Win a 30-minute call with Joanna Volpe, New Leaf Literary & Media's President and Literary Agent to discuss the industry. Joanna will also provide a critique of your query and first 20 pages during your call!

Joanna Volpe is the founder of New Leaf Literary & Media, an all service literary management firm. While her list of books is eclectic, her focus is consistent on client brand and career building.

Image: A headshot of Joanna Volpe.

Win a 30-minute AMA consultation with Laurie McLean, Partner and Literary Agent at Fuse Literary. Laurie has 17 years of experience as an agent and 20+ years of experience in high-tech marketing. Laurie's specialties are promotion, how to sell a book, querying, pitching agents and editors, what makes a good story, etc. Anything publishing-related is fair game. And if you want to spend 30 minutes pitching Laurie your work in progress, she is all ears.

Laurie McLean spent 20 years as the CEO of a multi-million-dollar marketing agency and 8 years as an agent/senior agent at Larsen Pomada Literary Agents before co-founding Fuse Literary in 2013 with her business partner Gordon Warnock. At Fuse Lit Laurie specializes in middle grade, young adult and adult genre fiction including romance, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, suspense, thrillers, and weird westerns. Laurie is also the Director of the San Francisco Writers Conference, in its 18th year, and she co-founded two ePublishing companies that she eventually sold: Joyride Books for romance, and Ambush Books for tween and teen books. Find out more at FuseLiterary.com or on Instagram @fuseliterary, and on Twitter @FuseLiterary and @AgentSavant.

Image: A headshot of Laurie McLean.

Win an AMA phone call consultation about children's publishing with Phoebe Yeh, Publisher at Crown Books for Young Readers, Random House Children's Books. Phoebe used to edit THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS. Now she publishes Lincoln Peirce and Nic Stone. Phoebe has worked in children's publishing for more than 35 years. Ask her anything about children's publishing, especially but not limited to books by and about people of color!

The phone call will take place on a mutually agreed-upon date.

A VP/Copublisher of Crown Books for Young Readers, Phoebe Yeh has published all the WNDB short story anthologies in addition to working with Cheryl Willis Hudson and Wade Hudson of Just Us Books, Ashley Spires, Laurie Keller, Kelly J. Baptist, Jeffrey Brown, Lincoln Peirce, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, Mahogany L. Browne and Nic Stone: fiction and non-fiction for all age categories.

Image: A headshot of Phoebe Yeh.

Win a 30-minute one-on-one mentoring session with publishing executive and New York Times bestselling author, Andrea Davis Pinkney. As a bonus, the recipient of this offering will receive a 30-minute follow up session!

Andrea Davis Pinkney is The New York Times bestselling and Coretta Scott King award-winning author of numerous books for children and young adults. She is a four-time NAACP Image Award nominee, and recipient of both the Regina Medal and the Arbuthnot Honor Award, for her singular body of work and distinguished contribution to the field of literature. Ms. Pinkney is among Children's Health Magazine's "25 Most Influential People in Our Children's Lives," and has been inducted into the New York State Writers Hall of Fame.

Image: A headshot of Andrea Davis Pinkney.

Win a 60-min video chat AMA with 20-year veteran editor Jenne Abramowitz. Chat about anything including querying best practices, demystifying the publishing process, strategies for career building, the market landscape, and more.

Jenne Abramowitz is an Executive Editor at Scholastic Press, where she primarily acquires chapter book and middle grade fiction. She's 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 the co-chair 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.

Image: A headshot of Jenne Abramowitz.

Win a 30-minute Zoom video call AMA about publishing with Candlewick Press editor Carter Hasegawa. He's been an editor at Candlewick Press for 11 years and a bookseller for 13 years, so he's spent a lot of time around books and would love to share anything that he can to help you on your publishing journey.

Must use before June 1, 2022.

Carter Hasegawa has been an editor at Candlewick Press since 2010. He also has over a decade of experience working as a bookseller at indie bookstores. He lives in Boston with his wife and son.

Image: A headshot of Carter Hasegawa.

Win an "Ask Me Anything" chat with the Brand Marketing Manager at Penguin Young Readers! Ask Chelsea Villareal about children's book marketing, especially concerning titles and IP in a larger brand scope. The winner will also receive a Penguin Kids Book Bundle!

Will ship in the United States.

Chelsea Villareal is a children's media strategist and marketing professional from Portland, Oregon. She holds a BUPA in Political Science & Media Studies from Portland State University and is currently pursuing her Master's in Communication & Education at Columbia University, TC with a focus on civic imagination and Latinx representation. She works on the Brand Marketing team at Penguin Young Readers. Chelsea lives in Brooklyn with her partner and two crazy, lazy feline beasts.

Image: A headshot of Chelsea Villareal.

Win a 45-minute "Ask Me Anything" call with Alaina Lavoie, program manager at We Need Diverse Books and faculty in Emerson College's MA and MFA programs in Writing, Literature, and Publishing.

Want to learn about how to break into the publishing industry, and interested in pursuing a career in books? Alaina has six years of experience working in children's literature and prior to being a program manager at WNDB, she was the communications manager and a social media and programs volunteer. Alaina can also speak to how to find a remote job in publishing (she have worked full-time remote since 2017). Do you want to learn about marketing and promotion as a writer? Alaina teaches Personal Marketing for Authors in the MFA program at Emerson College and has consulted for a number of authors, both self-published and traditionally published. We can talk about any aspect of the marketing process from before you even have an agent all the way through scaling your career when you have several books out, or marketing as someone who writes across genres and age categories. Do you want to know more about the world of freelancing, how to get clients, and how to pitch your work? Alaina is a freelance journalist with six years of experience, and her work has been published in the New York Times, Teen Vogue, Refinery29, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Publishers Weekly, the Washington Post, the Oprah Magazine, Glamour, and more. Alaina would be happy to talk about the pitching process, navigating rejections, following up, negotiating rates, getting recurring clients, and everything else that comes with freelancing, whether you intend to freelance full-time or on the side of a day job. If you have something entirely different you'd like to talk about-diversity in publishing, navigating the industry with a disability, whether or not to go to grad school-Alaina is here for that too!

