Win an advanced copy of Leigh Bardugo's Hellbent! Alex Stern returns in another tale of murder and dark magic set among the Ivy League elite.

Will ship within the United States.

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. Her 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. For information on new releases and appearances, sign up for Leigh's newsletter.

Image: Cover for Hell Bent

Win a full manuscript critique (up to 85,000 words) from Maria Vicente, Senior Literary Agent at P.S. Literary Agency.

Middle Grade, YA, or Adult only, please.

Maria Vicente is a Senior Literary Agent and Advisor at P.S. Literary representing bold and innovative books for kids, teens, and adults. She lives in New Brunswick, Canada, reading and selling books from the Atlantic Ocean shore.

Image: Headshot of Maria Vicente

Have your query and the first five pages of your manuscript critiqued via email by agent Jim McCarthy!

Jim McCarthy has been with DGB for over two decades, the entirety of his publishing career. His client list includes bestselling and award-winning authors including Richelle Mead, Eric Gansworth, Morgan Rhodes, Livia Blackburne, Joy McCullough, Fonda Lee, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Kosoko Jackson, and many more.

Image: Headshot of Jim McCarthy

Chat with agent Jim McCarthy for 30 minutes, and ask him anything about the industry!

Jim McCarthy has been with DGB for over two decades, the entirety of his publishing career. His client list includes bestselling and award-winning authors including Richelle Mead, Eric Gansworth, Morgan Rhodes, Livia Blackburne, Joy McCullough, Fonda Lee, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Kosoko Jackson, and many more.

Image: Headshot of Jim McCarthy

Win a full manuscript read with reactions, comments and suggestions on margin from award-winning author Francisco X. Stork! Let an award-winning author provide insight into your work!

Middle Grade or YA only, please.

Francisco X. Stork is the award winning author of ten YA novels, including Marcelo in the Real World and I Am Not Alone (July 2023).

Image: Headshot of Francisco X. Stork

A class set (20 copies) of Tacko Fall: To New Heights, and a virtual morning visit/event with the author and co-authorJustin Haynes (scheduling at his convenience given logistics).

Tacko Fall emigrated from Senegal as a teenager to play basketball and rose to prominence when he was selected by the Boston Celtics and became a seven-foot-six ball-playing sensation. He has played for the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers and lives in Cleveland, Ohio.

Justin Haynes is a sports agent at BDA Sports Management, where he represents Tacko Fall and other players. He lives in New Jersey.

Image: Headshot of Tacko Fall and cover art for the book.

Win a 30-minute call with Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author and Cake and Electric Postcard Entertainment's President, to discuss the industry. Dhonielle will also provide a critique of the first 30 pages of your manuscript during your call!

Middle Grade or Young Adult only, please.

Dhonielle Clayton is a New York Times bestselling author of The Marvellers 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 COO of the non-profit We Need Diverse Books, and President of Cake Creative and Electric Postcard Entertainment, IP story kitchens dedicated to diverse books for all ages.

Image: Headshot of Dhonielle Clayton

Win a teacher lesson planning consultations or a one-hour teacher workshop from Cornelius Minor, Brooklyn-based educator and author.

Cornelius Minor is a Brooklyn-based educator and author who works with teachers, school leaders, and leaders of community-based organizations to support equitable literacy reform.

Image: Headshot of Cornelius Minor

Win a manuscript critique of up to 50 pages (20,000 words) and 30-minute chat with Hena Khan, award-winning children's author.

Picture Book, Early Reader, or Middle Grade only, please.

Hena Khan is a groundbreaking and award-winning author of picture books and middle grade fiction. Her titles include Amina's Voice, More to the Story, Under My Hijab, and more.

Image: Headshot of Hena Khan, photo by Havar Espedal

Win a signed and annotated copy of The Dead Romantics, full of puns. The book comes with at least 5-7 insider notes throughout, either by hand on the pages or Post-It.

Book falls under the Adult genre.

Will ship within the United States.

Ashley Poston is the USA Today and New York Times best-selling author of romantic stories for both teens and adults. She studied English at the University of South Carolina, and now lives with her bossy cat and a mountain of books in her hometown. You can find her on Twitter at @ashposton and Instagram at @heyashposton.

Image: Headshot of Ashley Poston

Win a 30-minute phone or video chat with #1 New York Times bestselling author Ruta Sepetys. Ruta will also send a signed, advance galley of her forthcoming book, You: The Story to the winner.

United States shipping only, please.

Ruta Sepetys is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction published in over sixty countries and forty languages. Sepetys is considered a "crossover" novelist as her books are read by both students and adults worldwide. Winner of the Carnegie Medal, Ruta is renowned for giving voice to underrepresented history and those who experienced it.

Image: Headshot of Ruta Sepetys, photo by Rachel Kinney Studios

Win a written query critique from Nathan Bransford, published author and former literary agent!

Middle Grade, YA, or Adult only, please.

Nathan Bransford is the author of the Jacob Wonderbar series (Dial Books for Young Readers) and How to Write A Novel. His writing and publishing blog has consistently been named one of the 101 Best Websites for Writers by Writers Digest. He works as a freelance editor in Pasadena.

Image: Headshot of Nathan Bransford

Win a one-hour virtual visit to your classroom, library or bookclub with award-winning and critically acclaimed author Katherine Locke. Katherine can talk to all ages about writing books and becoming an author.

Available within the United States only.

Katherine Locke is the award-winning and critically-acclaimed author of The Girl with the Red Balloon, This Rebel Heart, and What Are Your Words? A Book About Pronouns, among other titles. They live and write in Philadelphia, PA, and can be found online at katherinelockebooks.com, or on Twitter and Instagram at @bibliogato.

Image: Headshot of Katherine Locke

Win a selection of signed, award-winning diverse titles:

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party's Promise to the People by Kekla Magoon
Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin

United States shipping only.

Win a selection of signed, award-winning diverse titles:

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party's Promise to the People by Kekla Magoon
Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin

United States shipping only.

Win a 50-page written critique from award-winning author Ellen Oh!

Middle Grade or Young Adult genre only.

Ellen Oh is a writer of children's books. Some of her books have won awards from organizations and people who are not related to her. She used to be a lawyer and an adjunct college instructor before realizing that it was all very boring and she enjoyed writing books much more. She is the author of the middle grade novels Finding Junie Kim, The Dragon Egg Princess, and The Spirit Hunters trilogy (Spirit Hunters, Island of Monsters, and Something Wicked), and the YA fantasy trilogy The Prophecy Series (Prophecy, Warrior, and King). She is the editor of the middle grade anthology Flying Lessons and Other Stories, and the YA anthology A Thousand Beginnings and Endings. Ellen is also a founding member of We Need Diverse Books (WNDB), a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing diversity in children's literature.

Photo Description: Headshot of Ellen Oh

Copyright Susie James Photography

Recipient of many awards and on the New York Times bestseller list continuously since 2013, the novel A Long Walk to Water is beloved by millions of readers. This special paperback copy is signed by the author, Linda Sue Park, AND the book's real-life protagonist, Salva Dut. There are very few copies with both signatures, making this one highly collectible! This listing is for the English edition; also available is the Spanish version, translated by Aurora Humaran.

Linda Sue Park is the author of many books for young readers, including the 2002 Newbery Medal winner A Single Shard and the NYTimes bestseller A Long Walk to Water. Her most recent title is The One Thing You'd Save, a collection of linked poems.

Linda Sue is the founder and curator of Allida Books, an imprint of HarperCollins. She serves on the advisory boards of We Need Diverse Books and the Rabbit hOle museum project, and created the kiBooka website, www.kibooka.com, to highlight children's books created by the Korean diaspora. Visit her website at www.lindasuepark.com; follow her on Twitter @LindaSuePark

Recipient of many awards and on the New York Times bestseller list continuously since 2013, the novel A Long Walk to Water is beloved by millions of readers. This special paperback copy is signed by the author, Linda Sue Park, AND the book's real-life protagonist, Salva Dut. There are very few copies with both signatures, making this book highly collectible! This listing is for the Spanish edition, translated by Aurora Humaran; also available is the English version

Linda Sue Park is the author of many books for young readers, including the 2002 Newbery Medal winner A Single Shard and the NYTimes bestseller A Long Walk to Water. Her most recent title is The One Thing You'd Save, a collection of linked poems.

Linda Sue is the founder and curator of Allida Books, an imprint of HarperCollins. She serves on the advisory boards of We Need Diverse Books and the Rabbit hOle museum project, and created the kiBooka website, www.kibooka.com, to highlight children's books created by the Korean diaspora. Visit her website at www.lindasuepark.com; follow her on Twitter @LindaSuePark

Win a written picture book critique from #1 New York Times Bestselling Author and Caldecott Award winning-author Carole Lindstrom.

Carole Lindstrom is a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author and Caldecott Award winning author of literature for young people. Her picture books include, WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS (Roaring Brook) and the forthcoming MY POWERFUL HAIR (Abrams BYR). She is Anishinaabe/Métis and an enrolled citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe. She is honored to write books that allow her to shine a light on her beautiful people and their strength and resilience. Her tribal homelands are in Belcourt, North Dakota, but she was born and raised in Nebraska and currently makes her home in Maryland.

Image description: headshot of Carole Lindstrom

Win a 45-min virtual visit from Remy Lai, author-illustrator of Pie in the Sky and Pawcasso, for your school. Remy will share her process for creating her graphic novels. She will also do live drawing and answer students' questions. For grades 2-6.

Remy Lai writes and draws for kids. She's the author and illustrator of the critically acclaimed Pie in the Sky, Fly on the Wall, Pawcasso, and the Surviving the Wild series. Her next graphic novel Ghost Book is forthcoming in July 2023.

Image: Illustrated headshot of Remy Lai

Win a 30-minute virtual classroom visit with middle grade author Angela Cervantes and five autographed books for your school or personal library:

Gaby, Lost and Found
Allie, First at Last
Me, Frida and the Secret of the Peacock Ring
Lety Out Loud
Lead with your Heart (an American Girl book)

Middle grade preferred.

Available within the United States only.

Angela Cervantes is the published author of several children's novels including American Girl Book: Lead With Your Heart and Lety Out Loud which is a Pura Belpré Honor Book. Other books by the author include Gaby, Lost and Found; Allie, First At Last and the Frida Kahlo-inspired mystery novel, Me, Frida and the Secret of the Peacock Ring. Angela also wrote the junior novelization of Disney Pixar's animated film, Coco, and the Disney animated film, Encanto.

