The Prize: One critique of  the first chapter of your young adult novel (10 pages max, double-spaced), your synopsis (2 pages, single-spaced max), AND your query letter (one page max).  *The author would like to note that due to her schedule, the soonest she can return your critique will be mid-August.*  That gives you plenty of time to shine it up!

The Darer: Malinda Lo is the former managing editor of AfterEllen.com, the largest entertainment news website for lesbians and bisexual women. In 2006, Malinda was awarded the Sarah Pettit Memorial Award for Excellence in LGBT Journalism by the National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association. She has also been associate editor at Curve Magazine and an editorial assistant at Ballantine Books. Her first novel, ASH, a lesbian retelling of Cinderella, will be published in September 2009 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Visit her online at www.malindalo.com.

About ASH

In the wake of her father’s death, Ash is left at the mercy of her cruel stepmother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes by the light of the dying hearth fire, re-reading the fairy tales her mother once told her. In her dreams, someday the fairies will steal her away, as they are said to do. When she meets the dark and dangerous fairy Sidhean, she believes that her wish may be granted.

The day that Ash meets Kaisa, the King’s Huntress, her heart begins to change. Instead of chasing fairies, Ash learns to hunt with Kaisa. Though their friendship is as delicate as a new bloom, it reawakens Ash’s capacity for love—and her desire to live. But Sidhean has already claimed Ash for his own, and she must make a choice between fairy tale dreams and true love.

Entrancing, empowering, and romantic, Ash is about the connection between life and love, and solitude and death, where transformation can come from even the deepest grief.

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win! *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

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Related posts:

1. Proposal Package Critique from Author Clint Johnson (Fantasy)
2. Critique from Author Maggie Stiefvater (Fantasy)
3. 5 Page Critique from Author Stacey Jay (Contemp Fantasy)

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The Prize: One critique of the first three chapters of your young adult novel (30 pages maximum, double-spaced). Line edits for first chapter and directional suggestions for the rest. WOWZERS!

The Darer: Jen Nadol grew up in Reading, PA, hometown of John Updike, Taylor Swift, and fellow YA novelist A.S. King. She wrote her first novel four years ago and found, much to her surprise, that it took a lot more than finishing to get published. She dug in and began studying the craft in earnest. Her debut novel, The Mark, will be published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books in early 2010. She is currently finishing the draft of her option book for Bloomsbury. www.jennadolbooks.com.

About THE MARK

Sixteen-year old Cassie Renfield has seen the mark since forever: a glow around certain people as if a candle were held behind their back.

The one time she pointed it out taught her not to do it again, so Cassie has kept quiet, considering its rare appearances odd, but insignificant. Until the day she watches a man die. Mining her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person’s imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.

Cassie searches her past, her philosophy lessons, even her new boyfriend for answers, always careful to hide her secret. How does the mark work? Why her?

Most importantly, if you know today is someone’s last, should you tell?

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win! *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

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Related posts:

1. 5 Page Critique from Author Stacey Jay (Contemp Fantasy)
2. One Chapter Critique from Author Lindsey Leavitt (Contemp Fantasy)
3. Critique from Author Maggie Stiefvater (Fantasy)

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The Prize: One critique of the first ten pages of your double-spaced children’s NONFICTION book (up to 2500 words), an autographed copy of Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga, AND valuable marketing advice about how to pitch your nonfiction book to publishers. WHOA!

The Darer: After many years of mud pies, skinned knees, sibling rivalry, crushes, boyfriends and heartbreaks, List got serious and penned her first novel when she was sixteen. She joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators in 1996 and sold her first article in 1998. She’s been a contributing author to the Children’s Writers and Illustrator’s Market (CWIM) and has written three nonfiction books for Enslow Publishing. Lois Lowry: The Giver of Stories & Memories (2007) , So You Want to Be a Film or TV Actor? (2008), and Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga (2009).