Alaina Lavoie (publishes journalism under the byline Alaina Leary) is a Program Manager for the literary nonprofit We Need Diverse Books. She also teaches graduate-level courses in the Publishing, Literature, and Writing department at Emerson College, and is a book reviewer for Booklist. Alaina has also led workshops, keynotes, and training sessions for ACES: The Society for Editing, the Bisexual Resource Center, Bravery Magazine, Everyday Feminism, Bookbuilders of Boston, the Editorial Freelancers Association, and Westfield State University. Her journalism has been included in a number of syllabi for undergraduate and graduate-level courses, including in the Simmons University MFA in Writing for Children. Her work has been published in New York Times, Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, The Oprah Magazine, Boston Globe Magazine, Refinery29, Good Housekeeping, Glamour, and more.

Image: A headshot of Alaina Lavoie.

Win a 45-minute combination AMA call and consultation/critique with JoAnn Yao, Social Media Manager at We Need Diverse Books.

Need help demystifying social media as a professional who needs to build a platform? Unsure how to dig into analytics, plan posts, and/or build an effective online presence? Hop on a 45-minute call with JoAnn! She'll not only go over your current web presence to assess what you're doing well and what you can do to further develop your personal brand, but she'll also answer any questions you have regarding professional websites, establishing yourself via social media, and (perhaps most importantly) how to be online without burning out. She's managed and grown We Need Diverse Books' online presence since 2017, but she's also been using the biggest social media platforms since they first came on the scene. She can offer accessibility tips, graphic design hacks, habits to avoid, insights into algorithmic flows and SEO, and more!

JoAnn Yao is the Social Media Manager for We Need Diverse Books. She holds a B.S. in Computational Media from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a M.A. in TV, Radio, & Film from Syracuse University. She has worn many hats throughout the course of her career, including researcher for the American Film Institute, script reader and TV Lit assistant in Hollywood, webmaster, online narrative game designer, video editor, and New Frontiers comic anthology writer. She lives in New York City with her dragon's hoard of books.

Image: A headshot of JoAnn Yao.

Looking for an internship or your first job? Get advice on your job application, how to prep for your first interview, and more-from someone who's been there very recently: Jean Li Spencer, editorial assistant at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Get tips via a phone call or email and be prepared to nab that internship or first job!

If you are trying to break into editorial publishing, Jean Li really wants to help you in any way she can!

A Summer 2021 WNDB grant recipient, Jean Li Spencer (she/her/?) is currently employed at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers where she is an Editorial Assistant. Prior to her employment at LBYR, Jean Li interned with the editorial team at Random House Children's Books and interned at several literary agencies. She is a proud alumni of a historically women's college.

Image: A headshot of Jean Li Spencer.

Win a 20-minute Zoom Session for a classroom with award-winning children's book author Janet Wong. Janet will answer students' questions about writing. Plus, receive five autographed books: Her & More collections (Good Luck Gold & MORE; A Suitcase of Seaweed & MORE) and diverse and inclusive anthologies curated by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong that feature the work of dozens of poets (Here We Go: A Poetry Friday Power Book; You Just Wait: A Poetry Friday Power Book; Hop To It: Poems to Get You Moving).

Will ship in the US.

Janet Wong is a graduate of Yale Law School and a former lawyer who switched careers to become a children's author. She is the author of more than 35 books for children and teens on a wide variety of subjects, including identity (A Suitcase of Seaweed & MORE) and racism (Good Luck Gold & MORE)-and is the winner of the 2021 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children, a lifetime achievement award that is one of the highest honors an American children's poet can receive. You can learn about her work at janetwong.com and pomelobooks.com.

Image: A headshot of Janet Wong.

Win your choice of a critique or consult with middle grade author Malia Maunakea:

• Malia will critique your query and first ten pages; or
• Malia will consult with you via phone or video call, you can ask her anything about her publishing journey

Malia Maunakea is a part-Hawaiian author who's debut MG book LEI AND THE FIRE GODDESS will publish May 2023 with Penguin Workshop. Malia is represented by Patrice Caldwell at New Leaf Literary.

Image: A headshot of Malia Maunakea.

Win a 30-minute call to discuss either your picture book manuscript or the first 50 pages of your Middle Grade or Young Adult project with an Assistant Editor from Dial Books!

Michelle Lee (she/her) received her M.F.A. in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the New School before joining Dial in 2019 and is a junior mentor with the Representation Matters Mentorship Program. She acquires picture books, novels, and graphic novels, and is looking for stories that present the world through a clever lens, have fresh takes on tropes, and celebrate community-especially from marginalized creators.

Image: headshot of Michelle Lee

Win a one-hour consultation call with Sara Maher, Project Editor, Licensed Product, at Printers Row Publishing Group. Sara has hired and supervised both permanent and temporary/freelance positions and will review one resume or one portfolio as part of our consultation (if desired). Sara is happy to answer general interest questions about the industry. For those with more specific questions, Sara can offer early- to mid-level career guidance in the areas of print book production, editorial, project management, and department management.

There is a one-hour limit for the consultation call. The consultation will occur at a date and time agreed upon by both parties, but not before January 2, 2022.

Sara Maher is a Project Editor for licensed books and kits at Printers Row Publishing Group, the publishing division of Readerlink. Before this she was the Publishing Manager at Western National Parks Association; worked in production at Hachette, DK, and Rizzoli; and did freelance writing and editing for small publishers and newspapers. She holds dual BAs in English and history from Salem College and a Certification in Publishing from New York University. Her publishing career has taken her from Colorado to North Carolina, New York City, Arizona, and San Diego, where she currently lives and works.

Image: A headshot of Sara Maher.

Win a 30-minute video chat and consultation about a career in writing, which includes a query letter critique and a critique of the first 5 pages of your manuscript, from Mary C. Moore, Literary Agent at Kimberley Cameron & Associates.

Mary will be in Pacific Standard Time for the consultation.

Mary C. Moore is a literary agent with Kimberley Cameron & Associates. She represents fiction for adult, young adult, and middle grade audiences. Find out more about her at marycmoore.com.

Image: A headshot of Mary C. Moore.

Win a 30-minute AMA consultation call with John Cusick, Agent at Folio Literary. John will also offer a critique of the first page of your manuscript or your query letter prior to the call, to discuss during the consultation.

This item expires one year from the fundraiser date, December 2021.

John Cusick is a Senior VP and literary agent with Folio Literary Management, representing a diverse list of award winners and New York Times bestsellers. His focus is middle grade, young adult, and crossover fiction. He is also the author of the YA novels Girl Parts and Cherry Money Baby (Candlewick Press), and the DIMENSION WHY middle-grade duology. (HarperCollins).

