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July - August 2016
Upcoming NESCBWI Events
Check out the NESCBWI events page for
up-to-the-minute listingshttps://www.facebook.com/nescbwi/events?key=events
See page 4 for a list.
July 29-August 1, 2016SCBWI
Annual Summer Conference
in Los Angeles
September 9 - 11Squam Lake Retreat
September 24Encore!
Providence, RI
March 17-19, 2017!Whispering Pines
Apr 21, 2017 – Apr 23, 2017
NESCBWI 2017
News the society of children’s book writers illustrators&New England
E. B. Lewis in BostonSarah S. Brannen
Acclaimed illustrator E. B. Lewis made an inspiring visit to the Greater Boston Illustrators’ Group on June 8. Lewis, who is a Coretta Scott King Award winner and a Caldecott honoree, spoke to the group of about twenty illustrators about his work and did portfolio reviews. He told the group to think of
themselves as story-tellers rather than illustrators. The visit was made possible with a grant from the New England SCBWI chapter. While in Boston, Lewis visited twelve branches of the Boston Public Library and spoke to students in grades 3 to 6. According to BPL Manager of Youth Services Farouqua Abzeit, Lewis showed slides of his childhood and told the story of how art saved his life. He is dyslexic and had behavioral problems from trying to hide his learning disability. When he discovered art, he felt that he had found his purpose. The library gave a book to each child who attended the presentations. Photos courtesy of Sarah S. Brannen, GBIG coordinator. Front row: E. B. Lewis, Julia Young, Karen Walker, Stephanie Vecellio. Back row: Joy Nelkin Wieder, Keith Favazza, Sarah Brannen, Mary Lapointe-Malchik, Yvonne Ivinson, Shirley Fadden, Ilse Plume, James Ryan, Ioana Hobai, Jen desAustels, Priscilla Alpaugh Cotter
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What’s Inside!The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators New England Who’s Who page 2 NESCBWI Resources page 3 What’s Going On... page 4Member News page 5NESCBWI17 Call for logo submissions page 6 NESCBWI16 Wrap-Up page 7Volunteer Thanks page 8Market News page 9From the RA’s Desk page 13Updated Critique Groups page 14Call for Workshop Proposals page 18
The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators New England Who’s Who
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nescbwi
The NEWS is available to all SCBWI members through www.newengland.scbwi.orgTheNew England Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators is a chapter of the international Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, 8271 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048. See www.scbwi.org for more information. Articles and events listed in the NEWS are for your information only and, except for SCBWI sponsored events, should not be considered an endorsement. The New England region is an all-volunteer organization. To volunteer, please email your regional advisor. Original artwork and articles are property of their creators and may be reproduced only with their written permission.
NESCBWI C0-Regional Advisors
At-large & Conference DirectorMarilyn Salerno [email protected] Francine Drive Holliston, MA 01746
Southern NE (CT, RI)Sally Riley [email protected]
Central NE (MA)Margo Lemieux [email protected]
Northern NE (ME, NH, VT)Kathy Quimby Johnson [email protected]
Assistant Regional AdvisorKris Asselin [email protected]
Assistant Regional Advisor & Critique Group CoordinatorStacy [email protected]
Assistant Regional Advisor & WebmasterGreg Fishbone [email protected]
Assistant Regional AdvisorFrancine Puckly [email protected]
Assistant Regional Advisor & PAL CoordinatorKristine C. Asselin [email protected]
Marketing CoordinatorLinda Crotta [email protected]
Conference [email protected] Kelly 2015-16Josh Funk 2016-17Marilyn Salerno Co-Regional AdvisorSera Rivers 2017-18
Email List OrganizerSally [email protected]
New England Illustrator CoordinatorsDenise Ortakales [email protected] Reardon [email protected]
NEWS StaffEditor-in-ChiefMargo Lemieux [email protected] 583Mansfield, MA 02048
Market News EditorJ. L. Bell
Member News EditorKate [email protected]
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NESCBWI ResourcesKathy Quimby Johnson
Where to Find….The web, the net, the interwebz—whatever you call it, it’s vast. That means it’s hard to know where to start when you want to find information (“What’s the theme for the next New England SCBWI conference?” or get the word out (“I’m doing a signing at…”).New England SCBWI offers multiple resources, but some of them have been around long enough that it’s worth a brief review.
Social Media: Facebook: “Like” https://www.facebook.com/nescbwi to keep up with official New
England SCBWI events, from the annual conference (and the call for proposals) and Crystal Kite voting to retreats, workshops, Encores, etc. Newsletter availability is also posted here.
Check out the NESCBWI events page for up-to-the-minute listings https://www.facebook.com/nescbwi/events?key=events
Twitter: @nescbwi and #nescbwi also offers information about events.The listserv: The New England listserv is one of the most interactive places for members. This is where you can post your writing events—signings, bookstore appearances—and make announcements such as agents acquired or books sold. It’s also the place to look for a roommate for or a ride to the New England conference or encore or a New England SCBWI workshop.
To join the listserv you will need to have a Yahoo account or a gmail address. Sign into Yahoo (yahoo.com) and go to: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/nescbwi/info. The listserv is available in digest form, which minimizes the number of daily emails you receive.**If you are looking for a critique group, either email Critique Group Coordinator Stacy Mozer at [email protected] or visit nescbwicritiques.blogspot.com.
To assure that you receive email announcements of the bimonthly newsletter and other occasional communications, make sure your name is included on our regional email list. The link for that is available on our website’s resource page: http://newengland.scbwi.org/resources/
That brings me to the most important point of all: Visit us on the web. Nescbwi.org is available when you log in to scbwi.org. While you are at scbwi.org, please also take the opportunity to update your member profile, especially your email address. That way you’ll stay informed about what’s going on in our very busy region.
You’ll find your region on your member profile page. One click and you’ll find yourself at the New England home page. Useful links are on the right, including one to “Resources,” where you’ll find more detailed information about many of the resources listed here.