“Lisa’s books are heavily lauded and she’s not only a fabulous writer, but she’s got the personality to go with.  I’ve known Lisa for years now, and I have no doubt that she will take great care when evaluating your manuscript to make sure you’re headed in the “write” direction. She also has loads of tips on how to write biographies of living people. It’s an ART!” – Cynthea Liu

About Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga:

“If there was ever any doubt that an entire book could be written about Stephenie Meyer’s rise to success, let it be forever put to rest. Lisa Rondinelli Albert’s biography of Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight series and The Host, is a fluid and comprehensive presentation of that very story.

Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga is part of Enslow Publishers‘ Authors Teens Love series (within which Albert has also penned a biography of Lois Lowry, and others have written about anyone from Roald Dahl to Isaac Asimov).

The book is thorough, well-paced, and unendingly interesting…” – Examiner.com

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win!  Value: Priceless. *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

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Related posts:

1. Autographed Copy of Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga by Lisa Rondinelli Albert
2. NEW! Critique from Nonfiction Author Kelly Milner Halls
3. NEW! Critique from Nonfiction Author Marc Tyler Nobleman

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The Prize: One critique of the first five double-spaced pages of your children’s NONFICTION book.

The Darer:  Marc Tyler Nobleman is an author (and lapsed cartoonist). His latest, Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman, is the first standalone book for any age on the two awkward teens who dreamed up the world’s first and greatest superhero. Among the recognition it received: multiple starred reviews, an ALA Notable Children’s Book 2009, a Junior Library Guild selection, a Kirkus Reviews “best of 2008″ title, and a USA Today cover story. He regularly travels the country to speak about the creative life at venues including schools, conferences, libraries, museums. More on his writing and promotion are at http://noblemania.blogspot.com.

“Marc is not only a super-talented author who managed to get a GOOD review from Kirkus AND Publisher’s Weekly (READ: NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE) but he’s also a tremendously charismatic and giving person. Marc Nobleman is a Noble Man. You will be blessed to have him helping you with your manuscript.”- Cynthea Liu

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win!  Value: Priceless. *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

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1. NEW! Critique from Nonfiction Author Kelly Milner Halls

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The Prize: One critique of the first five double-spaced pages of your children’s NONFICTION book.

The Darer: Kelly Milner Halls is a quirky nonfiction author and speaker, specializing in “weird” (but cool) books for young readers including Tales of the Cryptids, Albino Animals and her upcoming release, Saving the Baghdad Zoo.  From Bigfoot to albinism to dinosaur poop, she offers reluctant readers a pathway to literacy in a most unusual way.  Halls studied journalism before she dedicated herself to writing for kids, so as odd as her topics may be, they are rooted in top notch research.  She makes her home in Spokane, Washington, where she also works as Chris Crutcher’s zany assistant.

“Kelly is an extremely well-know author in our children’s nonfiction market. Her books have won a zillion awards (see that fancy symbol on her book?), and you would be completely remiss if you did not bid on her critique. GO. BID. Now!” – Cynthea Liu

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win!  Value: Priceless. *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

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Related posts:

1. YA Critique from Agent Kelly Sonnack, Andrea Brown Literary Agency
2. PB Critique from Author J.C. Phillipps
3. PB Critique from Author Tammi Sauer

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The Prize:  The Illustrious Dan Santat Prize Pack includes …

• 

  The Ghosts of Luckless Gulch

  An autographed copy of “The Ghosts of Luckless Gulch,” illustrated by Dan himself.  Meet Estrella. She can run so fast that she burns up the air, leaving trails of flames wherever she goes. Her pets — a Kickle Snifter, a Sidehill Wowser, and a Rubberado puppy — are as untamed as California, and the pride and love of Estrella’s heart. When the greedy ghosts of old gold miners steal her pets, Estrella will need every bit of her pluck and nimble-footedness to rescue them from the ghosts of Luckless Gulch. From the author of Swamp Angel and the artist who created The Replacements comes a tale as unpredictable as the California Gold Rush, as tall as a Redwood tree, and as surprising as a skunk selling perfume. Pull a chair up to the wood stove and get ready to laugh!