Image: Headshot of Angela Cervantes

Win a 45-60 minute 4th-8th grade virtual class visit with middle grade author Jessica Vitalis. The interactive presentation will cover the author's journey to publication, where she gets her story ideas, and a peek at the revision process, followed by a Q&A.

Acclaimed author and presenter Jessica Vitalis is an MBA wielding writer whose work has been translated into three languages. Hailed as an inspiring and energizing speaker, she recently appeared on CBC's Here and Now. Following the success of her fantasy duology, The Wolf's Curse and The Rabbit's Gift, she is expanding to contemporary stories with the 2023 release of Coyote Queen and a 2024 untitled novel in verse.

Image: Headshot of Jessica Vitalis

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: Headshot of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Win a 30-book classroom set & a virtual author visit from author Terri Farley.

Will ship within the United States.

Terri Farley is the award-winning author of books about the contemporary and historic West. Her Phantom Stallion series for young readers has sold over two million copies worldwide. A new Phantom Stallion series gallops back in March 2023 with new content and new art. Terri taught middle and high school, advocates for Western wildlife and wild places and works with young people learning to make their voices heard.

Image: A composite graphic of Terri Farley's headshot and the cover for Phantom Stallion

Win a 30-minute virtual class visit or AMA with author M. O. Yuksel, plus two of her signed books: In My Mosque and One Wish.

United States only, please. Class visit to be completed by December 2023.

M.O. Yuksel is the award-winning author of picture books IN MY MOSQUE, (illus. by Hatem Aly), and ONE WISH: Fatima al-Fihri and the World's Oldest University, (illus. by Mariam Quraishi). Her forthcoming books include RAMADAN KAREEM, (illus. by Hatem Aly), PRINCE OF STARS: The Story of Ulugh Beg, (illus. by Zelma Firdauzia), and SAMI'S SPECIAL GIFT: An Eid Al-Adha Story, (illus. by Huseyin Sonmezay). Learn more about her at www.moyuksel.com.

Win a 30-minute phone or video chat with freelance children's and young adult editor Julie Scheina to discuss your picture book, middle grade, or YA query, and any other industry questions.

Picture Book, Middle Grade, or YA only, please.

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. Julie has edited more than 200 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 learn more about Julie's work.

Image: Headshot of Julie Scheina

Win a 45-minute social media critique + AMA call with JoAnn! She'll not only assess your social media to offer personalized advice on how to play to your strengths and build your personal brand, but she'll also answer any other questions you have about professional websites, establishing yourself online, and (perhaps most importantly) how to stay engaged without burning out. She's managed and grown We Need Diverse Books' online presence since 2017, and 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.

Image: Headshot of JoAnn Yao

Win a 30-minute 'Ask Me Anything' Zoom chat with literary agent Laurie McLean, co-founder and partner at Fuse Literary. You can ask questions about anything in publishing and pitch your work to her as well if you wish. Let's amp up your writing career.

Middle Grade, YA, or Adult only, please.

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. Laurie specializes in middle grade, young adult and adult genre fiction including romance, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, suspense, thrillers, and westerns. Laurie is also the Co-Director of the San Francisco Writers Conference, in its 19th year.

Image: Headshot of Laurie McLean

Win a 30-60 minute Ask Me Anything call with Editorial Director Jenne Abramowitz (Scholastic) to discuss the publishing industry, your career path, and any advice you may want to help you along your publishing journey.

Jenne Abramowitz is an Editorial Director at Scholastic, where she has worked with a diverse and talented list of authors and illustrators including Aaron Blabey, Varian Johnson, Debbi Michiko Florence, Liz Montague, Kate Messner, Ash Van Otterloo, Booki Vivat, Jess Keating, Stephanie Kuehn, and Keith Calabrese. She's a sucker for chapter book and middle grade fiction that features unforgettable characters, transporting prose, dynamic illustrations, and commercial plots that have something meaty under the surface that speaks to the world kids live in. 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.

Image: Headshot of Jenne Abramowitz

Win a written critique from Janine Le, founder and agent at Janine Le Literary Agency. Janine will review a picture book manuscript or dummy, graphic novel proposal, or the first three chapters and synopsis of a middle grade or young adult novel and provide written feedback.

Picture Book, Early Reader, Middle Grade, or YA only, please.

Janine Le launched Janine Le Literary Agency in 2022, where she represents authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults. She previously worked at Sheldon Fogelman Agency, interned at Sterling Lord Literistic, and completed NYU's Summer Publishing Institute.

Image: Headshot of Janine Le

Win a 30-minute call with Terry Catasús Jennings, author of the Definitely Dominguita Chapter Book series to discuss a critique of the manuscript of your first book in a proposed series and steps for submission.

Early Reader or Middle Grade only, please.

Terry Catasús Jennings is the Cuban-American author of JLG selection The Little House of Hope, The Definitely Dominguita Chapter Book Series, and co-author of the biography in verse: Pauli Murray: The Life of a Pioneering Feminist and Civil Rights Activist. She supports the mission of WNDB and is delighted to be able to help out in this way.

Image: Headshot of Terry Catasús Jennings

Win a written 30-page manuscript critique from author Jessica Vitalis. The critique will include big picture feedback and in-line comments/edits.

Middle grade only, please.

Jessica Vitalis, author of The Wolf's Curse and The Rabbit's Gift, writes entertaining and thought provoking novels for middle grade readers. As a long-time Pitch Wars mentor, she has a proven track record providing actionable feedback to help level up your work. Her next two books, Coyote Queen and an untitled novel in verse, will release in the fall of 2023 and 2024 from Greenwillow/HarperCollins.

Image: Headshot of Jessica Vitalis

Win a line edit critique of your picture book manuscript by author Silvia López, along with a 30-minute chat to discuss and answer questions about the critique.

Picture Book or Early Reader only, please.

Available within the United States only.

Silvia López's books include Just Right Family: An Adoption Story, Handimals: Animals in Art and Nature, Pacho Nacho, Queen of Tejano Music: Selena, My Little Golden Book about Frida Kahlo and My Little Golden Book about Sonia Sotomayor. Several of her books are bilingual or dual language in English and Spanish.

Image: Headshot of Silvia López

Win a picture book manuscript critique from Katie Heit, senior editor at Scholastic. Katie will provide a written critique as well as an annotated manuscript.

Picture Book only, please. Critique will take place in late January or February.

Katie Heit is a senior editor Scholastic working on picture books and chapter books. She primarily edits nonfiction, with select fiction titles. She works with many nonfiction authors, including Charles R. Smith Jr., Dean Robbins, Denise Lewis Patrick, Sandra Markle, and Rekha S. Rajan. She is drawn to books that approach nonfiction in a kid-friendly way and is especially on the lookout for nature and STEAM topics.

Image: Headshot of Katie Heit

Win a non-rhyming picture book manuscript critique (manuscript must be less than 900 words) including a 30-minute phone call with children's book author Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow.

Picture Book only, please.

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow is the award-winning author of picture books that center Black and Muslim children. Her books include Mommy's Khimar, Your Name Is A Song, Abdul's Story, and Hold Them Close: A Love Letter to Black Children.

Image: Headshot of Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Win a picture book critique from Jess Hernandez, author of First Day of Unicorn School.

Picture Book or Early Reader only, please.

Jess Hernandez has spent her grown-up life working with kids and books-as a teacher, a youth librarian, a freelance developmental editor, and a children's author. Her debut book, First Day of Unicorn School, illustrated by Mariano Epelbaum, came out in 2021 from Capstone and she has two other unannounced books under contract. Jess lives in a very small, very LOUD house in Washington with her husband, their three children, a puppy, and some rather terrifying rabbits.

Image: Headshot of Jess Hernandez

Win a 30-minute call from picture book author Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, including a picture book critique (of 1000 words or less) if the winner would like!

Alyssa Reynoso-Morris is a queer afro Latinx Dominican and Puerto Rican author, wife, mother, and community organizer. During the day she works with community organizations, nonprofits and government officials to make the world a better place. Then she puts her writer's hat on to craft heartfelt stories about home, family food and the fun places she has been.

Image: Alyssa Reynoso-Morris headshot

Win a picture book critique and 30-minute chat with award-winning author Isabel Quintero.

Available within the United States only.

Isabel Quintero is an award-winning writer from the Inland Empire of Southern California. She has authored: Gabi, A Girl in Pieces (Cinco Puntos Press), Ugly Cat and Pablo (Scholastic, Inc.) and Ugly Cat and Pablo and the Missing Brother (Scholastic, Inc.), Photographic: The Life of Graciela Iturbide (Getty Publications), and My Papi Has a Motorcycle (Kokila). Her books have garnered many starred reviews, awards, and have been included in multiple best of lists. When she's not writing she enjoys hiking, laughing, and cooking with her partner and beautiful child.

Image: Headshot of Isabel Quintero

Win a 30-minute industry and creative call with Jill Shinderman. Jill will also provide a critique of a picture book manuscript during your call.

Picture Book or Early Reader only, please.

Jill Shinderman is interested in diverse perspectives, engaging stories, and contemporary narratives with funny, quirky, endearing, and compassionate characters. Bring on the stories filled with humor, heart and hope!

Image: Headshot of Jill Shinderman

Win a 30-minute call with Tori Kosara, Senior Editor at DK, to discuss:

• your nonfiction children's book proposal and sample chapter, or
• full nonfiction children's picture book manuscript.

Winner can ask questions about the industry, too!

Nonfiction Picture Book or Children's nonfiction only, please.

Tori Kosara is a senior editor at DK where she edits and writes award-winning and best-selling nonfiction books for children and young adults. Originally from New York, Tori now lives in East London, England with her family and a story-time-loving Labrador.

Image: Headshot of Tori Kosara

Win a written picture book manuscript critique with Vicki Johnson, 2023 debut picture book author. Vicki will review your manuscript, line by line, and offer feedback via email, with one follow-up opportunity to answer questions.

Vicki Johnson's debut picture book is Molly's Tuxedo (Little Bee Books, June 27, 2023), illustrated by the incredible Gillian Reid. Vicki is a 2022 Lambda Literary Fellow, a 2020 #PBChat mentee, a first-gen Smith grad, and an MFA student in Writing for Children & Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts, with a Picture Book Intensive semester certificate.