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What’s Going On
Please check out the NESCBWI Facebook Events Page. You will find an up-to-date listing of events there. https://www.facebook.com/nescbwi/events?key=events
Also the Regional Meet & Greets Facebook Page. These are small informal events organized locally (contact PALARA@nescbwi.
org). Or go to https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=new%20england%20scbwi%20regional%20meet%20and%20greets.
Here’s a list copied from the event page. Click on the link to see all the information.
JUL13 Western MA Meet & Greet, Wed 6 PM · .Packard’s, Northampton, MA JUL19 NorthMetroWest MA, Tue 7:30 PM ,Aprile’s European Restaurant, North Chelmsford, MA JUL29 Annual Summer Conference in Los Angeles (July 29-August 1, 2016), Los Angeles, CA AUG16 North Metrowest Meet & Greet, Tue 7:30 PM, Kimballs Ice Cream Farm, Westford, MA AUG16 SouthMetroWest MA, Tue 7:30 PM, West End Creamery, Whitinsville, MA AUG23 Concord NH Illustrators (and more), Tue 6:30 PM, BAM (Books A Million), Concord, NH SEP9 Squam Lake Retreat - Registration closes August 1st, Rockywold Deephaven Camps at Squam Lake Armstrong Road - Holderness, NH SEP24 Encore! - Watch for updates, Sat 9 AM, Providence, RI
2017
MAR17 Whispering Pines Retreat, Mar 17, 2017 - Mar 19, 2017 , W. Alton Jones Campus, West Greenwich, RI APR21 NESCBWI 2017 Apr 21, 2017 - Apr 23, 2017 NESCBWI 2017 Apr 21, 2017 – Apr 23, 2017
Photo: the Southeast MA Meet N Greet hosted by Michelle Cusolito at Brew Pub, Marion, MA
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Member NewsKate Lynch
Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple were recently presented with the Margaret Wise Brown Prize Honor Book for their work, You Nest Here With Me, a lyrical goodnight book illustrated by Melissa Sweet and Published by Boyds Mills Press.
NESCBWI members were presented awards at the Annual Conference in Springfield. The art awards were Ann Barrow Art Scholarship Award - Laura Ferraro Close (Lower right: Laura, Milanka Reardon), Portfolio Showcase - Honorable Mention - Sarita Rich (top right) and Renee Kurilla (Left top with Denise Ortakales), Winner - David Bird, R. Michelson Gallery Emerging Artist Award - Milanka Reardon (photos next page).
The Ruth Landers Glass Scholarship was awarded to Jeanne Zulick-Ferruolo, (Center left photo: Francine Puckly, Heather Kelly, Jeanne Zulick-Ferruolo) The Peg Davol Picture Book Unpublished Manuscript Scholarship to Carrie Finison for ON A RAINFOREST NIGHT and The Peg Davol Picture Book Published Manuscript Scholarship to Deborah Russ for GOOD MORNING SNOWPLOW. (Lower left photo: Heather Kelly, Carrie Finison, Kathy Quimby Johnson, Deborah Russ)
If you have any member news that you’d like to share, please send me your news, bio info and any images that you’d like to include to, Kate Lynch, SCBWI Member News Editor: [email protected]
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Awards at NESCBWI.Left David Bird & Denise Ortakales
Right: NESCBWI Illustrator Co-cordinator Milanka Reardon is awarded the R. Michelson Gallery Emerging Artist Award
Looking aheadNew England SCBWI 2016: The POWER of (RE) INVENTION
Call for Submissions2017 Spring Conference Logo Illustrator
New England SCBWI is looking for an illustrator for our 2017 Spring Conference, they’re work to be featured on most conference materials. This will be a piece of art created specifically (no existing artwork) for the conference theme.
Eligibility• Must be a current member of New England SCBWI (Join before submitting, if you are not!) • All membership levels eligible—PAL, self-published, unpublished and student • Must have a suitable body of work. Terms• One full color illustration, and perhaps several spots if appropriate. You will be art directed by a member of the regional team and/or conference director, so please expect to make some changes. • Payment will be one free admission to the conference for the weekend. Travel, room, board, and other expenses like critiques would be your responsibility. You would also have the chance to sign books if you are published. • NESCBWI is asking for first publication rights for a period extending two months after the conference, for all promotional purposes including web and email, conference signage and paperwork. • Copyright remains with the artist as do all other rights not granted to NESCBWI. The artist may do whatever they like with their image (show in their portfolio, license, sell posters, etc.) after the contracted period. (It will be the artist’s responsibility to register the copyright, if desired.) • All finished art is to be supplied to NESCBWI digitally. If you work traditionally, you will be responsible for scanning. • Final art will be due August 25, 2016. Do not submit if you are unable to complete the work in that time frame, or have other commitments. • NESCBWI is not bound or required to choose an artist based on submissions.
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How to Submit• Send an email to [email protected] with a link to your website, or a dropbox folder (preferred.) Theme doesn’t matter yet. We’re looking at style. • OR attach a .pdf no larger than 3MB with your six best images (preferred.) • OR mail non-returnable color copies (NO originals please) of your six best images to: NESCBWI Conference Logo Coordinator, 711 Shore Drive, Laconia, NH 03246. • Deadline for submission is June 22, 2016. A decision will be made, and the chosen illustrator notified by June 30, 2016. Best of luck to everyone!
Conference Wrap-up
2016 Annual New England Spring Conference ReportThe Power of (Re) Invention
Josh Funk, Heather Kelly and Marilyn SalernoCo-Directors
The 2016 Conference will go down in the SCBWI NE record book as the largest one in our history. Over the course of three days, 699 attendees and faculty registered for the conference and the Sheraton Springfield Hotel was alive with workshops, intensives, manuscript and portfolio critiques, Agent Quick Queries, Career Consultations, a Portfolio Showcase, an Illustrator Challenge, Open Mike, Ask a Mentor, Genre Meet-ups, Regional Meet-ups, a Pitch Contest chaired by the Book Doctors, keynote speakers, a slide show of member ‘s books published since the last conference, and plenty of raffle prizes.