• and this gorgeous 16 X 20 inch handsigned Giclee print created by Dan Santat. WOAH!  Don’t let this one get away!!!!

The Darer:  Dan Santat. One day a year he is Santa Claus, but the other 364 days Dan Santat works as a children’s book writer and commercial illustrator while fighting crime on the side.  He is also the creator of Disney’s animated hit, “The Replacements.” Dan graduated with distinction from the Art Center, College of Design. He lives in Southern California with his wife Leah, his son Alek, a rabbit, a bird, and one cat.  He is also the illustrator of numerous books for children including Tammie Sauer’s CHICKEN DANCE (Sterling, Aug 2009) and Lisa Yee’s BOBBY VS. GIRLS (ACCIDENTALLY).  Check out his hilarious blog at http://dantat.typepad.com/

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win!  Value: Priceless. *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

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Related posts:

1. NEW! Wiggle and Waggle Prize Pack from Illustrator Mary Peterson
2. Author Prize Pack from Cynthea Liu
3. NEW! Author Prize Pack from Ruth Spiro

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The Giveaway: An autographed copy of Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga by Lisa Rondinelli Albert

“If there was ever any doubt that an entire book could be written about Stephenie Meyer’s rise to success, let it be forever put to rest. Lisa Rondinelli Albert’s biography of Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight series and The Host, is a fluid and comprehensive presentation of that very story.

Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga is part of Enslow Publishers‘ Authors Teens Love series (within which Albert has also penned a biography of Lois Lowry, and others have written about anyone from Roald Dahl to Isaac Asimov).

The book is thorough, well-paced, and unendingly interesting…” – Examiner.com

The Author: Lisa Rondinelli Albert

After many years of mud pies, skinned knees, sibling rivalry, crushes, boyfriends and heartbreaks,  List got serious and penned her first novel when she was sixteen. She joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators in 1996 and sold her first article in 1998. She’s been a contributing author to the Children’s Writers and Illustrator’s Market (CWIM) and has written three nonfiction books for Enslow Publishing. Lois Lowry: The Giver of Stories & Memories (2007) , So You Want to Be a Film or TV Actor? (2008), and Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga (2009).

Related posts:

1. Autographed Copy of Far from You by Lisa Schroeder
2. Autographed Copy of Absolutely Maybe by Lisa Yee
3. Autographed Copy of Me with You by Kristy Dempsey

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The Prize: The Chris Crutcher Prize pack includes:

• at least two signed books
• a poster
• bookmarks
• 10 Chris Crutcher anti-censorship wristbands
• a DEADLINE t-shirt
• all neatly packed in a Chris Crutcher tote bag. WOW!!!!!!

The Darer: Chris Crutcher is a world famous YA author and speaker known for his realistic fiction and frequently banned books.  His latest book, Angry Management — a book of three novellas — revisits three characters from previous Chris Crutcher novels including The Sledding Hill, Whale Talk, Athletic Shorts and Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes.  Crutcher’s work as a child and family therapist and child protection advocate has helped make him a moving speaker.  His humor and good nature have made him near legendary.  He makes his home in Spokane, Washington — that is when he’s home, which is rare.

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win!  Value: Priceless. *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

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Related posts:

1. Author Prize Pack from Cynthea Liu
2. NEW! Author Prize Pack from Ruth Spiro
3. Neil Armstrong is My Uncle Prize Pack by Nan Marino

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The Prize: Let children’s fantasy author Clint Johnson help get your entire proposal package ready to send out. Send a first chapter or the first fifteen double-spaced pages of any fiction manuscript for adults or children, your cover letter, and a double-spaced, detailed synopsis of up to ten pages for Clint’s detailed feedback.