Image: Headshot of Vicki Johnson

Win a 30-minute manuscript review with author/illustrator Pat Cummings for your picture book manuscript or portfolio.

Picture Book, Early Reader, or Middle Grade only, please.

Author and/or illustrator of over 40 books, Pat Cummings teaches at Pratt Institute and Parsons and holds an annual Children's Book Boot Camp that introduces writers and illustrators to top editors, art directors and agents. Her recent books include Trace, a middle grade novel and the picture book, Where is Mommy?

Image: Headshot of Pat Cummings

Win a picture book manuscript critique from Jocelyn Rish, author of Battle of the Butts and Battle of the Brains. Jocelyn will critique a fiction or nonfiction picture book manuscript with line edits and an overall edit letter. And since butts are her business, expect some silly humor in her comments.

Picture Book only, please.

Jocelyn Rish is a writer and filmmaker who loves researching weird and wonderful animals and sharing what she learns. Her books are Battle of the Butts, about ten animals that do weird things with their butts, and Battle of the Brains, about ten animals with mind-blowing brain abilities. When she's not writing, she tutors kids to help them discover the magic of reading.

Image: Headshot of Jocelyn Rish

Win a written manuscript critique with Anna Sargeant, Sourcebooks eXplore Editor, for board book, picture book, or early reader nonfiction.

Picture Book, Early Reader, or Board Book only, please.

Anna Sargeant grew up in Southern California, raised on sunshine, sandy beaches, and traffic jams. Anna has a degree in education with a concentration in math and have spent my career working with children as a teacher, tutor, minister, curriculum developer, freelance writer, and book editor. Anna is married and live in Austin, where she enjoys being outdoors, watching movies, eating Tex Mex, and hanging out with friends and family.

Image: Headshot of Anna Sargeant

Author Liz Garton Scanlon offers a picture book critique including line edits, margin notes, and a big picture revision letter. (Manuscript should be 600 words or less unless it's nonfiction, please.)

Picture Book only, please.

Liz Garton Scanlon is a poet and the author of picture books, chapter books, and middle grade novels. She serves on the faculty of the Vermont College of Fine Arts and lives in Austin, Texas.

Image: Headshot of Liz Garton Scanlon, photo by Elizabeth-McGuire

Win a picture book manuscript critique with graphic novelist and illustrator Nidhi Chanani.

Picture Book only, please.

Nidhi Chanani is a freelance illustrator, cartoonist and writer. You can find her on twitter and IG @nidhiart or visit her website everydayloveart.com

Image: Headshot of Nidhi Chanani

Win a line-by-line critique of a non-fiction picture book or the first five pages of a non-fiction middle grade or young adult manuscript-plus a 30-minute call with Sibert-winner Cynthia Levinson.

Picture Book, Early Reader, Middle Grade, YA, or Nonfiction only, please.

Cynthia Levinson writes nonfiction for young readers, ages 5 and up, that focuses on social justice. Cynthia's books have won numerous awards, including the Sibert Medal, the Carter G. Woodson, Crystal Kite and Golden Kite Honor awards.

Image: Headshot of Cynthia Levinson, photo by Sam Bond Photography

Win a 30-minute call with Mónica Mancillas, author to discuss craft, querying, and publishing. Mónica will also provide a critique of your Picture Book manuscript or the first 10 pages of your Middle Grade manuscript.

Picture Book or Middle Grade only, please.

Mónica Mancillas is a musician and educator who authors picture books and Middle Grade fiction and non-fiction. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of California at Berkeley. Her books include Mariana and Her Familia (Balzer + Bray), The Worry Balloon (Roaring Brook Press, 2023), How to Speak In Spanglish (Penguin Workshop, 2023), and Viva! (Chronicle, 2024).

Image: Headshot of Mónica Mancillas

Win a 50-page manuscript evaluation and 30-minute strategy session with Book Coach Julie Artz to discuss your manuscript, pitching, next steps, or any questions you have about the industry.

Middle Grade, YA, Adult, or Memoir only, please.

Julie Artz spent her young life sneaking into wardrobes searching for Narnia. When people started to think 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 has volunteered for SCBWI, TeenPit, and Pitch Wars and is a member of EFA, the Authors Guild, and AWP. A social and environmental justice minded story geek, 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: Headshot of Julie Artz

Win a written critique of your query for a picture book or middle grade (fiction or nonfiction) from Teresa Robeson, author of the APALA Picture Book Award winner Queen of Physics.

Picture Book or Middle Grade only, please.

Teresa Robeson (teresarobeson.com) is the author of fiction and nonfiction picture books and middle grade. Her debut Queen of Physics won an ALA Youth Media Award among other honors. She has two picture books and two biographical graphic novels coming out in the next couple of years.

Image: Headshot of Teresa Robeson

Win a written query critique from Amitha Jagannath Knight, author of Usha and the Big Digger. Dr. Knight has been lucky to have had three agents so far in her career, all of whom she successfully contacted through query letters.

Picture Book, Early Reader, Middle Grade, or YA only, please.

Dr. Amitha Jagannath Knight writes books for all ages. Her debut picture book is Usha and the Big Digger, published by Charlesbridge. She is a graduate of MIT and Tufts University School of Medicine and a former social media manager for We Need Diverse Books.

Image: Headshot of Dr. Amitha Jagannath Knight

Win a written query critique from Cortney Radocaj, Literary Agent at the Belcastro Agency!

YA, Adult, Fantasy, sci-fi, horror, contemporary genres only, please. No non-fiction or literary fiction.

Cortney Radocaj is a literary agent at the Belcastro Agency, focusing on adult and YA fantasy, science fiction, horror, and contemporary. Her upcoming sales include Claire Winn's City of Vicious Night (Flux, May 2023) and Jessica Kara's Don't Ask If I'm Okay (Page Street, May 2023). She currently resides in the Pacific Northwest.

Image: Headshot of Cortney Radocaj

Win a 30-minute video call with YA and MG author, H.E. Edgmon, for feedback on your query letter and first 20 pages, and behind-the-scenes insights on navigating the publishing industry from an Indigenous, trans, and disabled perspective.

Middle Grade or YA only, please.

H.E. Edgmon (he/they) is a questionable influence, a dog person, and an author of books both irreverent and radicalizing. His stories imagine Indigenous worlds and center queer kids saving each other. His highly acclaimed THE WITCH KING duology is out now.

Image: Headshot of H.E. Edgmon

Win a written query critique from middle grade author Reina Luz Alegre. Reina will offer a line edit of your query, delivered via email.

Middle Grade only, please.

Reina Luz Alegre is the middle grade author of THE DREAM WEAVER, a Junior Library Guild Selection and a 2020 Parents' Latina Magazine Best Latino Children's Book. THE DREAM WEAVER is out now from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers!

Image: Headshot of Reina Luz Alegre

Win a line edit query critique from Ali Lake, literary agent at Janklow & Nesbit Associates.

Young Adult or Adult only, please.

Ali Lake is an agent at Janklow & Nesbit open to submissions of nonfiction, fiction, and YA. She previously worked at ICM Partners. She has BA in English and French Literature from Columbia University.

Image: Headshot of Ali Lake

Win a 20-page manuscript critique (or a full-length picture book critique) followed by a 30-minute video chat with Elizabeth Lee, Editor at Penguin Workshop, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers.

Picture Book, Early Reader, Middle Grade, or YA only, please.

Elizabeth Lee is an editor at Penguin Workshop who is most excited about "hopeful-but-makes-you-cry" middle grade and young adult novels as well as select picture books. Some of her recent and forthcoming acquisitions include She Sang for India by Suma Subramaniam and Shreya Gupta, Lei and the Fire Goddess by Malia Maunakea, and Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo. When she is not editing, Elizabeth is an author under the pen name, E.L. Shen (The Comeback - January 2021 and The Queens of New York - June 2023).

Image: Headshot of Elizabeth Lee

Win an AMA call with children's author Thushanthi Ponweera, to chat specifically about novels in verse. Thushanthi will also provide a critique of your query and first 30-pages during your call!

Middle grade or young adult verse novels only please.

Thushanthi Ponweera is an author and poet from Sri Lanka and a former WNDB Mentee. Her middle-grade verse novel I am Kavi is forthcoming from Holiday House in Fall 2023 and her picture book The Rainbow Bangles illustrated by Maithili Joshi comes out in Summer 2024 from Simon & Schuster BFYR. Her writing reflects the frustration she feels at the inequality and injustice she sees around her and the deep love she feels for her island home.

Image: Headshot of Thushanthi Ponweera, photo by Sanjeewa Weerasinghe

Win a written manuscript critique of your picture book or the first 25 pages of your middle grade or Young Adult novel from Alex Borbolla, senior editor at Bloomsbury. You will receive valuable written feedback to guide your revision and the opportunity to ask follow-up questions via email.

Picture Book, Middle Grade, or Young Adult only, please.

Alex Borbolla joined Bloomsbury Children's Publishing as Senior Editor in April 2022 after spending the first seven years of her career at Atheneum Books for Young Readers/S&S. She edits picture books, middle grade, and YA novels and graphic novels. Find her on Twitter @Alex_Borbolla.

Image: Headshot of Alex Borbolla

Win a written query critique from Laurel Symonds, literary agent at The Bent Agency.

Picture Book, Early Reader, Middle Grade, or Young Adult only, please.

Laurel Symonds joined The Bent Agency in Fall 2018 after nearly a decade of experience in the publishing industry. She began her career in the editorial department of HarperCollins Children's Books/Katherine Tegen Books and has also held positions in the marketing department at a small publishing house, in a library, and as a bookseller at one of the nation's best independent bookstores. As a literary agent, she represents children's fiction and nonfiction.

Image: Headshot of Laurel Symonds

Win a 30-minute call, which will included a critique of your query and first 25 pages of your manuscript, with Tiffany Shelton, Editor and Manager / Acquisitions Outreach at St. Martin's Publishing Group.

YA or Adult only, please.

Available within the United States only.

Critique will be delivered by the end of January / early February.

Tiffany Shelton is an editor at St. Martin's Publishing Group acquiring adult and young adult fiction across genres. She typically gravitates towards voice-driven narratives with dynamic storytelling, immersive worlds, and characters to love (or love to hate).

Image: Headshot of Tiffany Shelton

Win a written critique of your query and first 5 pages of your manuscript by Maya Prasad, author of Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things (Disney).

