Upcoming NESCBWI Events

February 8-10, 2019New York

Mid-Winter Conference

The conference will take place at the Manhattan Hyatt.

Registration opens on October 23.See scbwi.org or page 6 inside

for more info.

Whispering Pines RetreatBoth dates filled.

WPWR - 1 - March 15 -17, 2019 WPWR - 2 - April 4 - 6, 2019

Registration opened November 5-7

May 3-5, 2019NEWSCBWI19

The Annual ConferenceMark your calendars!

Check out the events page at New England

Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators

on Facebook.

News the society of children’s book writers illustrators&New England

January - February 2019

Sold out!

Happy New Year!

May 3-5, 2019 NEWSCBWI19The Annual Conference

Conference Co-chairs Loretta Kapinos and Casey Robinson have been hard at work on the Golden Brick Road: Paving Your Way to Success theme 2019 NESCBWI spring conference. We are excited to host keynote speakers Lynda Mullaly Hunt and Ekua Holmes. Their experience and wisdom will offer insight to light your way. Workshops topics have a varied tone geared to inspire and teach every level of writer or illustrator. From craft topics such as voice and pacing to marketing techniques like social media and branding, we are convinced your path to success will be as easier to navigate after attending. We can’t wait to share more information in the coming months. Stay tuned for more details. Registration date to be announced soon.

Regional Team leadership at The Day of Craft on November 19. Loretta Kapinos, Pam Vaughan, Stacy Mozer, Denise Ortalales, Christy Yaros, Kris Asselin, Marilyn Salerno, and Jeanette Bradley. See story inside.

What’s Inside!

The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators New England Who’s Who page 2 Meet & Greets! page 3 A Day of Craft page 5Member News page 6Market News page 9 Critique Group NEWS page 13

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.

Regional AdvisorsMarilyn Salerno chairNERA@nescbwi.orgDenise Ortakales northernnera@nescbwi.orgKristine Asselin centralNERA@nescbwi.orgStacy Mozer southernnera@nescbwi.org

Assistant Regional AdvisorsShawn Anderson northARA@nescbwi.orgKristine Asselin centralARA@nescbwi.orgChristy Yaros southARA@nescbwi.org

Illustrator CoordinatorsMilanka Reardon centralIC@nescbwi.orgRuss Cox northIC@nescbwi.orgJeanette Bradley southIC@nescbwi.org

Critique Group Coordinatorsnecritiquegroups@gmail.comSouthern - Cindy Rodriguez Northern - Sally WilkinsCentral - Rajani Larocca

Marketing CoordinatorLinda Crotta BrennanMarketingGroupsCoordinator@nescbwi.org

Conference DirectorsNESCBWI2018@gmail.comLorettajo Kapinos 2018-19Casey Watts Robinson 2019-10Kristine Asselin RA

Email List Administrator Sally Riley RAE writes4kids@cox.net

NEWS StaffEditor-in-ChiefMargo Lemieux RAE news@nescbwi.org

Market News EditorJ. L. Bell JnoLBell@earthlink.net

Member News EditorCarol Munroe membernews@nescbwi.org

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

Meet & GreetsShawn Anderson

Northern NE ARA - northARA@nescbwi.org

 

Hello New England SCBWI members!

Look what’s going on with NESCBWI Meet & Greets!

Whitelam Books Meet & Greet Wrap-up Colleen Getty, Founder & Director of The Room to Write

Over twenty writers and illustrators joined The Room to Write at Whitelam Books located at 610 Main Street, Reading MA for the September installment of our quarterly Meet & Greets, which provide a free and casual way to get together with other local writers and illustrators of all genres and levels--this time with the added bonus of meeting Liz Whitelam, owner of Whitelam Books.

Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, introduce published books, share the exciting details about books soon-to-be-released, as well as purchase a book or two to support the important role that independent book stores play for local authors and artists.

There was a near 50/50 ratio of writers and illustrators, which is always refreshing and a great opportunity for connecting and possibly sparking future collaborations. A couple of playwrights evened out the mix!