Image: A headshot of John Cusick.

Win a 60-minute phone or video call about marketing in the publishing industry with the Associate Director of Marketing at William Morrow and Avon Books, DJ DeSmyter.

Chat about everything from social media to working with booksellers, marketing overseas and numerous other aspects of the publishing process. If you've ever wanted to learn more about a marketer's role and how you can successfully market yourself and books, here's your chance to get answers!

DJ DeSmyter is a professional bookworm in pursuit of magic. He is currently an associate director of marketing for William Morrow and Avon Books at HarperCollins and is responsible for title-specific marketing campaigns as well overseeing the Avon brand. Previously, he was a marketer at St. Martin's Press and Wednesday Books, where he specialized in YA and romance, working with authors like Casey McQuiston, Roshani Chokshi, and Rainbow Rowell. You can follow him at @lifeinfiction on Instagram and Twitter.

Image: A headshot of DJ DeSmyter.

Win a written critique of your query letter and the first 10 pages of your middle grade or young adult novel, followed up with a 30-minute phone call consultation with Park & Fine Literary and Media's Literary Agent Peter Knapp.

Materials must be submitted by the end of February 2022. Peter will revert his critique within 3 weeks of receipt, and the follow up call should happen within 1 month of receiving the critique.

Peter Knapp is a literary agent at Park & Fine Literary and Media, where he represents middle grade and young adult fiction.

Image: A headshot of Peter Knapp.

Win a critique of your query letter and the first 50 pages of a Middle Grade or Young Adult project - plus a 30-minute follow-up call with Kari Sutherland, Literary Agent at Bradford Literary Agency.

Please allow 3-4 weeks from time of submission of the critique materials.

Kari Sutherland joined the Bradford Literary Agency in 2017 after a decade of experience in publishing from the editorial side. Previously a Senior Editor at HarperCollins Children's Books, she has worked with bestselling and critically acclaimed authors on projects such as the #1 New York Times bestselling Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard and the #1 New York Times bestselling Pretty Little Liars series by Sara Shepard. With her editorial insight and experience with the entire publishing process, Kari works with her clients to polish projects before submission. She is honored to represent and uplift traditionally underrepresented voices including those from the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, as well as people with disabilities. Recent sales include works by Isabel Canas, Saadia Faruqi, Amitha Jagannath Knight, PJ Gardner, and Rimma Onoseta.

Image: A headshot of Kari Sutherland.

Win a 30-min AMA call with picture book author Anitra Rowe Schulte or receive a picture book critique by Anitra! Your choice.

Anitra Rowe Schulte is the picture book author of DANCING WITH DADDY, illustrated by Ziyue Chen, and WILLOW AND BUNNY, illustrated by Christopher Denise, which is set for Fall 2022. Anitra is a proud member of the 2021 debut group PB Debut Troupe 21 and 2022 group PB Tales of 2022.

Image: A headshot of Anitra Rowe Schulte.

Win a 30-minute video call consultation on querying, researching, writing, editing, or working at a literary agency with Donald Maass Literary Agency Assistant, Rae Loverde.

Rae Loverde has been an agency assistant at Donald Maass Literary Agency for 5 years - a position she owes largely to the generous WNDB grant that helped her get started in publishing. She is also a freelance editor and agented author who loves writing diverse adult SFF and chasing Inej and Kell, her too-appropriately named editor cats, off her keyboard.

Image: A headshot of Rae Loverde.

Win a query, synopsis, and first chapter critique along with a 30-minute editorial call with author, freelance editor, and book coach Julie Artz!

Julie Artz spent her young life sneaking into wardrobes searching for Narnia. When people thought that was creepy, she went in search of other ways to go on mystical adventures. Now she finds those long-sought doors to magical story worlds in her work as an author, editor, and book coach. An active member of the writing community, she volunteers for SCBWI and Pitch Wars and is a member of EFA and AWP. Julie lives in an enchanted forest outside of Redmond, Washington, with her husband, two strong-willed teenagers, and a trio of naughty furry familiars.

Image: A headshot of Julie Artz.

Win a 30-minute AMA about publishing with Brazilian Kidlit author, Gabriela Martins, and a signed paperback copy of LIKE A LOVE SONG!

Will ship internationally.

Gabriela Martins is a Brazilian Kidlit writer. Her stories feature Brazilian characters finding themselves and love.

Image: A colorful graphic with a headshot of Gabriela Martins and the cover of her book Like A Love Song. The text reads: 'Win an AMA and a signed book!'

Win a 30-minute AMA about publishing with Rotem Moscovich, Editorial Director of Picture Books at Knopf Books for Young Readers/Random House!

Rotem Moscovich is the Editorial Director of Picture Books at Knopf Books for Young Readers/Random House, and also edits graphic novels. Find more at rotem.nyc.

IMAGE CREDIT: Ryan T. Higgins

Image: An illustration by Ryan T. Higgins portraying two people sitting down at a table with paper and pens in front of them in what appears to be a classroom setting.

Win an AMA about publishing with literary agent Monica Odom! Ask anything about the industry!

Monica Odom is the founder of Odom Media Management, where she represents authors and illustrators. Her list includes fiction, nonfiction, and illustrated titles for children and adult readers.

Image: A headshot of Monica Odom.

Win an 20-minute phone or video call to ask anything about publishing with Stephanie Fretwell-Hill, literary agent at Red Fox Literary.

Date of call to be mutually agreed by email.

Stephanie Fretwell-Hill is a literary agent with over 15 years' experience in the children's book publishing industry. After starting her career in foreign rights at Walker Books in the UK, Stephanie moved home to the US as an acquiring editor at Peachtree Publishers. In 2016, she joined Red Fox Literary where she represents authors and illustrators of fiction and nonfiction picture books, middle grade, and YA. Her clients include R. W. Alley, Beth Anderson, Carolyn Crimi, Edith Cohn, Brad Sneed, Christina Soontornvat, and Archana Sreenivasan. Stephanie lives in North Carolina with her English husband, two very spirited daughters, a rescued border collie, and four chickens.

Image: A headshot of Stephanie Fretwell-Hill.

Win a 30-minute phone or video call to ask anything about publishing or editing with Independent YA & Children's Book Editor Julie Scheina.

To be scheduled at a mutually convenient time in January, February, or March 2022.

