SCBWI AZ - Perfect Pitches Webinar

An immersive workshop on the art of creating an unforgettable hook or "elevator" pitch, what catches an agent's or editor's attention, and what to expect during in-person pitches. We will discuss the elements of a pitch, a query letter, and a synopsis and how each is important in the submission process. Presentation is for all kidlit genres, from picture books through YA.

Cost:

Member Cost: $25.00

Non-Member Cost: $45.00

Critique Cost: $60.00

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Time: 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm (Arizona Time | Note: Arizona does not follow DLS, so the event time zone will be PST)

LOCATION: Online Zoom Platform

If you are unable to attend the program live, a recording will be made available within a week after the event concludes. The recording will be available to registered attendees for 30 days after the recording link has been posted.

Jackie Kruzie has agreed to provide up to 10 written critiques of query letters and 10 written critiques of synopses. Only registered attendees who sign up and pay for a critique when registering are eligible.

• Query Letter Critiques, presenter will electronically edit each person’s query letter, which should fit on one page, single-spaced, and no more than 400 words.
• Synopsis Critiques, presenter will electronically edit submitted synopsis which should be less than 1,000 words, 2 pages, double-spaced.

Attendees must submit their critique materials to Karen Chow, Arizona SCBWI ARA, at [email protected] no later than Friday, September 25, 2026.

Jackie is closed to general submissions but has created a special Query Tracker link for webinar attendees. The unique Query Tracker link will expire December 31, 2026. It will be sent to webinar registrants only

For board books and picture books please upload the full manuscript or dummy.

For chapter books, middle grade, and YA, please upload the first 10 pages. (While she accepts nonfiction for BB and PB, she is not the best fit for nonfiction for older readers.)

In board books and picture books, she looks for fun read-a-louds perfect for storytime and likes fast-paced kid-focused stories with no heavy moral.

In chapter books, she looks for readability on point with early readers that allow kids to live vicariously through characters whose adventures are beyond their wildest dreams.

For middle grade and young adult, she looks for stories that put young readers in the driver’s seat and speak to those who feel invisible. She welcomes tough topics and loves books that expand a reader’s worldview.

For illustration, please include a link to your portfolio.

Her full wish list can be found on MSWL.

By signing up for this event, the registrant acknowledges that audio taping, videotaping and/or transmitting or aiding in any of the foregoing of any part of the conference (including, but not limited to, presentations, individual sessions and networking events) is prohibited. Additionally, the material in all handouts and presentations is copyrighted and may not be reprinted, blogged, written, orally transmitted, and/or reproduced without written permission of the copyright holder.

Refund Policy:

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.

Requests to refund registration fees for in-person activities will be decided on a case-by-case basis. By registering for an event, you acknowledge that you have read and accept the event’s refund policy.