The Darer: Clint Johnson is the author of Green Dragon Codex, narrated by fictitious character R.D. Henham. With experience in academic, journalistic, technical, non-fiction, and fiction writing, he has also worked on academic editorial staffs and as a freelance editor.  Currently he teaches writing in a one-one-one tutorial setting at Salt Lake Community College where he has conducted over 2,500 sessions.  A frequent panelist and workshop presenter, he is an Active member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and a listed member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.  He currently writes fantasy and historical fiction for adults and children.  www.ClintJohnsonWrites.com.

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win!  Value: Priceless. *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

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Related posts:

1. Critique from Agent Elana Roth, Caren Johnson Literary Agency
2. 5 Page or Query Letter Critique Package from Author Darcy Vance
3. Submission Package Critique from Freelance Editor Stacy Whitman

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The Prize:  This prize pack includes …

• An autographed copy of Lester Fizz, Bubble-Gum Artist by Ruth Spiro
• a mini gumball machine bank
• a bubblegum-scented pen
• bookmarks with bubble-blowing tips from Lester Fizz
• and a set of art supplies, sure to inspire a masterpiece! Wow-wow-wow!

The Darer: Ruth Spiro is the author of Lester Fizz, Bubble-Gum Artist (Dutton). Her articles and essays have appeared in The Writer, FamilyFun, Child, and Woman’s World. Her stories have also been published in popular anthologies, notably The Right Words at the Right Time, Volume 2: Your Turn, edited by Marlo Thomas, and several Chicken Soup for the Soul titles.

Ruth is also the Founder of Bubble Gum Day, a FUN-draising school holiday featured by The Washington Post Express, U.S. Census Bureau’s Profile America, and even NASA! (Learn more at www.bubblegumday.com)

About Lester Fizz, Bubble-Gum Artist

Born into a family of artists, Lester Fizz feels he doesn’t fit in… until he discovers his own unique talent in an unexpected medium – bubble gum! Lester and his family are influenced by many well-known artists, whose paintings, sculpture and photographs are referenced throughout the text and illustrations. Readers will recognize works inspired by Degas, Homer, Lange, Matisse, Picasso, Seurat, Van Gogh and more. Surrounded by these works of artistic genius, Lester Fizz finds his own hilarious path to creative expression.

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win!  Value: Priceless. *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

*Did you bid on this auction? Don’t forget to enter our drawings for fabulous giveaways.*

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Related posts:

1. Author Prize Pack from Cynthea Liu
2. NEW! Author Prize Pack from Chris Crutcher
3. Neil Armstrong is My Uncle Prize Pack by Nan Marino

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The Prize: The Wiggle and Waggle prize pack includes

• a hard bound edition of the book signed by both the illustrator Mary Peterson and author Caroline Arnold
• THREE 8×10 signed Giclée* archival fine art prints from the original book art–perfect for giving your child’s room, or any room in your house, incredible charm!
• A packet of carrot seeds to start your own garden and …
• an activity kit that includes a Wiggle and Waggle poster, popcicle stick puppets, sheet music for Wiggle and Waggle’s Gardening Song, recipes for a rainy day picnic (including bug juice and dirt rolls!), and more! WOW!

*Click images to view larger size.*

“Mary Peterson is an amazing illustrator. How rare is it to get autographed Giclee prints from the illustrator herself?! This is something you will pass down from generation to generation. You must have the adorable Wiggle and Waggle in your home. DO NOT let these critters get away.” – Cynthea Liu

About Wiggle and Waggle

Follow Wiggle and Waggle, two wormy best friends, through five wormy chapters as they dig in the dirt, work hard, and have fun swimming and singing. Beginnings readers will dig the simple science facts included at the end of this charming book.

The Darer: Children’s picture book illustrator Mary Peterson tells funny stories with her art. Her books include award-winning Wiggle and Waggle Charlesbridge) and No Time to Nap (Heyday books); coming soon from Charlesbridge, Piggies In The Pumpkin Patch, which she also co-authored. Mary lives in Los Angeles with her husband and a 20 lb cat named Sumo.