Genres include Early Reader, Middle Grade, and YA.

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. Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things is her debut YA novel.

Image: Headshot of Maya Prasad

Win a critique of your middle grade or young adult query AND a 30-minute call with Molly Ker Hawn of the Bent Agency!

Middle Grade or YA only, please.

Molly Ker Hawn represents a host of bestselling and award-winning children's and YA authors including Dhonielle Clayton, Hilary McKay, Angie Thomas and more.

Image: Headshot of Molly Ker Hawn

Win a 30-minute call with Alex Aceves, associate editor at Holiday House Publishing, to ask all your burning questions about the industry! Alex will also provide a critique of your query and first 20 pages during your call.

Middle Grade or Young Adult only, please.

Available within the United States only.

Alex Aceves (she/her) is a Latine writer and editor originally from Mexico City and currently based in Brooklyn. She works as an associate editor at Holiday House Publishing, where she oversees the expansion of the Holiday House Spanish language publishing program while also acquiring YA and middle grade for the English language list.

Image: Headshot of Alex Aceves

Win a 30-minute call with author Meera Trehan to discuss the industry, craft issues, or any other writing-related questions you may have. Meera will also provide a critique of your query during your call.

Picture Book, Early Reader, Middle Grade, or Young Adult only, please.

Meera Trehan is the author of The View From the Very Best House in Town, an Amazon Editor's Pick and Junior Library Guild Selection. Her second middle grade novel will be released in 2024.

Image: Headshot of Meera Trehan

Win a 30-minute call with Annette Pollert-Morgan, Executive Editor at Sourcebooks Fire and Young Readers, to discuss the first 25 pages of your YA manuscript (fiction or nonfiction) and the industry.

Young Adult only, please.

Available within the United States only.

Annette Pollert-Morgan, executive editor at Sourcebooks Fire and Young Readers, acquires young adult and middle-grade fiction (across genres), as well as the occasional nonfiction project and memoir. She loves working with debut authors to launch new voices and is particularly drawn to narratives that create-and validate-the teen experience in all its diversity. Annette has edited 13 NYT bestsellers, including novels by Marieke Nijkamp and Natasha Preston.

Image: Headshot of Annette Pollert-Morgan

Win a written query critique and phone call with Marissa to discuss query and any other project or industry related questions.

Adult only, please.

Marissa Higgins is a lesbian journalist. Her debut novel, The Wives, is forthcoming with Catapult Books in 2024. Her work has appeared in Best American Food Writing 2018, NPR, Salon, Slate, Washington Post, Atlantic, and elsewhere.

Image: Marissa Higgins headshot

Win a critique of the first 20 pages of your manuscript from Shelly Romero is the Lead Editor at Cake Creative & Electric Postcard Entertainment. Critique will be given over a 30-minute phone call where you may also ask Shelly general questions about the publishing industry.

Middle Grade, Young Adult, or Adult only, please.

Shelly Romero (she/her) is the Lead Editor at Cake Creative & Electric Postcard Entertainment where she creates, develops, and edits a diverse list of middle-grade to adult projects.

Image: Headshot photo of Shelly Romero

Win a 30-minute call with Michelle Lee, Assistant Editor at Dial Books for Young Readers to talk about the first 50 pages of your manuscript or picture book manuscript and any industry questions you might have.

Picture Book, Middle Grade, or Young Adult only, please.

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. In addition to editing her own titles, she assists Kate Harrison and Lauri Hornik.

Image: Headshot of Michelle Lee

Win a 30-minute call with Mina Hamedi, an agent at Janklow & Nesbit to discuss your query letter and any industry questions!

Adult only, please.

Mina Hamedi grew up in Istanbul, Turkey before moving to New York in 2010. She received her BA in Nonfiction and Global Identity from NYU's Gallatin School and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Columbia University. She joined Janklow & Nesbit in 2018 where she supports co-founder Lynn Nesbit is building her list of adult literary fiction and experimental nonfiction.

Image: Headshot of Mina Hamedi

Win a 30-minute phone or video call with Roma Panganiban, literary agent/assistant at Janklow & Nesbit, to discuss your query (written critique provided in advance of the call) and any questions you might have about the querying process, agent/author relationships, agent/editor relationships, or anything else about the publishing industry in general.

Adult genres only, please.

Since 2019, Roma Panganiban has closely assisted three agents at Janklow & Nesbit whose lists span both children's and adult markets, fiction and nonfiction, genre and literary. She is now signing clients in all of the above, with a particular affinity for character-driven literary fiction featuring underrepresented perspectives.

Image: Headshot of Roma Panganiban

Win a written query + synopsis critique for your children's novel from Kristin O'Donnell Tubb, author of 11 middle grade books. We'll discuss how the two differ and how they compliment one another to shine a bright spotlight on your story!

Middle Grade only, please.

Kristin O'Donnell Tubb is the author of 11 middle grade books. She has won a number of state book awards, starred reviews, an SCBWI humor award, and a JLG Gold Standard selection.

Image: Headshot of Kristin O'Donnell Tubb

Win a written query critique from speculative fiction author Phoebe (P. H.) Low!

Young Adult or Adult only, please.

P. H. Low is a Rhysling- and Locus-nominated writer and poet with work published in Strange Horizons, Tor.com, and Fantasy Magazine, among others. P. H. is an alum of Viable Paradise and Pitch Wars, and is represented by Sara Megibow and Savannah Brooks at KT Literary.

Image: Headshot of P. H. Low

Win a 50-minute Zoom chat with YA author/songwriter Mimi Cross. Send the first 3 chapters of your novel-in-progress, your query letter, and/or your synopsis in advance of the conversation, and Mimi will give you tips to make one or more of them stronger. Or, she'll give you a songwriting lesson! Winner's choice.

Young Adult only, please.

Available within the United States only.

Born in Toronto, Canada, Mimi Cross is an author, songwriter, and arts educator who grew up in New Jersey by the beach. She received a Bachelor of Music from Ithaca College, where she worked on the college newspaper and became editor of the literary arts magazine, and an MA from New York University. Mimi lives with her son and a Siberian cat nicknamed The Dark Knight. Her first two novels are Before Goodbye and Shining Sea.

Image: Headshot of Mimi Cross

Win a query critique and 30-minute chat with Sarah Dass, YA author of Where the Rhythm Takes You and the upcoming When the Vibe Is Right. Sarah will discuss the query critique, and chat about writing and the industry.

Young Adult only, please.

Sarah Dass was born in Trinidad but has lived in Tobago since she was two years old. A graduate of University College London, she works as an office administrator by day and writes stories about the Caribbean by night. Sarah's debut novel, Where the Rhythm Takes You, was inspired by her childhood, spent in a seaside hotel.

Image: Headshot of Sarah Dass

Win a query critique and 30-minute Zoom (or phone call, your choice) with debut YA author Jen St. Jude. Ask me anything!

Young Adult only, please.

Jen St. Jude is the author of If Tomorrow Doesn't Come (Bloomsbury US, PRH UK, May 2023).

Image: Headshot of Jen St. Jude

Win a 30-minute call with Rebecca Friedman, agent and founder of Rebecca Friedman Literary. Rebecca will critique your query and first 50 pages and answer any industry questions you have.

Middle Grade, Young Adult, or Adult only, please.

Rebecca Friedman began her career at Greenburger Associates. From there, she worked at Sterling Lord Literistic and the Hill Nadell Agency, before starting her own agency in 2013. She is a graduate of Barnard College. Rebecca is interested in commercial and literary fiction with a focus on literary novels of suspense, women's fiction, and young adult, as well as journalistic non-fiction and memoir. Most of all, she is looking for great stories told in strong voices. She is especially interested in underrepresented stories by BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ writers.

Win a 30-minute call with Bloomsbury editor and romance author Camille Kellogg to discuss your query, the industry, and your goals. Camille will also provide a critique of your query and first 20 pages during your call!

Middle Grade or Young Adult only, please.

Camille Kellogg is an editor at Bloomsbury Children's Books, where she acquires middle grade and young adult books. She previously worked at HarperCollins and Macmillan. She is also the author of the upcoming adult rom-com Just As You Are (PRH 2023).

Image: Headshot of Camille Kellogg

Win a 30-60 minute call with Doan Buu, Associate Art Director at Scholastic under the Cartwheel and Orchard imprints. During the call Doan will review your portfolio and field any questions you may have about your work and the publishing industry.

Picture Book or Early Reader only, please.

Doan Buu has worked as professional designer for over 20 years, ranging from online to on-air to print media. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, based in Brooklyn, New York, he is always on the look for new and exciting work.

Image: Headshot of Doan Buu

Win a 1-hour consultation with a marketing manager with over ten years of experience at small and large publishers. Perfect for first time authors or authors looking to advance their personal marketing. Learn industry secrets and best-practices to position your book to booksellers, educators, media, and through social media.

For Picture Book, Early Reader, Middle Grade, YA, Graphic novels, and board books.

Available within the United States only.

Hannah Moushabeck is a second-generation Palestinian American author, editor, and book marketer who was raised in a family of publishers and booksellers. With over ten years in the industry, she has worked for publishers such as Chronicle Books, The Quarto Group, and Simon & Schuster. She is also the author of Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine (Chronicle Books, March 2023).

Image: Headshot of Hannah Moushabeck

Win a 30-minute call with Ariela Rudy Zaltzman, a production editor at Penguin Young Readers, to talk about the kidlit industry. Ariela will be happy to talk to you about finding a career in publishing, what to expect from the publishing process after your manuscript has been acquired, or how to effectively incorporate a language other than English in your manuscript.

Ariela Rudy Zaltzman is a production editor at Penguin Young readers. She copyedits, proofreads, advises on conscious language and cultural sensitivity issues in books, and translates English and Spanish texts. She has also worked at Disney Publishing, Chronicle Books, and other houses.

Image: Headshot of Ariela Rudy Zaltzman

Win a 30 minute zoom consultation/AMA with award-winning picture book, middle grade, and young adult author Robin Stevenson.

Robin Stevenson is the award winning author of thirty books of fiction and non-fiction for kids and teens: her writing has been translated into numerous languages and published in more than a dozen countries. Robin's books have won the Silver Birch Award, the Sheila A. Egoff award and a Stonewall Honor, and been finalists for the Governor General's Literary Awards, the Lambda Literary Awards, and many reader's choice awards. She is the Book and Periodical Council of Canada's Champion of Free Expression for 2022.

