I AM AGENTED!! When I began this traditional publishing journey in November 2023, I secretly thought I'd be the exception to the rule. The first agent I queried would fall in love with my novel and offer me representation inside of two weeks. Okay, maybe not the FIRST one, but surely by summer of…

I AM AGENTED!!

When I began this traditional publishing journey in November 2023, I secretly thought I'd be the exception to the rule. The first agent I queried would fall in love with my novel and offer me representation inside of two weeks. Okay, maybe not the FIRST one, but surely by summer of 2024, I'd have an agent. Ha. Fast forward two and a half years and 103 queries.

mandyfletcherwrites.com

Thrilled to announce I've signed with Ritu Anand @d4eo.bsky.social! Little did I know I was meeting my future agent back in January at the #SCBWI NY Conference when we took this photo ... Happy we got to meet in person, and looking forward to submitting my silly little picture book soon! 🐹

Another Short Story Published! I've been sitting on this news for several months, waiting for the August issue of Novellum Magazine to release. But I'm thrilled to announce my short story "Five Finger Discount," about two girls from the 80s on a shop-lifting spree, is now available for purchase in…

Picture book writers, we have a webinar just for you September 28! Find out the details and register here. www.scbwi.org/events/get-r... #kidlit #amwriting #picturebooks

One more week to enter this year's Pitch-A-Palooza writing contest! We are now allowing each participant to submit TWO (2) pitches to up to 3 judges, so be sure to submit before the slots fill up! Contest ends midnight June 30. #kidlit #writingcommunity #amwriting www.scbwi.org/regions/sout...

Breezers, don't miss the registration window -- we're opening on Monday! This will be sooooo much fun!

SCBWI Southern Breeze Region@scbwi-sobreeze.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Registration opens June 1. Space is limited, so don't wait! www.scbwi.org/events/south... #kidlit #retreat #scbwi

Accolades! Sorry, dear readers, for the long absence! It has been a whirlwind couple of months of wins and losses. Mostly losses, but hey, you can't win if you don't enter! I spent a good deal of April preparing my most polished picture book for PB Party, in which picture book writers and…

Accolades!

Sorry, dear readers, for the long absence! It has been a whirlwind couple of months of wins and losses. Mostly losses, but hey, you can't win if you don't enter! I spent a good deal of April preparing my most polished picture book for PB Party, in which picture book writers and illustrators compete for coveted slots to be featured in a showcase of talent, and participating editors and agents can invite would-be-authors to send them their lovely picture books.

mandyfletcherwrites.com

New to the kidlit publishing world? Confused about terminology? Send us your burning questions and we'll discuss the answers at our Shop Talk Tuesday, June 9 at 7:30PM Eastern. We'll also save room for live Q&A. Fill out this Google form by June 3! #SCBWI #kidlit docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Check out this amazing reel from author Emily Matheis promoting her upcoming SCBWI webinar. Interested in attending this Saturday? Sign up here: www.scbwi.org/events/beyon... www.instagram.com/reel/DX7UIFB...

Emily Matheis on Instagram: "We always remember the villain. The villains we can’t forget are built on four bones: a goal, a dose of vulnerability, a moment of humanity, and a conviction that doesn’t ...

emilymatheisauthor on May 4, 2026: "We always remember the villain. The villains we can’t forget are built on four bones: a goal, a dose of vulnerability, a moment of humanity, and a conviction that d...

instagram.com

When I saw Emily give this presentation to the Atlanta Writer's Club last year, I was blown away. This totally changed the game for me and my MG villain character, and it will for you, too! Sign up now! @scbwi.bsky.social #kidlit #amwriting www.scbwi.org/events/beyon...

SCBWI Southern Breeze Region@scbwi-sobreeze.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Want to know how to craft the perfect villain? Sign up now for this online presentation by kidlit author Emily Matheis! Only $15 for members. Can't make it live? That's okay, we're recording it. #scbwi #kidlit #amwriting www.scbwi.org/events/beyon...

Y'all, I attended this presentation Emily did at the AWC, and it was bonkers good. You don't want to miss it!

SCBWI Southern Breeze Region@scbwi-sobreeze.bsky.social · 5mo ago

I know we just held a big conference, but look what else we have planned for you guys this spring! Who doesn't love a fully fleshed out villain?! Join us to learn how to write one. Only $15 for members. www.scbwi.org/events/beyon... #scbwi #kidlit #amwriting

#50PreciousWords is one of my favorite contests 🙂 Thanks to @viviankirkfield.bsky.social and her intrepid crew for reading through 677 entries. Thrilled to make Honorable Mention again this year. And even more thrilled to see my CP @jenngauldingbooks.bsky.social at #12. Woohoo! #kidlit #amwriting

Don't miss out on this once-a-year event. You've got a few more hours to take the plunge and invest in your career. We hope to see you this weekend!! www.scbwi.org/events/south...

