Back in December we had learned about the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and Natalie was able to join and subscribe to the SCBWI Utah/Southern Idaho Picture Book Critique Group.
In addition to the informal critique groups, there are workshops and formal reviews with art directors, editors and publishers for childrens books.
This is a really big step, and it’s going to be a little nerve wracking to share our progress with people in the industry!
In-Person Critique Groups
Salt Lake City, Utah–Meets every third Thursday at 7:00pm at the Kearns Library (4275 West 5345 South – Kearns, UT 84118). Co-sponsored by the Salt Lake County Library System. All genres, age groups, and stages of writing and illustrating for children are welcome. For more information, contact Mattie Noall mattienoall@gmail.com.
Online Critique Groups
Online Picture Book Group–Meets every second and fourth Tuesday. For more information, contact Kathy Dye utahsouthidaho-ara2@scbwi.org.
Online Group–Meets 3rd Wednesdays of the month @ 7pm MT via Zoom. We prioritize writers who fully participate, which means leaving comments in Google Docs before the meeting AND attending the online meeting. Word count maximum: 1250 words. All kidlit genres/ages welcome: board book, early readers, picture book, middle-grade novels, and YA. To participate or for more information, contact Bruce Luck or Stephanie Jackson at makestoriesbetterscbwi@gmail.com. Stephanie’s website can be accessed here: https://www.stephaniewritesforkids.com/.
Events
Critique-a-Palooza (May – July 2025)
- Andy Lopez Soberano, Assistant Editor, Scholastic
CRITIQUING: Picture Books, Early Readers/Easy Readers; Board Books
INTERESTS: Andy is an assistant editor on the 0-8 team at Scholastic with a focus on board books, picture books, and early readers and early chapter book series. She’s interested in stories by and for marginalized creators/communities - Bobbie Bensur, Publisher & Editorial Lead, Paw Prints Publishing & Cam Cat Books:
CRITIQUING: Picture Books, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Graphic Novels
INTERESTS: Bobbie is interested in humorous picture books, SEL-driven picture books; multicultural picture books; picture books with diversity and representation; creative nonfiction for ages 4-8 - Bonnie Bader, Acquisitions Editor, Marble Press
CRITIQUING: Picture Books, Middle Grade, Graphic Novels, Non-fiction
INTERESTS: I am looking for books that will inspire children: books that will challenge their imagination and ignite their curiosity, books that make a difference, books that stand out because of their style and substance. - Jen Newens, VP and Senior Literary Manager, Martin Literary Management
CRITIQUING: Picture Books, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Graphic Novels, Non-fiction INTERESTS: Children’s/MG/YA/Graphic Novels. Books that portray historically excluded voices, disability, neurodivergent characters, LGBTQ topics. - Katie Erickson, Agent, The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency
CRITIQUING: Picture Books, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Graphic Novels, Illustrator portfolios
INTERESTS: I love character-driven stories and art that explore what it means to be human while leaving room for hope. I love reading books with a diverse cast of characters, as well. - Saribel Pages, Literary Associate, Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency
CRITIQUING: Picture Books, Graphic Novels
INTERESTS: In picture books, I’m looking for commercial, kid-focused stories as well as engaging non-fiction. I also love stories that highlight different kinds of friendships and families of all shapes and sizes.
Fall 2025 Workshop (October 18, 2025)
- Adria Goetz, Senior Literary Agent, KT Literary
CRITIQUING: Picture Books, Middle Grade, Graphic Novels, Illustrator Portfolios, Picture Book Dummies
INTERESTS: For picture books, I love hilarious, commercial-feeling picture books with an irresistibly clever premise, as well as magical picture books that will stick with a child for the rest of their life. For middle grade, I love fantasy, magical realism, mysteries, and anything with an unconventional format. For graphic novels, I’m open to anything. Across the board, I love stories with heart and whimsy, a unique atmosphere/strong sense of place, a strong hook, and projects with multiple marketing entry points. - Esther Cajahuaringa, Editor, Alfred A. Knopf BFYR
CRITIQUING: Picture Books, Illustrator Portfolios, Picture Book Dummies
INTERESTS: I’m looking for stories whose words I want to live in and whose characters take up room in my heart like a dear, old friend. I want to be transported to a time or a place! I mainly acquire picture books as well as graphic novels (early to middle grade only). I love humor, heartfelt, lyrical stories and open to fiction and nonfiction picture books as well. - J. Scott Savage, Publishing Executive, Cedar Fort Publishing
CRITIQUING: Picture Books, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Graphic Novels, Non-fiction
INTERESTS: LDS/Inspirational non-fiction, How-to (ie. cook books, gardening, grilling, etc.), Romance, Middle Grade, Picture Book Kristie Choi, Editor, Atheneum Books for Young Readers/S&S
CRITIQUING: Picture Books, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Picture Book Dummies.
INTERESTS: I’m open to picture books and novels and graphic novels for middle grade and young adult/teen readers. My taste tends to run literary or “upmarket,” and I love when writing doesn’t underestimate the intelligence of young readers. For picture books, I’m currently looking for high-concept, funny stories with silly and absurd humor that isn’t message-y. In middle grade: verse novels and high-concept fantasy/speculative in the vein of The Last Cuentista, The Girl Who Drank the Moon, or The Last Tiger. In YA: standout queer/trans voices; complex characters; voice-y or lyrical and romantic coming-of-age or genre fiction (mystery, fantasy, horror).- Mina Chung, Art Director, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
CRITIQUING: Picture Books, Illustrator Portfolios, Picture Book Dummies
INTERESTS: I am interested in illustration portfolios that focus on picture books.
Additional Resources
Amazon Book Publishing
For self-publishing
https://amazonpublishing.amazon.com/
Query Tracker
Find an agent or a publisher to work with.
https://querytracker.net