Robin is represented by Eric Smith and Maria Vicente at PS Literary Agency, and is a member of the Writers' Union of Canada. She regularly speaks at conferences, libraries and schools across North America.

Image: Headshot of Robin Stevenson

Win a 30-minute Ask Me Anything call with Paige Terlip, Associate Agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Publishing questions? Writing concerns? Ask anything!

Paige Terlip has worked at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency since 2017, first as an assistant to Executive Agent Laura Rennert, and then as an Associate Agent since 2021. Prior to joining ABLA, she worked at Candlewick Press and Charlesbridge Publishing, as well as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and a ranch in the Rockies to name a few. She has an MA in Children's Literature and an MFA in Writing for Children from Simmons University.

Image: Headshot of Paige Terlip

Win a 30-minute call with Jenny Xu, editor at Harper and Ecco, to discuss the industry, career path, and poetry and/or nonfiction projects.

Adult only, please.

Jenny Xu edits nonfiction for Harper Books, and oversees Ecco's poetry list. Her list has a particular focus on marginalized and underrepresented voices; recent and upcoming books include Rise by Jeff Yang, Phil Yu and Philip Wang, Heretic by Jeanna Kadlec, Bite by Bite by Aimee Nezhukumathatil, Talking out of Turn by Nicole Sealey, The World Keeps Ending, and the World Goes On by Franny Choi, and Monument by Natasha Trethewey.

Image: Headshot of Jenny Xu

Win a 30-minute call with Acquisitions Editor Alex Brown to discuss your personal career path, your WIP or any industry related questions you have!

Adult WIP only, please.

Alex Brown is the CEO and Acquisitions editor at Rising Action Publishing Co. Alex works in all types of genres. Alex also works in subsidiary rights including translation, film/tv and audiobooks.

Image: Headshot of Alex Brown

Win a 30-minute call with Amanda Orozco, Literary Agent at the Transatlantic Agency, to discuss your query and any other industry questions you may have about the publishing journey!

Middle Grade, YA, or Adult only, please.

Amanda Orozco is a literary agent, based out of Los Angeles, at the Transatlantic Agency. Before joining Transatlantic, she worked in Subsidiary Rights at Little, Brown and at Park & Fine Literary and Media. While at NYU, she interned at the National Book Foundation, Shreve Williams Public Relations, and The Gernert Company.

Image: Headshot of Amanda Orozco

Win a 30-minute call with Brian LaRossa, the executive art director of Branches and Acorn early graphic readers and nonfiction picture books for Scholastic's hardcover picture book group.

Picture Book or Early Reader only, please.

Brian LaRossa (he/him) is the executive art director of Branches and Acorn early graphic readers and nonfiction picture books for Scholastic's hardcover picture book group.

Image: Headshot of Brian LaRossa

Win a critique of your query and first 5 pages written by Suzie Townsend, Literary Agent at New Leaf Literary & Media. Suzie will get in and make suggestions directly in your query and pages and provide a written critique.

Middle Grade, YA, or Adult only, please.

Suzie Townsend represents all brands of children's and adult fiction. She loves women's fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, and debut fiction. On the children's side, she is interested in select YA and MG. Suzie loves strong characters and voice-driven stories that break out of the typical tropes of their genres, and she's always looking for unique new voices in stories.

Image: Headshot of Suzie Townsend

Win a 30-minute call with Lala Watkins, author-illustrator of Little Santa's Workshop; I Love You More Than Ice Cream by Becky Davies, Bus Stop by Angela H. Dale, and many more in 2023. Lala will discuss the publishing industry as an illustrator and the winners' personal career paths/projects.

Available within the United States only.

Lala Watkins is the illustrator of I Love You More Than Ice Cream by Becky Davies, Bus Stop by Angela H. Dale, and the author-illustrator of her first board book series with Scholastic, Little Santa's Workshop. With a degree from Ringling College of Art and Design, Lala has also worked as a product designer, product developer, illustrator, and graphic designer at Sanrio, Paper Culture, and Cartoon Network. She lives in sunny Florida, is a good vibes connoisseur, and enjoys making fun illustrations and lovely stories that make her heart (and yours) emote the heart-eyed emoji.

Image: Headshot of Lala Watkins

Win a 30-minute phone or video call with Miriam Moore-Keish, Content Strategist at Capstone to chat about anything kids, books, kids' books, and 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.

Image: Headshot of Miriam Moore-Keish

Win a 30-minute video chat with Sarah Fisk, literary agent at Tobias Literary Agency. Ask about publishing, querying, publicity, self publishing, and more. No critique is included in this item.

Sarah N. Fisk has worked in the publishing industry as an editorial assistant, author's assistant, publicist, and art director. Sarah is a former Pitch Wars mentor, board member, and Agent Liaison. They host the podcast Queries, Qualms, & Quirks and are one of the founding members of Disability in Publishing. Sarah is a literary agent at the Tobias Literary Agency, representing all genres in Middle Grade and Young Adult as well as adult science-fiction, fantasy, and romance.

Image: Headshot of Sarah N. Fisk

Win a 30-minute Zoom call with Feather Flores, editor at Simon & Schuster's Atheneum Books for Young Readers, to discuss any and all things publishing: industry, craft, career, you name it! Feather will also provide a critique of your manuscript (full picture book text or first 25 pages of a YA novel) during your call.

Picture book or YA only, please.

Feather Flores joined Atheneum in 2022 after a four-year stint at Chronicle Books. She works on smart, joyful picture books; middle grade romps with coming-of-age themes; and bold, open-hearted YA that reimagines everything our identities can be. You can find her expressing endless enthusiasm on Twitter @featherfully and explore her full manuscript wishlist at featherflores.com.

Image: Headshot of Feather Flores

Win a 30-minute video call with Claire Draper (they | them), agent at the Bent Agency, where you can ask questions about the publishing industry, your career path, and any of your projects.

Claire Draper fell in love with books later than some, when her high school best friend dragged her to the theater to see Twilight. After studying Queer Diversity in Children's Literature at New York University's Gallatin School and pursuing multiple internships, in 2016 she spent a fantastic (if short-lived) two weeks working as a bookseller for the Strand, before joining InkWell Management as a receptionist and agents' assistant. Since early 2019, Claire has been at the Bent Agency growing her list with a collection of very queer books for readers of all ages, including graphic novels, picture books, middle-grade, young adult, and adult romance, nonfiction, and memoir.

Image: Headshot of Claire Draper

Win a 30-minute phone or video call with Foyinsi Adegbonmire, an associate editor at Feiwel & Friends, Macmillan. This is an ask-me-anything prize and questions can range from career to craft to industry!

Foyinsi Adegbonmire is an Associate 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. When not reading or thinking about her very large TBR pile, she can be found watching Black sitcoms from the 90s/early 2000s and fictional crime shows, or obsessing over bullet journaling.

Image: Headshot of Foyinsi Adegbonmire

Win a 30-minute call with Olivia A. Cole, author of The Truth About White Lies, to discuss author life and the publishing industry.

Olivia A. Cole is the author of six novels, most recently The Truth About White Lies. Olivia's essays have been published by Bitch Media, Real Simple, The L.A. Times, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, Gay Mag, and others. Dear Medusa, Olivia's first novel-in-verse will be released in Spring 2023.

Image: Headshot of Olivia A. Cole

Win a 30-minute AMA phone call with Clarissa Wong, Scholastic picture book executive editor! Chat about the industry and your personal career path or projects.

No critique is included in the item.

Clarissa Wong has over ten years of experience in publishing and is currently an executive editor at Scholastic. She had the pleasure of working on a number of award winning, bestselling picture books including Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, Where Are You From? and Black Gold.

Image: Headshot of Clarissa Wong

Win a 30-minute Zoom call with Literary Agent Adria Goetz from P.S. Literary, who will answer any questions you have about the publishing industry. She looks forward to chatting with you!

Adria Goetz is a senior literary agent at PSLA representing picture books, middle grade, adult fiction, and graphic novels. She specializes in picture books by author/illustrators. You can find her detailed manuscript wishlist at adriagoetz.com and you can find her on Twitter at @adriamgoetz and on Instagram at @adriagoetz.

Image: Headshot of Adria Goetz

Win a 30-minute Zoom video chat with author/illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi during which Debbie will provide a critique of website or online portfolio, with your goals in mind (upcoming book launch, looking for work, etc.) and offer tips on how to improve your social media to help achieve those goals.

Debbie Ridpath Ohi is an award-winning author and illustrator who has worked with Simon & Schuster, Random House, HarperCollins and others. Her illustrations appear in books by Judy Blume, Michael Ian Black, and Linda Sue Park, among others. You can find out more about Debbie and her work at DebbieOhi.com.

Image: Headshot of Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Win a A 30-minute phone or video call with Kandace Coston, associate editor at Lee & Low Books! Kandace can offer insight about the children's book publishing industry and discuss the winner's personal career path and projects.

Phone call will take place before March 1.

Available within the United States only.

Kandace Coston is the associate editor at Lee & Low Books and the alumnx manager on WNDB's Internship Grant Committee. After graduating from Barnard College, Columbia University, she won an internship grant from WNDB and joined the Lee & Low team. Professionally and personally, Kandace enjoys strong female protagonists as well as any story that can make her laugh!

Image: Headshot of Kandace Coston

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 call with award-winning author and teaching artist Kelly Starling Lyons. She'd love to hear about your writing journey and offer tips and insight into the publishing industry. With nearly two decades of experience, she has a wealth of information to share.

Available within the United States only.

Award-winning author Kelly Starling Lyons has written more than two dozen books that center Black heroes, celebrate family, friendship and heritage and show all kids the stories they hold inside. Her titles span easy readers, picture books and chapter books, nonfiction and fiction, standalone and series. She has been a WNDB and SCBWI-Carolinas mentor, is one of the founding members of The Brown Bookshelf and is a frequent speaker at conferences, libraries and schools.

Image: Headshot of Kelly Starling Lyons, photo by Lundies Photography

Win a 30-minute call with Katie Carella, Editorial Director of Scholastic's Acorn early reader and Branches early chapter book lines. You can ask her anything about her work or career path during your call! You could even ask her for book recommendations for your students or kiddos. She is looking forward to chatting with you!

