Critique-a-Palooza

CRITIQUING: picture books, middle grade, young adult. EDITORIAL INTERESTS: Kayla is searching for voices that can make her laugh, and keep her turning the page, but above all else, voices that feel authentic and honest. She is interested in picture books through young adult and love heartwarming and funny texts for all ages. She loves a good mystery, witty banter, and fresh spins on classic tropes or hooks.

CRITIQUING: picture books, middle grade, young adult, non-fiction. EDITORIAL INTERESTS: "My interests include child-centered picture book narratives that reflect the authentic concerns and interests of children, as well as concept books and nonfiction for readers 2-8. In the middle grade space I look for humor, voice, and emotion in traditional or graphic novel treatments. I am drawn to contemporary, realistic YA over speculative/sci fi/fantasy."

CRITIQUING: picture books, middle grade, young adult. EDITORIAL INTERESTS: picture book manuscripts (funny, smart, science/nature/history, social emotional learning, diverse cultures and experiences), middle grade fiction with humor and heart (realistic contemporary, or fantasy based on lesser-known cultures), YA fiction (realistic thrillers, mystery, romance, adventure, school stories; historical covering lesser-known time periods/cultures; romantic element always a plus!)

CRITIQUING: picture books, middle grade, young adult, illustrator portfolios. EDITORIAL INTERESTS: "I'm always interested in books that use unique storytelling methods and literary devices. Generally, I'm a good fit for paranormal, historical, romance of all kinds, contemporary, mysteries, thrillers, and adventures. Illustration: Some art and design styles I love include midcentury modern, Victorian anatomical and botanical drawings, and anything that manages to be both spooky and cute."

CRITIQUING: picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, non-fiction. EDITORIAL INTERESTS: "I rep picture books, chapter books, MG and YA novels, and graphic novels for kids of all ages. I have such an eclectic taste in stories that it is easier to share what I am NOT looking for: picture books about death/grief; elder family member losing memory; rhyming picture books; author-only graphic novels; demonic possessions; historical fiction; high fantasy, e.g., Lord of the Rings (or any fantasy traveling to other lands)."

CRITIQUING: picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, illustrator portfolios. EDITORIAL INTERESTS: Monica gravitates toward stories about identity, family relationships, and travel. She is looking to uplift underrepresented voices, including, (but not limited to) authors who identify as People of Color (BIPOC), disabled, neurodiverse, and LGBTQ+. In children’s literature, she is actively looking for MG, YA, & Graphic Novels. On the adult side, she's seeking romance, speculative, and upmarket fiction. She is also open to non-fiction submissions.

CRITIQUING: picture books, middle grade, illustrator portfolios. EDITORIAL INTERESTS: In middle grade, all genres—literary, commercial, contemporary, magical, fantastical, historical, and everything in between. In picture books, funny, character-driven stories; beautifully imagined and written stories; and milestone moments with a twist. In chapter books, commercial and action-packed series for emerging readers. In illustration, unique voices and perspectives that have a voice so strong that it’s immediately recognizable as belonging to the creator.

CRITIQUING: picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, non-fiction, illustrator portfolios. EDITORIAL INTERESTS: Laurel is seeking middle grade and young adult fiction, picture books and graphic novels from author-illustrators, and select nonfiction for kids and teens. Laurel gravitates towards sweet and earnest narratives, well drawn settings (realistic or fantastical), and characters she can cheer for.

CRITIQUING: picture books, middle grade, young adult. EDITORIAL INTERESTS: "I am looking for lyrical picture books focusing on little black girls' and boys' joy. For middle grade, I want to read stories exploring identity, grief, friendship, and complicated emotions. Additionally, I am a sucker for cheesy romance YA stories filled with angst."

CRITIQUING: picture books, illustrator portfolios. EDITORIAL INTERESTS: "I am most interested in manuscripts by author-illustrators who are writing from their own experience. I love to collaborate with debut talent on strong characters, global narratives, or stories with humor and heart. In portfolios, I look for evocative images, interesting perspectives, and memorable characters. I most enjoy painterly styles, energetic lines, and memorable lighting."

CRITIQUING: picture books, middle grade, graphic novels, non-fiction. EDITORIAL INTERESTS: "I am looking for lyrical, moving picture books, nonfiction books covering new topics or people I've never heard of (extra points for middle-grade nonfiction), and middle-grade novels of any genre that have an emotional resonance and a singular voice."

CRITIQUING: picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, non-fiction, illustrator portfolios. EDITORIAL INTERESTS: "Picture books, board books, and middle-grade nonfiction are my focus for acquiring. I am always looking for something that makes me laugh or that has a message or educational component hidden under an entertaining story."

CRITIQUING: picture books, middle grade, young adult. EDITORIAL INTERESTS: "For picture books, I love anything quirky and unexpected, including stories about untraditional families and complicated emotions as well stories that dwell in the weird and fantastic. I'm particularly interested in stories with a strong narrative heart, as well as some limited non-fiction about interesting people. For middle-grade and YA, I love light-hearted and cozy fantasies as well as coming-of age, rom-com, and diversity of experiences. For both picture books and novels, I am highly interested in American Heartland/Midwestern stories, as well as North American indigenous."

CRITIQUING: picture books, non-fiction. EDITORIAL INTERESTS: As a senior editor at Scholastic working on picture books and early readers, Katie primarily edits nonfiction, with select fiction titles. She is drawn to books that approach nonfiction in a kid-friendly way, and she's especially on the lookout for nature and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) topics.

CRITIQUING: picture books, middle grade, non-fiction. EDITORIAL INTERESTS: Sarah has been working in the children’s publishing industry for 15 years and truly believes that picture books have the power to change the world. She is interested in stories that will engage and inspire young readers. She has a soft spot for science/nature and environment, joyful stories, lyrical read alouds, and quirky humor.

CRITIQUING: picture books, middle grade, graphic novels, illustrator portfolios. EDITORIAL INTERESTS: "I am interested in picture books, early graphic novels, early chapter books, and middle grade novels featuring protagonists who reflect the audience age range and undergo clear character development throughout their story. I look for stories that incorporate STEAM content and include authentic incidental representation of diverse characters, covering a range of themes and topics. I am interested in non-fiction with unique hooks that help to offer young readers a personally relatable or entertaining lens on the informational content."