

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Alison Green Myers.

Win a 30-minute phone call with freelance editor Julie Scheina! Julie will offer feedback on your picture book, middle grade, or young adult fiction query and will answer any of your questions about the publishing industry.

Julie Scheina is a former senior editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers with over 17 years of experience editing acclaimed and bestselling books for children and young adults. Julie has edited more than 300 titles across a variety of genres, from picture books and poetry collections to middle grade and young adult novels. Please visit www.juliescheina.com to see some of the books Julie has edited; to read testimonials from authors, publishers, and agents she's worked with; and to learn more about the editorial services she offers.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Julie Scheina.

Win a query critique and notes on the first three pages of your YA or MG manuscript from author and literary agent Eric Smith! Winner will also receive a Zoom call with Eric to unpack the notes and offer advice.

Eric Smith is a young adult author and literary agent with P.S. Literary, living in Philadelphia. Eric has worked with New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors across genres and categories.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Eric Smith.

Win a (conceptual and line-edited!) query critique and 30-minute video chat with Mackenzie Brady Watson, agent with Stuart Krichevsky Literary Agency! Mackenzie will offer feedback on your query and answer any burning questions about publishing.

Mackenzie Brady Watson started her career in publishing in 2010 and has been an agent with the Stuart Krichevsky Literary Agency since 2016. Her clients have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List and have been winners of the National Book Critics Circle Award, J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize, the NAACP Image Award, and the ALA Carnegie Medal, and finalists for the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and various PEN Awards. She particularly appreciates work that explores today's most pressing issues through story and that can be used as tools for social change.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Mackenzie Brady Watson.

Win a query critique and 30-minute phone call with Jacqui Lipton, Senior Literary Agent at The Tobias Literary Agency! Jacqui will offer feedback on your query and answer any of your questions about the publishing industry.

Jacqui Lipton is a Senior Literary Agent at The Tobias Literary Agency as well as a publishing attorney. She is the author of Law and Authors: A Legal Handbook for Writers and often presents webinars on legal and business issues for authors and artists.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Jacqui Lipton.

Win a critique of your query and the first 5 pages of your manuscript, along with a 30-minute phone call with Brigid Kemmerer, New York Times bestselling author of the Cursebreaker series and the Defy the Night series! Brigid will offer a detailed critique on your query and opening pages, as well as answer any questions you might have during the call.

Brigid Kemmerer is the New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen books for young adults. A full time writer, Brigid lives in the Baltimore area with her family. When she's not busy writing or being a mom, you can usually find her with her hands wrapped around a barbell.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Brigid Kemmerer.

Win a query critique and 30-minute phone call with Meera Trehan, author of The View from the Very Best House in Town. Meera will offer feedback on your query and answer any of your questions about the publishing industry.

Meera Trehan is the author of The View from the Very Best House in Town, which was named a Junior Library Guild Selection (audio book and print book), a 2023 CCBC Choice, and an Amazon's Editor Pick, among other honors. Her second novel, Snow, is forthcoming in 2024.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Meera Trehan.

Win a query critique and 30-minute phone call with Mary-Kate Gaudet, editor of New York Times bestseller Zilot & Other Important Rhymes by Bob Odenkirk and Erin Odenkirk. Mary-Kate will offer feedback on your query and answer any of your questions about the publishing industry!

Mary-Kate Gaudet primarily acquires and edits picture books, collaborating with award-winning and bestselling artists such as Matthew Cordell, Cori Doerrfeld, and Ame Dyckman, as well as father-daughter duo Bob and Erin Odenkirk. She also facilitates in-house IP development and manages partnerships with companies such as Disney, NBCUniversal, Paramount, and Warner Bros., editing licensed titles like the instant #1 New York Times bestseller The Office: A Day at Dunder Mifflin Elementary. A graduate of Fordham University, she joined Little, Brown Books for Young Readers in 2012 after having worked at HarperCollins Children's Books, Sterling Publishing, and Denise Marcil Literary Agency.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Mary-Kate Gaudet.

Win a query critique and 30-minute virtual meeting with Maria Vicente, Senior Literary Agent at P.S. Literary Agency! Maria will provide a written critique of your query letter and you'll have the opportunity to ask any questions about the pitch (or any other publishing topics) during your meeting.

Maria Vicente is a Senior Literary Agent and Advisor at P.S. Literary Agency representing creators of innovative and beautiful books for readers of all ages. She lives in New Brunswick, Canada, reading and selling books from the Atlantic Ocean shore.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Maria Vicente.

Win a query critique and 30-minute chat with Erica Bauman, literary agent at Aevitas Creative Management! Erica will offer helpful feedback on your query and answer any questions you have about the publishing industry.

Erica Bauman is a literary agent at Aevitas Creative Management, representing a wide variety of authors across middle grade, young adult, and commercial adult fiction. Erica is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and has worked in the publishing industry since 2012. Based in New York, Erica is most interested in commercial novels that feature an exciting premise and lyrical, atmospheric writing; imaginative, genre-blending tales; speculative worlds filled with haunting, quietly wondrous magic; fresh retellings of mythology, ballet, opera, and classic literature; sharply funny rom-coms; graphic novels for all ages; fearless storytellers that tackle big ideas and contemporary issues; and working with and supporting marginalized authors and stories that represent the wide range of humanity.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Erica Bauman.

Win a query critique and a 30-minute chat with Nathan Bransford, former literary agent and author of the JACOB WONDERBAR series.

Nathan Bransford was formerly a literary agent with Curtis Brown Ltd and is the author of HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL and the JACOB WONDERBAR series. He started blogging in 2007 and his blog has consistently been named one of the 101 Best Websites for Writers by Writers Digest. He's dedicated to helping authors write what they love, navigate the publishing process, and successfully market their books.

Image: A headshot of Nathan Bransford.

Win a signed and annotated copy of The Otherwoods plus a query critique and 30-minute call or video call with Justine Pucella Winans, award-winning author of YA and MG fiction!

Justine Pucella Winans is a queer and nonbinary author who lives in Los Angeles with their husband and chaotic Halloween cats. They are the author of the acclaimed Bianca Torre Is Afraid of Everything, JLG Selection One Killer Problem, Stonewall Honor Book The Otherwoods, and the forthcoming Wishbone. When not writing spooky, funny, and queer books, Justine can be found training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or pushing off their massive TBR stack to read webcomics.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of The Otherwoods and a headshot of Justine Pucella Winans.

Win a written query critique and feedback from author and IPEd-accredited editor Shannon Jade! Shannon will perform a detailed line and copy edit of your query letter and provide helpful feedback to help you refine your query package.