Katie Carella is the Editorial Director of Scholastic's Acorn early reader and Branches early chapter book lines, both of which she originated. She started out working in marketing and publicity on the adult side of the industry, then earned her masters degree in elementary education at the University of Pennsylvania, and taught 1st through 3rd grades- all before entering the children's editorial world. Katie is driven to create page-turning books for new readers!

Image: Headshot of Katie Carella

Win a 30-minute phone call to discuss any of your publishing industry related questions with Shelly Romero, Lead Editor at Cake Creative & Electric Postcard Entertainment.

No critique will be given with this prize.

Shelly Romero (she/her) is the Lead Editor at Cake Creative & Electric Postcard Entertainment where she creates, develops, and edits a diverse list of projects from middle-grade to adult. She was previously an associate editor at Scholastic.

Image: Headshot of Shelly Romero

Win a 30-minute call with Debbi Michiko Florence, author of middle grade novels and the Jasmine Toguchi chapter book series, and instructor of "Writing Chapter Book series" workshops.

Debbi Michiko Florence is the author of upper middle grade novels Keep It Together Keiko Carter, Just Be Cool Jenna Sakai, Sweet and Sour, and her forthcoming This Is How I Roll. She is also the author of three chapter books series including Jasmine Toguchi, and co-authored a picture book biography, Niki Nakayama: A Chef's Tale in 13 Bites.

Image: Headshot of Debbi Michiko Florence

Win a 30-minute call with Erin Murphy, President at Erin Murphy Literary, to discuss the industry, your projects and goals, and the like.

Erin Murphy was born and raised in Arizona, and founded EMLA in Flagstaff in 1999 after a 7-year stint as an editor at a regional publishing house. Her clients' notices in addition to hitting bestseller lists include a Caldecott Honor (plus writer clients seeing their books get Caldecott silver and gold), a Newbery Honor, a Sibert Medal, Stonewall Medals, APALA silver and gold, an American Indian Youth Literature Honor, a National Jewish Book Award finalist, a Schneider Award, and multiple Edgar, Sydney Taylor, Américas, Golden Kite, Jane Addams, and Orbis Pictus awards or honors, among others. In 2016, she relocated the agency headquarters to southern Maine.

Image: Headshot of Erin Murphy

Win a 30-minute video call with Helen H. Wu, Yeehoo Press Publisher to discuss the industry. Helen will answer any questions you might have during your call!

Children's publishing / Picture Book preferred.

Helen H. Wu is a children's book author and illustrator, as well as a translator and publisher. Helen is the Publisher of Yeehoo Press, an independent children's book publisher based in San Diego, California.

Image: Headshot of Helen H. Wu

Win a 30-minute call with Anika Fajardo, author of books for both adults and children. Chat about a career path that has taken her from writing memoir to middle-grade (and works in between)!

Anika Fajardo was born in Colombia and raised in Minnesota and is the author of a book about that experience: Magical Realism for Non-Believers: A Memoir of Finding Family. Her books for middle-grade readers include the award-winning What If a Fish, Meet Me Halfway, and the Disney tie-in novel Encanto: A Tale of Three Sisters. She lives with her family in Minneapolis, where she teaches at Augsburg University's MFA program.

Image: Headshot of Anika Fajardo

Win a 30-minute phone or video call with Traci Sorell, an award-winning author of fiction and nonfiction works for young people, to ask questions about the publishing industry or discuss your personal career path.

Available within the United States only.

Cherokee Nation citizen and award-winning author Traci Sorell writes fiction and nonfiction for young people. A former federal Indigenous law attorney and advocate, Traci lives with her family on her tribe's reservation in northeastern Oklahoma. Find out more about her work online at www.tracisorell.com or @tracisorell via Instagram.

Image: Headshot of Traci Sorell, photo by Cody Hammer

Win a 30-minute zoom call with crime novelist Marcie Rendon, published by Soho Press. Marcie has written adult crime novels, children's picture books, and short stories/poetry in anthologies. Open to discussing writing and giving encouragement to continue to write.

Marcie Rendon, White Earth Ojibwe. Listed in Oprah's 2020 list of 31 Native American Author's to read. Sinister Graves, Girl Gone Missing and Murder on the Red River, all Cash Blackbear adult novels, Soho Press. Stitches of Tradition, a children's book, will be published by Heartdrum 2024.

Image: Headshot of Marcie Rendon

Win a 30-minute call with Gabrielle Balkan, former Scholastic Book Clubs Book Buyer and book developer and current non-fiction children's book author, to discuss the industry.

Gabrielle Balkan is best known for non-fiction books that delight readers ages 0-12 with curious and essential facts about the United States, animal record-breakers, and ground-breaking artists. Her books include The 50 States, Book of Bones, and, new this year, Book of Dinosaurs and Who's That Dinosaur. Visit her online at www.gabriellebalkan.com and @gabriellebalkan.

Image: Headshot of Gabrielle Balkan

Win a 1-hour video call with Melanie C. Duncan, Head of Collections & Acqusitions for a multi-county public library system. She'll answer any questions you have about libraries, book reviewing, library programs, and how to get your work into libraries through a scheduled video conference call. She's also willing to discuss 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.

Available within the United States only.

Melanie C. Duncan graduated with a Master's in Library Science and has worked in public libraries for 29 years as a reference librarian, branch manager and cataloger. She's survived story times, Summer Reading Programs, and the insanity of the Eclipse Programs of 2017 (who knew free eclipse glasses would be so popular???). In addition, Melanie reviewed titles for Library Journal (Romance Reviewer of the Year, 2019), Booklist, Publisher's Weekly, and various other publications over the years, covering genres and heat levels from inspirational fiction to erotica, and been a panelist at DragonCon speaking about libraries for the Diversity and Fantasy Tracks.

Image: Illustrated headshot of Melanie C. Duncan

Win a 30-minute call with S. A. Rodriguez, middle-grade author of Treasure Tracks, to discuss the path to publication from a debut author's perspective. Prize will include a signed copy of the novel.

Available within the United States only.

S. A. Rodriguez is a Latina writer, researcher, and former head of U.S. Hispanic marketing for Citibank, where she spent her career supporting diversity initiatives. Treasure Tracks is her first novel.

Image: Headshot of S. A. Rodriguez

Win a 30-minute phone call with author Ann Braden to chat about whatever parts of the publishing process you're most interested in: querying, being on submission, promoting your book, etc.

Ann Braden writes books about kids learning to stand up for themselves even when it's hard. Her middle grade novels The Benefits of Being an Octopus and Flight of the Puffin have earned widespread recognition, including NPR's Best Books, Cybil Award finalist, and being named to over a dozen state lists. Her newest book Opinions and Opossums is coming out in May with Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Young Readers.

Image: Headshot of Ann Braden

Win a spot in Kidlit author Laekan Zea Kemp's Debut Author Boot Camp, an 8-week course designed to teach you everything you need to know to survive your debut year.

The course will take place from January 9 through March 3, 2023.

Laekan Zea Kemp is a writer living in Austin, Texas. Her debut novel, Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet was a 2022 Pura Belpré Honor Recipient. Her work celebrates Chicane grit, resilience, creativity, and joy while exploring themes of identity and mental health.

Debut Author Bootcamp is an 8-week course designed to teach you everything you need to know to survive your debut year.

What's included:

15 presentations
Office hours 2x a week
4 guest author roundtables
Digital resources

Topics:
*The Editorial Process
*Author Finances
*Self-advocacy
*Social Media
*Marketing & Publicity
*Launch Events
*School Visits

And so much more!

Image: Poster for Debut Author Bootcamp with Laekan Zea Kemp.

Win a 30-minute call with Chelsea Villareal, Senior Program Manager, Partner Liaison at We Need Diverse Books & Senior Product Marketing Manager at Schell Games to discuss publishing, marketing, and kids entertainment. Chelsea is happy to provide career advice, insights on working in children's media, and tactics on brand marketing strategy.

Chelsea P. Villareal (she/her) is a Queer Mexican American media strategist from PDX. She holds a BUPA in Political Science & Media Studies from Portland State University and recently completed her Master's in Communication & Education at Columbia University. Her passions focus on participatory cultures, civic imagination, speculative storytelling, and intersectional Latinx identity representation - across all media. She proudly works on the marketing team at Schell Games and at We Need Diverse Books as their Senior Program & Partnerships Manager.

Win a 30-minute call with Alvina Ling, Editor-in-Chief at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, and ask her anything related to 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. She co-hosts the podcast Book Friends Forever with author Grace Lin and lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two cats.

Skip the line and go directly for the GOLD membership in the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge in 2023. In addition to all the other benefits of 12 x 12, you'll get ten above-the-slush-pile opportunities to submit to agents.

Julie Hedlund is a published picture book author and the founder of The 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, which boasts 1800+ members and is entering its 12th year.

ALL 12 x 12 members get access to an amazing community of 1,750+ picture book writers at all levels from absolute beginner to multi-published. 12 x 12 offers motivation, support, and accountability to help you write more (LOTS more!) than you would on your own.

Win a query critique with Meg Eden Kuyatt, 2020 PitchWars mentee, Scholastic author and experienced creative writing instructor!

Middle Grade or Young adult only, please.

Meg Eden Kuyatt is a 2020 Pitch Wars mentee, and 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" (Press 53, 2020) and children's novels, most recently "Good Different," a JLG Gold Standard selection (Scholastic, 2023). Find her online at https://linktr.ee/medenauthor.

Receive a 30-minute call with author Alison Green Myers to discuss your submission of up to 20 pages of your Middle Grade novel and query letter. The winner will be asked to submit a cover letter (apart from the query letter) with specific questions for Alison to attend to during the call.

Middle Grade, Novel in verse only, please.

Alison Green Myers is a writer and educator. She is the program director at the Highlights Foundation and the author of the 2022 Schneider Family Award winning A BIRD WILL SOAR (Dutton).

Image description: Headshot of Alison Green Myers

Win a written picture book manuscript critique with agent Amy Thrall Flynn. Amy will review your manuscript and offer feedback via email.

Amy Thrall Flynn joined Rubin Pfeffer Content in 2019. A former Editor with Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, she believes in the power of books to connect, inspire, and affirm the lives of young people. In addition to her experience acquiring and shepherding dozens of books to publication while an editor, Amy holds a BA in American Literature from Middlebury College in Vermont, an MA in English (Simmons), and an MA in Children's Literature from Simmons University, Boston. Amy has two grown children, and lives with her husband and a pair of lovable scruffy dogs on a farm in Connecticut.