Kidlit creators, want to learn more about self-publishing? Check out this amazing session at the WIK 2026 Conference in Birmingham, AL, March 28! Less than a week to register! www.scbwi.org/events/south... #amwriting #amillustrating #SCBWI #kidlit #WIK26

Agented writers and illustrators, looking to pull back the curtain on the acquisitions process? Check out these amazing sessions at the WIK 2026 Conference in Birmingham, AL, March 28. Only one more week to register! www.scbwi.org/events/south... #amwriting #amillustrating #SCBWI #kidlit #WIK26

Published kidlit creators, need tips on how to promote your work? Check out these amazing sessions at the WIK 2026 Conference in Birmingham, AL, March 28. Register today! scbwi.org/events/south... #amillustrating #SCBWI #kidlit #WIK26

Take regular breaks away from the keyboard. HERE'S WHY.

Hoping for a little luck o' the Irish today as I hit "SUBMIT" for this very competitive picture book contest. Fingers and toes crossed that my spunky little hamster will worm his way into the top 50 Showcase. Finalists announced April 27! #PBParty #kidlit #amwriting #SCBWI

Picture book writers, are you looking to improve your craft? Check out these amazing sessions at the WIK 2026 Conference in Birmingham, AL! Don’t miss your chance to attend this in-person conference March 28. Register today: www.scbwi.org/events/south... #amwriting #SCBWI #kidlit #WIK26

PB Rising Stars PB Rising Stars is a mentorship program that my picture book friends have raved about for years. I've never felt strong enough as a PB writer to try for it... ...until now. Regretfully, this will be the first time--and the last time--I can enter. Intrepid founders Kailei Pew and…

Eek, I submitted my first mentee application for PB Rising Stars! Many more to follow, but this first one had me all nervous! 😬 #PBRisingStars #kidlit

Don't miss the chance to share your first page LIVE at our two First Pages Panels happening at WIK 2026 in Birmingham March 28! Submissions are due March 6. Register for the conference ASAP to get your invitation to submit! www.scbwi.org/events/south... #scbwi #kidlit

Great news! #Cellphoneitis is 5% off on paperback for a limited time! Order here --> a.co/d/00woTIOQ Cellphoneitis: A lighthearted children's story about learning to manage cellphone/screentime. A retweet would be sweet! (It's the perfect picture book to share with your followers!) #KidLit

Time for #50preciouswords! Thanks to @viviankirkfield.bsky.social and the wonderful judges and prize-donators for this year's contest. Here is my entry: viviankirkfield.com/2026/03/02/t...

THE #50PRECIOUSWORDS 2026 INTERNATIONAL WRITING CONTEST IS OPEN!!!

Hurray! It’s time for the #50PreciousWords 2026 International Writing Contest! And THIS is the OFFICIAL contest post. If you are participating, please read through the guidelines and then pos…

viviankirkfield.com

Going to WIK 2026 and haven't booked your room? Be sure to take advantage of our conference discount at Aloft Hotel in Homewood. The offer has been extended to Thursday, February 26. Book today! www.scbwi.org/events/south... #SCBWI #WIK26 #amwriting #amillustrating

Hotel Information - Seeds of Inspiration: Writing & Illustrating for Kids (WIK) 2026

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators provides the resources, professional networking, and community-building opportunities that support writers, illustrators, and translators throug...

scbwi.org

Published authors and illustrators, don't miss your chance to sell and autograph your books at WIK 2026. Conference attendees can sign up for a free table at this public event held at the Homewood Library on Friday, March 27. Deadline for the bookstore: FEBRUARY 23. www.scbwi.org/events/south...

Valentiny 2026 When Susanna Hill O'The Kid Lit Contests revealed that, in honor of Friday falling on the thirteenth, the theme for this year's Valentiny would be SUPERSTITIONS, I was stumped. I noodled on several ideas for a couple of weeks, but nothing sparked. And then, as so often happens, I…

So tickled to see Allie Millington win the Golden Kite for her MG novel Once For Yes. My daughter and I ADORED this book -- we laughed, we cried, we recommended to friends. Well deserved, Allie 🎉 @scbwi-sobreeze.bsky.social @scbwi.bsky.social

SCBWI@scbwi.bsky.social · 6mo ago

Watch our award ceremony for the best children's literature published in 2025. Watch LIVE through the Virtual Conference or YouTube TODAY, February 6 at 4 PM PST. www.youtube.com/live/qeKQkuD...

Check out our early intensives for the WIK 2026 conference!! www.scbwi.org/events/south...

One more week until Early Bird Pricing expires for WIK 2026! Register before midnight Thursday, February 12 to take advantage of our special rate: $195 members, $250 non-members. #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating #kidlit www.scbwi.org/events/south...