I read last week that during our current Covid-19 situation, nearly one-fifth of mothers of young children say their children are not getting enough to eat. This is according to a survey by the Brookings Institution, and is a rate three times as high as in 2008, during the worst of the Great Recession.
As I read the article, I was heartsick. And I felt compelled to do what I can. I made a personal donation, and now I am auctioning off a critique of either two of your picture book manuscripts, plus a query letter, or the first 50 pages of any work in progress, plus a query letter, followed by an hour-long phone call to answer your questions about revisions, your process, the publishing business, what agents might be right for you, or anything else.
Donations will go to Feeding America’s Covid-19 Response Fund. Feeding America is the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States. Per their website, every dollar raised from the COVID-19 response fund will be used to get food and funds to local food banks across the U.S. [Donations to Feeding America are tax deductible, and the deduction will be yours to take]
Critique + phone call details:
I am offering a critique of two of your picture book manuscripts plus a query letter, OR the first 50 pages of any work in progress (chapter book, novel, nonfiction, memoir) plus a brief synopsis and a query letter. I will do line editing and make margin comments on your work and query, and will write you an editorial letter. After you receive my letter, we can have a one-hour follow up phone call (or Skype or Facetime or Zoom) to answer any questions you have about your work, revising it, or the children’s publishing business. You are welcome to record the call. In my editorial letter, I will address not only what’s working well and what could be stronger in your work, but how to position yourself for publication and any red flags that I see. On our call, I am happy to discuss agents, the publishing process, and any other questions you have. If you are still working or want to tweak your ms. before sending, you have until June 25th (or longer if you need it) to get me your material. I will reply with your letter and edited work within 3 weeks.
The auction:
The auction will open at 12:00 PM eastern on Sunday, May 10 (Mother’s Day) and end Tuesday night May 12 at 9:00 PM eastern. Bidding increments must be $5.00 or more; minimum bid is $150. Simply post your bid in the comments section below.
The winning bidder will donate to Feeding America’s Covid-19 response fund, or a hunger charity of your choice. The donation is yours and you will receive the tax deduction. I just need to see the email or screenshot that your donation was received.
The charity:
More on Feeding America here. If you have a local or personal hunger-fighting charity that you prefer to contribute to instead, just tell me in the comment section when you make your bid.
About me:
I am a children’s book editor, currently at Holiday House Books for Young Readers, who acquires and edits fiction and nonfiction for children from picture book age to young adult. I have been in the business for more than 30 years. More about me here.
Repeating the auction rules:
Minimum bid is $150, bids must be in increments of $5.00 or more, auction closes at 9:00 PM eastern on Tuesday, May 12th. Post your bid in the comments section below.
Thank you, and good luck everyone!