Several published authors introduced their books to those in attendance: Susie Rich brought several of her children›s books including the timely DUANE: Don’t Underestimate Any Natural Elements, Carol Gordon Ekster held up her latest children›s book You Know What?, Elaine Magliaro brought Things To Do, Marcia Strykowski had her latest tween novel Roller Boy, Gloria Mezikofsky brought her children›s book A Perfectly Snowy Day AND her illustrator (who happens to be her talented husband, Mel:), Sally Chetwynd had a copy of her first novel, Bead of Sand, handy while announcing The Sturgeon’s Dance was coming

Susie Rich brought several of her children›s books including the timely DUANE: Don’t Underestimate Any Natural Elements,

out in November, Hayley Barrett talked about her picture book, Babymoon, being released on April 2, 2019 and sharing the excited anticipation for a new release was Rajani LaRocca with her middle grade novel Middsummer’s Mayhem set to release in the summer of 2019. It was a wonderful event that included sweet treats and even sweeter conversations with some talented individuals.

Those writers and illustrators in attendance who are new to the publishing world or who are trying to gather inspiration and information as they increase their creative output enjoyed a warm and welcoming atmosphere in which they were able to do so. Attendees came from as close as “down the street,” in Reading, Wakefield, Melrose, North Reading, Peabody, and as far as Bradford, Concord, North Andover, Somerville and even Framingham.

This Meet & Greet was sponsored by The Room to Write and located in space generously provided by Whitelam Books with thanks to local artist Ned Connors for the accompanying image.

Photos Previous page. Liz shows her books.Above. Gloria MezikofskyLeft. Ned Connors artBelow. Introducing the books.

A Day Of CraftStacy Mozer

The Mark Twain House in Hartford, CT, was the perfect setting for the inaugural A Day of Craft: From Idea to Submission—a sold-out event for 50 members, featuring presentations by five PAL members on November 19.

In Authors, Be Brave! Let the Illustrator Help Tell Your Story!, Janet Lawler, author of over twenty fiction and non-fiction books, encouraged attendees to let their stories go and allow illustrators to work their magic. Lawler covered how to give illustrators the space they need to add richness and depth to the story, when to speak up and when not to if there are concerns about images, and the sometimes thorny issue of illustration notes (tip: the fewer, the better).

Yvonne Ventresca, the award-winning YA author of Black Flowers, White Lies and Pandemic, shared techniques for creating tension and suspense in her Keep the Pages Turning: Maximizing Suspense in Your Story presentation. Ventresca examined different ways of creating suspense, including the Ticking Clock and Cliffhanger techniques. She discussed using constraints to add tension to narratives. And, she outlined the different formats of withholding information authors use to make stories more suspenseful.

Copyediting was the focus of Kristin Russo’s presentation, The Little Things That Matter: Grammar and Formatting Your Manuscript. Russo, an author of nonfiction titles for young readers, and an

Kris Asselin presenting above, Janet Lawler below.

adjunct professor of English, composition, and rhetoric at Johnson & Wales University, explained when semicolons and em dashes should be used (and when they shouldn’t), sang the praises of the Oxford comma, and bemoaned the use of double spaces after periods.

In her presentation, Non-Traditional Publishing: What Are My Options and How Do I Do It?, Katie Carroll—an author, independent editor, and writing workshop teacher—shared the different paths authors can take to get their books published. From self-publishing to digital publishing to working with small presses and micro publishers, Carroll outlined the pros and cons of each option, and what authors should be prepared for, should they choose a non-traditional route to publication.

The day ended with Kristine Asselin’s Querying: Hook, Line, and Slam Dunk. Asselin, a contemporary YA and fantasy MG author and official Query Godmother, walked attendees through the elements of a successful query letter, including what information should be incorporated into your query and what should be left out, how to write a winning book description, and the etiquette of querying.

Feel free to contact me off list about any of the faculty. PAL members were asked to submit workshop ideas for the event and we were very pleased with all five presentations.

Hope everyone had a great Holiday Season!

Stacy MozerCo-Regional Advisor, New England SCBWISouthernNERA@NESCBWI.org

Member NewsCarol Munroe

Tell us what you’ve been up to in your writing life. Jot this down — membernews@nescbwi.org — and send me your news whenever you have it (or by February 14 for the next issue). This is a place for us to get to know each other. This is your piece of the newsletter. So please, use it when you’ve got some news. Thanks! — Carol Munro

Angela Burke Kunkel’s debut picture book, Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built, was acquired by Ann Kelley at Random House/Schwartz & Wade and will be illustrated by Paola Escobar. The book is based on the true story of a garbage man in Bogotá who, despite limited education, built a neighborhood library entirely out of books found in the trash. To date, he has provided reading material to more than 200 schools and organizations across Colombia. Publication is planned for fall of 2020.