Julie Scheina is a former senior editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers with over fifteen years of experience editing acclaimed and bestselling books for children and young adults. Julia has edited more than 200 titles across a variety of genres, from picture books and poetry collections to middle grade and young adult novels, and brings that depth of experience and industry knowledge to every project.

Image: A headshot of Julie Scheina.

Win a 30-minute ask me anything session with Alia Maria Almeida, a Sales Representative at HarperCollins who has nine years of publishing experience in various publishing systems (big five, indie press, non-big five but backed by education money, university press), with a focus in kids book marketing.

Here's how to use a meeting with Alia Almeida:

1- Alia can talk through how to tool your publishing team for success, give feedback on how to self-promo yourself and/or your book, and walk through any sales questions you may have.
2- Alia can deep dive with you on the publishing process and the interior makeup of a publishing house. Gearing the discussion more specifically on whether you're an author or someone looking to work in publishing.

3- If you're looking to work in publishing, Alia can give feedback on your resume, talk through departments you want to work in and departments Alia thinks you'd excel in, and answer any questions on how she got started/any lessons she's learned.

4- Sometimes life is just SO heavy and you just need someone to look at all the cards on the table and help you sort your deck. How do you make it happen? Alia will work with you on all the things you need to do in your life (up to 6 big projects) and break them down into manageable bit sizes goals. Some examples include: updating all your documents after getting married, applying to jobs, looking at school programs, organizing all your medical documents and lining up a team of doctors to help you, whatever you need.
NOTE: if you pick this one, please give her your list of projects ahead of time for a better experience.

5- Alia loves writing and editing cover letters, application essays, etc. She will review and critique two pieces of your professional writing (suggestion: resume/CV and other writing piece) and walk through with you on how to best make you stand out.

**Any of these calls will be accompanied by an additional 15 minute grace period of getting into the groove, or talking about which Lacroix flavor is the best. So you actually get 45 minutes with her.

This opportunity is good for a year and will expire on 12/31/22. Blackout dates include: 12/20-12/26, 1/9, 1/26, 11/20-11/27. She is more than HAPPY to follow up with you if you need reminders on scheduling a time.

Alia Maria Almeida is a Cuban-Miamian who lives for croquetas, pastelitos de guayaba, and teasing people lovingly. She currently lives in Brooklyn, working as a telesales rep for HarperCollins Publishers. Spanglish is her native tongue.

Image: A headshot of Alia Maria Almeida.

Win an hour-long phone or Zoom consultation with Emma D. Dryden, Founder & Principal of drydenbks LLC (Children's Editorial and Publishing Consultancy Firm). During the call you can discuss your publishing questions, submission strategies, writing conundrums, and more! Prior to the consultancy, Emma will ask you to send some information by email which will be kept confidential and which will guide your conversation to make it as valuable for you as possible.

Emma D. Dryden established her premiere children's editorial and publishing consultancy firm, drydenbks, in 2010 after many years as a highly regarded children's book editor and VP, Publisher with Simon & Schuster. In her 35-plus year career, Emma has edited more than 1,000 books for young readers, many of which received awards and medals, including the National Book Award Honor, Newbery Honor, and Caldecott Honor, and which hit bestseller lists in USA Today, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly. Emma is on SCBWI's Advisory Council, leads craft workshops around the world, and can be found at drydenbks.com.

Win a 20-minute AMA about publishing with Kathleen Ortiz, a literary agent at New Leaf Literary & Media.

Kathleen Ortiz is a Literary Agent who has over a decade of experience in the industry, both as an agent and international licensing expert. She focuses on brands for adults and children that bring humor and joy and inspire others in life - she specializes in helping authors build their brands beyond the book.

Image: A headshot of Kathleen Ortiz.

Win an AMA about publishing via Zoom call with Literary Agent Eva Scalzo from Speilburg Literary.

Eva Scalzo has a B.A. in the Humanities from the University of Puerto Rico and a M.A. in Publishing and Writing from Emerson College. Since graduating, she has spent her career in scholarly publishing, working for Houghton Mifflin, Blackwell Publishing, John Wiley & Sons, and Cornell University in a variety of roles. She has been with Speilburg Literary since 2013, and started accepting clients in 2017. Eva is a member of the AALA, RWA, and SCBWI.

In Adult Fiction, Eva represents Romance (all subgenres but inspirational) and Science Fiction/Fantasy. She also represents all subgenres of Young Adult Fiction and select Middle Grade.

Image: A headshot of Eva Scalzo.

Win a 30-minute AMA with Writer, Editor, and Creative Coach Heidi Fiedler.

Heidi says, "You bring the questions. I'll bring the answers. Together we will tend to your confidence, creative process, career goals, and more. Sessions are designed to be energizing, actionable, and totally customized to meet your needs. This is a chance to talk in real time about all the different elements of your writing life, so you can bring your vision to life!"

Valid for 6 months

Heidi Fiedler does the deep thinking that's needed to transform ideas into children's books. She makes picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction for kids with curious minds and kind hearts. It's been her pleasure to work on more than 300 titles for clients ranging from Scholastic to Chronicle. Her credits include 180 nonfiction books in partnership with Time for Kids, 90 picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels, plus a wide variety of activity books, and art and craft books. After working in publishing for nearly 15 years, She's so excited to see her own picture books and chapter books making their way into the world.

Image: A headshot of Heidi Fiedler.

Win an autographed copy of Law & Authors: A Legal Handbook for Writers plus a 30-minute Zoom consultation on preparing for a career in publishing (or anything else the author/illustrator wants!) with Attorney, Contract Consultant, and Literary Agent Jacqui Lipton.

Will ship in the United States.

Jacqui Lipton is an attorney, contract consultant, and literary agent who specializes in children's literature and the law of the publishing industry. She founded Raven Quill Literary Agency in 2019 and is the author of LAW & AUTHORS: A LEGAL HANDBOOK FOR WRITERS.

Image: A headshot of Jacqui Lipton.

Win a 30-min AMA with New York Times bestselling author of 31 books, including titles with Taraji Henson, Steve Harvey and Will Smith, and publisher of her eponymous imprint at Simon & Schuster, Denene Millner. Ask about publishing - from writing a proposal, to what to look for in a solid agent, to finding story inspiration, to ghostwriting, to books-to-film, to getting published, and so much more. Consultation will be virtual, informative, and fun!

