NJ SCBWI Virtual Critique

Please be advised that when registering for your critique, you should be prepared to upload your manuscript and carefully follow all submission instructions. 

We recommend completing this process well in advance of the deadline, as we cannot guarantee 

accommodations for manuscripts submitted past the due date or manuscripts that are not submitted after purchase.

Thank you.

Picture Book (PB) Chapter Book (CB) Middle Grade (MG) Young Adult (YA) Graphic Novel (GN)

What: 15-minute one-on-one critiques with the editor, agent, or book designer of your choice on a first come, first served basis. You'll also receive written feedback and an exclusive submission opportunity to all participating faculty. Open to SCBWI members only.

When: Saturday, November 21, 2026, 11:00-2:35 p.m.

Where: Via Zoom

Who: Our fabulous faculty line-up of editors and agents.

Cost: $120

NOTE: You can ONLY sign up for ONE critique.

WHAT TO SUBMIT

Picture Book: Include the entire manuscript in WORD for picture books (typically no more than 500 words). (Picture book dummies in PDF format accepted.)

CB/MG/YA: Submit up to 15 pages of a novel, plus 1-page synopsis (pasted at the end of your 15 pages) as a WORD document. Chapter breaks need only be several lines of obvious separation, not starting on a new page.

Graphic novel: Include 15 pages of panels (or the text for 15 pages of panels) and a 1-page synopsis as a WORD document.

Portfolio: Submit a PDF or supply a link to your electronic portfolio.

HOW TO NAME YOUR FILE

Faculty Last Name_Name_Manuscript Title

Example: Keyes_Lebra T Chase_Lovely Day

IMPORTANT: Manuscripts/Portfolios must be uploaded by Noon on October 28th. Take a moment to review SCBWI headquarter's updated AI Policy

Space is limited. Register early to guarantee your spot.

Janet Bruins is the founder and publisher of Picnic Heist Publishing, an independent children’s press distributed by PGW/Ingram. Picnic Heist creates thoughtfully crafted picture books celebrating cultural heritage, curiosity, kindness, and connection. Its titles have earned positive trade reviews and feature coverage from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Foreword Reviews. With a background in engineering and finance, Janet brings creative and analytical insight to every publishing decision. PB Non-Fiction Portfolio

Natalie Sun grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia reading as many fantastical adventures she could get her hands on. After a myriad of publishing internships and graduating from New York University with a major in English and a minor in psychology, she joined HG Literary to assist Carrie Hannigan. She has worked with many of the agency’s clients across a number of genres, and is now building her own list. PB MG YA

Véronique Lefèvre Sweet grew up in France. After working in Paris as a graphic designer, she moved to NYC in 2003 and has worked in children’s book publishing ever since. Over the years, she has designed every format for every age range. She has had the chance to work with renown artists like Bryan Collier, Marc Brown, Tom Lichtenheld, and R. Gregory Christie. She is currently an Art Director at Random House Children’s Books where she works on trade picture books for the Crown Imprint, and for the beloved, iconic Little Golden Books imprint. Véronique loves to share her knowledge and expertise on children’s books and is always inspired by meeting passionate, dedicated illustrators, no matter where they are in their artistic journey. PB Dummy GN Portfolio

Rachel Orr of Prospect Agency represents authors and illustrators in projects ranging from board books to YA. She previously worked at HarperCollins and uses those editorial skills to prepare her clients’ work for submission. Her clients include Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, Mike Ciccotello, Cori Doerrfeld, Leeza Hernandez and Suzy Levinson. A native of Pittsburgh and a Kenyon College graduate, she lives in Hoboken, New Jersey, with her husband and two children.

PB CB MG YA

SCBWI is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. SCBWI Regions are managed by unpaid volunteers. Region funds support programs that benefit SCBWI members.

As part of the event planning process, Regional Advisors must sign contracts with venues, speakers, critiquers, vendors, and others who will be providing services during a regional activity. Registration fees collected for an event must cover the cost of these contracts; therefore, refunds are the exception rather than the rule. In the rare case a refund is granted, it will always be less any credit card processing fees and any other processing expenses. Because fees paid to professionals for manuscript critiques, portfolio reviews, intensive programming, mentorships, pitch evaluations, and other exclusive offerings are contracted in advance, these fees cannot be refunded.