Put your boots on the trail, or more appropriately, pen to paper. Join us for an all-day in-person Book Camp with senior editor Anna Parsons from Simon & Schuster as she discusses the elements it takes to go From Pitch to Offer. All registered participants can submit a one-page pitch, query, or the first 250 words of a project for live, on-the-spot, feedback. (See event details for more information.) Saturday, March 7, 2026 in Omaha.
Meet the faculty
Anna Parsons is a senior editor at the Aladdin and Simon Pulse imprints of Simon & Schuster. She joined S&S in 2018 after completing several internships, and she received a Master's in Publishing from New York University and has bachelor’s degrees in history and Spanish from Auburn University. Anna acquires commercial middle grade and young adult novels, and her books include New York Times bestsellers "The Last Dragon on Mars" and "The School for Thieves." When she isn’t reading, you can find her playing piano, watching shows on Netflix or Broadway, hosting game nights, or dreaming of traveling the world.
What to expect:
In the morning, Anna will take attendees on a journey From Pitch to Offer. She’ll provide strategies on how to define your story and offer tips on crafting an effective pitch for agents, editors, and beyond. Then, she’ll dive into query letters and first pages; what makes them effective and successful. She’ll conclude the morning with a behind-the-scenes look at what editors and publishers are thinking when evaluating your submission. At the end of the morning, your toolbox will be full of tools and insider information to help level up your project.
Following a delicious lunch (email for dietary restrictions), we’ll have a Q&A session with Anna. Don’t forget to bring your burning questions. We’ll conclude the day with a Live Feedback session. All registered attendees can submit a 75-word pitch, a one-page query letter, or the first 250 words of a project for live, on-the-spot feedback. Submissions are due by Friday, February 18. See the link below for further instructions.
Please note: If you're interested in submitting to Anna after the event, she only takes agented submissions.
Event Schedule *subject to change*
Saturday, March 7 (all times are CST)
8:30 - 8:45 Registration
8:45 - 9:00 Welcome
9:00 - 12:00 Intensive
12:00 - 12:45 Lunch (provided)
12:45 - 1:30 Faculty Q&A
1:30 - 3:00 Live Feedback
3:00 - 3:15 Closing
3:15 - 4:00 Optional social time
WHERE
The event will take place at the German American Society located at 3717 S 120th. Street in Omaha. We will have our own private entrance. Click the link below for directions. After registering, you will find your registration confirmation under My Events on your Member Home.
COST
Member price: $100
Non-Member price: $120
Questions about this event? Contact Jennie Gollehon, Co-Regional Advisor, SCBWI Nebraska: [email protected]