Shannon Jade holds a BA in creative writing and publishing and is currently pursuing a master's in environmental science. As an author, she has written several not-for-profit and work-for-hire projects in addition to anthology short stories, and in 2022, she was a contributing author to Goodnight Stories For Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers. Shannon is also an IPEd-accredited editor with extensive freelance editing and proofreading experience for both self-publishing authors and traditional publishing houses.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Shannon Jade.

Win a critique of your YA query from Molly Horan, author of Epically Earnest. Molly will offer feedback on your query and help you capture what makes your manuscript special and unique!

Molly Horan is the author of Epically Earnest, I Have Seven Dogs, and the forthcoming Thanks for Listening. She teaches creative writing at NYU and SVA.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Molly Horan.

Win a critique of your YA or MG query from Nicole Frail, owner of Nicole Frail Edits, plus a 30-minute follow-up call! Nicole will deliver a marked-up query that you will then discuss over a Zoom (or phone) call. During your call, Nicole will answer any questions you have about the querying process or the publishing industry.

Nicole Frail has more than fifteen years of editorial experience, twelve of those working at a traditional publishing company. Through her small business, Nicole Frail Edits, she works with independent and querying authors writing both fiction and nonfiction for adults and children. She lives in Avoca, Pennsylvania, with her husband, three little boys, and two cats.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Nicole Frail.

Win a written critique of your MG query from Meg Eden Kuyatt! Winner will also receive a packet of deleted poems from her 2023 ALA Schneider Family Book Award Honor title Good Different.

Meg Eden Kuyatt teaches creative writing at colleges and writing centers. She is the author of the 2021 Towson Prize for Literature winning poetry collection Drowning in the Floating World and children's novels, including the 2023 ALA Schneider Family Book Award Honor Good Different and the forthcoming The Girl in the Wall (Scholastic, 2025). Find her online at megedenbooks.com.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Good Different and a headshot of Meg Eden Kuyatt.

Win a 30-minute phone call to discuss your picture book dummy or manuscript with Susan Rich, editor-at-large at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Susan will offer feedback on your work and answer any of your questions.

Susan Rich is editor-at-large at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, where she has published the work of Sophie Blackall, Michaela Goade, Phoebe Wahl, Lemony Snicket, Maira Kalman, and others. Susan earned a Masters Degree in Children's Literature from the Center for the Study of Children's Literature at Simmons College, began her publishing career in New York, and now lives and works in Toronto.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Susan Rich.

Win a picture book manuscript critique and a 30 minute ask-me-anything phone call with bestselling author Joanna Ho! Joanna will offer feedback on your picture book manuscript and answer any questions you might have about your critique, the publishing process, etc.

Joanna Ho is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of many books for kids. She has received the Asian/Pacific American Award for Children's Literature Honor, a Golden Kite Award, an Ezra Jack Keats Honor, and a Golden Poppy Award.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Joanna Ho.

Win a critique of your fiction picture book manuscript and a 30-minute video chat with Paola Santos, author of How to Eat a Mango. Paola will offer feedback on your manuscript and answer any of your questions about the publishing industry!

Paola Santos is a children's book author born and raised in Venezuela. Her stories are woven with her culture, experience in a new country, hope, happiness, and diversity. Paola holds a bachelor's and a master's degree in Literature and Children's Literature and Reading Promotion. Her debut picture book, How to Eat a Mango (Holiday House), illustrated by Juliana Perdomo, will be released on July 16, 2024.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Paola Santos.

Win a written picture book manuscript critique from Vicki Johnson, author of Molly's Tuxedo. Vicki will review your manuscript, line by line, and offer her feedback via email, with a 30-minute follow-up call to discuss the edits and any questions you may have about the publishing industry.

Vicki Johnson's debut picture book is Molly's Tuxedo (Little Bee Books), illustrated by Gillian Reid. Vicki was a 2022 Lambda Literary Fellow. Molly's Tuxedo is a 2024 NCTE Charlotte Huck Award Recommended Book, a 2024 American Library Association Rainbow Book List selection, and a 2023 Ontario Library Association Top Ten 'Best Bets' Picture Book.

US only.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Vicki Johnson.

Win a picture book manuscript critique and 30-minute phone call with Emily Sun Li, Simmons children's literature MFA candidate and author of picturebook Mr. Chow's Night Market (forthcoming in Spring 2026 with Penguin Workshop/Penguin Random House)! Emily will offer feedback on your (ideally non-rhyming) picture book manuscript and answer any questions about the publishing industry and/or MFA programs in children's literature.

Emily Sun Li is a Chinese American writer pursuing an MA in Children's Literature and MFA in Writing for Children at Simmons University. Previously, she spent two years teaching English and studying Mandarin Chinese in Kaohsiung, Taiwan as a Fulbright scholar. Her debut picture book, Mr. Chow's Night Market, releases in Spring 2026 in a two-book deal with Penguin Workshop/Penguin Random House.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Emily Sun Li.

Win a picture book critique and 30-minute video chat with Ana Siqueira, children's book author with six picture books traditionally published. Ana will offer feedback and answer any of your questions about the publishing industry and her journey.

Open internationally.

Ana Siqueira is a Spanish-language elementary teacher and an award-winning children's book author based in Tampa, Florida. Her books include Bella's Recipe for Success (Beaming Books 2021), If Your Babysitter is a Bruja (S&S 2022), Abuela's Super Capa/ La Supercapa de Abuela (HarperCollins 2023), La Mala Suerte is Following Me (Charlesbridge 2024), Mami's Heart (HarperCollins 2026) among others. Ana is the co-founder of Latinxpitch, a pitch event to promote Latin authors and illustrators.

Image: a graphic with a headshot of Ana Siqueira.

Win a 30-minute Zoom critique of your picture book manuscript from Jim Averbeck, author of One Word From Sophia.

Jim Averbeck is the author of In a Blue Room, a Charlotte Zolotow Honor book, and The Market Bowl and A Hitch at the Fairmont, both Junior Library Guild Selections. Jim's most popular book, One Word From Sophia, was an IndyNext Top 10 for Summer 2015.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Jim Averbeck.

Win a critique of your picture book manuscript and a 30-minute Zoom chat with author C.M. Harris! C.M. will provide feedback on your manuscript and answer your questions about the publishing industry.

C.M. Harris is the founder of Purple Diamond Press and author of the popular children's picture book What If We Were All The Same.

US only.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of C.M. Harris.

Win a critique of your picture book manuscript and a 30-minute phone or video call with Mk Smith Despres, author of Night Song and eight more forthcoming picture and board books! They will offer feedback on your manuscript and answer your questions about all things publishing.

Mk Smith Despres is the author of Night Song, illustrated by Hyewon Yum. They write, teach, and read lots of books with their family in western Massachusetts. Learn more about Mk at mksmithdespres.com.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Mk Smith Despres.