One special raffle event is the keynote baskets, prepared by volunteer Joannie Duris. She interviewed the keynote speakers, Jane Yolen, Patrick Carmen, Wendy Mass, and Jarrett Krosoczka and then filled their “door prize basket” with all their favorite things. Jane Yolen laughed as she gave away her basket and noticed that one of her favorite teacups was in the basket next to her favorite tea.
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The workshops offered were many and varied and attendees enjoyed selecting from a long list of choices. One important fact to share: we had over one hundred volunteers helping out with all the tasks needed to keep a conference this size up and running. Thanks to all those who gave their time and we hope you continue to volunteer.
From the workshops that I attended an important message was repeated and emphasized again and again. Keep working and revising. A wonderful quote from Robert Cormier comes to mind. He said, “Be a rewriter. Once a brain surgeon has to get it right the first time.” Be persistent and diligent and you will be successful.
If you were unable to attend this year’s conference, you have a second chance to experience some of the most popular workshops. This fall, we will host two ENCORE days, one in September and one in November. Read the newsletter for the information and watch the list serve for information on registration.
Mark your calendars now for the 2017 Spring Conference at the Springfield Sheraton, April 21, 22, and 23rd. We hope you will join us.
Best of luck in your work, Marilyn Salerno
Photos: Keynoter Wendy Mass. Below Wendy shows off some of her rejection letters.
NESCBWI16 Volunteer ThanksSera RiversVolunteer Coordinator
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped out at this year’s NESCBWI conference. Whether working the registration table, checking lunch badges, handling workshops, timing critiques, managing evening activities, doing transportation, or helping out wherever needed—you were all an integral part of the conference’s success!
In 2011, I started volunteering for the conference so I could make new friends and get more involved with NESCBWI. The experience was so amazing that I’ve volunteered every year since. But I never quite understood the direct connection between volunteers and conference success until I became Volunteer Coordinator. The conference cannot run without you! I am so grateful that I had such an enthusiastic and hardworking team of volunteers who were ready and willing to step in and step up throughout the weekend. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! I hope to see you next year! ~Sera Rivers
Sharon Abra Hanen, Kristy Acevedo, Kari Allen, Priscilla Alpaugh, John Alston, Ronni Arno, Kris Asselin, Leslie Ann Beauregard, J. L. Bell, Deborah A. Belle, Christine Bennett, Deborah Blake Dempsey, Linda Crotta Brennan, Doreen Buchinski, Sandra Joy Budiansky, Leslie Bulion, Molly Burnham, Kelly Calabrese, Kirsti Call, Kelly
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Carey, Katie Carroll, April Carter, Ellen Cohen, E B Connolly, Jaramy Connors, Sarah Corson, Janet Costa Bates, Michelle Cusolito, Rita Czizmadia, Jill Dailey, Jenn DesAutels, Jessica Dickinson, Erin Dionne, Deb DiTomaso, Joannie Duris, Melanie Ellsworth, Kearen Enright, Shirley Fadden, Shannon Falkson, Shirley Fickie, Heidi Fiedler, Greg Fishbone, Matt Forrest Esenwine, Cindy Freitas, Alice Fulgione, Josh Funk, Judy Gangel,
Susan Garrett, Carole Gaudet, Annie Gaughen, Paula Golub Tigar, Carol Gordon Ekster, Daryl-Lynne Gottier, Liz Goulet DuBois, Nancy Gray, Lori Green, Alicia Gregoire, Jenna Grodzicki, Susan Groh, Caitlin Gutheil, Robin Hansen, Susan E. Harris, Melissa Hed, Celeste June Henriquez, Brianne Hills, Sally Hinkley, Adeline Hooper, Sandra Horning, Darlene Ivy, Heather Jessen, Lisa Jobe, Marti Johnson, Joyce Johnson, Lorettajo Kapinos, Jess Keating, Justin Keating, Heather Kelly, Marianne Knowles, Betsy Koscher, Gary LaCoste, Rajani Larocca, Sheri Larsen, Trisha Leaver, Karin Lefranc, Sharon Legasey, Ruth Lehrer, Margo Lemieux, Rebekah Lowell, Kate Lynch, Kimberly Mach, Jen Malone, Kate Manning, Michele Manning, Delia Marcinuk, Nicole Markel, Kimberly McCollum,
Wendy McDonald, Marit Menzin, Christy Mihaly, Dan Moynihan, Stacy Mozer, Carol Munro, Craig Munson, Kate Narita, Melissa Nelson, Linda Norman-Lyman, Patricia Nozell, Deb O’Brien, Sue O’Connor, Erica Orloff, Denise Ortakales, Laura Pauling, Shirley Pearson, Sabrina Petersen, Jen Petro-Roy, Fran Prescott, Francine Puckly, Kathy Quimby Johnson, Milanka Reardon, Anna Redding, Julie Reich, Sarah Lynne Reul, Mary Richmond, Sally Riley, Sera Rivers, Joan Robb, Lisa Robinon, Warren Ross, Andrew Sabourin, Laura Salafia, Marilyn Salerno, Ruth Sanderson, Melissa Schorr, Kate Simpson, Martha Simpson, Melanie Singer, Rebecca Smith-Allen, Amy Spiegel, Heather Steffens, Gayle Stern, Karen Stevens, Jen Stratton, Nancy Tandon, Sam Taylor, Monica Tesler, Meg Thacher, Pam Vaughan, Jeanne Marie Walsh, Andrea Wang, Victoria Warneck, Eileen Washburn, Emily Wayne,
Rebecca Wells, Anne Wert, Laura Wheeler, Kip Wilson, Kristen Wixted, Jean Woodbury, Amy Wyman; Julia Young
NESCBWI16 Conference Co-directors Heather Kelly, Marilyn Salerno, Josh Funk
Volunteers Andrew P. Sabourin & Julia Anne Young (NESCBWI16 logo designer
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Market NewsJ. L. Bell
In the eighteenth century, many authors financed their books on the subscription model. They approached likely readers in person or through advertisements, collected advance payments or (more often) promises to buy copies, and went to press only after gathering enough money or advance sales to pay for the printing. Sometimes the pre-publication subscribers’ names were printed inside the book, the best-known supporters providing prestige for both the publication and the other sponsors.