Amy is looking for unforgettable voices and fresh perspectives in all genres, with a focus on picture books, innovative nonfiction for ages 2 - 12, and character-driven middle grade novels. She especially loves writing that captures the imagination with humor, flashes of insight, and an authentic emotional core. When reviewing submissions, she wonders, "How does this piece connect with the lives of children?" Will it spark their curiosity, sustain their interest, and explore their experiences and concerns? Does it provide a mirror or open a window to new perspectives? Does this writer have something to say? Most importantly, Amy hopes to see the writer's passion and commitment to craft.

When a client signs with me, they can expect respect, care, diligence, and integrity. I work with a small list of creators and offer a high level of support and communication.

Win a signed and annotated copy of This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them & Us by editor and author Nicole Melleby.

Will ship within the United States.

Nicole Melleby, a born-and-bred Jersey native, is the author of multiple children's books, including the highly praised Hurricane Season. She lives with her wife and their cat, whose need for attention oddly aligns with Nicole's writing schedule.

Image: Cover for This Is Our Rainbow

Win a signed copy of Tracker220 by Jamie Krakover, a YA Science Fiction novel.

Will ship within the United States.

In a world where the government tracks every move through brain-interfacing chips, one glitch threatens the network. Sixteen-year-old Kaya Weiss is that glitch. With the government controlling every aspect of her life, from her freedom to her observance of a tech-free Shabbat, Kaya seeks refuge with the rebel Ghosts. But trusting them means betraying the only tech she's ever known.

Growing up with a fascination for space and things that fly, Jamie Krakover turned that love into a career as an Aerospace Engineer. Combining her natural enthusiasm for Science Fiction and her love of reading, she now spends a lot of her time writing Middle Grade and Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy. Jamie is the author of Tracker220, and has contributed stories to the Brave New Girls Anthologies as well as Putting the Science in Fiction.

Image: Cover for Tracker220

Win a signed copy of two books by Aya Khalil: the board book Our World: Egypt and the picture book The Arabic Quilt.

Will ship within the United States.

Aya Khalil is the award-winning Author of The Arabic Quilt (2020) and Our World: Egypt (2022).

Image: Covers for the books included in the bundle.

Win a signed and annotated copy of MapMaker, a middle grade fantasy by Lisa Moore Ramée.

Will ship within the United States.

From Lisa Moore Ramée, author of the Walter Honor Award-winning A Good Kind of Trouble, comes her debut middle grade fantasy-an absorbing, imaginative adventure about a Black boy who has the magical ability to bring maps to life. Perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky and A Tale of Magic.

Lisa Moore Ramée still calls Los Angeles home even though she now lives in the Bay Area. She counts coffee as one of her best friends and is a devout believer in dreams coming true. She is the author of Something to Say and MapMaker, and her debut novel, A Good Kind of Trouble, is a Walter Dean Meyers Honor book and an Indie bestseller.

Image: Cover for MapMaker

Win a signed and personalized copy of One for All by Lillie Lainoff. Lillie will sign the book and personalize it with a name/quotes/etc. of the winner's choosing.

One for All is a gender-bent retelling of The Three Musketeers, in which a girl with a chronic illness trains as a Musketeer and uncovers secrets, sisterhood, and self-love.

Lillie Lainoff's debut novel is a fierce, whirlwind adventure about the depth of found family, the strength that goes beyond the body, and the determination it takes to fight for what you love. Includes an author's note about her personal experience with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.

Will ship within the United States.

Lillie Lainoff received her BA in English from Yale University, where she was a varsity fencer and one of the first physically disabled athletes to individually qualify for any NCAA championship event, and her MA in Creative Writing Prose Fiction at the University of East Anglia. She has also won the 2019 Los Angeles Review Literary Award for Short Fiction, was a featured Rooted in Rights disability activist, and is the founder of Disabled Kidlit Writers on Facebook. She lives in Washington, DC.

Image: Cover for One for All

Win a signed & annotated copy of Spider-Man's Social Dilemma by Preeti Chhibber!

Will ship within the United States.

Preeti Chhibber is an author, speaker, and freelancer, she's written for SYFY, Polygon, Marvel, Disney, and DC among others. She has several books and anthology appearances on the way, but for now you can find her co-hosting the podcasts Desi Geek Girls and Tar Valon or Bust. Learn more at PreetiChhibber.com.

Image: Cover for Spider-Man's Social Dilemma

Win a signed and annotated copy of Scars by Cheryl Rainfield. It's a queer survivor book that's been repeatedly challenged and banned, and has helped many readers.

Will ship within the United States and Canada.

Queer award-winning author Cheryl Rainfield (they/she) writes the books they needed as a teen and couldn't find. Cheryl draws on their own trauma and healing to write. Author of six books including Scars, Stained, and Hunted.

Image: Cover for Scars

Win a signed, personalized, annotated copy of Sarah Jane Singer's debut fantasy novel, The Wall, a Queer, Jewish fantasy about a young woman, her lion companion, and the curse she must break to save them both.

Book is within the Adult fantasy genre.

Will ship internationally.

Sarah Jane Singer lives in Syracuse, NY, with her four cats and an enviable collection of Funko Pops. She loves creating rich fantasy worlds with unexpected twists and undertones of horror. When she is not writing, she can be found editing, reading tarot, and cooing at bees in her backyard.

Image: Cover for The Wall

Win a signed, annotated copy of Eden Royce's award-winning middle grade novel ?Root Magic!

A Walter Award Honoree
ALA Notable Children's Book
Kirkus Reviews Best Middle-grade Historical Fiction of 2021
School Library Journal Best Book of 2021
Indie Next List
BCALA Best of the Best Booklist
Mythopoeic Fantasy Award Winner
Ignyte Award winner

Will ship internationally.

Eden Royce is a writer from Charleston, South Carolina. Her debut middle grade novel, ROOT MAGIC is a Walter Award Honoree, a Nebula Award finalist, a Mythopoeic Fantasy Award and Ignyte award winner for outstanding children's literature.

Image: Cover of Root Magic

Win a signed, personalized AND annotated physical ARC of Deke's vampiric middle grade debut, Don't Want to Be Your Monster. Stuffed inside will also be some exclusive swag, including bookmarks and a sticker sheet of characters.

Will ship within the United States.

Deke Moulton is a writer currently living in the US Pacific Northwest. They are a former US Army drill sergeant and trained as an Arabic linguist during their time in service. Don't Want to Be Your Monster is their debut book.

Image: Cover for Don't Want to Be Your Monster

Win a collection of signed and personalized board and picture books from Coretta Scott King Award winning author Carole Boston Weatherford! Celebrate the special love that families share with new favorite titles: Sugar Pie, Lullaby; Me and the Family Tree; Me and My Mama; Grandma and Me.

Will ship within the United States.

Poet and author Carole Boston Weatherford has written more than forty books and has earned many awards, including the NAACP Image Award, a Coretta Scott King Award, and a Caldecott Honor. She often writes about African American history, families and traditions, and jazz. Weatherford is the winner of a Ragan-Rubin Award for Literary Achievement from the North Carolina English Teachers Association and the North Carolina Award for Literature. She lives in North Carolina and teaches at Fayetteville State University.

Image: Compilation of covers for books offered in the bundle.

Win a signed and annotated copy of the New York Times bestselling YA fractured fairy tale, The Grimrose Girls by Laura Pohl!

Will ship within the United States.

Laura Pohl is the New York Times bestselling author of The Grimrose Girls. Her debut novel, The Last 8, won the International Latino Book Awards. She likes writing messages in caps lock, never using autocorrect, and obsessing about Star Wars. A Brazilian at heart and soul, she makes her home in São Paulo.

Image: Cover forThe Grimrose Girls

Win a signed and annotated copy of The Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna by Alda P. Dobbs! The Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna is a dazzling middle grade debut that is a 2022 Pura Belpré Honor Book, a New York Public Library Best Book of 2021, an NPR Best Book of 2021, an ALSC Notable Children's Book, a Texas Blue Bonnet Master List Selection, and a Junior Library Guild Pick.

Will ship within the United States.

Alda P. Dobbs is as passionate about connecting children to their past, their communities, and nature as she is about writing. Alda lives with her husband and two children outside Houston, Texas.

Image: Cover for The Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna

Win a signed and annotated ARC of The Raven Throne. (This is the sequel to The Raven Heir, and it will come out from Bloomsbury in August 2023. The ARC will be shipped when available).

Will ship internationally.

Stephanie Burgis is the author of the Dragon with a Chocolate Heart trilogy, the Kat, Incorrigible trilogy, and the Raven Crown duology. She lives in Wales, surrounded by castles, mountains, and coffeeshops.

Image: Cover for The Raven Throne

Win a signed copy of Mushroom Rain and swag including stickers, a mushroom grow kit, and more.

Will ship within the United States.

Laura K. Zimmermann is a college professor by day and children's writer by night. Mushroom Rain is her first picture book. When she's not writing, Laura can be found at Shenandoah University or wandering through nature with her Goldendoodle, Tivy.

Image: Cover for Mushroom Rain

Win a signed copy of Ruby Finley vs. the Interstellar Invasion signed and personalized by the author. The copy will also include behind the scenes notes on post-its throughout the book.

Will ship internationally.

K. Tempest Bradford is an award-winning teacher and media critic who writes speculative fiction steeped in Black Girl Magic. She's the author of Ruby Finley vs. the Interstellar Invasion, her debut novel, and over a dozen short stories. Her essays have appeared on NPR, io9, and more. Tempest gives talks and teaches classes on representation and diversity though Writing the Other.com.

Image: Cover for Ruby Finley vs. the Interstellar Invasion

Win a signed copy of this year's National Book Award winner for Young People's Literature, All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir.

Will ship within the United States.

Image: Cover for All My Rage

Donated by Lisa Krok.

Win a signed edition of Mr. Watson's Chickens with an original chicken drawing inside by illustrator Andrea Tsurumi. Book will be signed by both Jarrett Dapier the author and Andrea Tsurumi.

Will ship within the United States.

Jarrett Dapier is the author of the picture books Mr. Watson's Chickens, Jazz For Lunch!, and The Most Haunted House In America. Andrea Tsurumi is the author and illustrator of Accident!, I'm On It!, and Crab Cake and illustrator of Mr. Watson's Chickens.