Win a written picture book manuscript critique with Caroline Kusin Pritchard, author of Gitty and Kvetch, Where Is Poppy?, and more. Caroline will offer line edits as well as overarching feedback to support your picture book journey!

Caroline Kusin Pritchard's debut picture book, Gitty and Kvetch, was a Tablet Magazine Best Jewish Picture Book of 2021. Her next picture book, Where is Poppy?, was released this spring, and her co-written biography book What Jewish Looks Like will come out in the fall, with more on the way! She holds her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Caroline Kusin Pritchard.

Win a written critique of your non-rhyming fiction picture book from Madhu Messenger, author of The Wedding Shoe Snatch, upcoming in October 2024!

Madhu Messenger received a 12 x 12 scholarship (2023), a We Need Diverse Books Middle Grade Mentorship (2022), the Yuyi Morales Merit Scholarship from Children's Book Academy (2021), honorable mention in the Oregon Writers Colony Writing Contest (2018), and was a PBParty Finalist (2022). Her debut picture book, The Wedding Shoe Snatch, comes out in October 2024. Madhu is an active member of Inked Voices and Yale Women Writers Group.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Madhu Messenger.

Win a written picture book manuscript critique from Jocelyn Rish, award-winning author of Battle of the Butts and Battle of the Brains. Jocelyn will offer big picture feedback, as well as line edit suggestions, on a picture book manuscript of any type under 1000 words.

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, followed by BATTLE OF THE BRAINS (Running Press Kids, 2022), about ten animals with mind-blowing brain abilities. Jocelyn lives in South Carolina with her ridiculously-adorable dog. Learn more at jocelynrish.com.

Image: a graphic with a headshot of author Jocelyn Rish.

Win a 60-minute video chat AMA with 20+ year industry veteran Jenne Abramowitz! You can chat about anything, including querying best practices, demystifying the publishing process, strategies for career building, the market landscape, and more.

Jenne Abramowitz is the Editorial Director of Sourcebooks' Fire, Young Readers, and Jabberwocky imprints, and oversees fiction for all ages. As an editor, Jenne has been lucky to work with a diverse list of talented authors including Varian Johnson, Debbi Michiko Florence, Aaron Blabey, Kate Messner, Ash Van Otterloo, Booki Vivat, Stephanie Kuehn, Jess Keating, Kevin Sherry, and Keith Calabrese, among many others. Jenne is a member of the Brooklyn Book Festival's children's and YA programming committee, a cat lover, surprisingly good roller-skater, and lifelong Murder, She Wrote enthusiast.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Jenne Abramowitz.

Win a 30-minute ask me anything call with Miriam Moore-Keish, author and Content Strategist at Capstone. Miriam will answer any of your questions about publishing!

Miriam Moore-Keish is a writer and publisher from Atlanta, GA. She received her MPhil in Education and Critical Approaches to Children's Literature from the University of Cambridge and has since written and edited books for all ages, consulted on manuscripts, developed anti-bias preschool curricula, taught creative writing classes, guest lectured, and engaged in general bookwormery. Miriam currently publishes children's books at Capstone Publishers in Minneapolis, MN where they don't (but she does) sweeten their tea.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Miriam Moore-Keish.

Marcie will chat with you for 30-minutes via zoom to answer questions you may have about the most recent stand-alone crime novel, Where They Last Saw Her, or questions related to the Cash Blackbear crime series.

Open internationally.

Marcie R. Rendon is an enrolled member of the White Earth Nation, author, playwright, poet, and freelance writer. She is the author of the Cash Blackbear series; stand-alone crime; and 2020 McKnight Artist of the Year.

Image: A headshot of Marcie R. Rendon.

Win a 30-minute ask me anything with award-winning children's author Valerie Bolling! Valerie will be happy to answer questions about the publishing industry and provide tips/advice to support you on your publication journey.

Valerie Bolling is passionate about creating stories in which all children can see themselves and feel seen and heard, valued, and validated. She's the author of six picture books as well as a Scholastic Acorn early reader series, Rainbow Days. Sharing her books with children and inspiring them to write their own stories brings Valerie immense joy!

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Valerie Bolling.

Win a 30-minute phone call with bestselling author and video game writer Brittney Morris, plus a signed and annotated copy of her book Slay. During your call, Brittney will answer any of your questions about her books or the publishing industry!

Brittney Morris is the bestselling author of Slay, The Cost of Knowing, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales - Wings of Fury, and The Jump. She also writes video games and has contributed to projects such as The Lost Legends of Redwall, Subnautica: Below Zero, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, and Marvel's Wolverine. Brittney is an NAACP Image Award nominee, an ALA Black Caucus Youth Literary Award winner, and an Ignite Award Finalist.

US only.

Image: A graphic of Slay and a headshot of Brittney Morris.

Win a 1 hour mentorship call with Catia Chien, a Society of Illustrators Gold Medal winner for THE BEAR AND THE MOON. A mentorship session with Catia is one-to-one support that can cover a range of topics related to career insights, portfolio review, shop tips and creative wellness.

Catia Chien is the illustrator of such titles as THE BEAR AND THE MOON, which was a Society of Illustrators Gold Medal for Original Art winner and a Golden Kite Award for picture book illustration winner, A BOY AND A JAGUAR, an ALA Notable Book and recipient of the Schneider Family Book Award. Her art has been shown in galleries worldwide including the Beijing National Gallery and the Bologna Children's Book Fair exhibition.

Image: A headshot of Catia Chien.

Intended for: picture book creators

Open internationally.

Win an AMA video chat with librarian Melanie C. Duncan! Melanie will answer any questions you have about libraries, book reviewing, library programs, and how to get your work into libraries. Topics also include her diagnoses of depression, anxiety, and ADHD, all of which were discovered at various points in her adult life to help #EndTheStigma against openly discussing mental health.

Melanie C. Duncan graduated with a Master's in Library Science and has worked in public libraries since 1993 as a reference librarian, branch manager, and cataloger. She has reviewed titles for Library Journal (Romance Reviewer of the Year, 2019), Booklist, Publisher's Weekly, and other publications (1993-2022), and served on the Georgia Peach Award for Teen Readers and the Georgia Children's Book Award committees.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Melanie C. Duncan.

Win a 30-minute ask-me-anything video call with Kate Meltzer, senior editor at Roaring Brook Press! Kate will answer your questions about the publishing industry and process.

Kate Meltzer is a senior editor at Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of the Macmillan Children's Publishing group, where she edits books for all ages by creators such as Olympic Gold-Medalist Abby Wambach, New York Times bestseller Marie Lu, and National Book Award finalist Katherine Marsh. According to IMDb, she's also an actress known for The Last Five Years (though she thinks her featured extra role as "Handelman Twin #1" barely counts).

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Kate Meltzer.