This system did not always work, of course. Sometimes it took authors years to collect enough subscriptions to publish. The Boston poet Phillis Wheatley sought funds to publish a book of poems locally in 1772 but ended up instead traveling to London the next year to find a wealthy patron (and better printing). Six years later, after the US became independent, the poet—now Phillis Peters—advertised another collection of writing to be published by subscription in Boston. That campaign failed, and some of the poems her advertisement promised have been lost.
The internet has brought the subscription model of publishing back as “crowdfunding.” That method of raising funds has become very important in some publishing sectors, such as self-published comics. The most popular crowdfunding firm, Kickstarter, even employs Publishing Outreach Leads to recruit and offer advice to individuals and organizations who want to raise money through its website.
Until late this spring Maris Kreizman was one of those Kickstarter experts. In March the Observer ran an article detailing her workday (observer.com/2016/04/maris-kreizman/). Some of her biggest successes have involved established names, such as McSweeney’s. But most people who try crowdfunding are individuals, and they don’t just seek funds to publish books: “there have been a wave of traditionally published authors who maybe want to go on tour or do extra research or do something for which they don’t have quite enough money.”
Recently Publishers Weekly reported on a children’s book that achieved extraordinary success through crowdfunding (www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/70532-kids-book-for-rebel-girls-makes-crowdfunding-history.html/). Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo used Kickstarter to raise money for Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, a middle-grade book of “bedtime stories written as if they were fairytales about 100 inspiring women.” They set a goal of securing $40,000 to publish 1,000 hardcover copies illustrated in color.
The feminist—and rebellious—message of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls was a crucial part of its appeal. As Kreizman said, “People who back Kickstarters love the story, they love feeling like they are in the ground floor of the process.”
A traditional publishing firm would probably have commissioned one artist to illustrate the entire book. Favilli and Cavallo instead recruited one hundred female artists from around the globe to each portray one of the profiled women. That meant that the book had one hundred more people from different parts of the world motivated to promote the crowdfunding campaign.
Another big factor in crowdfunding success is convincing potential funders that you can actually carry out your project. As Kreizer wrote, “being able to indicate that you have a sense of how to do it is very important. You can have a great idea for a book, but if you don’t mention how you are planning on getting it published or what you are going to do, that’s a warning sign.” Favilli and Cavallo had already created Timbuktu Magazine, an iPad magazine for children, providing them with experience and a platform.
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The campaign for Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls reached its initial goal within two days. Three weeks later, it was “the most funded children’s book in the history of Kickstarter.” At the end of the subscription period, Favilli and Cavallo had raised 1689% of their funding goal, bringing in more than $675,000 from more than 13,000 backers. As a record-breaker, that project is an outlier. Most crowdfunding campaigns don’t succeed at all. But this model of publishing is once again a viable avenue for authors and small publishers to consider.
AGENTS
Emerald City Literary Agency: Lindsay Mealing is now a Junior Agent representing science fiction, fantasy, and YA. She does not represent middle-grade or picture books. For guidelines, see: emeraldcityliterary.com/lindsaymealing/. (Chuck Sambuchino, Writer’s Market)
Erin Murphy Literary Agency: Tara Gonzalez was promoted to Associate Agent while continuing to work as Murphy’s assistant and social media coordinator. The agency’s website says, “She loves all ages of children’s literature, but her passion is in young adult and middle grade novels.” The agency does not respond to “unsolicited queries or submissions,” but its agents seek to meet authors at conferences. (Publishers Marketplace)
Gallt and Zacker: Marietta Zacker became a partner in the firm, formerly called the Nancy Gallt Literary Agency. • Erin Casey was promoted to junior agent; she was previously an intern. The new agency website is: www.galltzacker.com/submissions.html/. (PW)
KT Literary: On Twitter agent Sara Megibow said about the challenge of identifying useful “comp titles” that “great comparable titles are published in the past 2-3 years by major publishing houses and have a clear relation to your story.” Also, “‘this book is truly cross-genre’ in a query letter is actually not that helpful,” because a genre label helps to locate a book in the marketplace. Agency guidelines: ktliterary.com/submissions/.
Laura Dail Literary Agency: Elana Roth Parker joined the firm, closing her own Red Tree Literary agency after four years. She will work from a new office in Detroit. Parker seeks to represent “Middle-grade and young adult fiction (all genres, though horror, thriller, Christmas, or talking animal books are not a good match); narrative non-fiction for children and teens; picture books from author/illustrators only.” Guidelines: www.ldlainc.com/submissions/.
Lippincott, Massie & McQuilkin: Julie Stevenson will join the firm as an agent, having worked at Waxman Leavell and Sobel Weber Associates. Her list includes “YA and children’s books,” among other categories. “She will divide her time between New York and her hometown of Missoula, Montana.” (Publishers Marketplace) Guidelines at: www.lmqlit.com/contact.html/.
Nancy Gallt Literary Agency: See Gallt and Zacker.
Red Tree Literary: Elena Roth Parker closed shop to join the Laura Dail Literary Agency.
Stimola Literary Studio: Erica Rand Silverman joined the company as a Senior Agent after eight years at Sterling Lord Literistic. She focuses on children’s literature, “picture books through YA.” (PW) Submissions guidelines: www.stimolaliterarystudio.com/#/Submissions/.