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win!  Value: Priceless. *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

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Related posts:

1. Author Prize Pack from Cynthea Liu
2. NEW! Author Prize Pack from Ruth Spiro
3. NEW! Author Prize Pack from Chris Crutcher

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The Prize: One critique of the first five double-spaced pages of your fiction middle grade or young adult novel.

The Darer: Cheryl Klein is the senior editor at Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic. Among the titles she has edited are A Curse Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce, winner of the inaugural William C. Morris Award for a YA debut novel; Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit by Nahoko Uehashi, translated by Cathy Hirano, winner of the Mildred L. Batchelder Award for a book in translation; Millicent Min, Girl Genius, and four other novels by Lisa Yee; and Marcelo in the Real World, by Francisco X. Stork. She also served as the continuity editor for the last three books of the Harry Potter series. Please visit her editorial website at www.cherylklein.com.

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win!  Value: Priceless. *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

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Related posts:

1. Submission Package Critique from Freelance Editor Stacy Whitman
2. 5 Page Critique from Editor Karen Chaplin, Puffin/Speak Books
3. PB or 5 Page Novel Critique from Editor Kristin Daly, Balzer & Bray, HarperCollins

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The Prize: One critique of the first five double-spaced pages of your fiction middle grade or young adult novel.

The Darer

: Nancy Mercado has been working in children’s publishing for the last ten years and she is currently an executive editor at Roaring Brook Press. She is grateful to have worked on books such as Emma Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree by Lauren Tarshis, My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger, Neil Armstrong is My Uncle by Nan Marino and many, many others. Nancy mostly gravitates towards contemporary, realistic middle grade and YA novels with a hopeful quality to them.

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win!  Value: Priceless. *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

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Related posts:

1. Submission Package Critique from Freelance Editor Stacy Whitman
2. 5 Page Critique from Editor Karen Chaplin, Puffin/Speak Books
3. 5 Page Critique from Editor Karen Chaplin, Puffin/Speak Books

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The Prize: One critique of your fiction picture book (1000 words max.) or the first five double-spaced pages of your fiction middle grade or young adult novel.

The Darer: Tracey Adams, along with husband Josh Adams, co-founded Adams Literary in 2004 and has been exclusively representing children’s book authors and artists for over 10 years. Before becoming an agent, she spent years working in the editorial and marketing departments of publishing houses, including Margaret K. McElderry Books and Greenwillow Books. Tracey is a member of the AAR and the SCBWI.

Our clients’ work spans every age and every genre—from picture books to middle-grade and young adult fiction, from historical novels and fantasy to books that tackle important contemporary issues. While we give every submission its due consideration, we must admit a fondness for middle-grade and young adult novels with memorable characters and a unique voice. We don’t typically handle textbooks, novelty, craft, how-to or coloring books—and we don’t handle any adult works.

We represent Cynthia Lord, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Jenny Nimmo, Alan Katz, Coleen Paratore, Adrienne Vrettos, Geraldine McCaughrean, among others.

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win!  Value: Priceless. *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

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Related posts:

1. 5 Page Critique from Agent Jennifer Mattson, Andrea Brown Literary Agency
2. 5 Page Critique from Agent Elana Roth, Caren Johnson Literary Agency
3. PB Critique from Agent Jennifer Rofe, Andrea Brown Literary Agency

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The Prize: One critique of your fiction picture book (max 1000 words).