Win a behind-the-scenes 30-minute AMA with Teresa Robeson, the APALA Picture Book Award-winning author of Queen of Physics. Teresa will answer any of your questions about her books and the publishing industry! She will also offer a signed copy of Who is Tibet's Exiled Leader? The 14th Dalai Lama to the winner (if located in the U.S. or Canada).

Teresa Ho Robeson is an Asian Pacific American Librarians Association Picture Book Award-winning author of fiction and nonfiction books on science, nature, and her own culture, as exemplified by her debut Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom (illus. Rebecca Huang) to the upcoming Clouds in Space: Nebulae, Stardust, and Us (MIT Kids/Candlewick; illus. Diana Rezina), Who Smashed Hollywood Barriers with Gung Fu?: Bruce Lee (Penguin Workshop; illus. Ryan Inzana), and Clear and Bright: The Ching Ming Festival (Astra; illus. William Low).

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Teresa Robeson and the cover of Who is Tibet's Exiled Leader? The 14th Dalai Lama.

Win an exclusive 30-minute Zoom conversation with Ha Dinh, author of Where Wildflowers Grow, The Jade Bracelet, and The Moon Lantern. Ha will offer behind-the-scenes insights on her books and publishing journey from the classroom to publication.

Ha Dinh is a children's book author and educator with 16 years of teaching experience in the primary grades. She is the founder of Happy Days in First Grade Blog and Teaching Resources. Her debut picture, Where Wildflowers Grow, was published in 2023 by Waterbrook & Multnomah/Penguin Random House.

US only.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Ha Dinh

Win a 45-minute Zoom call for a tarot reading and AMA with Clare Edge, author of the MG fantasy series Accidental Demons and the YA fantasy romance I Put a Spell on You (both forthcoming from Harper). First Clare will pull some cards to help get clarity and insights into your WIP (or any other creative project you're feeling stuck on) and then you'll have a chance to ask any questions you might have!

Clare Edge is an author (and witch) who was raised in the Rocky Mountains. Their novels Accidental Demons and I Put a Spell on You are forthcoming from Harper. They have too many degrees, too few cats, and often too much or too little blood sugar.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Clare Edge.

Win a 30-minute Zoom call with Tochi Onyebuchi, author of Riot Baby and Goliath. Tochi will offer insights on the creative process of his novels and a behind-the scenes look at the development of his upcoming essay collection!

Tochi Onyebuchi is the author of Riot Baby, Goliath, and the War Girls and Beasts Made of Night series. An award-winning author and essayist, he is the author of the upcoming essay collection, Is This a Race Book?.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Tochi Onyebuchi.

Win a 30-minute call with bestselling author Dana Alison Levy! You will have the chance to ask Dana anything publishing and writing related. She will answer your questions on writing, querying, working with an agent, getting published, and more!

Dana Alison Levy is the author of bestselling and critically acclaimed books for kids and teens, including the Family Fletcher books and It Wasn't Me. Her books have garnered multiple starred reviews, been named to several "best books of the year" lists, and have been Junior Library Guild Selections. Some of them have also been banned. Dana was last seen reading banned books with her family in New England.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Dana Alison Levy.

Win a 30-minute phone call with Chelsea Villareal, Senior Program Manager at WNDB and an experienced marketing publishing professional! Chelsea will answer any of your questions about book marketing. Shop your book ideas, ask marketing best practice questions, and more!

Chelsea P. Villareal (she/her) is a Mexican-American media strategist from PDX. She holds a BUPA in Political Science and Media Studies from Portland State University and a Master's in Communication and Education from Columbia University. Her passions focus on participatory cultures, civic imagination, speculative storytelling, and intersectional Latinx identity representation-across all media. As Program and Partnership Manager at WNDB, Chelsea manages the Rise Up and Internship Grant Program.

US only.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Chelsea Villareal.

Is she still friends with Martha? Did she really hear her teacher using the bathroom? Did she marry Mike Miller? Author, illustrator, and graphic novelist Cece Bell, will take as many "insider" questions as possible (within a 30-minute time period) about her autobiographical graphic novel, EL DEAFO.

Cece Bell is the author and illustrator of the Newbery-honor winning graphic novel, EL DEAFO, which chronicles her childhood experiences with hearing loss. Her latest book, ANIMAL ALBUMS FROM A-Z, is a picture book celebration of music featuring 26 album covers and 26 songs in 26 different genres, all of which showcase her "goofy, deeply affectionate, no-detail-left-behind creativity" (Publishers Weekly).

Image: A headshot of author and illustrator Cece Bell and an image of the book cover for EL DEAFO.

United States only.

Win a one one-hour virtual workshop (for max. three people) with Jasmine Toguchi chapter book author Debbi Michiko Florence! Winner(s) will get a condensed version of the Writing a Chapter Book Series workshop, which includes what makes a chapter book, developing characters, and a brief overview of Debbi's author journey. Plus a bonus Q&A!

Debbi Michiko Florence is the author of more than 25 books for children and tweens. Her books have received starred reviews, JLG Selections, and inclusion on lists such as Amazon Best Books and the Chicago Public Library Best of the Best. Her chapter book series include the award-winning Jasmine Toguchi and My Furry Foster Family.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Debbi Michiko Florence.

Win a one-hour marketing consultation with Christine Bollow, Co-Owner and Programs Director at Loyalty Bookstores! Christine will offer personalized feedback on your press kit, bookstore event pitch, social media, etc. and answer any questions you have about marketing, events, and working with indie bookstores.

Christine Bollow is the Co-Owner and Programs Director for Loyalty Bookstores in Washington, DC and Silver Spring, MD. She is a 2022 Publishers Weekly Star Watch Honoree, graduate of Barnard College, Fiction Juror for the 2024 Kirkus Prize, and currently serves on the DEI Committee for the American Booksellers Association. Christine is passionate about championing books by marginalized authors both at Loyalty and on her Bookstagram account @readingismagical.

US only.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Christine Bollow.

Win a sixty-minute one-on-one Zoom session on how to use Goodreads with Liza Wiemer, award-winning author of The Assignment. Perfect for writers who want to learn how to navigate Goodreads, promote their books, build their communities, and understand best practices!

Liza Wiemer's YA novel, The Assignment, was published by Delacorte Press and has received 12 honors, including being named a Sydney Taylor Notable Book. To date, The Assignment has been translated into Russian, Polish, Italian, and Korean and has also been optioned for film. Liza's debut picture book, Out and About: A Tale of Giving, was published by Kalaniot Books in August 2023.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Liza Wiemer.

Win a 30-minute phone with Angela Dominguez, New York Times bestselling illustrator of Just Help! and author of the popular Stella Diaz series! Angela will give you insight into her published work and share her tips about getting published.