Image: Cover for Mr. Watson's Chickens

Signed and annotated copies of Anna-Marie McLemore's red books: Blanca & Roja ?and ?Dark and Deepest Red. (Or, what happens when you put an author on a plane with two of their books and some markers.)

Will ship within the United States.

Anna-Marie McLemore (they/them) is the author of William C. Morris Debut Award Finalist The Weight of Feathers; Wild Beauty; Blanca & Roja, one of Time Magazine's 100 Best Fantasy Novels of All Time; Indie Next List title Dark and Deepest Red; Lakelore; and National Book Award longlist selections When the Moon Was Ours, which was also a Stonewall Honor, The Mirror Season, and Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix. Their next novel is Venom & Vow, a trans Latine fantasy forthcoming in May 2023.

Image: Composite graphic featuring the covers for Blanca & Roja and Dark and Deepest Red

Win a signed copy of The Real R.P.G.: The Story of the Red Panda Girl, the Middle Grade book adaptation of Disney and Pixar's movie Turning Red. Lily will include a personal message tailored for the young reader in your life!

Will ship within the United States.

Lily Quan is a 2020 WNDB mentee and is delighted to contribute to the WNDB holiday auction. She currently lives on Vancouver Island.

Image: Cover for The Real R.P.G.: The Story of the Red Panda Girl

Win five copies of the middle grade novel, Boy From Three Worlds.

Will ship internationally.

Farida Mirza is a published children's author and SCBWI member. Farida has worked as an English and Psychology teacher, an English Language instructor for an airlines as well as a technical writer. She has travelled widely and written entertaining stories that motivate young readers toward self-fulfillment, resolutions, and success.

Image: Cover for Boy From Three Worlds

Win a signed and annotated first edition of Andrea Wang's Caldecott, APALA, and Newbery Honor award-winning picture book, Watercress. Andrea will inscribe the book at your direction and include 5-7 insider notes on the pages. Note that because this is a first printing, the book will not have the award stickers on the cover.

Will ship within the United States.

Andrea Wang is an award-winning author of picture books and middle grade novels. Her picture book Watercress received the Caldecott Medal, a Newbery Honor, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, a New England Book Award, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor, among others. She's also the author of the middle grade novel The Many Meanings of Meilan (2021 New York Times Best Children's Book) and picture books including The Nian Monster (APALA Honor), Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando (Sakura Medal & Freeman Book Award Honor), and Luli and the Language of Tea (two starred reviews).

Image: Cover for Watercress

Win a signed Bundle of five picture books by Latina authors: Mi Ciudad Sings by Cynthia Harmony, Run Little Chaski and Eunice and Kate by Mariana Llanos and If Your Babysitter is a Bruja and Bella's Recipe for Success by Ana Siqueira!

Will ship within the United States.

Cynthia Harmony is an author and educational psychologist, originally from Mexico City. She has published for the educational market and was awarded the 2020 WNDB Mentorship. Her debut picture book Mi Ciudad Sings, in Spanish Mi Ciudad Canta, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her board book Our World: Mexico published by Barefoot Books, releases Spring 2023. Her upcoming picture book A Flicker of Hope (2024) will be released simultaneously in English and Spanish by Viking PRH.

Mariana Llanos was born in Lima, Peru. Mariana developed an early passion for writing poetry, short stories, and plays all the way through school. She studied Theatre in the prestigious school CuatroTablas based in Lima, and moved to Oklahoma in 2002. In 2013, she published her first book, Tristan Wolf which won a Finalist spot in the 2013 Readers' Favorite Book Award. Since then, she has published several books in English and Spanish.

Ana Siqueira is a Spanish-language elementary teacher, and an award-winning Brazilian children's author also published in the Foreign Language educational market - El Pato Quiere Uvas. Her picture books include Bella's Recipe for Disaster/Success (Beaming Books, 2021) and If Your Babysitter Is a Bruja/Cuando Tu Ninera Es Una Bruja (SimonKids,2022), Abuela's Super Capa/ La Super Capa de Abuela (HarperCollins, 2023), Room in Mami's Corazón (Harpercollins, 2024) and a few more books to be announced. Besides writing, Ana loves to read, teach, and play with her Cuban-Brazilian-American grandchildren.

Image: Compilation of covers for the books offered in the bundle.

Win a signed, personalized (if you wish), and annotated advance copy of When You Wish Upon a Lantern! About the book: a girl whose family owns a wishing lantern shop in Chicago's Chinatown teams up with the boy from the mooncake bakery next door to make wishes come true for the shop's customers in secret (more info: bit.ly/WUWUAL). Please note this is an advance reader's copy, meaning it is paperback and the text will have minor differences from the final, which releases on 2/14/2023.

Will ship within the United States.

Gloria Chao is a screenwriter, a We Need Diverse Books 2022 Mentor, and the critically acclaimed author of American Panda, Our Wayward Fate, Rent A Boyfriend, and the forthcoming When You Wish Upon A Lantern. Her award-winning books have received starred trade reviews; were YALSA Teens' Top 10, Indie Next, Junior Library Guild, and Amelia Bloomer List selections; and were featured on the "Best of" lists of Seventeen, Bustle, Barnes & Noble, PopSugar, Paste Magazine, Chicago Public Library, Bank Street, Booklist, and more. Visit her tea-and-book-filled world at GloriaChao.wordpress.com, and find her on Twitter and Instagram @GloriacChao.

Image: Cover for When You Wish Upon a Lantern

Win a copy of Drew Leclair Gets a Clue, book one in the Drew Leclair mystery series, signed and annotated by middle grade author Katryn Bury. Notes will include extra clues, easter eggs, and more!

Will ship within the United States.

Katryn Bury works with middle grade readers as a youth library technician. A lifelong true crime nerd, she has a bachelor's degree in sociology and criminology. She lives in Oakland, California with her family and a vast collection of Nancy Drew mysteries.

Image: Cover for Drew Leclair Gets a Clue

Win a signed and annotated copy of How to Wear a Sari. Find out what changes were made during the editorial process and which steps of sari draping are the hardest for the author.

Will ship within the United States.

Darshana Khiani is an author, engineer, and an advocate for South Asian children's literature. She is infinitely curious about the world and enjoys sharing her findings with young readers.

Image: Cover for How to Wear a Sari

Become a character in one of Stacey's novels! By bidding on this item, you give Stacey permission to use your name for a character in one of her future novels. She can promise this character will have a speaking role in at least one scene. However, she cannot promise what kind of character they will be, or if they will even live through the entire book. The novel your character will appear is currently in the process of being written, and has not yet been announced-so she cannot tell you the exact publication date of this book, only that it will be some time in the future.

Stacey Lee is the New York Times and Indie bestselling author of historical and contemporary young adult fiction, including The Downstairs Girl, a Reese's Book Club YA pick, and her most recent novel, Luck of the Titanic, which received five starred reviews. A native of southern California and fourth-generation Chinese American, she is a co-founder of the We Need Diverse Books movement and writes stories for all kids (even the ones who look like adults).

Image: Headshot of Stacey Lee

Win the ability to name a character in Randy's next Young Adult book!

Randy Ribay was born in the Philippines and raised in the Midwest. He's the author of An Infinite Number of Parallel Universes, After the Shot Drops, and Patron Saints of Nothing, which was a 2019 National Book Award finalist.

Image: Headshot of Randy Ribay

Win your name as a character in Chris Grabenstein's next book in the New York Times bestselling Lemoncello Library series.

Chris Grabenstein is the multiple-award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Lemoncello, Smartest Kid, Dog Squad, Wonderland, and Haunted Mystery series. He's also co-authored three dozen fun and fast paced bestsellers with James Patterson.

Image: Headshot of Chris Grabenstein

Win the opportunity to name a character in one of Jen Ferguson's future Young Adult books! It's the perfect opportunity to offer tribute to a loved one or take quiet literary revenge on a nemesis. You do you, friends and foes!

Jen Ferguson (she/her) is Métis and white, an activist, a feminist, an auntie, and an accomplice armed with a PhD in English and Creative Writing. She believes writing, teaching and beading are political acts. Her debut YA novel, The Summer of Bitter and Sweet, is out now from Heartdrum / HarperCollins.

Image: Headshot of Jen Ferguson, photo by Mel Shea, earrings by The Beads Knees

Win the chance to name TWO characters AND their favorite ice cream flavors in Alex Gino's next book, Green (set in the Stonewall-award winning Melissa world.) The characters are six-year-old twins, but you can name them after anyone you like (first names only).

Alex Gino loves glitter, ice cream, gardening, awe-ful puns, and stories that reflect the complexity of being alive. They are author of several middle grade books, including the Stonewall Award-winning Melissa. Originally from Staten Island, NY, they now live in the Hudson Valley with their cats, Thunder and Lightning.

Image: Headshot of Alex Gino

Win a print or painting from illustrator Alana Ladson Art. This is the chance to bring one of her custom paintings home!

Will ship within the United States.

Alana Ladson Art is an illustrator who loves drawing people of color and magical, mythical beings.

Image: Headshot of Alana Ladson Art

Win the chance to name a character (after yourself, a friend, a loved one) in Adib Khorram's next book!

Picture Book, Young Adult, or Adult only.

Adib Khorram is the award-winning author of Darius the Great Is Not Okay, Darius the Great Deserves Better, Kiss & Tell, Seven Special Somethings, and the forthcoming adult romance Wine Pairings series.

Image: Headshot of Adib Khorram

Win a signed copy of LOVE IN THE WILD (LGBTQ+ inclusive board book) and a 5"x7" signed original painting from Katy Tanis!

United States shipping only, please.

Katy Tanis is an author, illustrator and explorer. She lives and works at the Jersey shore. She spends most of her days chasing deadlines but occasionally wanders to far-off places, like
Madagascar, where she chases primates instead. Her work is inspired by specific ecosystems and the wonderful webs of life that they contain. She has a soft spot for the weirdos of the animal kingdom. She's never met a color she didn't like.

Image: the book cover of LOVE IN THE WILD and a photo of painted colorful butterflies

Win an annotated copy of the rom-com Chef's Kiss and a bookmark!

A high-strung pastry chef's professional goals are interrupted by an unexpected career transition and the introduction of her wildly attractive nonbinary kitchen manager in this deliciously fresh and witty queer rom-com.

United States shipping only, please.

TJ Alexander is an amateur baker and 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.

Image description: book cover of Chef's Kiss