PUBLISHERS
Albert Whitman: Jordan Kost was promoted to Creative Director. • Editorial Director Kelly Barrales-Saylor departed for Sourcebooks. (Publishers Marketplace)
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Lee and Low: Tu Books tweeted that it wants to publish one graphic novel per year, so that will be an acquisition priority for a while. Guidelines for manuscripts: www.leeandlow.com/writers-illustrators/writing-guidelines-tu-books/.
Little Bee Books: Sonali Fry was promoted to Publisher. The picture-book firm does not accept unsolicited manuscripts from authors; it will look at postcards from artists.
Macmillan: With the Thomas Dunne Books division cutting back, Kat Brzozowski moved to become an Editor at the Swoon Reads YA digital-publishing website and Feiwel and Friends. (Publishers Marketplace, PW)
Month9Books: Georgia McBride, founder of this small press focusing on “speculative middle grade and young adult fiction,” announced that she was cutting back on acquisitions for financial and health reasons. McBride announced that the company would revert rights to some fifty authors across its imprints, including Tantrum Books for middle-grade readers. The firm continues to issue and market books, but some authors have still reported concerns about late or absent royalty payments. (YA Interrobang)
PowerHouse: The publishing office is moving to 55 Washington Street in Brooklyn. (Publishers Marketplace)
Running Press Kids: Adrienne Szpyrka will join the company in July as an Associate Editor, coming from Sky Pony Press. As part of the Perseus Books Group, the company does not accept unsolicited submissions. (Publishers Marketplace)
Sky Pony Press: Kylie Brien was promoted to Assistant Editor. (PW) • Adrienne Szpyrka departed for Running Press Kids. Submission guidelines: www.skyponypress.com/guidelines/. (Publishers Marketplace)
Sourcebooks: Kelly Barrales-Saylor became the firm’s Editorial Director of Children’s Nonfiction at the Sourcebooks Jabberwocky division, coming from a similar post at Albert Whitman. The company is not accepting unagented projects now. (Publishers Marketplace, members)
WEBSITES
Authors Guild: The organization ran a joint interview with three literary agents, including Eric Myers of Dystel & Goderich Literary Management, about how they work and how the industry has changed in the past ten years. See: www.authorsguild.org/industry-advocacy/agents-roundtable-three-agents-reveal-theyre-really-looking-authors/. (Tracy Barrett) Writing and Illustrating: Kathy Temean’s website shared Folio Literary Management agent and author John Cusick’s formula for a successful query opening: “X is Y until Z.” For decoding, see: kathytemean.wordpress.com/2016/05/10/foolproof-never-fail-silver-bullet-query-opening/.
Ali Almossawi: The data engineer and designer offered a striking graphic of all the imprints that fit into the five big U.S. publishing conglomerates: almossawi.com/big-five-publishers/. (Harold Underdown)
J. L. Bell is a freelance editor, author, and historian. He maintains a near-daily blog on Revolutionary New England (boston1775.net) and helped to create Colonial Comics (Fulcrum, 2014–). His new grown-up book is The Road to Concord: How Four Stolen Cannon Ignited the Revolutionary War (Westholme, 2015). Which explains all that stuff at the start of this column about eighteenth-century publishing.
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From the RA Desk:The Ins and Outs of Critique Groups
Stacy Barnett MozerNE ARA and Critique Group Coordinator
As regional critique group coordinator, new writers looking for feedback on their work often approach me. A critique group can be a wonderful way for a writer to get that feedback, but before you look for one to join, make sure that you know what a critique group is, and what it is not. In today’s RA Desk I hope to demystify the critique group so that you will know if it is something you are truly looking to join.
A critique group is not the place to do initial research about the children’s book world. Before seeking out a group, make sure you know something about children’s books. If you don’t, do the following – go to your local bookstore or library and ask the librarian or children’s bookseller to show you at least 10 books published within the past two years at the level you think you are writing (board book, picture book, chapter book, middle grade, young adult). As you read these books, cover to cover, think about the word count, the language and sentence structure, the length, the types of stories, etc. Having this knowledge first hand will make you a better critique group partner – and a better writer.
A critique group is a place where people will give you constructive feedback.As much as it is great to hear that things are going well in your writing, it’s even more important to know when things aren’t going as well as you thought they were. If you join a critique group, there will be many things you write that others will think need work – and that’s a good thing. Your critique group is there to make you the best writer you can be. You have to be willing to learn and listen and make changes. That doesn’t mean you have to do everything the group says, but if you aren’t willing to listen and apply at least some of the feedback, then you need an open mic, not a critique group. Don’t join unless your purpose is to do the work.
A critique group is a place where you will give others constructive feedback.If you are sure you are ready to take in and use criticism, you also have to make sure you are ready to give helpful feedback to others. You have to read the work of your partners and find ways for them to make their work better. You have to be willing to be honest and clear about your opinion, while being understanding if not everyone in the group agrees with you.
A critique group is a community of writers. When you join you become part of a tribe of people who will share joy in your accomplishments and will hopefully be there for you along your journey, no matter how long or how bumpy. But in order to have that support, you have to give as much as you get. If your purpose is to get feedback on YOUR work but you are not willing to give that same time and consideration for others, a critique group is not for you. If you are ready to find your tribe, get and give feedback, and become part of a community of writers, it’s time to seek one out.
All critique groups are not for everyone.Once you look for a critique group, you’ll need to find one that fits. NESCBWI has no regional critique groups. A volunteer runs each of our groups on their own schedule in their own location. This means that while I oversee the groups and provide support, the leader gets to decide who joins the group and whether to accept and keep people as members. They are not required to take in a writer whose work or attitude does not match the group. If you are having trouble finding a group that fits, the best solution is to have me help you start your own group. Then you can decide the type of group you want to create. Our goal is to find the best group for every writer.
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Open Groups
THIS INFORMATION IS FOUND AT http://nescbwicritiques.blogspot.com. If you have a group that is not listed or if you need a group and do not see a group open in your area, you can fill out our online request form at https://goo.gl/mJ9EeC or contact Stacy Mozer at [email protected]. Please include your name, city, state, and what you write (PB, MG, YA). For illustrator groups, contact Denise Ortakales at [email protected].