Angela Dominguez is the author and illustrator of several books for children and a two-time Pura Belpre Illustration Honoree. Her most notable work includes Just Help! written by Sonia Sotomayor, the popular Stella Diaz series, and many bilingual picture books.

US only.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Angela Dominguez.

Win free access to "How to Write Rhyming Picture Books," an online course and community about rhyme and rhythm. More details are here: https://tracy-s-site-f04c.thinkific.com/courses/writing-rhyming-picture-books. In over an hour of video content, broken into small chunks, you will learn how to write meter and rhyme with confidence. You'll end the class with a fun project that could turn into a published picture book one day.

Tracy C. Gold is an author, freelance editor, and mom living in Baltimore, Maryland. Her published and forthcoming picture books include "Everyone's Sleepy but the Baby," "Call Your Mother," "Trick or Treat, Bugs to Eat," and "Hide and Seek, Nuts to Eat."

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Tracy C. Gold.

Open internationally.

Win the opportunity to be a featured guest on the Adventures in Learning podcast with Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor! Dr. Diane will offer you the chance to be featured on a 30-minute episode (released on YouTube and all major platforms), as well as a blog post and social media posts surrounding your episode - a great opportunity to get your work out to a new audience!

Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor helps educators build connections through multicultural picture books and STEM/STEAM experiences designed to engage learners and build opportunities for executive function, literacy, math, and science gains across the curriculum. She hosts the Adventures in Learning podcast, and is an in-demand speaker at national and regional conferences.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with the logo of the Adventures in Learning podcast.

Win access to "Writing As Activism", a 60-to-90 minute workshop, for you and your friends, with activist and author Sarah Elgatian! (The workshop will be 90 minutes if you bring your friends.) Sarah has taught versions of this workshop for Planned Parenthood, NAMI, and special events. Together, you will look at writing that has impacted social change and identify what makes it work before delving into your own passion projects!

Sarah Elgatian is a second-generation American writer, activist, and educator invested in helping other writers create their best work. She lives, writes, and homesteads in Iowa.

Open internationally.

Image: A headshot of Sarah Elgatian.

Win an advance reader copy of TJ Alexander's forthcoming queer, polyamorous, cocktail bar rom-com Triple Sec signed by the author.

TJ Alexander is a critically acclaimed author who writes about queer love. Originally from Florida, they received their MA in writing and publishing from Emerson College in Boston. They live in New York City with their wife and various houseplants.

US only.

Image: A graphic of Triple Sec and a headshot of TJ Alexander.

Win a signed, personalized, and annotated copy of the critically acclaimed YA supernatural thriller What We Harvest by Ann Fraistat! Winner will also receive some character art and an iridescent sticker.

Ann Fraistat is an author, playwright, and narrative designer. Her debut novel, What We Harvest, is a 2022 Bram Stoker finalist, an ABA Indies Introduce and Kids' Indie Next Pick, and a finalist for the Barnes & Noble YA 2022 Book Awards. A Place For Vanishing, her second book, is an instant USA Today bestseller.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of What We Harvest and a headshot of Ann Fraistat.

Win an autographed set of six copies of Nicole Melleby's award-winning novel Winnie Nash is Not Your Sunshine. Perfect for your classroom or book club!

Nicole Melleby, a Jersey native, is the author of highly praised middle-grade books, including the Lambda Literary finalist Hurricane Season and ALA Notable Children's book How to Become a Planet. She currently teaches at the Fairleigh Dickinson MFA Creative Writing program and lives with her wife and their cats, whose needs for attention oddly align with Nicole's writing schedule.

US only.

Image: A graphic of Winnie Nash is Not Your Sunshine and a headshot of Nicole Melleby.

Win a signed and annotated copy of Jackie Morera's debut picture book, Abuelo's Flower Shop, illustrated by Deise Lino. You will also receive a selection of book art stickers and floral stickers, a plantable paper heart, and a double-sided bookmark!

Jackie Morera is a Cuban-American author of books for young readers of all ages. Born and raised in Miami, Jackie now lives in Central Florida with her husband, son, and goofy pup. She enjoys telling stories, savoring pastelitos, and cozying up for a good nap.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic of Abuelo's Flower Shop and a headshot of Jackie Morera.

Win a signed and annotated hardcover copy of Nicole Chen's sophmore middle grade novel, Lily Xiao Speaks Out, featuring a young Taiwanese American girl who must channel her inner grunge rocker to fight for ESL support for her newly immigrated cousin at their middle school.

Nicole Chen's experience growing up Taiwanese American, alongside the blend of Catalan, Spanish, Taiwanese and American influences in her present home, fuels her desire to tell stories that reflect a diverse and multicultural American identity. Her debut picture book, How We Say I Love You, illustrated by Lenny Wen and published by Knopf BFYR (December 2022) was a Target Book Club pick and selected for inclusion in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program. Her debut middle grade novel, It's Boba Time for Pearl Li!, from Quill Tree/Harper Collins is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, and her third book, middle grade novel Lily Xiao Speaks Out, will be released in May 2024.

US only.

Image: A graphic of Lily Xiao Speaks Out and a headshot of Nicole Chen.

Win a signed and annotated copy of Wild Wishes and Windswept Kisses, a cozy YA romantic contemporary novel by Maya Prasad! While it is the follow-up to Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things, Wild Wishes and Windswept Kisses can be read as a standalone. "Heartfelt and charming! Prasad's lyrical prose breathes life and joy into the stories of the Singh sisters as they fall in and out of love, while always staying true to themselves and each other. This swoony slice-of-life romance melted my heart." - Leslie Vedder, bestselling author of The Bone Spindle trilogy.

Maya Prasad is a South Asian American author, a Caltech graduate, and a former software engineer. She currently resides in the Pacific Northwest, where she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and raising her budding bookworm kiddo. Her YA novels include Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things, a 2023 Children's Book Council Young Adult and Librarian Favorite. Her STEM chapter book series starts with Sejal Sinha Battles Superstorms, an OWL Awards shortlist title and a NECBA Windows & Mirrors pick. She's passionate about creating joyful representation for kids and teens across genres.

US only.

Image: A graphic of Wild Wishes and Windswept Kisses and a headshot of Maya Prasad.

Win a signed copy of Leslie Stall Widener's debut nonfiction picture book, Kindred Spirits: Shilombish Ittibachvffa. This will include insider Post-it notes to give you an idea of my background and the journey with this story.

Leslie Stall Widener is a Choctaw tribal member who spends most of her time researching and writing about her heritage. Kindred Spirits: Shilombish Ittibachvffa is her debut as a published picture book author. Leslie has also illustrated many books and child-related projects in the past.

US only.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Leslie Stall Widener.

Win a signed copy of Free to Learn: How Alfredo Lopez Fought for the Right to Go to School, the most recent book by Sibert-winner Cynthia Levinson, illustrated by Pura Belpre Honoree Mirelle Ortega!

