1 45 years! Upcoming NESCBWI Events Western MA Meet & Greet Date: Wednesday, Sept 13 Time: 6:00-8:00 pm Venue: Packards Restaurant 14 Masonic St Northampton MA Contact: Sera (questions only) [email protected]North-NorthWest Metro Mass Date: Monday, September 18 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm Venue: Albion Cultural Exchange: 9 Albion Street, Wakefield, MA 01880 Contact Person: Colleen Getty: colleen@ theroomtowrite.com Boston Area - Daytime Date: Tuesday, September 19 Time: 9am-noon Venue: Cornerstone Village Cohousing, 175 Harvey St., Cambridge MA, 02140 Contact Person: Jenise Aminoff, [email protected], Just West of Boston Date: Monday, September 25 Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm Venue: Newtonville Books, Newton Centre, MA Contact Person: Brenda Davis Har- sham: [email protected]See the SCBWI New England Facebook page for more info on Meet & Greets NESCBWI18 April 20-22, 2018 STAY TUNED! N ews the society of children’s book writers illustrators & New England September - October 2017 Above: Volunteers at NESCBWI17. Seated: Shirley Fadden, Kristen Wixted, Heather Kelly. Standing: Laura Woollett, Wendy Maldonado D’Amico, Christy Mihaly. Below: Denise Ortakalas addresses the NESCBWI17 conference.
Transcript
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45 years!
Upcoming NESCBWI Events
Western MA Meet & GreetDate: Wednesday, Sept 13
Time: 6:00-8:00 pmVenue: Packards Restaurant 14 Masonic St
See the SCBWI New England Facebook page for more info on Meet &
Greets
NESCBWI18April 20-22, 2018STAY TUNED!
News the society of children’s book writers illustrators&New EnglandSeptember - October 2017
Above: Volunteers at NESCBWI17. Seated: Shirley Fadden, Kristen Wixted, Heather Kelly. Standing: Laura Woollett, Wendy Maldonado D’Amico, Christy Mihaly. Below: Denise Ortakalas addresses the
NESCBWI17 conference.
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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 4Fall Programming page 5 Market News page 7Member News page 13NESCBWI Updates page 14Updated Critique Groups page 16
The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators New England Your Regional Team
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.
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 see the Regional Meet & Greets Facebook Page. These are small informal events organized locally (contact [email protected]).
Happy Anniversary,
NESCBWI!
It’s our region’s 45th Anniversary, and we’ll be celebrating at our annual
spring conference in April.
If you’re wondering who founded our region, how it’s changed over time, and how many books our
members have published over the years, check out this description of NESCBWI’s proud history.
http://newengland.scbwi.org/history/
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NESCBWI’s Fall 2017 Programming Francine Puckly
Assistant Regional Advisor
Greetings from the Regional Team! We hope all of you have had a relaxing yet productive summer. We’ve been hard at work pulling together fall programming that we feel will greatly benefit our membership and hope you’ll be able to join us for one or more of these events.
Encore Registration is under way for our two Encore programs. This year’s lineup includes: Dana Meachen Rau – “Who Cares? Injecting your Character With a Dose of Emotion” Molly B. Burnham – “The Anatomy of a Giggle: Humor and Writing Funny” A. C. Gaughen – “Mad Cap Character Building” Chris Tebbetts – “Improv and Play for Writers” Erin Dionne – “Quirky Revision Techniques: Using Creative Problem-Solving to Polish That Book”
For registration forms and instructions, please see: http://newengland.scbwi.org/encore/. Cost of registration is $50 for SCBWI members and $75 for Non-members. The fee includes a light breakfast, a hot buffet lunch, book sales, door prizes, and networking with fellow writers.
2017 Encore I September 23rd 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Rhode Island College600 Mount Pleasant AvenueProvidence, RIFor more information, please contact Sally Riley at [email protected].
2017 Encore II October 21st9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Devens Common Center31 Andrews ParkwayDevens, MAFor more information, please contact Francine Puckly at [email protected].