The Darer: Summer began her story in the San Francisco Bay Area, graduating with an English degree from UC Berkeley. After an eye-opening stint as an account executive with an investor relations company, she set her sights on the world of book publishing. She began to gather steam down this path at Chronicle Books where she worked in both the marketing and editorial departments during her three-year tenure in the children’s division there. In 2000 she crossed the bay to join Tricycle Press, the children’s imprint of Ten Speed Press in Berkeley, California. As Senior Editor, Summer worked on over 50 books—picturebooks, board books, novels, activity books, fiction and non-fiction for young people up to age twelve. After seven years she has chosen yet another fork in the road and is now an independent editor, working to strengthen each and every word her clients write. Summer is also a children’s specialist at independent bookseller Books Inc. where she has started the “Wild Girls Mother-Daughter Book Club.” And just for the fun of it, Summer is a co-producer of Kidquake and a member of the board of the NCCBA (Northern California Children’s Booksellers’ Association).

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win!  Value: Priceless. *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

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Related posts:

1. NEW! Submission Package Critique from Freelance Editor Stacy Whitman
2. NEW! PB or 5 Page Novel Critique from Editor Kristin Daly, Balzer & Bray, HarperCollins
3. NEW! 5 Page Critique from Associate Editor Martha Mihalick, Greenwillow Books, HarperCollins

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The Prize: One critique of your picture book manuscript (1000 words max.) or your first five double-spaced pages of your fiction middle grade or young adult novel.

The Darer

: Martha Mihalick is the associate editor at Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins. She has worked with many acclaimed authors and artists, including Kevin Henkes, Lynne Rae Perkins, Peter Sís, Chris Crutcher, and Naomi Shihab Nye. She works on books for children and teens of all ages, from picture books to young adult novels. Her reading taste reaches far and wide. She falls in love with picture books that are simple and/or sly. In novels—middle grade or YA—she looks for an authentic voice and character, and a premise with a great hook. She would love to see stories about strong friendships, fantasy with deep mythological roots, writing that’s literary yet accessible, subtle and moving romantic subplots, and “backstage” stories.

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win!  Value: Priceless. *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

*Did you bid on this auction? Don’t forget to enter our drawings for fabulous giveaways.*

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Related posts:

1. NEW! PB or 5 Page Novel Critique from Editor Kristin Daly, Balzer & Bray, HarperCollins
2. NEW! PB Critique from Editor Andrea Welch, Beach Lane Books, Simon & Schuster
3. 5 Page Critique from Editor Karen Chaplin, Puffin/Speak Books

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The Prize: One critique of the first five double-spaced pages of your fiction middle grade and young adult novel.

The Darer: Andrew Karre is the editorial director of Carolrhoda Books, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group. Carolrhoda has published fiction and nonficiton for all ages since for four decades. Andrew acquires all types of kidlit, but he’s particularly interested in YA and single-title middle grade now. Before moving to Carolrhoda, Andrew Karre was the editor at the YA imprint Flux, where he edited Maggie Stiefvater, Laurie Faria Stolarz, Carrie Jones, Simone Elkeles, Emily Wing Smith, Micol and David Ostow, and A.S. King among many others. He is an admitted sucker for first-person YA.

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win!  Value: Priceless. *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

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Related posts:

1. 5 Page Critique from Editor Karen Chaplin, Puffin/Speak Books
2. 5 Page Critique from Editor Karen Chaplin, Puffin/Speak Books
3. 5 Page Critique from Author Saundra Mitchell

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The Prize: One critique of the first three chapters of reasonable length AND a query letter for your picture book, middle grade, or YA novel.

The Darer:

Stacy Whitman specializes in fantasy and science fiction for children and young adults, and related genres. She spent more than three years as an editor for Mirrorstone, the children’s and young adult imprint of Wizards of the Coast in Seattle. She holds a master’s degree in children’s literature from Simmons College. Before that, she edited elementary school textbooks at Houghton Mifflin, interned at the Horn Book Magazine and Guide, and spent a brief stint working as a bookseller. Stacy edited such favorite fantasy titles for children and young adults as the highly acclaimed YA series Hallowmere, the middle grade fantasy adventure series that debuted with Red Dragon Codex, and The New York Times best-selling picture book A Practical Guide to Monsters.