Connecticut
CT - Bethel Sunday Scribes welcomes writers of Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction who are working toward publication and are willing to give/receive honest constructive critiques. For more information, contact [email protected] CT - Cheshire, Hamden, and Prospect AreaContact Ron Gagliardi [email protected] CT - Danbury AreaLooking for serious and committed writers of middle grade/YA fiction in the Bethel-Redding-Easton-Ridgefield-Danbury area. This group is for those who want frequent feedback on their work. For more information contact [email protected] CT - GlastonburyWe are open for story crafters! “Connecticut Writers’ Group” meets in Glastonbury, CT two Tuesdays a month at Barnes and Noble, 630-830 pm. Visit web site for further info and inquiries. www.debditomaso.com CT - GranbyLooking for fiction and nonfiction picture book writers who are serious about creating published work for children. Contact Mary at [email protected] for more information. CT – GreenwichLooking for Young Adult/Adult writers in Greenwich, CT. The group focus is staying productive and asking the right questions while providing meaningful feedback about a fellow writer’s work. Other manuscript formats - middle grade and picture book manuscripts - will be considered outside of the critique group space among writers and authors who fiddle around with multi-format work (I do!) and would like to exchange other works. The group will meet at the main Greenwich Library once per month. Please contact Kathryn Merrifield at [email protected]. CT - Guilford/Shoreline AreaOnce Upon a Shoreline Writer’s Group welcomes all and orally critiques any material (manuscript or portfolio) aimed at the children’s market. We draw from an area stretching from New Haven, CT east through Lyme and inland to Middletown and, in twenty-five years, our members have popped champagne corks 157 times for new contracts signed. The group currently meets at Guilford Community Center on the first Wednesday of every month from 7:00-10:00pm. Contact [email protected] CT – KillingworthAuthor/Illustrator John Himmelman is coordinating a critique group for writers and/or illustrators – focusing on picture books through middle grade. You don’t have to be published to join! We will discuss market news, submission success and failures, and everyone will have the opportunity to read his or her stories for constructive, honest feedback. Visit http://www.johnhimmelman.com and click “Children’s Book Critique Group” for more information or email me at [email protected]. CT - ManchesterThe Manchester Children’s Writers Critique Group welcomes authors writing for children in any type of genre with the goal of publication. We meet on the second Wednesday of the month from 6:30-9:00pm. Please contact D. Scott Stewart at the email address above with inquiries, including potential openings in the group and updates in meeting locations and times. Contact [email protected] CT - MysticA small critique group for picture books and middle grade novels will be meeting at the Mystic and Noank Library monthly in Mystic, CT one weekday morning each month. Please respond only if you are writing in the children’s genre routinely or a published author looking to receive and give constructive criticism for manuscripts. Please contact me at [email protected] with interest. CT - WestonThe Weston Group is for MG/YA authors. We meet once a month on a Wednesday night. Contact Chris Friden at [email protected] for more details.
Maine
ME – Midcoast – Brunswick – DamariscottaContact Robin Hansen [email protected]
ME-Portland
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A group of semi-experience middle grade and YA fiction writers (excluding poetry) meets once a month on the second Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Portland. We share writing news, set goals, and critique samples. Members have a solid understanding of the basics of writing and submission, and are working toward the goal of being published but do not have to be published already. This is not a resource for first-time writers looking for guidance in getting started. Visit www.joycedoyle.com and complete the contact form.
ME - PortlandPortland area children’s picture book writers and illustrators, are you ready to do this? As a professional, the best thing that you can do for your writing career is get into a good critique group! Join us twice a month to share manuscripts and/or illustrations and shape works in progress. Our goal is to support each other with constructive, specific feedback that will help each of us present our best works for publication. We will also share experiences, knowledge, and information about the world of children’s publishing. Interested? Please email me at [email protected]
ME - York/KitteryThis group meets on the first Saturday of the month from 9:30-11:30 at the Roast & Crumb coffee house on Route 1 off I-95. Members are primarily interested in picture book writing and illustrating, but are happy to discuss all aspects of Children’s literature and publishing. For more information, please email the group coordinator Melanie Kyer ([email protected]). We are currently accepting new members.
Massachusetts
MA - AmherstOngoing group that originally met at the Hatfield Library and Jones Library. They are now meeting at the Eric Carle Museum on the last Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm. Open to all writers and illustrators at every level of experience. Contact [email protected].
MA - AndoverThe group meets the second or third Wednesday of the month from 7-9 PM at The Memorial Hall Library Activity Room in Andover. Find out more about some of our members at our group blog, Writer’s Rumpus (http://writerumpus.com). Please contact Marianne Knowles to confirm meeting date and time, and to receive group guidelines. Contact [email protected].
MA - Belmont/Newton/Watertown AreaAre you interested in getting published? Come join like-minded children’s authors and illustrators in our now established critique group. We are mostly picture book writers, a few illustrators, and some of us write up through middle grade. There is periodic turnover and I’m happy to bring you in as space becomes available. Contact Drew Dyer at [email protected] if interested.
MA - BerkshiresDo you live in the Berkshires and wonder where all the children’s writers are? We did too, so we have started a group that meets at the Lee Library on the first Thursday of the month. On snow days we critique via email. PB, chapter book, MG, or YA, we welcome you and your work. We provide critique and support and share information as we work towards publication. Please contact Barbara Sinopoli at [email protected] for details.
MA - Boston/BrooklineJoin our “Green Line” critique group for enthusiastic, dedicated writers. The group will meet twice monthly, somewhere accessible by public transportation. Writers of YA or MG genres who are willing to provide as well (as accept) support and constructive criticism are welcome. Contact Adrienne Kisner at [email protected].