Yes and...: Improv and Play for Writers and other Creative Types Chris Tebbetts’ session on Improv wowed attendees of the 2017 New England SCBWI conference in Springfield and will be offered at Encore I and II. But if you missed the 2017 conference and can’t make it to southern New England for Encore, there’s no need to despair! Chris has expanded his Improv workshop to make it a full-day workshop in Vermont on Saturday, October 7. For registration information, please see https://newengland.scbwi.org/all-day-improv-play-workshop-with-chris-tebbetts/.
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For more information, please contact Kathy Quimby Johnson at [email protected].
Improv and PlayOctober 7th9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.The Unitarian Church of Montpelier130 Main StMontpelier, VT
Agent/Editor DayBack by popular demand—and now expanded to include picture book writers and illustrators!—the Agent/Editor roundtable discussions will take place on Saturday, November 4th at Devens Common Center. This year’s event will include fourteen agents, editors and art directors—seven for picture book writers and illustrators and seven for middle grade and young adult novelists. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your work-in-progress critiqued. For more information, please contact:Kris Asselin at [email protected] Francine Puckly at [email protected] Reardon at [email protected] Ortakales at [email protected]
*** REGISTRATION OPENS MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2017 ***
Agent-Editor DayNovember 4th9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Devens Common Center31 Andrews ParkwayDevens, MA
Local Meet and GreetsDon’t forget to take part in local meet and greets throughout the year—a great way to meet local writers and illustrators for discussion and networking. Updated Meet and Greets can be found on Facebook, search for: Nescbwi Regional Meet and Greets.
NESCBWI17 Conference Registrar Shirley Pearson and volunteer Kat Wilkes after a hard day’s work, still smiling.
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Market NewsJ. L. Bell
In this column I like to highlight case studies of how the market for children’s books is changing because of technology, social media, demographics, and other factors. At first glance, Handbook for Mortals looks like a good example of how authors can adapt to such change. But it’s actually an example of how not to publish, and how today’s wired world can make it harder to succeed through shortcuts.
Lani Sarem’s YA fantasy novel is the first title issued by GeekNation, a pop-culture website started by a Hollywood actress. Sarem herself comes out of show business, having worked as a band manager and actress. The Hollywood Reporter covered the book’s publication and how it was already being developed for the screen by actor Thomas Ian Nicholas (who was very good as the lead in Rookie of the Year back in 1993). Sarem and Nicholas did podcast and radio interviews. They planned to publicize the book outside of the usual bookstore channels at Wizard World and other pop-culture conventions. (See: www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/geeknation-launches-book-publishing-arm-partners-lani-sarem-ya-series-handbook-mortals-1024909/.)
For a short time, that untraditional approach appeared to be working well. In late August, Handbook for Mortals debuted on the New York Times Book Review bestseller list for Young Adult books. And not just on the list—at the #1 spot! But that sudden visibility made members of the energetic online YA community suspicious. How had a first-time novelist and first-time publisher achieved such immediate success? Why was there so little buzz about the book in the community of teen readers? Why did few fellow authors know Sarem? How could Handbook for Mortals sell so many copies when it wasn’t yet available from Amazon or other major retailers?
Soon it became clear that the team behind Handbook for Mortals had gone too far in pushing the book. As YA writers Phil Stamper, Jeremy West, and others discovered from anonymous booksellers, someone was placing bulk orders for the title through bookstores that they knew reported sales to the New York Times Book Review. (The most thorough reporting on this story appears on: www.pajiba.com/book_reviews/did-this-book-buy-its-way-onto-the-new-york-times-bestseller-list.php/.)
Unlike Nielsen’s BookScan, which counts actual copies sold through participating retailers, the Times bestseller list has always been based on interviewing a sample of stores. As an accurate count of sales nationwide, the Times lists are much less rigorous. Yet they’re more influential because being a “New York Times Bestseller” gives books greater visibility and momentum in stores—not to mention a leg up for movie deals.