Stacy provides all phases of editorial services to publishers, including developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading. She also provides a critique service for writers and teaches occasional community seminars on writing science fiction and fantasy for children and young adults.

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $30 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win!  Value: Priceless or $50 if you go to Stacy directly, but remember THE CAUSE! *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

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Related posts:

1. 5 Page or Query Letter Critique Package from Author Darcy Vance
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3. 5 Page Critique from Editor Karen Chaplin, Puffin/Speak Books

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The Prize: One critique of your fiction picture book (1000 words max.) or the first five double-spaced pages  or your middle grade or young adult novel.

The Darer: Kristin Daly first became interested in children’s books as a career in high school, when she worked in her local public library shelving—and often covertly reading!—books in the children’s room. Her first publishing job was as an Editorial Assistant at Golden Books, where she worked on picture books, series fiction, and the Road to Reading line. In January 2002, she began working at HarperCollins, where she has been for the past seven years and counting. In May 2008 she joined the team at Harper’s newest imprint, Balzer & Bray. Kristin edits a range of children’s titles, from picture books through young adult.

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win!  Value: Priceless. *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

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Related posts:

1. 5 Page Critique from Editor Karen Chaplin, Puffin/Speak Books
2. 5 Page Critique from Editor Karen Chaplin, Puffin/Speak Books
3. 5 Page Critique from Author Kate Messner

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The Prize: One critique of the first five double-spaced pages of your fiction middle grade or young adult novel.

The Darer: Elana began her career at Nickelodeon Magazine, which made her fall in love with children’s publishing. Afterward, she spent nearly 5 years as an editor at Parachute Publishing, a packager specializing in children’s book series. There she was lucky to work on R.L. Stine’s ROTTEN SCHOOL among many other series for kids of all ages. She’s spent the last year as an agent, and loves working with her clients closely, being very hands-on editorially to get those existing (and already fabulous) manuscripts just right. Elana is a graduate of Barnard College and the Jewish Theological Seminary, where she earned degrees in English literature and Bible.

Elana is focusing her list on children’s and young adult books, and is primarily looking for high concept middle grade and YA fiction. She will consider picture books from author/illustrators only. She’ll also consider a select number of adult projects in the areas of narrative nonfiction, pop culture and pop science. No vampires.

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win!  Value: Priceless. *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

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“Having taught in an inner city middle school for over four years, I know how desperately kids need the most basic necessities like food, school supplies and clothing. I also know that every little bit helps and the kids do truly appreciate it. Everyone deserves an education. And most importantly, there’s nothing like putting a smile on a kid’s face!”

The Prize: One critique of the first five double-spaced pages of your young adult novel.

The Darer

: Danielle Joseph is a young adult author and has fifteen years of copy writing experience. She also taught creative writing and English to middle school students and adults for eight years. In addition, she holds a BFA in Creative Writing and an MA in Marketing Communications & Advertising, both from Emerson College in Boston, MA  Her debut novel is Shrinking Violet, an MTV/Pocket Book (a division of Simon & Schuster). Her second novel, Indigo Blues, is scheduled to be released summer/fall 2010 from Flux Books. To learn more about Danielle, you can check out her web site: www.daniellejoseph.com

The Dare

: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win! *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

*Did you bid on this auction? Don’t forget to enter our drawings for fabulous giveaways.*

Receive a reminder before the auction closes.

Related posts:

1. 5 Page Critique from Author Jay Asher
2. 5 Page Critique from Author Stacey Jay
3. 5 Page Critique from Author Josh Berk

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I moved around a lot as a kid, and went to a variety of public schools. Some of them were much better funded than others. I noticed the difference. I want to support the hard-working teachers at Tulakes Elementary, and give these amazing children more books, and anything else they need to learn. Just look at a picture of them to see why I care.

The Prize: One critique of the first five-pages of your double-spaced manuscript for a young adult novel.