MA - Boston/GBIG (Greater Boston Illustrator’s Group)The Greater Boston Illustrators’ Group meets on the second Wednesday of each month in Weston. Contact Sarah Brannen at [email protected] for more information.
MA - ConcordWe are the Walden Writers, a children’s group that meets once a month in Concord, MA. We are looking for a new member to join our group. Ideally this person is already on the writing path. Our group is a mix of authors and author/illustrators and we tend to lean towards picture books, non-fiction and poetry for children and adolescents. We meet on the first Saturday of the month at the Concord Public Library.
We are particularly interested in finding a new member who is actively writing and submitting. If you are a published author - or if you have a drawer full of rejection notices - we welcome you. Please contact Debra Smith [email protected] or Linda Booth Sweeney [email protected].
MA - FalmouthGroup meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Wait list accepted. Contact Joan Walsh at [email protected] For more information go to http://capecodchildrenswriters.com
MA - GrotonOur ongoing critique group meets on or around the third Wednesday of the month in Groton. We’re looking for serious authors with a focus on middle-grade and YA fiction, although occasional side trips may be made into nonfiction and picture book projects. Current members have projects in historical fiction, science fiction, and paranormal genres. Contact [email protected] for details.
MA - LexingtonLooking for picture books, especially those who focus on rhyming. I am looking for serious authors that are willing to give and receive good feedback for their manuscripts. We’ll meet in Lexington and also offer critiques online. Should you be interested, please email me at [email protected].
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MA - Martha’s VineyardMartha’s Vineyard children’s writers unite! Join us twice a month to share manuscripts. Our primary goal will be to give and get feedback so we can help each other send off our best work for publication. We will also share knowledge about publishers, marketing, agents, and any other information we may have or find about children’s publishing. We are still looking for a few new members. Contact Deb at [email protected]
MA – Montague/Greenfield AreaCalling writers of all types of children’s books. We’re an established group still open to new members that meets in the Montague/Greenfield area, accessible to southern NH and VT. Contact Nell Wright at [email protected] for more information.MA - NewburyportWe are a group of eager writers in children’s literature. We focus our writing in MG and YA fiction in various genres. We support each other through online critique exchange and monthly Saturday critique meetings, where we rotate responsibility to research and lead discussion on aspects of writing important to the group. All members hope to bring our works to publication. We welcome contact by writers with similar goals. Contact Paulette Turco at [email protected]
MA - PeabodySmall critique group meets in Peabody but is currently on hiatus for about a month. We will be seeking new members after April 1. We are open to, and eager to read, all children’s genres. Please contact Joan Williams at [email protected]
MA - SharonLooking for writers and illustrators of picture books. All levels welcome. Please contact Jessie Kravette at [email protected] for more details.
MA - SherbornThe Middle Grade Critique Group at The Writer’s Loft is held on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7pm and the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 10am. We will be alternating between spontaneous critique and presubmitted critique at every other meeting. For more information contact [email protected] and visit http://www.thewritersloft.org
MA - SherbornThe YA Think Tank at The Writer’s Loft is designed to help YA writers at any stage of the writing process. Our goal is to help fully develop material from conception to the final draft. We’ll workshop problematic scenes, troubleshoot character development, work through big picture issues, assist in brainstorming for that new concept, and review your submission package. The group meets the 3rd Saturday of each month from 10am - 12pm. For more information contact [email protected] and visit http://www.thewritersloft.org
MA - SherbornThe Picture Book Critique Group at The Writer’s Loft meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7pm. We read aloud each manuscript and offer feedback in a friendly discussion-based forum. Limit to 4 manuscripts per meeting to ensure they are all given the proper time and care. Open to all on a drop in basis with priority for critiques given to those who attend more frequently. For more information contact [email protected] and visit http://www.thewritersloft.org
MA - SherbornHave you ever wanted to write work-for-hire but don’t know how to get in the door? Are you writing a memoir or some other type of nonfiction project? Join us in the Nonfiction Think Tank at The Writer’s Loft. We meet the first Friday of each month at 10am. For more information contact [email protected] and visit http://www.thewritersloft.org
MA- SomervilleOur established critique group has an opening for a new member! We meet once a month on a Sunday in Davis Square. Our members write everything from picture books to YA, and we work to support one another throughout the writing and submission process. We write across genres, including non-fiction, fantasy, and poetry. We are looking for someone interested in a long-term commitment to the group, who is willing to give and receive constructive criticism. For more information, contact Sarah at [email protected]
MA - South Shore/HinghamAre you a serious children’s book writer? We meet the last Tuesday of the month. Please contact [email protected]
MA - SpringfieldLooking for Springfield area writers, picture books through YA authors. Meetings will be held twice a month to critique manuscripts and share knowledge about publishers, marketing, agents, and other information about children’s publishing. Meeting location/schedule will be determined by member consensus. Contact Cicily Corbett at [email protected]
MA – Western MassDo you dream in 32 page spreads? Do you rattle off daily routines in rhyme? Do you live and breathe to construct the perfect query letter? Do you dig writing picture books? Do you fiddle with metered verse? If you answered yes to any of the above, this is the group for you. Take the plunge towards the golden ticket of publication and join our new group beginning in the Westfield/Southwick area (close ride for Northern CT). This is a strictly picture book group for all writers serious about their craft. Please be willing to share and read others’ work and provide/accept support and constructive criticism. All members hope to bring our works to publication. We welcome contact by writers with similar goals. Meeting location/schedule will be determined by member consensus. The potential for online critique will also be discussed.Contact Nicole Markel at [email protected]
MA - Westhampton
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Illustrator Sunday - A critique group open to illustrators and author/illustrators. Meetings are held once a month on Sundays. New location in Westhampon. Contact Emily Wayne [email protected] to get on mailing list for date and time. Co-leader Ruth Sanderson [email protected].