After complaints in the 1990s of business authors inflating their bookstore numbers by ordering copies for corporate customers through stores instead of direct from publishers, the Times has tried to spot and flag such bulk orders. But anonymous booksellers reported that the people ordering Handbook for Mortals kept their quantities just below the number that would designate those as bulk sales.
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Co-Regioanl Advisor Kathy Quimby Johnson addresses NESCBWI17.
After an online tumult began, the Times Book Review investigated and decided that Handbook for Mortals didn’t deserve a place on its bestseller list after all. It revised its online list before any printed version appeared. (It’s not clear if the newspaper will also revise its rules for counting sales from now on.)
The story of the book’s apparent rise and fall was reported by Publishers Weekly (www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/74592-the-ya-book-that-has-the-ya-community-crying-foul.html/) and National Public Radio (www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/08/25/546087981/the-brief-tumultuous-reign-of-an-erstwhile-best-seller/). As a result, Handbook for Mortals became notorious for the way it was promoted.
There appear to be other problems in how Handbook for Mortals was published outside regular methods. The cover illustration was commissioned to imitate artwork by Gill del Mace. The cover artist has said that he expected the jacket would acknowledge his art was an homage to del Mace, but it doesn’t appear to do so. Readers would probably have remarked online about the similarity between the two illustrations, but the book’s brief visibility made that plagiarism even more evident.
It remains vital for authors and publishers to use new channels and methods to reach readers. In this case, however, a publishing team tried to use those methods to appear to be reaching readers, and the online community caught them.
AGENTS
Booker Albert Literary Agency: Co-founder Jordy Albert says she is “looking for fun, witty middle-grade, and young adult contemporary, science fiction, and fantasy (romance is a plus).” However, “she tends to shy away from novels with trigger topics, such as suicide and any type of abuse.” Albert
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is not accepting picture books. See: www.thebookeralbertagency.com/submissions.html/.
Emerald City Literary Agency: Founding agent Mandy Hubbard tweeted, “After 7 yrs agenting, I can’t think of a time a woman told me off after a rejection. I’ve lost track of how many men have cussed me out.” John M. Cusick from Folio replied, “It’s always the men. And usually men from high-paying day jobs, I find.” Needless to say, no author should do that. Hubbard represents “Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Genre Romance.” See: emeraldcityliterary.com/mandyhubbard/.
Folio, Inc.: Agent John M. Cusick says, “I’m drawn to contemporary realistic stories with strong hooks, as well as fresh fantasy set in our world and others. I love stories told in alternate formats (letters, texts…sticky notes?).” But “I also tend to shy away from novels with talking animals, sports stories, and poetry.” No picture-book texts. Cusick’s wish list at Publishers Marketplace: www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/JohnC/.
Foundry Literary + Media: Tanusri Prasanna joined the firm as an Agent, coming from Hannigan Salky Getzler. She represents all ages of children’s books, and is “particularly drawn to ambitious world-building fantasies” and “contemporary novels that convey emotional truths about self, familial relationships, identity, and community.” She is open to picture-book authors as well as author-illustrators, enjoying “wry humor and twisty endings” and “lyrical (though not rhyming!), meaningful, and concept-driven texts.” For middle-grade fiction, Prasanna looks for “literary voices with vulnerable yet resilient protagonists, mysteries, and humorous stories set in schools or quirky neighborhoods.” Submissions page: foundrymedia.com/submissions/.
Howard Morhaim Literary Agency: Agent DongWon Song is open to YA and middle-grade fiction, especially in the science-fiction and epic fantasy modes—but he also has a list of turn-offs. See: www.dongwonsong.com/submission-guidelines/.
KT Literary: Hilary Harwell is now an Associate Agent seeking middle grade and young adult fiction. See: ktliterary.com/submissions/.