Cynthia Levinson is an author of nonfiction and historical fiction PB, MG, and YA. Her books have won the Sibert Medal, the Jane Addams and the Carter G. Woodson Book Awards and multiple honors from SCBWI, ILA, ALA, and others. She also struggles with writing as much as you do.

US only.

Image: A graphic of Free to Learn:
How Alfredo Lopez Fought for the Right to Go to School and a headshot of Cynthia Levinson.

Win a signed and annotated copy of Across So Many Seas, a historical fiction novel by Ruth Behar, Pura Belpre award-winning author of Lucky Broken Girl. Ruth will dedicate and sign the book and include insider notes!

Ruth Behar is a Cuban-born cultural anthropologist and children's book author. She is the author of three middle-grade novels, Lucky Broken Girl, Letters from Cuba, and Across So Many Seas, as well as two picture books, Tia Fortuna's New Home, and Pepita Meets Bebita, co-authored with her son, Gabriel Frye-Behar. Ruth was the first Latina to win a MacArthur "Genius" Grant, and lives in Ann Arbor, where she teaches anthropology and writing at the University of Michigan.

US only.

Image: A graphic of Across So Many Seas and a headshot of Ruth Behar.

Win a signed and annotated copy of one of award-winning author-illustrator Adriana Hernandez Bergstrom's books: Abuelita and I Make Flan, Tumble, or Countdown for Nochebuena. Winner will also receive a limited edition signed risograph print!

Adriana Hernandez Bergstrom is a Cuban-American artist and children's book author-illustrator. She loves languages and literacy and is the author-illustrator of Abuelita and I Make Flan (Charlesbridge, 2022), Tumble (Scholastic, 2023), and COUNTDOWN FOR NOCHEBUENA (Little, Brown, 2023).

US only.

Image: A graphic of Abuelita and I Make Flan, Tumble, and Countdown for Nochebuena.

Win a set of NINE picture and board books by award-winning author Aya Khalil!

Aya Khalil, M.Ed, is an award-winning author and freelance journalist. She holds a master's degree in Education with a focus in teaching English as a second Language. Her debut picture book The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story, published in February 2020 by Tilbury House & illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan, has won numerous awards and honors.

US only.

Image: A graphic with a photo of Aya Khalil and her published books.

Win a signed and annotated copy of Black Girl You Are Atlas, by Renee Watson! This customized copy will include at least 5-7 insider notes throughout the book, written by hand on the pages.

Renee Watson is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. Her young adult novel, Piecing Me Together, received a Coretta Scott King Award and Newbery Honor. Many of her books are inspired by her experiences growing up as a Black girl in the Pacific Northwest. Her poetry and fiction center around the experiences of Black girls and explore themes of home, identity, body image, and the intersections of race, class, and gender.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Black Girl You Are Atlas and a headshot of Renee Watson.

Win a signed and annotated version of Jennifer Swender's most recent middle grade novel Stuck, a coming of age story about a student used to staying in the shadows and the classroom of teachers and friends who help him to show his true colors!

Jennifer Swender was a classroom teacher for many years before turning to writing full-time. Her debut middle grade novel Solving for M was winner of the 2020 Mathical Book Prize, as well as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and a finalist for the Land of Enchantment Book Award, the Georgia Children's Book Award and the William Allen White Children's Book Award. Her second middle grade novel Stuck, also a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, was inspired by her early days teaching fourth grade and the idea that school should be a place where every kid can find their voice-even the quiet kids.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Stuck and a headshot of Jennifer Swender.

Win an annotated copy of A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman, including a deleted verse (chapter)! Winner will also receive poetry resource suggestions (e.g. lesson plan ideas) to use in the classroom.

Padma Venkatraman is the author of A Time to Dance, which was released to starred reviews and secured numerous awards and honors. It is a groundbreaking novel in verse about a girl who lives to dance, survives an accident that results in the amputation of one leg, and is empowered when she discovers her sense of spirituality through the power of her art.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with the cover of A Time to Dance and a headshot of Padma Venkatraman.

Win a signed and annotated hardcover copy of Not Like Other Girls, a YA feminist thriller by Meredith Adamo!

Meredith Adamo (she/her) is an author based in hot, humid North Carolina, but she's originally from Rochester, NY, which is her favorite place on the planet. She likes to write about girls who make you laugh and break your heart-ideally on the same page. Not Like Other Girls is her debut novel.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Not Like Other Girls and a headshot of Meredith Adamo.

Win a signed and annotated copy of The Beautiful Game by Yamile Saied Mendez!

Yamile Saied Mendez is an Argentine American author of award-winning books for kids, including The Beautiful Game, scheduled for release in September 2024.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of The Beautiful Game and a headshot of Yamile Saied Mendez.

Win a signed copy of Fathomfolk in trade paperback (US first edition) by Eliza Chan, annotated with author comments and favourite quotes highlighted throughout! Eliza will also dedicate the book and include a doodle if desired.

Eliza Chan is a Scottish-born speculative fiction author. Her short fiction has been published in The Dark, Podcastle, Fantasy Magazine, and The Best of British Fantasy. Her debut novel Fathomfolk-inspired by mythology, ESEAN cities and diaspora feels-was published by Orbit in February 2024.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Fathomfolk and a headshot of Eliza Chan.

Win a signed and annotated copy of Free Period, a middle grade story of friendship and period equity written by Ali Terese and published by Scholastic, to celebrate May as Menstrual Health Awareness Month! Winner will also receive a crochet cuterus uterus that plays a pivotal role in the plot and a swag pack of stickers, bookmarks, and bracelets.

Ali Terese writes funny and heartfelt middle grade and YA stories. Her debut Free Period is a story of friendship and period equity complete with laugh-out-loud shenanigans, delightfully disgusting desserts, and some world-changing crafts. Visit Ali online for book bonuses, giveaways, and resources like discussion guides, recipes, craftivism projects, and more at aliterese.com.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Free Period and a headshot of Ali Terese.

Win a signed edition of Holly Black's The Stolen Heir and signed copies of MK Lobb's Seven Faceless Saints duology.

Also included is an ARC of FT Lukens' latest YA book Otherworldly and an ARC of Bethany Mangle's Conditions of a Heart.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the book covers.

Win a signed and annotated hardcover copy of This Day Changes Everything by Edward Underhill, along with an exclusive character art print and sticker sheet!

Edward Underhill is an author and composer who grew up in Wisconsin, studied music in Ohio, and spent several years in NYC. He currently lives in California with his partner. He is the author of the young adult novels Always the Almost and This Day Changes Everything.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of This Day Changes Everything and a headshot of Edward Underhill.