About getting it done, Angela says: “This is a book that’s been in the works for about two years--- from the moment I saw a video documenting Señor Gutiérrez’s project and connected with his story, through drafting, research, translation, critique group readings, professional critiques, and multiple revisions. I also worked on making contact with Sr. Gutiérrez for months! Once I had his blessing, I finally felt comfortable querying. After I signed with my agent, I was fortunate that her first targeted round of queries included Ann, who connected the project and had an illustrator in mind almost immediately. I’m excited to see what the process brings next.” www.angelakunkel.com

Kelly Carey has sold her fiction story ONE DOG TOO MANY to Clubhouse Jr. magazine. The story will run in the May 2019 issue. This is Kelly’s thirteenth story in Clubhouse Jr.

About getting it done, Kelly says: “Clubhouse, like many magazines, releases themes for each issue and this story was a response to one of the themes. I’ve used a magazine’s call for themes as writing prompts before and have found success placing the stories as a result. Those themes take the guess work out of what magazine editors are looking for, and challenging yourself to write to a particular topic or theme can be a fun way to flex your writing muscle.” www.KCareyWrites.com

Brian Lies has recently had two new books published: THE ROUGH PATCH (Greenwillow/ HarperCollins), and GOT TO GET TO BEAR’S! (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt).www.brian-lies.squarespace.com

Mary Morton Cowan’s latest biography, CYRUS FIELD’S BIG DREAM: THE DARING EFFORT TO LAY THE FIRST TRANSATLANTIC TELEGRAPH CABLE, has been named a Best STEM Book by the National Science Teachers Association and the Children’s Book Council. rwww.marymortoncowan.com

Other NESCBWI members whose books have been named a Best STEM Book are:• Heidi E. Y. Stemple for COUNTING BIRDS: THE IDEA THAT HELPED SAVE OUR FEATHERED

FRIENDS• Anna Crowley Redding for GOOGLE IT: A HISTORY OF GOOGLE• Cheryl Bardoe and Barbara McClintock for NOTHING STOPPED SOPHIE: THE STORY OF

UNSHAKABLE MATHEMATICIAN SOPHIE GERMAINhttp://static.nsta.org/pdfs/2019BestSTEMBooks.pdf

Book Birthdays

January 7ESTHER’S GRAGGER: A TOYSHOP TALE OF PURIM by Martha Simpson, illustrated by Durga Yael Bernhard (Wisdom Tales)

Like Queen Esther, her namesake, a young girl displays courage and wit when a bully tries to steal her gragger.

This is Martha’s second Toyshop Tales book, following THE DREIDEL THAT WOULDN’T SPIN: A TOYSHOP TALE OF HANUKKAH (2014). It has already received a good review from Kirkus Books, which stated, “A Jewish holiday celebration takes on contemporary relevance.” Additionally, Foreword magazine will be publishing an interview about the book in their January/February 2019 issue.

About getting it done, Martha says: After The Dreidel That Wouldn’t Spin was published, I wanted to write another Toyshop Tale. I immediately thought of a gragger, a toy that is used as part of the Purim festivities. Next, I had to come up with a plot. To me, the biblical Story of Esther has always been about how a brave young woman stood up to a bully in order to save her people from destruction. But how could I translate this theme into a story for children? Sadly, bullies still exist and many kids encounter them. During Purim services, when the Megillah is read, we spin graggers to drown out the name of wicked Haman whenever it’s mentioned in a symbolic attempt to erase evil. That gave me the idea to have a girl named Esther use the noise of a gragger to chase off a large boy who threatened her.

I wrote this story four years ago. Since then, the national climate of violence and intolerance has become even worse. I hope this story will resonate with readers of all beliefs, cultures, and lifestyles. To quote the shopkeeper, “We must never be afraid to take a stand against cruelty.”www.Martha-Seif-Simpson.com

Market NewsJ. L. Bell

Not long ago, it was hard to find out the names of editors at publishers or what titles each had worked on. Books usually included editors’ names only if the authors chose to acknowledge them, and children’s books rarely featured acknowledgments. Publishers’ websites didn’t list editorial staff for fear that authors might actually contact them. Agents were easier to identity, but almost as remote.

The internet and social media have changed that aspect of publishing culture. Publishing professionals now feel more comfortable engaging with hopeful authors, and authors have more ways to learn about agents’ and editors’ workloads, tastes, and preferred submission methods.

Twitter is probably the best medium for that sort of engagement. Many agents and editors are active on the platform (though by no means all). Although their primary purpose in tweeting and reading tweets is to maintain contacts with colleagues and friends, many also reach out to hopeful authors with advice, manuscript wish lists, and participation in pitch parties.