Writers House: Agent Brianne Johnson was interviewed by author Robert Kent. She said: “Right now I am probably most excited about literary debut middle grade that is unafraid to tackle enormous life-or-death themes in a modern and original way. I especially love a unique execution, such as an epistolary novel, a story told out of order, or some other unique perspective or framing device.” She also professed a love for “good witch stories” of all sorts. For more Q&A, see: www.middlegradeninja.com/2017/07/7-questions-for-literary-agent-brianne.html/. Agency guidelines: www.writershouse.com/submissions/. (Middle Grade Ninja)
MAGAZINES AND ANTHOLOGIES
Cricket Media Group: Visit cricketmedia.com/submission-guidelines/ for links to the guidelines for its several magazines, both literary (Cricket and its relatives) and nonfiction (Cobblestone, etc.). For the nonfiction magazines, there are topics with query deadlines. For instance, the editors of Faces have posted a September deadline for queries on “People of Peace” and an October deadline for queries on “Costa Rica.” Muse offers a broad theme and suggested topics. However, not every nonfiction
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A moment of levity during the raffle drawing at NESCBWI17. Sera Rivers, Jane Yolen, Joannie Duris.
magazine has up-to-date listings, so it pays to check in regularly.
BOOK PUBLISHERS
Age of Learning: The educational publisher says it’s open to new nonfiction writers for its flagship product, the ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy, for ages 2 to 8. Send a resume and samples of nonfiction writing to the Editorial Director at [email protected]. For more information about the company and its publications, see AgeofLearning.com/. (Institute for Children’s Literature)
Arbordale Publishing: The company says, “Our mission is to get children excited about science and math through fun-to-read picture book stories. We are primarily looking for fiction manuscripts with non-fiction facts woven into the story, although we will also consider some non-fiction stories. In every manuscript we look for a ‘cuddle factor’ that will make parents and children want to read it together.” Maximum word count is 1,000. For more detail, including a list of topics the house is looking for and a list of topics it is not, see: www.arbordalepublishing.com/Submissions.htm/.
Behrman House: This Jewish educational publisher became the sole owner of Apples & Honey Press, formerly co-owned with a firm in Jerusalem. Apples & Honey releases eight to twelve illustrated titles per year. To see its list: www.applesandhoneypress.com/. Berhman’s submission guidelines are at:
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www.behrmanhouse.com/submission-guidelines/. (PW)
Candlewick: In 2018 the firm will start to operate under the name of Walker Books, like its parent company in Britain. It purchased the Walker trademark from Bloomsbury, which absorbed the American publisher Walker and Company in 2014. (PW)
Chicken House: The British publisher is closed to submissions, but it’s open until December 8 to entries in its Children’s Fiction Competition, co-sponsored with the Times of London. There’s an entry fee of £15. For the copious legal details, see: www.chickenhousebooks.com/terms/#competition_terms/.
HarperCollins: Assistant Editor Tessa Meischeid left for Abrams, shifting from Editorial to Marketing. (Publishers Marketplace)
Holiday House: In September the Neal Porter Books imprint will find its latest home at this firm, moving from Macmillan. Porter himself will have the title of Vice President and Publisher of the imprint. In his decades in children’s publishing, Porter has edited books that won the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Pura Belpré, and Boston Globe–Horn Book awards. (PW)
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: At Clarion Books, Publisher Dinah Stevenson became an Editor-at-Large to spend more time editing books. (Underdown)
Lee & Low: The firm’s New Visions Award competition is open until October 31 to manuscripts for readers aged 8 to 18 from “writers of color who are residents of the United States” who have not previously published a novel for young readers. For the full award guidelines, see: www.leeandlow.com/writers-illustrators/new-visions-award/.