Win a signed and annotated copy of The Quince Project by Jessica Parra! Jessica will sign your copy and include at least 5-7 insider notes throughout the book, by hand either on the pages or on Post-It notes! Winner will also receive a 30-minute phone or Zoom call with Jessica, where she will offer behind-the-scenes insight about her publication journey and answer any questions you may have about yours.

As a lawyer and daughter of Guatemalan and Cuban bakers, Jessica Parra never objects to an extra slice of cake. She's a Los Angeles native who loves to write about Latinas with big hair (and even bigger dreams), complicated families, and the healing magic of acceptance. She's the author of Rubi Ramos's Recipe for Success, as well as the forthcoming The Quince Project, both published with Wednesday Books, and many unfinished first drafts about cats living their best lives-all nine of them. When she isn't drafting books you can find her sipping kombucha, cuddling with her kitties, or co-piloting the Millennium Falcon at Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge. You can visit Jessica at jessicaparra.com

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with the cover of The Quince Project and a headshot of Jessica Parra.

Win a signed and annotated copy of Fatima Tate Takes the Cake by Khadijah VanBrakle, plus some bonus related book swag!

Khadijah VanBrakle was born and raised in Canada to American parents and is the author of the 2023 contemporary YA novel Fatima Tate Takes the Cake. Khadijah began writing in 2012 when one of her daughters discovered there weren't any traditionally published young adult novels featuring Black American Muslim teens, a dual marginalization that she shares.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Fatima Tate Takes the Cake and a headshot of Khadijah VanBrakle.

Win a signed and annotated copy of Queer Windows: Volume 1 Spring. Queer Windows is a collection of four queer short stories. Winner will also receive a handmade, rainbow patchwork book sleeve! Book sleeves are large enough for trade paperbacks and most hardcovers, and include a front pocket for all your notebooks, pens, bookmarks, and more!

Cay Fletcher is a queer author with a passion for fantasy and science fiction, crafting rich landscapes and memorable characters in new and exciting worlds.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Queer Windows: Volume 1 Spring and a headshot of Cay Fletcher.

Win a signed and annotated hardcover copy of Curses, a YA gender swapped Beauty and the Beast retelling by Lish McBride!

Lish McBride is the author of many comedic YA books as well as her adult Uncanny romance series. She's also a former indie bookseller, trivia host and overall silly human.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Curses and a headshot of Lish McBride.

Win a signed copy of the critically acclaimed Drew Leclair Gets a Clue from author Katryn Bury! Katryn will also include insider notes pointing to a few clues you may have missed, as well as some original drawings!

Katryn Bury is the author of the critically acclaimed Drew Leclair mysteries. A lifelong true-crime nerd, she holds a bachelor's degree in sociology/criminology. Katryn works with middle grade readers as a library technician by day and writes mysterious coming-of-age stories for those same readers by night. She lives in California with her family, along with a vast collection of pop-culture knickknacks and Nancy Drew books.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Drew Leclair Gets a Clue and a headshot of Katryn Bury.

Win a signed and annotated copy of Sisters of the Neversea, a modern Indigenous reinvention of Peter Pan by Cynthia Leitich Smith!

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee) is a New York Times bestseller, 2024 Southern Mississippi Medallion Winner, and 2021 NSK Neustadt Laureate. She is also the author-curator of Heartdrum, a Native-focused imprint of HarperChildren's.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Sisters of the Neversea and a headshot of Cynthia Leitich Smith.

Win a signed, personalized, and annotated copy of Darker By Four, the new YA fantasy from bestselling author June CL Tan! Winner will also receive an exclusive swag pack filled with character art prints.

June CL Tan is the author of the internationally bestselling Jade Fire Gold and the Darker By Four duology. A Singaporean raised on a diet of teh tarik, classic books, and wuxia movies, she enjoys telling stories that draw on both the traditional and modern to create something fresh to the eye, but familiar to the heart.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Darker By Four and a headshot of June CL Tan.

Win a signed and annotated hardcover copy of Pieces of a Girl, the new YA memoir by Stephanie Kuehnert!

Stephanie Kuehnert is the author of the YA novels, I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone and Ballads of Suburbia, as well as the new YA memoir, Pieces of a Girl. Stephanie was a teenage zinester and wrote for Rookie magazine for all seven glorious years of its existence.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Pieces of a Girl and a headshot of Stephanie Kuehnert.

Win a signed copy of Looking for Smoke, the debut YA thriller by K.A. Cobell, plus all FOUR exclusive enamel pins from its preorder campaign!

K.A. Cobell, Staa'tssipisstaakii, is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation. She currently lives in the Pacific Northwest, where she spends her time writing books, chasing her kids through the never-ending rain, and scouring the inlet beaches for sand dollars and hermit crabs. Looking for Smoke is her debut novel.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Looking for Smoke and a headshot of K.A. Cobell.

Win a signed and sticky-noted copy of To Make by Danielle Davis (illustrated by Mags DeRoma), plus little snippets of behind-the-scenes intel on the story and illustrations!

Danielle Davis is a children's writer, picture book editor, teacher, and collaborator. She grew up in Singapore and Hong Kong and now lives in Los Angeles. Her first middle grade novel was Zinnia And the Bees, her first picture books, To Make.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of To Make and a headshot of Danielle Davis.

Win a signed and annotated hardcover copy of the Walter Dean Myers Honoree Root Magic, the debut novel from Eden Royce!

Eden Royce is a Shirley Jackson Award finalist and her short stories have appeared in a variety of print and online publications. She has also written articles for Writer's Digest, The Horn Book Magazine, Western Colorado University, and We Need Diverse Books. Her debut novel, Root Magic, is a Walter Dean Myers Award Honoree, an Andre Norton Nebula Award Finalist, an Ignyte Award winner, and a Mythopoeic Fantasy Award winner for outstanding children's literature.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Root Magic and a headshot of Eden Royce.

Win a signed and annotated copy of award-winning author Julian Winters's next YA royal romance, Prince of the Palisades..

Julian Winters is the award-winning author of Running With Lions, Junior Library Guild Selections How to Be Remy Cameron, The Summer of Everything, and As You Walk On By, the multi-star reviewed Right Where I Left You, and the upcoming Prince of the Palisades. Julian currently lives outside of Atlanta where he can be found reading and swooning over rom-coms.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with the book cover of Prince of the Palisades.

Win a signed and annotated hardcover boxed set of THE WAY I USED TO BE collection, plus a signed bonus copy of another book of your choice by New York Times and Internationally bestselling author, Amber Smith.

United States only.

Amber Smith is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of the young adult novels The Way I Used to Be, The Way I Am Now, The Last to Let Go, and Something Like Gravity, as well as her middle-grade debut, Code Name: Serendipity. She writes in the hope that her books can help to foster change and spark dialogue. She lives in Ithaca, New York with her wife and their ever-growing family of rescued dogs and cats.

