How to go about an online critique in 4 easy steps
A professionally formatted submission is great practice for the business of writing and publishing for children.
- Polish your PB submission, or novel submission.
PB
- First 600 words for fiction. First 1000 words for non-fiction.
- Picture books do not require a synopsis.
Novel (includes Chapter Books, MG, YA, Verse novels)
- Submit only the first 10 pages of one manuscript, even if it cuts off in the middle of a chapter.
- No word count needed.
- Include a single spaced, 1-page synopsis. For more information on writing a synopsis, we suggest Jane Friedman’s Blog.
2. Prepare a single document. Synopsis included in document with novel submissions.
- Double spaced (novels in verse may use 1-inch spacing), 1-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman Font
- First page, upper left corner: Name, Email, Category (PB, CB, MG, GN, YA, NF)
- Page numbers in the upper right corner, beginning on the second page: PAGE #, Last Name/TITLE
- Title in all CAPS, centered at top of page. Manuscript begins below the title.
- Word.docx files only
- Label file Last Name, Title, Faculty Name: LastName_Title_Faculty.docx
3. Submit. Use the form found under the MY EVENTS tab of your Member Home to submit your materials.
- Deadline to submit: Monday, Feb 9th, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET
4. Join the Zoom. Written critiques will be returned to you via email.
- Critique meetings will be scheduled at a mutually benefical time for attendees and faculty.
- Take a deep breath. Come with open ears and prepared questions. The benefit to critique is receiving professional feedback on how we can improve our work.