Little, Brown: Jenny Bak was promoted to Editorial Director for the Jimmy Patterson Books imprint. (Publishers Marketplace) • Michael Strother joined the company as an Editor, coming from Harlequin. He was previously at Simon Pulse. (Underdown) • Kheryn Callender was promoted to Associate Editor. • Anna Prendella came to the firm from HarperCollins to be an Assistant Editor. (Publishers Marketplace)
Macmillan: At Roaring Brook Press, Connie Hsu was promoted to Executive Editor. (Publishers Marketplace)
Random House: At the Random House Children’s Book division, Chelsea Eberly was promoted from Editor to Senior Editor. (PW)
Scholastic: Megan Peace was promoted to Associate Editor. (Publishers Marketplace)
Yen Press: This joint venture between Hachette and Japanese publisher Kadokawa is launching JY, a new imprint focused on middle-grade graphic novels. Deputy Publisher JuYoun Lee will oversee the imprint, planning to publish twelve books per year. For more detail, see: www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/74311-yen-press-to-launch-jy-a-kids-graphic-
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novel-imprint-in-fall-2017.html/. (PW)
WEBSITES
BookTrust: The British literacy charity offered tips on including disabled characters and making books accessible to more readers. See: www.booktrust.org.uk/books/bookmark/for-writers-illustrators-and-publishers/.
Middle Grade Ninja: Mark Gottlieb of the Trident Media Group offered “The Big Five No-nos to Querying a Literary Agent,” starting with not finishing the manuscript before querying. See: www.middlegradeninja.com/2017/06/guest-post-big-five-no-nos-to-querying.html/.
Picture Book Summit: In exchange for an email address, this organization will share a sample video from the panel of agents at its 2016 conference answering the question, “How close to ‘perfect’ does a manuscript have to be before you’ll make an offer of representation?” See: picturebooksummit.com/agent-question/.
SCBWI Blog: Hannah Holt shared five lessons garnered from polling 100 published picture book authors: scbwi.blogspot.com/2017/08/five-lessons-from-100-published-picture.html/.
24 Carrot Writing: New England’s own Josh Funk shared strategies on marketing a picture book at: www.24carrotwriting.com/-blog/josh-funk-shares-powerhouse-marketing-strategies/.
Write Like a Pro!: Chris Eboch, author and former RA, offers free advice online. As a sample, here’s her essay on “Cliffhangers in Picture Books”: chriseboch.blogspot.com/2017/05/cliffhangers-in-picture-books.html/.
Writer’s Digest: The magazine collected “Best Agent Advice from the 2017 Writer’s Digest Annual Conference” in tweet form. Such as: “If you can’t figure out what your genre is, neither can the agent or the editor or the publisher or the bookseller,” from Paula Munier of Talcott Notch. See: www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/agent-advice-2017-writers-digest-conference/.
J. L. Bell is a freelance editor, author, and historian. He maintains a near-daily blog on Revolutionary New England (boston1775.net), wrote The Road to Concord: How Four Stolen Cannon Ignited the Revolutionary War (Westholme, 2015), and helped to create Colonial Comics: New England (Fulcrum, 2014–). In the 1990s he worked at the publishing company whose authors were the first caught gaming the NYTBR list by placing bulk orders through bookstores.
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Member NewsKate Lynch
Laurie Smith Murphy of Foster, RI has spent the last year writing the stage adaptation and is co-directing with friend, Liz Goulet Dubois, also of Foster, RI to produce, Tending to Grace, by Kimberly Newton Fusco.
In the book, the protagonist is a young girl named Ophelia, who has a stutter. As a child, Kimberly had a slight stutter herself, which prompted her toward silence. “It touches into the universal, that we all have something we’re embarrassed of,” Fusco said. “In essence, we all have our stutter.” It was through writing that she gained the confidence to speak up. In 2002, Fusco shared that voice with the world when her novel “Tending to Grace” was published by Alfred A. Knopf. Since then she’s written four more books and toured the country for speaking engagements and other events. Tending to Grace will debut at the Paine School in Foster, RI November 10-12 and 17-19. Hope to see you there! Above: Laurie Smith-Murphy, and Liz Goulet Dubois, photo credit Jackie Roman of the Valley Breeze News, Foster, RI. Right: Kimberly Newton Fusco, from her webapge.
Mary Wagley Copp won the Books for Readers Grant established this year by SCBWI to have books donated to an organization in Providence, RI called The Refugee Dream Center. The center is a resettlement agency aiding refugees from Syria, among other countries, with finding an apartment, job and later on college. Mary is a volunteer there as an ESL reader and find picture books are the best received.