As a result, we can be privy to useful information, or at least useful reminders of information that an author should already know but can slip one’s mind. For example, Amanda Woody (@findmeediting), and intern reading manuscripts for an agency in New York, recently tweeted about queries: “Your letter MUST include 3 things. Your MC [main character] (and what makes them different), your MC’s conflict (what starts their journey), and the stakes your MC faces (WHY they HAVE to take that journey).”

Elaine Spencer (@ElaineSpencer) of the Knight Agency wrote: “I know everyone gets tired of hearing the exact same query tips over and over but people. This. Just. Happened: ‘My story is approximately 620,155 words.’”

Sometimes it’s possible to discern trends from what agents and editors are talking about, or what they’re finding success with. Jennifer Laughran (@literaticat) at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency just reported that “almost 74% of the books I sold this year have or WILL have some kind of illustrated element to them”—picture books, comics, easy readers, illustrated novels or nonfiction.

Remember, however, that publishing remains a relatively small field, especially in New York. The same platform that makes it easy for us to interact with publishing pros also makes it easy for them to share information. Recently Joanna Volpe (@JoSVolpe) of New Leaf Literary sent out an alert to fellow agents and editors: “FYI: it has come to my attention that a currently querying writer has claimed I have made an offer of representation, and is leveraging that offer to get responses back . . . I have NO offers of rep currently out.”

Other literary reps chimed in. Marie Lamba (@MarieLamba) of Jennifer Di Chiara Literary said, “I’ve had waves of this in queries over the last year…, but no one’s ever named an agent. I’ve learned to ask who has offered.” And Brooks Sherman (@byobrooks) at Janklow Nesbit warned, “More often than not, this dubious cheat code backfires. I implore you: Don’t sabotage your professional writing ambitions at this early stage.”

Because just as it’s easier for us to find out information about publishing professionals on the web, so it’s easier for them to find out information about us.

AGENTS

Donald Maass Literary Agency: Kiana (Kiki) Nguyen, an Assistant Literary Agent, posted on Twitter that her hopes for the new year include “Contemporary YA w/queer MCs & snarky kids with gushy hearts,” “YA thrillers…w/POC characters,” and “Witchy, atmospheric, creepy, dark books. She offers more detail at Manuscript Wish List: www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/kiana-nguyen/. Agency submission guidelines: maassagency.com/submissions/.

Edite Kroll Agency: As Kroll scales back her business, she has transferred active children’s-book clients to Victoria Wells Arms at the Hannigan Salky Getzler Agency. Kroll will continue to work with her children’s backlist titles and adult trade clients. (PW)

Glasstown Entertainment: Kat Cho was promoted to Assistant Editor at this packager/agency. She is a YA novelist herself. (PW)

Hannigan Salky Getzler Agency: Victoria Wells Arms is taking over the active children’s book clients of the Edite Kroll Agency at the start of the year. (PW)

Wolfson Literary Agency: Amy Stapp joined Michelle Wolfson at the firm, having been an editor at Macmillan/Tor (including Tor Teen). Both agents represent some YA fiction along with many adult fiction categories. (Publishers Marketplace) Guidelines: wolfsonliterary.com/submissions/. That webpage warns: “We tend to respond to partials VERY SLOWLY. If you have not heard back on your partial in 6-8 weeks, you should feel free to send a polite follow-up email. And every 4 weeks after that until you wear us down. We wouldn’t say this if we didn’t mean it.”

EDITORIAL SERVICES

Periodically we share news of experienced children’s-book professionals offering editorial services direct to writers. In passing on this information, SCBWI does not endorse these services.

Alix Reid Editing: Reid, formerly Editorial Director at HarperCollins Children’s Books, is launching a freelance children’s-book editing service. She can be contacted at alix.reid.editing@gmail.com. (PW)

MAGAZINES AND ANTHOLOGIES

Cricket Media: Here’s a sampling of the upcoming themes that the company’s magazine editors have listed on the Submittable.com website. For Ask, “Deep Dark Ocean” (queries by February 1) and “Surprising Saturn” (by March 15). For Faces, “Nepal” (by January 28), “Chocolate” (by February 25), and “Lagos, Nigeria” (by March 25). For Muse, “The Birds” (by February 8) and “Marvelous Makers” (March 8). For Cricket, “Indigenous Stories,” “Home for the Holidays,” “Open for Business,” and poetry (all by April 1).

