Kidlit Writer in Progress & Resource Blogger

I am a member of a Facebook group called KIDLIT411. This group has resource writing tips, submission advice, and more. I saw a post about submitting a manuscript in hopes of having it read and edited live! When you submit, it goes above the slush pile of other manuscripts. This event is hosted by Rosie J. Pova, who is an award-winning picture book author. I recently read one of her books called “Sunday Rain,” and it’s a sweet story about a boy who comes out of his comfort zone of reading indoors and joins some children outside to play in the rain. Carter Hasegawa is the agent that will do the live editing. He is a former editor for Candlewick and will give his approach to editing picture books. I decided to register and submit a manuscript I had. The story idea came to me looking at some art in Chicago. I also had some inspiration reading picture books by author Leo Lionni, and if you know some of his books, he uses shapes to tell stories. Although I may not get chosen, I and others will have the opportunity to learn from different edits of other manuscripts. You always want a fresh set of eyes on your manuscript to get a reader’s perspective. We may also see some reshaping of sentences to create a smoother flow that’s easier to follow. Word choice, pacing, and rhythm are other things that may come up. Submissions are due by the end of the day on September 7th, which happens to be tonight. Everything remains anonymous, and I can’t wait to hear all the wonderful stories edited live September 9th!