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The idea for the Books for Readers Grant is to increase book access for readers in desperate need of books by collecting and donating books that SCBWI members create, to help promote those authors and illustrators and to help advance SCBWI’s mission as an organization of book creators and literacy advocates. There will be a celebration and presentation of the books by none other than Lin Oliver herself---the date will be announced in the newsletter soon! If you’d like to know more about the center their website is: www.refugeedreamcenter.org
This is my last contribution to the SCBWI Newsletter. It’s been an amazing journey. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of the most talented authors and illustrators that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. I’m hoping to announce my own news soon as I embark on the submission process with my picture books, a middle grade novel and young adult novel as well as launch my author website, katelynchbooks.com
NESCBWI UPDATESKatherine Quimby Johnson
Mentoring
Focused on the picture book and illustrators, New England SCBWI’s first-ever mentoring program got off to a good start. Mentors Brian Lies, E.B. Lewis, Heidi Stemple, and Ashley Wolff had applications from every state in the region to consider. Over 70 applicants sent in sample illustrations, picture book dummies, or picture book manuscripts. In the end, each mentor chose one mentee: Brian Lies is working with Rebekah Lowell, E.B. Lewis with James Ryan, Heidi Stemple with Marcia Z. Parks, and Ashley Wolff with Kari Percival. When their mentorships are completed, later this fall, Rebekah and Marcia will be able to submit their work to Julie Bliven, Associate Editor at Charlesbridge, for further feedback. James and Kari will be able to submit their work to Jim Hoover, Art Director at Viking Children’s books.Next year’s mentor program will focus on the novel, with mentors for middle grade and YA novels and the graphic novel. Mentors will be announced at the conference next spring, but it’s never too soon to start polishing your work.
The SCBWI New England Mentoring Committee members are Katherine Quimby Johnson, Co-RA; Kris Asselin, A happy moment at NESCBWI17.
Kris Asselin, Margo Lemieux, Marilyn Salerno
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PAL Coordinator; Denise Ortakales, Co-IC; and Milanka Reardon, Co-IC. Our thanks to all who submitted and made this first program a success.
Improv and Play All-Day
Registration Now Open for “Yes And…” Improv and Play All-Day Workshop with Chris TebbettsRegistration opened August 21 for an all-day workshop with Chris Tebbetts on Saturday, October 9. This workshop expands on Chris’s well-received workshop at the Spring 2017 New England conference. The day includes an introduction to improve and play as they apply to creativity in general and to writing in particular, from generating ideas, to getting through the first draft, and all the way into revision. The day will include both lecture and interactive exercises. Bring your notebook and/or computer and be prepared to let the words flow. The day will end with a chunk of writing time to keep the creative momentum going.
Chris Tebbetts is an author and co-author of many books for young readers. His titles include the #1 New York Times bestselling Middle School series, as well as Public School Superhero, with James Patterson and illustrator Laura Park; the New York Times bestselling Stranded series with Jeff Probst; the young adult novel M OR F? with Lisa Papademetriou; and the forthcoming YA novel, The Weakness of Gravity (2018). His work has received children’s choice awards in Oregon and Hawaii, as well a Sunshine State Young Readers Award nomination, and a nod on the New York Public Library’s annual list of Books For the Teen Age. His first collaboration with James Patterson, “Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life,” was also adapted into a 2016 CBS Films theatrical release of the same name. You can find him online at www.christebbetts.comRegistration information is at: https://newengland.scbwi.org/all-day-improv-play-workshop-with-chris-tebbetts/ SCBWI members receive a 50% discount on registration, but must use the Coupon Code they received in the eblast sent out August 21. If you have questions or need more information, email [email protected]. We hope to see you in Montpelier on what is sure to be a lovely and productive fall day.
Davol Scholarship Updates
Congratulations to the 2014/15 winner, Matt Forrest Esenwine, whose scholarship-winning manuscript, Flashlight Nights debuts September 19. Illustrated by Fred Koehler. Kirkus Reviews gave it a star and said that it has, “delicious language and ingenious metamorphoses.”