BOOK PUBLISHERS

Abrams: Emma Ledbetter joined the company as Editorial Director for picture books. She was most recently a Senior Editor at Atheneum. (PW)

Candlewick: Katie Cunningham was promoted from Senior Editor to Executive Editor. • Kate Fletcher was likewise raised from Senior Editor to Executive Editor. (PW)

HarperCollins: Sara Sargent left to join Penguin Random House. • Kelsey Murphy left the Balzer + Bray imprint for Penguin Random House.

Holiday House: Mora Couch was promoted from Assistant Editor to Associate Editor. (PW) Submissions guidelines: holidayhouse.com/faqs/.

Imagine That: This British children’s publisher and packager, formerly named Top That Publishing, is setting up a New York sales office. It buys world rights only and doesn’t want any simultaneous submissions. Guidelines: www.imaginethat.com/about-us/submission-guidelines/.

Lerner: The company acquired the YA nonfiction publisher Zest Books, which will now operate as a Lerner imprint. Plans call for at least ten new Zest titles in 2019 in the categories of YA entertainment, history, science, health, fashion, and lifestyle advice, with hopes for growth in the future. Hallie Warshaw, Zest’s Publisher and Creative Director, will oversee the imprint as Publisher-at-Large. Operations will move to Lerner’s Minneapolis office. • Greg Hunter was promoted to Editorial Director of the Graphic Universe division. (PW)

Lion Forge Comics: The company eliminated twelve positions, including that of Editor Greg Tumbarello. (Bleeding Cool)

Page Street Publishing: Through January 15, the children’s division is accepting submissions for its first annual Page Street Kids Prize for a debut author-illustrator. The company seeks book dummies in the categories of original fiction (in prose or verse) for ages 4-8 and narrative nonfiction for ages 8-12. The winner will receive a $1,000 gift card, text and art development feedback, and consideration for publication. The creator must be unagented and not have published any trade picture books. The dummy must not be submitted to any other contests or publishers, including Page Street Kids through its general submissions channel. Submit work to childrensubmissions@pagestreetpublishing.com with the subject line “ATTN: Page Street Kids Prize Submission” by January 15, 2019. The email must Include a cover letter providing the creator’s name, address, phone number, email address, portfolio website, social media handles, and bio of no more than 100 words. The submission must be a PDF sketch dummy of 32 or 40 pages with up to three finished color art spreads. The winner will be announced on March 15. For more information about Page Street, see www.pagestreetpublishing.com/about-us/.

Peachtree: In November the Atlanta firm’s owner, President and Publisher Margaret Quinlin, sold it to Trustbridge Global Media, an affiliate of a Shanghai investment firm. Trustbridge bought

Holiday House in similar fashion in 2016. Quinlin will continue to run the operations, and all of the publisher’s staff will remain. (PW)

Penguin Random House: Caroline Abbey was promoted from Senior Editor to Editorial Director at Random House Books for Young Readers. (PW) • Sara Sargent became a Senior Executive Editor at Random House, coming from HarperCollins. (Publishers Marketplace) • Whitney Leopard joined Random House Graphic as a Senior Editor, coming from the comics publisher BOOM! Studios. • Kelsey Murphy joined the Philomel Books imprint as an Editor; previously she was an Associate Editor at Balzer + Bray, part of HarperCollins. • Dana Chidiac was promoted from Associate Editor to Editor at Dial Books for Young Readers. • Ellen Cormier was likewise promoted from Associate Editor to Editor at Dial. (PW)

Quirk Books: Alex Arnold joined the firm as Senior Editor, focusing on YA, middle-grade, and picture books. She was formerly at Katherine Tegen Books, part of HarperCollins. (PW, Underdown)

Ripple Grove Press: This picture-book publisher is seeking “picture-driven stories for children ages 2-8,” hopefully something unique. The company specifically doesn’t want other types of books for older readers, or manuscripts with page breaks, illustration notes, doodles, or photographs. Among the topics it sees too often are “Lullaby stories or stories about ‘how much I love you,’” “my younger brother annoys me,” and “there’s a monster under my bed.” And if that isn’t enough preemptive advice, Publisher Rob Broder writes more about what authors should and should not do at: www.ripplegrovepress.com/essays/. Submission guidelines: www.ripplegrovepress.com/submissions/. (ICL)