Denene Millner is the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of 31 books, including "The Fresh Princess," co-written with Will Smith, and "The Vow," the novel on which the Lifetime movie, "With This Ring," was based. Denene is also the editor of Denene Millner Books, a Simon & Schuster imprint that won Newbery and Caldecott honors and the Kirkus Prize for Children's Literature in its debut year. Denene co-hosts Georgia Public Broadcasting's "A Seat at the Table," a talk show about black women, and is the host of "Speakeasy," a podcast that examines blackness. Her upcoming novel, "The Beautiful Blood," (St. Martin's Press) a multi-generational epic about motherhood, adoption and race, debuts in 2023. The mom of two lives in Atlanta; she is @mybrownbaby across all social media platforms.

Win a 30-minute "ask me anything" video call with author Sarah Prager! You can talk writing, publishing, Sarah's professional experiences, agents, financials, illustrators, or anything else related to what Sarah has learned about the book world since her first book deal in 2015.

Sarah Prager is the author of three books on LGBTQ+ history for youth. Queer, There, and Everywhere: 23 People Who Changed the World (HarperCollins, 2017), a young adult book, has received numerous distinctions including three starred reviews and was named a 2017 Best Book for Teens by the New York Public Library. Her second book, Rainbow Revolutionaries: 50 LGBTQ+ People Who Made History, released in May 2020 from HarperCollins for ages 8-12, is a Junior Library Guild selection. Her third book, Kind Like Marsha: Learning from LGBTQ+ Leaders, will be released on May 3, 2022.

Image: Sarah Prager headshot

Win a 30-minute Ask Me Anything Zoom call with educator and author NoNieqa Ramos! During your call, you can discuss querying, submissions, choosing the right agent, how to connect with the writing community, and ask any questions you have about publishing. You can also discuss craft and the revision process with NoNieqa as it relates to your current work-in-progress.

This offer expires December 5, 2023.

NoNieqa Ramos is an educator and writer of picture books and young adult literature. They wrote THE DISTURBED GIRL'S DICTIONARY, a 2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens and a 2019 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection

Their debut picture book YOUR MAMA illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara was Virginia's GREAT READ for 2021 and was shortlisted for The Kirkus Prize. Lerner books released their picture book HAIR STORY illustrated by Keisha Morris, September 7th, 2021. Versify will publish BEAUTY WOKE illustrated by Paola Escobar, February 15th, 2022. NoNieqa is a proud member of Las Musas Books collective and the Soaring 20s PB debut group.

Image: Headshot NoNieqa Ramos

Win a 30-minute "Ask Me Anything" video call with professional illustrator & instructor Julia Kuo!

Julia Kuo is a Taiwanese-American illustrator who has worked with the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Science Friday and has taught illustration courses at Columbia College Chicago and at her alma mater, Washington University in St. Louis. Books she's illustrated include Livia Blackburne's I Dream of Popo, Martha Brockenbrough and Grace Lin's I Am an American: The Wong Kim Ark Story, and Katrina Goldsaito's The Sound of Silence. Julia lives in Seattle, Washington.

Image description: Julia Kuo headshot

Consult literary agent Sara Megibow with your questions! Win a 30-minute meeting via phone or Zoom to chat about publishing, your book, and anything in between.

Sara represents authors who write middle grade, young adult, romance, and SF/F for the adult market. The ideal winning bid would be from an author who writes in one of these genres. Yes, the meeting can include pitching-Sara is actively acquiring! And the meeting should be completed by December 31, 2021, if at all possible.

Sara Megibow is a literary agent with kt literary out of Highlands Ranch, CO. She has worked in publishing since 2006 and represents New York Times bestselling authors including Rebecca Roanhorse, Casey McQuiston, Roni Loren, Margaret Rogerson, Jason M. Hough and Jaleigh Johnson. She specializes in launching debut authors and working on long-term career development and profit strategy with them. She is a graduate of Northwestern University with degrees in Women's Studies, Gender Studies and American History. Always LGBTQIA+ Friendly!

www.ktliterary.com
on twitter @SaraMegibow

Image: A headshot of Sara Megibow.

Win a 60-minute consultation call with editor Holly Ingraham! Ask anything about publishing, get career advice, brainstorm current story ideas, and more!

Holly Ingraham is an award-winning developmental editor with over thirteen years' worth of industry experience. After working at BookEnds Literary and spending 10 years as an acquisitions editor for St. Martin's Press, she founded Holly Ingraham Editorial in 2018. She is a RevPit Board member and lives just outside NYC with her husband, twin daughters and two furbabies.

Image: A headshot of Holly Ingraham.

Win a 30-min AMA with Executive Editor at Scholastic Inc. (Acorn & Branches) Katie Carella. Ask her anything about her experiences around publishing, teaching, or books! She's worked in children's editorial for over 14 years. Earlier in her career, she worked on the adult side of publishing-in marketing, and then in publicity. In addition, she's taught first through third grades in both public and private school settings. So there's plenty you can chat with her about!

Katie Carella oversees Scholastic's Acorn early reader and Branches early chapter book lines. She has worked in publishing for almost twenty years. Her career began in marketing and publicity on the adult side of publishing. Then she earned her master's degree in elementary education from the University of Pennsylvania, and taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades-all before entering children's editorial. During Katie's time as a teacher (2005-2007), she saw how much her newly independent readers craved complex stories and yet how few quality books there were on their reading level. Since then, she has been on a mission to deliver page-turning books to hook new readers! Outside of work, Katie can be found reading for fun, doing crossword puzzles, crocheting misshapen blankets, or traveling someplace by train.

Image: A headshot of Katie Carella.

Win a 20-min AMA chat with Context Literary Agency's Literary Agent Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez!

Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez is a mom, wife, literary agent at Context Literary Agency, middle school math teacher, and picture book author. She's the proud co-creator and co-host of the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest, creator and co-host of the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy Contest, and one of the hosts along with the critique group 6 Ladies and a MANuscript, of Kidlit Zombie Week.

Image: A headshot of Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez.

Win an AMA phone call with Keyes Literary's Literary Agent Emily S. Keyes!

Ask Emily anything about agents (why are we weird?), the market and/or publishing in general (why is IT weird?)"

Emily S. Keyes is the founder of Keyes Agency, LLC. She was previously an agent at Fuse Literary. She has also worked at Simon & Schuster, the World Almanac, and the L. Perkins Agency. For some reason, she has a master's degree in publishing from New York University.