Image: a graphic with a headshot of Amber Smith.

Win a signed copy of the Walter Award winning book, PUNCHING THE AIR. Signed by both Yusef Salaam and Ibi Zoboi, and annotated by Ibi Zoboi.

Ibi Zoboi is the New York Times Bestselling author of NIGERIA JONES, a Coretta Scott King Author Award winner, AMERICAN STREET, a National Book Award Finalist, and PUNCHING THE AIR, a Walter Award Winner. STAR CHILD: A BIOGRAPHICAL CONSTELLATION OF OCTAVIA ESTELLE BUTLER won the Walter Award Honor and a Coretta Scott King Honor Award.

United States only.

Win a signed and annotated copy of Walter Award Honor winner, STAR CHILD: A BIOGRAPHICAL CONSTELLATION OF OCTAVIA ESTELLE BUTLER, along with a PDF including 5 images from the Octavia Butler archives (exclusive handwritten journal entries).

Ibi Zoboi is the New York Times Bestselling author of NIGERIA JONES, a Coretta Scott King Author Award winner, AMERICAN STREET, a National Book Award Finalist, and PUNCHING THE AIR, a Walter Award Winner. STAR CHILD: A BIOGRAPHICAL CONSTELLATION OF OCTAVIA ESTELLE BUTLER won the Walter Award Honor and a Coretta Scott King Honor Award.

United States only.

Win a signed and annotated copy of Piano Wants to Play by Colleen Kong-Savage! Inside the book, Colleen will offer insights into its evolution and backstories through handwritten post-it notes or reproductions of early sketches for each spread.

Colleen Kong-Savage spent her childhood hopscotching across Asia before migrating to New York City for an MFA in writing. She is a teaching artist, graphic designer and illustrator. Her artwork in children's books has garnered a Freeman honor and an Ezra Jack Keats/SCBWI BIPOC prize.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Piano Wants to Play and a headshot of Colleen Kong-Savage.

Win a signed and annotated hardcover copy of A Walk Through the Redwoods, written by Bridgitte Rodguez and illustrated by Natalia Bruno! Bridgitte will provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the editing and publishing of the book, some scenes that were edited, and how she worked with editor Winsome Bingham to get to the book you see today.

Bridgitte Rodguez was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in sunny San Diego. She holds a BA/MA in anthropology from UC Santa Cruz & The George Washington University. She currently lives in New York City where she writes books for kids of all ages.

US only.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Bridgitte Rodguez and the cover of A Walk Through the Redwoods.

Win an annotated copy of The Price We Pay by Nikki T. Anthony, a Literary Titan award winner and IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards finalist!

Nikki T. Anthony is the writer of the highly anticipated young adult novel The Price We Pay, which has been coined by critics as the ultimate modern-day Black experience. In addition to a multifaceted author, Nikki is also a serial entrepreneur who transformed from Corporate Technical Writer to a highly sought-after Ghostwriter, Literary Consultant, and Content Developer. Her writings are best known for their epic plot twists, enthralling language, and richly detailed African-American characters who dominate their narratives.

US only.

Image: A graphic with the cover of The Price We Pay by Nikki T. Anthony.

With a signed and annotated copy of Chasing Bigfoot, the middle grade novel by Art Coulson!

Art Coulson is a writer of Cherokee, English, and Dutch descent and comes from a family of storytellers in all three traditions. Art is the 2023 McKnight Fellow in Children's Literature and the author of more than a dozen books, graphic novels and plays, including the middle grade novel Chasing Bigfoot (2022), The Reluctant Storyteller (2020), and Look, Grandma! Ni, Elisi! (2021). The Reluctant Storyteller was named a best book of 2020 by Bank Street. Look, Grandma! Ni, Elisi! was named a best STEM children's book by the National Science Teaching Association in 2022 and featured on the inaugural broadcast of Reading Rainbow Live.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with the cover of Chasing Bigfoot by Art Coulson.

Win the chance to name a character in Tracy Badua's next middle grade contemporary fantasy about a boy who must figure out a decades-old mystery before the ghost haunting his family's summer vacation rental takes over his body to enact revenge! Publication is set for Fall 2025, and this is your chance to squeeze your name (or the name of a loved one... or enemy, bwa ha ha) into the pages.

Tracy Badua is an award-winning Filipino American author of books about young people with sunny hearts in a sometimes stormy world. By day, she is an attorney who works in national housing policy and programs, and by night, she squeezes in writing, family time, and bites of her secret candy stash. She lives in San Diego, California, with her family.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Tracy Badua.

Win the chance to name a character in Monique Gray Smith's next children's picture book!

Monique Gray Smith is an award-winning, bestselling author. Her books cover a broad spectrum of ages, topics, and emotions. Monique's most recent release, Circle of Love, is an LGBTQIA2'd children's picture book that focuses on family, community and belonging.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Monique Gray Smith.

Win the chance to learn what happens after the final pages of If Tomorrow Doesn't Come by Jen St. Jude! Does the asteroid hit or not? Do Cass, Avery, and the rest of the characters make it out alive? Win a short scene written by Jen that shows what they think happens next!

Jen St. Jude is the author of If Tomorrow Doesn't Come.

International shipping available.

Image: A graphic with the cover of If Tomorrow Doesn't Come.

Do you love picture books AND playing records on your record player? Now's your chance to win a very rare double-album version of the songs from Cece Bell's celebratory picture book about music, ANIMAL ALBUMS FROM A TO Z.

Cece Bell is the author and illustrator of the Newbery-honor winning graphic novel, EL DEAFO, which chronicles her childhood experiences with hearing loss. Her latest book, ANIMAL ALBUMS FROM A TO Z, is a picture book celebration of music featuring 26 album covers and 26 songs in 26 different genres, all of which showcase her "goofy, deeply affectionate, no-detail-left-behind creativity" (Publishers Weekly).

Image: An image of a vinyl record emerging from a vinyl sleeve. On the sleeve is the cover illustration for Cece Bell's ANIMAL ALBUMS FROM A TO Z.

United States only.

Win a 30-minute portfolio review/coaching session with Brian LaRossa, Executive Art Director for Scholastic's hardcover picture book group! Brian will offer feedback on your portfolio and answer any of your questions about the publishing industry.

Brian LaRossa (he/him) is an executive art director in the hardcover picture book group at Scholastic Inc., the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books. After hours he teaches a course on critical writing for The City College of New York and is a mentor in the We Need Diverse Books mentorship program. His work has won awards from the Type Directors Club, Society of Illustrators, American Illustration, Print Magazine, and his conceptual poetry is included in the permanent collection of the MoMA Library. He lives and works in New York City.

Open internationally.

Image: A graphic with a headshot of Brian LaRossa.