Scholastic: Liza Baker’s new title is Vice President and Associate Publisher of Cartwheel Books, Orchard Books, and Acorn & Branches. • Katie Carella was promoted from Senior Editor at Acorn and Branches to Executive Editor. • Celia Lee was promoted from Editor to Senior Editor at Cartwheel Books and Orchard Books. • Anna Bloom was promoted from Editor to Senior Editor at Scholastic Press. • Emily Seife was also promoted from Editor to Senior Editor. • Samantha Swank became an Editor for Licensing, Media, and Brands, coming from the Cartwheel imprint. • Maya Marlette was promoted to Assistant Editor at Scholastic Press. (PW)

Simon & Schuster: Lisa Lauria joined the firm as Editor for Simon Spotlight, coming from the marketing and advertising department at Toys ‘R Us. She has written stories for licensed properties herself. (Publishers Marketplace) • Alexa Pastor became an Editor at Atheneum. (Publishers Marketplace) • Catherine Laudone was promoted to Associate Editor at S&S Books for Young Readers. • Amanda Ramirez was promoted to Assistant Editor at S&S Books for Young Readers. • Alyza Liu became an Assistant Editor at S&S Books for Young Readers, Atheneum, and McElderry Books. • Nicole Fiorica was promoted to Assistant Editor at McElderry Books. • Julia McCarthy was made an Assistant Editor at Atheneum. • Emma Ledbetter left the Atheneum division for Abrams. (PW)

Sourcebooks: Annie Berger was promoted to Senior Editor at the Sourcebooks Fire imprint. (PW)

Sterling: Brian Monahan joined the press as Editorial Director for Children’s Books. He was

previously a children’s buyer at the publisher’s parent company, Barnes & Noble. (PW)

White Mane: This company publishes historical fiction for middle-grade and young-adult readers. The bulk of those titles are about the U.S. Civil War, with additional handfuls grouped under the headings of the American Revolution, African-American History, and all other times and places connected in U.S. history. White Mane Kids does not publish picture books. For more information: www.whitemane.com/index.php?route=authors/submit/.

Zest Books: This YA nonfiction company was bought by Lerner.

WEBSITES AND ARTICLES

Jane Friedman: The publishing consultant interviewed a couple of agents about the process of moving from one representative to another. How can an author find a new agent without coming across as either a malcontent or damaged goods? Actually, it’s not that hard. John Cusick said: “I appreciate the author letting me know, ‘I have been represented before, and I’m happy to discuss the details if you’d like.’ That way, precious query-letter space isn’t taken up with long explanations, but I still know the author is happy to answer my questions if I have them.” As for the euphemistic “amicable parting of ways,” Holly Root said: “At this point I assume ‘amicable’ just means no one wishes the other party active bodily harm.” For the whole discussion, see: www.janefriedman.com/switching-literary-agents-two-agents-offer-advice/.

Miranda Paul: After serving time as a “critique ninja,” Paul wrote up her impressions of common mistakes and overly common subjects and themes. See: mirandapaul.com/advice-for-newer-writers/.

Publishers Weekly: The industry magazine recently shared a couple of articles exploring the nuances of YA publishing. First, the current mix of humorous escapism and serious topics in teen novels: www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/78391-fall-2018-ya-spotlight-teen-lit-reflects-wider-world.html/. Next, finding the dividing line between YA and middle-grade fiction: www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/78802-a-publisher-reflects-on-the-blurred-line-between-middle-grade-and-ya.html/.

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–). His story “Relief: A Tale of the Jitney” appears in the latest volume of The Young Explorers’ Adventure Guide (Dreaming Robot Press). On Twitter his handle for tweets about writing and publishing is @jlbellwriter.

NESCBWI 19 Conference Art

Critique Group News

Story Spinners

Longtime critique group The Story Spinners (and some guests) celebrated the year’s end with a party at Linda Crotta Brennan’s house. Front: Cheryl Kirk Noll, Liz Goulet Dubois, hostess Linda Crotta Brennan (with Willow), Laurie Smith Murphy, Marcia Fowler. Standing: Andy Frew, Susan Fraser-Perotta, A.Michelle, Sarah Hemenway, Betsy Devany Macleod, Julia Boyce, Betty Brown, Linda Mullally Hunt, Sally Riley, Margo Lemieux. Photo courtesy of Cheryl Kirk Noll.

Rajani LaRocca is coordinating the groups in Central New England (MA). When she’s not practicing medicine, Rajani LaRocca dreams up middle grade novels and picture books. She lives in eastern Massachusetts with her beautiful family and impossibly fluffy dog. An enthusiastic critique group leader and member, she’s grateful for the deep friendships she’s made through writing.