MA - Western Worcester CountyLooking for writers of YA and MG. The group will provide critiquing opportunities, writing prompts and exercises, information on how to get your work published, support when you are stuck and more. Please e-mail Jenn Grybowski at [email protected] for more information. MA - Worcester Writers and IllustratorsWorcester group for writers and illustrators meets on scheduled Saturdays at the Worcester Public Library at 3pm. Open to PB, MG, and YA. Will meet monthly and email critiques in between. Contact Brook at [email protected] for more details.
New Hampshire
NH - ConcordWe meet at Books a Million (BAM!) on Ft. Eddy Road once a month. Contact Mary Ashcliffe at [email protected] for more information.
NH – HamptonLooking for PB Writer/Illustrators (Pre-Published and Published). Please contact Heather Steffens at [email protected] for more details.
NH – Montague/Greenfield AreaCalling writers of all types of children’s books. Join us in the Montague/Greenfield area, accessible to southern NH and VT. We are meeting on the third Tuesday of the month at Carnegie Library in Turners Falls. Contact Nell Wright at [email protected].
NH - PortsmouthCritique group for PB, MG, and YA is currently full. Check back for new information. Joyce at [email protected].
NH - PortsmouthLooking for Writers of YA or MG genres who are willing to provide as well (as accept) support and constructive criticism are welcome. Please no picture books at this time as the focus is on novels. Please send an email to [email protected] with you interest and a brief bio that includes your current work in progress.
NH - Souhegan Valley - MilfordSCBWI critique group meets the fourth Friday of the month at the Wadleigh Library in Milford, NH. (In the unnamed conference room on the right at the top of the stairs.) Open to all genres picture books, middle grade or ya (fiction or non-fiction) and all levels of experience.
We are also hoping to set up an evening meeting for writers of older (16+) YA material. Contact Sally Wilkins for more information.
Rhode Island
RI - East BayCritique group in East Bay for monthly feedback and energy transfer in Barrington or other suitable location to be determined by the group. Focus is on early chapter books and middle grade. Contact Natasha at [email protected].
RI - SmithfieldTHE SATURDAY CLUB (inspired by the Saturday club of authors that used to meet at The Parker Hotel in Boston) is an all day intensive writing group and gathering. It is located at THE STORY EMPORIUM in The Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street - Suite 8216, Pawtucket RI. It is open for all children’s writers for networking and critique. It is once a month. Contact [email protected]
Vermont
VT - BurlingtonThe Burlington YA/Middle Grade writer’s group is a small group focused on writing for ages 12 and up. We are currently looking for an additional member. Every Friday, we meet, share a short excerpt of our novel, and receive critique. Members come regularly to critique even if they don’t have work to share. Contact Kim at [email protected] if you are interested in joining the group.
VT - Mid-state Vermont (near Hanover, NH & White River Junction, VT, in Fairlee, VT)Writers and illustrators welcome to crit and discuss work (PB, other welcome) experience with the process preferred. Monthly meeting. Contact [email protected]
VT - WilmingtonPlease join us for the Southern Vermont SCBWI critique group. The group will meet at 6:30 pm on the Third Thursday of each month in a tiny cottage on a beautiful parcel in picturesque Wilmington, Vermont. Organized by C.C Fogel a rogue poet turned children book author, the group will be open mic style. The primary focus of the critique group will be writing for children- all levels are welcome. E-Mail [email protected] for more information.
Illustrators and Author-IllustratorsNESCBWI is looking to list illustrator and author illustrator groups in the New England area. If you have a group you would like to have listed, or if you would like to learn more about finding or forming a group in your area, please contact our illustrator coordinator Denise Ortakales at [email protected].
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CT – Hartford AreaA brand new critique group is forming for Illustrators and Writer/Illustrators for children in any type of genre with the goal of publication. Initial dates and structure to be determined by group consensus. Please contact Aileen Casey at [email protected] for more details.
CT – KillingworthAuthor/Illustrator John Himmelman is coordinating a new critique group for writers and/or illustrators – focusing on picture books through middle grade. You don’t have to be published to join! We will discuss market news, submission success and failures, and everyone will have the opportunity to read his or her stories for constructive, honest feedback. Visit http://www.johnhimmelman.com and click “Children’s Book Critique Group” for more information or email me at [email protected].
MA - Boston/GBIG (Greater Boston Illustrator’s Group)The Greater Boston Illustrators’ Group meets on the second Wednesday of each month in Weston. Contact Sarah Brannen at [email protected] for more information.
MA - WesthamptonILLUSTRATOR SUNDAY- A critique group open to illustrators and author/illustrators. Meetings are held once a month on Sundays. New location in Westhampton. Contact Emily Wayne emilyrwayne@hotmail to get on mailing list for date and time. Co-leader Ruth Sanderson [email protected].
VT - Mid-state Vermont (near Hanover, NH & White River Junction, VT, in Fairlee, VT)Writers and illustrators welcome to crit and discuss work (PB, other welcome) experience with the process preferred. Monthly meeting.contact [email protected]
NESCBWI Spring ConferenceCall for Workshop Proposals
Workshop Proposals for #NESCBWI17 are now being accepted. To submit a proposal, fill out the form here: http://goo.gl/forms/9yVSb3N8GmJEdwk52Before you fill out the form, please visit the FAQ page here: https://docs.google.com/…/1MOnClPGbaWdkCdFO0fG2LHECA5…/edit…will know by the end of October. (If the NEWS link doesn’t work, go to the New England SCBWI facebook page for a live link)
Things you need to provide through the form: title of presentation, your bio (under 125 words), description of presentation (250 words or less), detailed outline, and learning outcomes.
We receive hundreds of proposals each year. There are always exceptions, but the majority of workshops we accept are from New England SCBWI members who submit as a single presenter and give more than one workshop at the conference. Feel free to submit three or four workshops so we have choices.
We start building our supportive community now, and we give preference to presenters who have been respectful, honest, and thoughtful to the needs of our conference goers in the past. We also love to bring in new authors, agents, editors, art directors, and workshop presenters. The job of faculty at the conference is to impart their expertise in a way that attendees can hear it.