The Darer:  Lauren Bjorkman grew up on a sailboat, sharing the tiny forecastle with her sister and the sail bags. She likes funny things, tiny things, and chocolate in large quantities. Her debut young adult novel, My Invented Life, will come out in September 2009. She has ten years of critiquing experience, and has written many queries. http://laurenbjorkman.livejournal.com/

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win! *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

*Did you bid on this auction? Don’t forget to enter our drawings for fabulous giveaways.*

Receive a reminder before the auction closes.

Related posts:

1. 5 Page Critique from Author Jay Asher
2. 5 Page Critique from Author Stacey Jay
3. 5 Page Critique from Author Josh Berk

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“If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away where
they are needed. Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay
alive.” – Barry Lopez, Crow and Weasel

I’m not sure if this quote has ever been more true in our American education
system. Kids from impoverished schools need hope.  They need to know that
they can shape their futures with hope and hard work, and as a teacher, I
know that books can provide that hope, that window to what might be.  A
child who reads book has an enormous advantage, a chance to do and be
anything.  That’s quite a gift…

The Prize: One critique of the first five double-spaced pages of either your middle
grade or young adult novel, or a critique of a picture book manuscript (1000
words or less).

The Darer: Kate Messner is the author of THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z (Walker Books for Young Readers, September 1, 2009) as well as several other titles for young readers forthcoming from Scholastic and Chronicle. She’s also a National Board Certified middle school English teacher who offers free virtual visits with other classrooms around the country during her lunch hour. www.katemessner.com.

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win! *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

*Did you bid on this auction? Don’t forget to enter our drawings for fabulous giveaways.*

Receive a reminder before the auction closes.

Related posts:

1. 5 Page Critique from Author Saundra Mitchell
2. 5 Page Critique from Author Brenda Ferber
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The world that books open up for children is truly a world we should strive to make available to every single child.

With my own son going into third grade, this age group is close to my heart. It’s truly wrenching to hear of children without the privileges most of us take for granted. The caring teachers at Tulakes Elementary are an inspiration.

The Prize: One critique of your query letter or the first five-pages of your double-spaced manuscript for a young adult novel.

The Darer:

After college, J.E. MacLeod wrote professionally as a copywriter for radio and television before moving on to work in sales and marketing. Eventually JE returned to writing, freelancing for local and national magazines and finally took the plunge and wrote her first book. Once she started writing YA, she felt like she’d found her home and has been writing it ever since.

J.E.’s first YA, WAITING TO SCORE was published by Westside Books in Spring 2009.

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win! *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

*Did you bid on this auction? Don’t forget to enter our drawings for fabulous giveaways.*

Receive a reminder before the auction closes.

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3. NEW! 5 Page Manuscript, Query Letter, or Synopsis Critique from Author Sydney Salter

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The Prize: One critique of your picture book manuscript (1000 words max.)

The Darer: Jean Reidy’s been told that a naughty little kid lurks somewhere inside her — and she takes that as a high compliment. She writes from her home in Greenwood Village, Colorado where she lives with her husband, Mike. She has four children and hoards of nieces and nephews who provide her endless inspiration. Her upcoming books include TOO PURPLEY! (Bloomsbury, 2010) TOO PICKLEY! (Bloomsbury, 2010) MY OWN LITTLE PIECE OF THE UNIVERSE (Hyperion, 2011) and THERE’S A CORNER IN MY HOUSE (Hyperion, TBD). www.jeanreidy.com.

The Dare: Place a minimum bid of $35 by leaving a comment, then outbid the highest bidder until you win! *All winners must take the solemn critiquee oath.*

*Did you bid on this auction? Don’t forget to enter our drawings for fabulous giveaways.*

Receive a reminder before the auction closes.

Related posts:

1. 5 Page Critique from Author Brenda Ferber
2. 5 Page Critique from Author Jay Asher
3. 5 Page Critique from Author Stacey Jay

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