Sally Wilkins is coordinating the groups in Northern New England (NH, ME, VT). Sally lives on a small homestead in southern NH. She stays busy with the family business and her grandchildren. Sally’s writing career was nurtured by a critique group that began before they added the “I” to SCBW, and she now co-facilitates two others in the Souhegan Valley.

Cindy Rodriguez is coordinating the groups in Southern New England (CT, RI). Cindy is a former journalist turned public school teacher. She is the author of When Reason Breaks, a YA novel (Bloomsbury, 2015), and “I’m a Survivor,” an essay in Life Inside My Mind: 31 Authors Share Their Personal Struggles (Simon Pulse, 2018). She lives in Connecticut, where she is a member of two critique groups. She is also a big fan of the three Cs: coffee, chocolate, and coconut.

The role of the coordinator is to support the critique group leaders, help volunteers start new groups, and to keep the Open Group List up to date. You can reach all three coordinators at necritiquegroups@gmail.com. It is helpful to place their name in the subject line.

Critique Groups Open as of August 28, 2018For a more up to date list, visit https://nescbwicritiques.blogspot.com.

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 Critique Group Leader and the participants.

Connecticut CT - AvonThe Avon/Farmington Group is for MG and YA authors. We are closed for now but may be adding new members soon. Contact Meera at meera7777@yahoo.com for more details. 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 kjmbny@gmail.com. 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 KathKud@aol.com 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 jhimmel@comcast.net. 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 dsstewart@cox.net 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 debadamson@comcast.netwith interest. CT - StamfordLooking for picture book writers to start a critique group in Stamford, CT. This group is welcome to writers with the goal of becoming published and those who would like feedback and support along the way. Group will meet once a month at a time and place agreed upon by the group. Contact: porsino41@gmail.com CT - WestonThe Weston Group is for MG/YA authors. We meet once a month on a Wednesday night. Contact Chris Friden at cfriden@optonline.netfor more details.

Maine ME - Biddeford/SacoI’m forming a small critique group for authors, illustrators and author/illustrators of children’s literature who work in picture book and/or middle grade genres. I’m looking for dedicated kidlit creators who are serious about improving

their craft and are willing to give and receive constructive, critical, and positive feedback for manuscripts, illustrations — or both! We’ll meet once a month in the Biddeford/Saco, Maine area, and also offer critiques online, as needed. We’ll be sure to have fun as well as keep each other posted about kidlit events. Please note that our group will follow the SCBWI Code of Conduct, so please be sure to read that. (https://www.scbwi.org/anti-harassment-statement/) If interested in joining, please email me at rlowellart@gmail.com 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 alli.harper13@gmail.comfor more information. 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 (fraudrk@gmail.com). 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 3rdWednesday of the month from 6-8pm. Open to all writers and illustrators at every level of experience. Contact amelia.mosley@gmail.com. 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 mpknowles85@verizon.net. MA - BostonWe are starting a Boston area critique group for writers of middle-grade and YA fiction and non-fiction. Meetings the first and third Tuesday of each month from 6-8 pm, place to be determined. Serious writers at all stages, published and unpublished, welcome to come and learn from one another. We aim for supportive, specific feedback. If interested, please contact pendrednoyce@gmail.com. MA - Boston/GBIG (Greater Boston Illustrator’s Group)The Greater Boston Illustrators’ Group has limited availability for new members. Contact Priscilla@PriscillaAlpaugh.com for more information. MA – Cape Cod/Falmouth The 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 publication. We are also associated with the Cape Cod Writer’s Center. For more information go to capecodchildrenswriters website and contact Joan Walsh at irishseaside2@aol.com. 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

lbsweeney@verizon.net or Eugene Pool ehpool@verizon.net. 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 gfishbone@gmail.comfor details. MA – Malden/Medford/Somerville/Cambridge -- CLOSED FOR NOW 5/13/18Are you a picture book writer looking to get & give professional, thoughtful, and supportive critiques? Join us! Our small critique group, Friends With Words, is seeking new members. We meet on the last Sunday of each month at members’ houses. (You don’t need to host to join though!) If you’re interested, please email Phaea at phaeacrede@gmail.com