Image: A headshot of Emily S. Keyes.

Win a 30-min AMA with Middle Grade Author Kelly Jones!

Always wanted to ask a writer something? Have questions for a traditionally published author of middle grade books? Bid now, and let's schedule a 30-minute video (or audio) conversation* to talk about anything from writing and revising your work, to what happens after you send those queries, to how to handle your career post-publication (from the writer's side). I'm happy to talk with writers of any age or experience who've got questions about working as a writer.

*Can substitute up to three detailed email responses in place of the video chat if that works better for you and your questions.

Perfect for:
- Beginning writers who want to know more about their next steps or what being a writer is like
- Experienced/pro writers with questions that go beyond the basics (or who want a second opinion on something)
- Friends/family of writers of any age who want to give a thoughtful and supportive gift (I can send you a "gift card" to print for this, and I'm happy to talk with young writers)
- Teachers and librarians who'd like to share a special experience with a class or book group (I'm happy to modify this to be a presentation for a group of kids or adults, and you can schedule it during a future school year if that works better.)

Kelly Jones is the author of 5 novels for kids and teens that were published by Knopf Books for Young Readers and various international publishers, including Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer. She's been a writing mentor and presenter through SCBWI Western Washington, and has presented in person and virtually to schools and libraries around the country.

Image: A headshot of Kelly Jones with text that reads 'Let's talk writing.'

Win a 30-minute Zoom AMA with picture book author Darshana Khiani. Discuss anything to do with the writing life-craft, publishing, work-life balance, marketing. Plus, receive a signed copy of her picture book How To Wear A Sari

Will ship in the US.

Darshana Khiani is the author of the funny, charming picture book HOW TO WEAR A SARI. She is also a champion of South Asian children's literature. She runs a quarterly newsletter featuring upcoming South Asian Kidlit titles which is read by booksellers, librarians, and influencers.

Image: A headshot of Darshana Khiani.

Win a 30-minute chat with author A.M. Dassu! Chat about anything related to publishing, submitting to agents, writing freelance, the publishing process, or Boy, Everywhere. Even have Dassu look at a query letter within the 30 minutes.

A.M. Dassu is an award winning writer of both non-fiction and fiction including the internationally acclaimed novel Boy, Everywhere which is one of The Guardian's, Bookriot's, and BookTrust's Best Children's Books of 2020 and has been given a much coveted star from Kirkus, Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. It is on Amnesty's Books That Inspire Activism list and has been listed for 12 awards including the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, the "most prestigious accolade for children's books in the UK" and is the 2021 winner of The Little Rebels Award for Radical Fiction and also the 2021 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award. She is Deputy Editor of SCBWI-BI's magazine, Words & Pictures, and a Director of Inclusive Minds, a unique organisation for people who are passionate about inclusion, diversity, equality, and accessibility in children's literature. She is also patron of The Other Side of Hope, a new print and online literary magazine, edited by immigrants and refugees which serves to celebrate the refugee and immigrant communities worldwide and one of The National Literacy_Trust 's Connecting Stories campaign authors which aims to help inspire a love of reading and writing in children and young people. Previously, she has worked in project management, marketing, and editorial. Her work has been published by The Huffington Post, Times Educational Supplement, SCOOP Magazine, Lee and Low Books, DK Books and Harper Collins. When she isn't battling emails or writing, she mentors aspiring authors and loves to shout about other people's books.

Image: A headshot of A.M. Dassu.

Win a 30-minute phone call or video chat with Capstone's Content Strategist, Miriam Moore-Keish. Ask her anything about publishing!

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Miriam Moore-Keish received her B. A. in English from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, and her MPhil in Education and Critical Approaches to Children's Literature from the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, UK.

She has written and edited books for all ages, consulted on manuscripts, taught creative writing classes, guest lectured, and engaged in general bookwormery. Miriam currently publishes children's books at Capstone, designs anti-bias preschool curricula, writes for We Need Diverse Books, curates libraries' children's collections, and edits everything she reads (including the morning crossword).

She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they don't (but she does) sweeten their tea.

Image: A headshot of Miriam Moore-Keish.

Pre-published and published authors: ask your questions about the query process, an author's relationship with an agent vs. an editor, critique groups, marketing your book, author visits, and more! Valerie looks forward to learning about your aspirations and sharing her knowledge and advice about the publishing industry.

Valerie Bolling is the author of the 2021 SCBWI Crystal Kite award-winning and CT Book Award finalist, Let's Dance!, and has been an educator for almost 30 years. Since her book was released a week before the pandemic shutdown, she has been engaged in numerous virtual storytimes and author panels. Immersed in the writing community, Valerie is on the faculty at Westport Writers' Workshop and a member of SCBWI, the Authors Guild, NCTE, and ILA. She is also a 2020 WNDB Mentee and a 2022 WNDB Mentor as well as a member of Black Creators HeadQuarters, The Brown Bookshelf and Highlights Foundation's Amplify Black Stories, and 12X12 Picture Book Challenge. In addition, Valerie is a member of three co-marketing groups - Kid Lit in Color, Soaring 20s PBs, and PB Crew 22 - and three picture book critique groups. Valerie has two books scheduled for release in 2022 (Together We Ride and City Fun), five more slated for 2023, and one for 2024.

Image: A headshot of Valerie Bolling.

Intimidated by sites like Patreon and Ko-Fi? This coaching package is especially for you!

Win 30-minute AMA call about using Patreon and Ko-Fi as an author with author and librarian Sarah Loch.

Start with a one-on-one where you can talk with Sarah about:

• which platform is best for you,
• who your fans are,
• what you can offer as rewards, and
• how to create something manageable while still providing an income stream.

Afterward, you'll receive a step-by-step guide to creating your first membership subscription, including suggested verbiage.

Sarah Loch (she/her) has been making up stories since childhood, first for her own amusement and then to entertain her younger siblings and cousins. She is a young adult librarian and an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Sarah has authored and self-published several queer romances under a pseudonym while working to write and revise her first YA novel. She lives in Northwest Arkansas with her family and a corgi mix named Daisy.

Image: A headshot of Sarah Loch.

Win a 30-minute AMA call with children's author Dorothy H. Price to talk about the writing journey.