The Marguerite (Peg) Davol Picture Book Manuscript Critique Scholarship for the 2018 New England SCBWI Conference (April 20-22, 2018) opens to submissions in late October and closes on December 10, 2017. Two scholarships are awarded, one for pre-published and one for published picture book manuscript authors. After working with a mentor (mentors TBA) to further revise and polish their work, the scholarship recipients receive a free manuscript critique with the agent of their choice at the 2018 New England conference. An email will go out to all New England SCBWI members with details in early October.
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Critique GroupsStacy Mozer
Open Groups
NESCBWI Critique Groups are held, usually on a monthly basis, in communities throughout all the New England states. Each group is unique, shaped by the talents of the volunteer Critique Group Leader and the participants.
To join a group, contact the listed critique group leader directly. Please give the leader a week to get back to you. If you don’t hear back after that time, contact Stacy Mozer at [email protected]. Each state currently has additional groups, but those groups are closed to new members at this time. http://nescbwicritiques.blogspot.com is updated with new groups or reopened groups as they are formed.
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 and we will contact you if a new group opens.
If you are interested in starting a writer or writer/illustrator group, contact Stacy Mozer by emailing her at [email protected].
For illustrator groups, find or 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 Diane at [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,
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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 - PortlandThis Portland-area picture book writer and author/illustrator critique group will meet on the first Wednesday evening of each month from 6-8pm. We are a group of both published and hoping-to-be published members. We look forward to helping each other become the best writers and illustrators we can be. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
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 – Amherst/North HamptonOngoing group that originally met at the Hatfield Library and Jones Library. They are now meeting at the Forbes Library in North Hampton on the 3rd Wednesday 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
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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/GBIG (Greater Boston Illustrator’s Group)The Greater Boston Illustrators’ Group has limited availability for new members. Contact [email protected] for more information.
MA – Cape CodThe Cape Cod Children’s Writers are a group of picture book, MG and YA writers dedicated to improving each other’s manuscripts and working toward varying paths to publication. We are also associated with the Cape Cod Writer’s Center. We are currently closed to new members, but are compiling a waitlist. For more information go to http://capecodchildrenswriters.com or contact Cindy McCormick at [email protected].
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. We are a mix of authors and author/illustrators tending 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 already writing and submitting. If you are a published author--or if you have a drawer full of rejection notices--we welcome you. Please contact Linda Booth Sweeney [email protected] or Eugene Pool [email protected].
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].
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 – Orleans (Cape Cod)We meet at the Chocolate Sparrow in Orleans, MA on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from noon to 2 pm. There is a strong focus on picture books (several members are published) but some of us write chapter books and juvenile novels that are in various stages of composition and pitching. We would like to invite one or to new members available during the winter months for a tryout. Please email: [email protected].
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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 – ReadingLooking for MG and YA writers to join a critique group based north of Boston. Please contact Laura Wilson at [email protected] for more details.
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]
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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 [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 – 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 - 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 at [email protected] for more information.
Rhode Island
RI – ProvidenceLooking to start a critique group for picture book writers and illustrators, though open to everyone. Manuscripts, illustrations, work-in-progress feedback. Anyone interested please email me and we can work out suitable location and time. I look forward to meeting you and sharing ideas! Kim Fleming, [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 - Burlington (South)We are a small critique group that meets every three weeks to share MG-YA fiction. If you are interested, please send a sample of your writing to [email protected]
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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.
VT - WinooskiCritique group starting in Winooski, VT. Open to PB, MG, and YA. Meeting times and frequency TBD by members. Contact Saragail Benjamin at [email protected].
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].
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 has limited ability for new members. Contact [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].
RI – ProvidenceLooking to start a critique group for picture book writers and illustrators, though open to everyone. Manuscripts, illustrations, work-in-progress feedback. Anyone interested please email me and we can work out suitable location and time. I look forward to meeting you and sharing ideas! Kim Fleming, [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]