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 ddclimb@aol.com 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 nellwright79@gmail.com for more information. MA - Needham/Newton/DedhamCome join local writers, picture books through middle-grade, in this newly established group. Meetings will be held once a month at local libraries. We’ll laugh, cry, and critique manuscripts e-mailed to the group ahead of time. We seek members committed to receiving and contributing specific, constructive feedback. Our goal is to create polished work to bring to publication. Contact Megan Scudellari at megan@scudellari.com. 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 pdturco@msn.com MA – NewtonCritique group is seeking a few more members. We are a group of experienced published and pre-published writers focusing on Middle Grade and YA fiction. We meet monthly on the 4th Wednesday of the month at the Newton Free Library. We are looking for writers with good critique skills and dedication to coming to group regularly. For more information please contact Josh Roberts at chapter11studios@gmail.com 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 two new members available during the winter months for a tryout. Please email: siwanisziw@yahoo.com. 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 jmw414@comcast.net MA - SharonLooking for writers and illustrators of picture books. All levels welcome. Please contact Jessie Kravette at kravers@verizon.net for more details. MA - Sherborn

The 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 writersloftma@gmail.comand 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 writersloftma@gmail.com and visit http://www.thewritersloft.org MA - SherbornThe Writers’ Loft Picture Book Critique Group generally meets on various Wednesday mornings (10:30am-12:30pm) and Thursday evenings (7-9pm) periodically each month. The PBCG is a drop-in group, so there is no need to attend every meeting. Meetings are limited to four manuscripts per meeting. Membership at The Writers’ Loft if not required. For more information, email The Loft at writersloftma@gmail.com or visit 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 writersloftma@gmail.com and visit http://www.thewritersloft.org MA—Southeast (Kingston Area)An established, eclectic, and dynamic author/author-illustrator critique group hopes to add a new member (or two). We seek someone serious about craft who is committed to receiving and contributing feedback and support. We enjoy the process and each other, and hope you will, too. Meetings are the second Wednesday of every month, morning through early afternoon. For details, please contact Carolyn at childrensauthor@comcast.net, and include “WG inquiry” in the subject line. MA - South Shore/HinghamAre you a serious children’s book writer? We meet the last Tuesday of the month. Please contact lisa@howlpress.com 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 cicily@cicilycorbett.com 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 nicolemarkel@comcast.net MA - WakefieldWriters at all levels (PB – YA) and of all genres are welcome. RSVP and submit a writing sample 3 weeks prior to each meeting. Writing will be distributed 2 weeks prior to each meeting. Please submit writing that is approximately 10-minutes or 10-pages in length to: critique@theroomtowrite.com. The Writers Critique Group meets the 3rd Thursday of every month 7:00 - 9:00 pm in the Boys & Girls Club of Wakefield Location: Ground Floor of the Americal Civic Center, 467 Main Street, Wakefield, MA. For more information visit http://www.theroomtowrite.com/the-room/critique New Hampshire 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 nellwright79@gmail.com. NH - PortsmouthA Children¹s Book Writers and Illustrators Critique Group is starting up in Portsmouth NH for picture book creators. This group will meet once a month (at a yet-to-be-determined location) in Portsmouth on Thursday evenings from 6-8 pm. The group is open to all serious and aspiring writers and illustrators of children¹s picture books. The purpose will be to share a work in progress and receive constructive feedback in a safe and caring environment. Contact Cindy Matthews at cmatthews@lowell.k12.ma.us 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 sally@sallywilkins.com 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, kim@foobox.com 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 LilyandCo@aol.com

Vermont VT – BrattleboroDo you live in Southern VT or Southern NH and wonder where all the children’s writers are? Join our new group that will meet on every other Wednesday from 5-7 (time can be negotiated). We are an MG/PIX Book group. We welcome you and your work. We provide critique and support and share information as we work towards publication. Critiques are not required. Writers can choose critique partners or bring something to the whole group. Writing prompts may pop up from time-to-time. Please contact Mara Berkley at drmberkley1@me.com for details. Put nescbwi in the subject! Newbies be not afraid. Look forward to hearing from you! 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 kimberlyannhunt@gmail.com 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 stephmiraglia@gmail.com 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 seano@seano.me 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 ccfogel@yahoo.comfor 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 saragail@saragailbenjamin.com.

Illustrators and Author-Illustrators

NESCBWI 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 denise@ortakales.com. 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 aileen@aileendesigns.com 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 jhimmel@comcast.net. MA - Boston/GBIG (Greater Boston Illustrator’s Group)The Greater Boston Illustrators’ Group has limited ability for new members. ContactPriscilla@PriscillaAlpaugh.com 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 ruth@ruthsanderson.com. 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, kim@foobox.com 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 seano@seano.me