Dorothy says: "Everyone has questions about the writing journey. Especially if you just started, or haven't reached the goal you set for yourself ... years ago. That's okay. Keep going, don't quit! Easier said than done, I know. But I've tucked away some wisdom nuggets (yep, I made that up) along my 10-plus year journey to landing an agent and my first agented book deal, this year! Might you be interested in hearing how those nuggets can help you cross the finish line too?"

Dorothy H. Price is a writer and author. Her first book, NANA'S FAVORITE THINGS, was published in 2016. In 2019, Dorothy was one of three picture book authors selected for the We Need Diverse Books Mentorship Program. Find her on Twitter @dorothyhp or IG @dhpwrites.

Image: A headshot of Dorothy H. Price.

Win a 45-minute phone or video call with Ashley Wells, who has worked in self-publishing for over five years.

Ashley says: "Ask me anything about self-publishing. We can discuss the publishing process, creating a marketing plan, resources...anything you'd like. If I don't know the answer to one of your questions, I probably know another expert who does."

Ashley Wells has worked in the self-publishing world for over five years. She can help equip self-publishing authors with resources for success.

Ashley Wells Ajinkya is a relationship manager in the publishing industry, a We Need Diverse Books blog contributor, and an Ambassador for The Pad Project. She's also a mental health advocate and public speaker, sharing relatable personal experiences to break down damaging stigmas surrounding disability and mental illness. Ashley loves to travel and enjoys planning trips just as much as hopping on a plane. She can almost always be found with an iced coffee in one hand and a book in the other. You can find her online at ashleywells.squarespace.com.

Image: A headshot of Ashley Wells.

Win an hour-long video call where you can ask Foyinsi Adegbonmire, Associate Editor at Feiwel & Friends, anything about publishing- from questions about getting a book deal to questions about becoming an editor.

Foyinsi Adegbonmire is an Associate Editor at Feiwel & Friends, under the 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's in love with romance and forever searching for fluffy YA contemporary romances. When not reading or thinking about her very large TBR pile, she can be found watching Black sitcoms from the 90s/early 2000s and crime shows like Criminal Minds, or obsessing over journals and bullet journaling.

Image: A headshot of Foyinsi Adegbonmire.

Win a 30-minute Zoom or phone call with Bent Agency Literary Agent Molly Ker Hawn. Need help understanding the publishing process? Let's talk! Molly has lots to say about middle grade and young adult publishing, and no question is too basic for her.

Molly Ker Hawn leads the Bent Agency's London office, where she works with writers from the US, the UK, Canada and Australia, selling directly into all four markets. Clients include Dhonielle Clayton, Heidi Heilig, Angie Thomas, Gita Trelease and more.

Image: A headshot of Molly Ker Hawn.

Win a 30-minute AMA with author Laekan Zea Kemp plus a PDF of 100s of resources from her presentation "Publishing 101" which covers idea generation to building a sustainable career - and every milestone in between.

Laekan Zea Kemp is a writer living in Austin, Texas. She's also the creator and host of the Author Pep Talks podcast, as well as a contributor to the Las Musas podcast. She has three objectives when it comes to storytelling: to make people laugh, cry, and crave Mexican food. Her work celebrates Chicane grit, resilience, creativity, and joy while exploring themes of identity and mental health. Her debut novel, SOMEWHERE BETWEEN BITTER & SWEET was released by Little Brown Young Readers on April 6th, 2021.

Image: A headshot of Laekan Zea Kemp.

Win a 30-min Google Meet AMA with adult romance author R. L. Merrill. Writing your first book or twentieth and need a brainstorming partner? Have a complete manuscript but unsure of what to do next? Published your first book and want some help deciding how much social media/promo is right for you? R. L. Merrill would love to chat with you via Google Meet and share ideas and experiences she's had throughout her publishing career. With follow-up email support!

Fun, Fresh Fiction with Feeling

If R.L. Merrill is your local hard rock/metal radio station, Rochelle is her Adult Contemporary alter ego. Spinning feel-good stories to make you laugh and swoon, Ro writes romance for grown-ups who use their words (mostly) and take care of business. She's a mom and wife who's on hiatus from a career in education while she explores the new terrain of mid-life adventures. You can catch her walking and gardening in her neighborhood by the Bay, spoiling her rescue pets, and dreaming of attending concerts and theaters again someday. Stay Tuned for more hits coming your way?

Image: A headshot of R. L. Merrill.

Win a 30-minute video or voice call to chat about all things publishing with HarperCollins children's book editor Carolina Ortiz. The call will take place over the phone or using Google Meet or Zoom.

Carolina Ortiz is an editor at HarperCollins Children's. She works on a variety of projects but specializes in middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels. Before her time at HarperCollins, she worked as a marketing and publicity associate at an independent press. Carolina is excitingly building a list that reflects the diverse world around us and that would allow readers to feel seen in the books they read-a feeling that she rarely experienced in her childhood. Find her on Twitter at @pushthepanorama.

Image: A headshot of Carolina Ortiz.

Win a 30-minute AMA call with Elizabeth Stranahan, Associate Editor at Penguin Random House. Are you interested in publishing but not sure what to expect as an aspiring author or publishing professional? Bring your questions for this 30-minute Q&A and learn the ins and outs from querying to acquisition to hitting the shelves for the first time.

Elizabeth Stranahan is an Associate Editor at Crown Books for Young Readers, a division of Random House Children's Books. She is interested in young adult and middle-grade fiction that is character driven, filled with banter, and challenges readers to life's big questions, as well as middle-grade nonfiction that makes complex concepts accessible and relatable. At Crown, she has worked with New York Times bestselling author Nicole Williams, Elle McNicoll, whose debut A Kind of Spark received the Waterstones Best Book of the Year, YA thriller writer Alexa Donne (The Ivies), and the Smithsonian Latino Center among others. When not tending to her email, Elizabeth can be found catching up on the latest gymnastics competition, quilting, and rewatching Derry Girls-occasionally at the same time.

Image: A headshot of Elizabeth Stranahan.

Win a 30-minute AMA consultation with Michelle Richter, Senior Literary Agent at Fuse Literary. Ask Michelle anything about publishing for 30 minutes. Michelle will answer any questions you have about a career in publishing or as an author/creator by phone or over Zoom.

If you'd prefer to discuss a particular project or query letter, Michelle will ask you to send materials by email at least one week before the conversation.

Michelle Richter moved from St. Martin's Press to the agenting side of the industry in 2014 and joined Fuse Literary, where she's been able to build a list of crime fiction, women's fiction, and very select nonfiction and young adult fiction. Michelle's clients have won or been shortlisted for such awards as the Edgar, Mary Higgins Clark, Strand Critics, Anthony, Agatha, Lefty, ITW Thriller, Macavity, Barry, Derringer, IPPY, and International Book Award. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, and an adjunct lecturer in Pace University's Publishing program.

Image: A headshot of Michelle Richter.

Win a 30-minute AMA Zoom or phone call with Alli Brydon, freelance editor. Alli invites you to ask anything about the publishing industry, including your personal career questions.

AMA Zoom call must be taken within the first 6 months of 2022.

Alli Brydon is a freelance children's book editor, author, and lifelong New Yorker who now lives in the UK. She is the editor of the #1 New York Times bestselling picture book Last Week Tonight with John Oliver presents A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo and writer of fiction and nonfiction for Scholastic, Lonely Planet, NatGeo Kids, Sourcebooks, and more. With over 15 years of experience developing, editing, writing, and selling books on both sides of the Atlantic, Alli has spent a large part of her career nurturing authors and illustrators to improve their craft and create outstanding children's books. Please drop in at allibrydoncreative.com to learn more, sign up to receive her blog posts by email, or just say "hi."

Image: A headshot of Alli Brydon.

Win an AMA phone call with Susan Hawk, Literary Agent at Upstart Crow Literary. Susan will answer questions you have about publishing, finding an agent, a tricky part of your manuscript, or whatever is most helpful for you!

Susan Hawk is an agent at Upstart Crow Literary, a boutique literary agency she joined after twenty-five years working across many areas of the children's book world. She's looking for all genres of fiction, from picture books through YA. She's also seeking picture book and graphic novel author-illustrators, as well as non-fiction projects. Stories with elegant, precise language; affecting, deeply drawn characters; a strong sense of place; and a sharp, irresistible hook will draw her attention. The thru-line in her client's work is a generous, wry humor that shines through, even - often - in the darker moments. Literary and commercial work is welcome; she loves to be surprised, and is actively seeking diversity in story as well as creators.

Image: A headshot of Susan Hawk.

Win a 30-minute consultation call with Gabrielle Gantz, Associate Director of Publicity, St. Martin's Press. Gabrielle can offer an overview of publishing with a focus on nonfiction publicity.

Gabrielle Gantz is an Associate Director of Publicity at St. Martin's Press, focusing on nonfiction titles. She has worked with Michael Eric Dyson, Patrisse Cullors co-founder of Black Lives Matter, and Senator Bernie Sanders. Previous publicity stints have included Viking/Penguin, Picador, and McSweeney's.

Image: A headshot of Gabrielle Gantz.

Win a 30-minute AMA phone consultation with Patrice Caldwell, literary agent and author. During this time, you can ask Patrice anything about publishing. This is not a critique of your work, but Patrice is happy to answer publishing questions.

This phone call offer expires on December 31, 2022.

Patrice Caldwell is a graduate of Wellesley College and the founder of People of Color in Publishing-a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting, empowering, and uplifting racially and ethnically marginalized members of the book publishing industry. Born and raised in Texas, Patrice was a children's book editor before becoming a literary agent.

She's been named to Forbes' "30 Under 30" media list, a Publishers Weekly Star Watch honoree, and featured on Bustle's inaugural "Lit List" as one of ten women changing the book world.

Patrice's debut novel, Where Shadows Reign-the first in a YA fantasy duology-is out in 2023 from Wednesday Books/Macmillan. She is also the editor of A Phoenix First Must Burn, 16 stories of Black Girl Magic, Resistance, and Hope (out now) and Eternally Yours, a YA Paranormal Romance anthology out in Fall 2022. Visit Patrice online at patricecaldwell.com, Twitter @whimsicallyours, and Instagram @whimsicalaquarian.

Image: A headshot of Patrice Caldwell.

Win a 30-minute AMA phone consultation with Patrice Caldwell, literary agent and author. During this time, you can ask Patrice anything about publishing. This is not a critique of your work, but Patrice is happy to answer publishing questions.

This phone call offer expires on December 31, 2022.

Patrice Caldwell is a graduate of Wellesley College and the founder of People of Color in Publishing-a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting, empowering, and uplifting racially and ethnically marginalized members of the book publishing industry. Born and raised in Texas, Patrice was a children's book editor before becoming a literary agent.

She's been named to Forbes' "30 Under 30" media list, a Publishers Weekly Star Watch honoree, and featured on Bustle's inaugural "Lit List" as one of ten women changing the book world.

Patrice's debut novel, Where Shadows Reign-the first in a YA fantasy duology-is out in 2023 from Wednesday Books/Macmillan. She is also the editor of A Phoenix First Must Burn, 16 stories of Black Girl Magic, Resistance, and Hope (out now) and Eternally Yours, a YA Paranormal Romance anthology out in Fall 2022. Visit Patrice online at patricecaldwell.com, Twitter @whimsicallyours, and Instagram @whimsicalaquarian.

Image: A headshot of Patrice Caldwell.

Win a 30-minute Zoom consultation with middle grade author Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. Kimberly invites questions about publishing or about her books.

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and the recipient of Newbery Honor awards for The War That Saved My Life and Fighting Words.

Image: A headshot of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.

Win a 100-page written critique of your middle grade or young adult manuscript from award-winning author Ellen Oh - and a 30-minute phone call to discuss anything about the publishing industry!

Ellen Oh is co-founder, President, and CEO of We Need Diverse Books (WNDB). She is also a former adjunct college instructor and corporate/entertainment attorney. Ellen is the award-winning author of the middle grade novels Finding Junie Kim, Dragon Egg Princess, Spirit Hunters and its sequel, The Island of Monsters, as well as the highly acclaimed, young adult Prophecy trilogy (Prophecy, Warrior, and King). She is the editor of the middle grade anthology Flying Lessons and Other Stories and the YA anthology Thousand Beginnings and Endings.

Win 45-minute virtual class presentation, including Q&A and a class set of signed bookplates, with Linda Sue Park, New York Times bestselling author and Newbery Medal award winner.

Linda Sue Park is the author of many books for young readers, including the 2002 Newbery Medal winner A Single Shard and the New York Times bestseller A Long Walk to Water. Her most recent titles are Prairie Lotus, historical fiction for middle-grade readers, and The One Thing You'd Save, a novel in verse. You can find her website at www.lindasuepark.com