Calling all KidLit Writers!

Sharon Skinner holds a BA in English, an MA in Creative Writing and is a Certified Book Coach and freelance editor, who helps writers weave their words into stories that shine. She mainly writes fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, and the occasional steampunk, for audiences of all ages. Skinner is an active member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and serves as the Regional Advisor for SCBWI AZ.

Rhiannon Richardson is a coffee-loving Philadelphia native who splits her time between writing books for teens and working as an editor for the Good Story Company. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor's in English literature and writing. When she isn't writing she can be found exploring local cafes and bookstores in search of the best vanilla cappuccino and her next read!

Laurie Calkhoven, an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach, loves nothing more than capturing young readers and inspiring them to love books, reading, and writing as much as she does. From more than fifteen early readers to laugh-out-loud chapter books and historical novels that bring the wacky facts of history to light, she’s published more than fifty books for children and teens.

Christine Alemshah loves to write children's picture books that champion innovation, music, and her bi-racial Filipino-American heritage. Her published works have appeared in Little Thoughts Press, Stories for Children, Meegenius!, and Knowonder. Her picture books FAYE GOES DUMPSTER DIVING WITH LOLA, and FAYE’S BALIKBAYAN BOX OF TREASURES will debut with Free Spirit Publishing in 2025. Christine is represented by Vicky Weber.

Janet Fox is an award-winning author with a deep passion for the magic of storytelling. As a writer, Janet strives to create books that can help grow young hearts and minds. Her 12 award-winning books span the spectrum of picture books through young adult, in a broad variety of genres. As a mentor and book coach with 25 years in publishing, her mission is to guide writers through the twists and turns of their creative odyssey, turning struggles into triumphs.

Erin is a writer, developmental editor, and certified book coach who helps writers dig into the emotional heart of their stories to solve the problems that are stopping them from getting to The End. . A former television producer and scriptwriter, she has published more than a dozen short stories and holds an MFA in writing for children and young adults.

DaVaun Sanders is the author of the middle grade novels Keynan Masters & The Peerless Magic Crew and Minecraft: The Tournament. His short fiction has appeared in the New York Times bestselling anthology Black Boy Joy and elsewhere. He currently serves as publisher and executive editor for the award-winning FIYAH Literary Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction. He continues to expand his work in children’s SFF for kids everywhere who deserve to enjoy inclusive stories.

Sam Cameron (she/her) is a high school history teacher, YA author, and Author Accelerator certified book coach, specializing in books for children. She is the creator of the Substack "Truant Pen," a newsletter offering practical advice to stuck writers. Sam currently serves as critique group coordinator for the MD/ DE/ WV chapter of the Society for Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

Erin Radniecki is a nature enthusiast, writer, and Author Accelerator certified book coach. She helps people who love books and nature explore those passions through writing fiction. While Erin coaches writers of adult, young adult and middle grade fiction, she has a soft spot for middle grade stories with animal POV characters.

Mona is an Author Accelerator certified book coach who coaches fantasy, science fiction, adventure, and slice-of-life. She loves stories that feature resilient characters — and healthy relationships are a plus. When she’s not reading, she appreciates linguistics, visual design, and bookstores. In an alternate universe, she’s actually a book-hoarding, chocolate-loving, tea-drinking dragon.

Karyn is an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach and a former children's book and YA literary agent with BookStop Literary Agency. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing, and writes middle grade and young adult fiction. She started Story & Prose Book Coaching and Editorial Services in 2021 with the goal of helping more writers. By offering 10+ years of industry knowledge, tough love and honesty, and true passion, she helps aspiring bestselling fiction writers hone their craft and write better books so they're more likely to get published.

Julie Artz has spent the past decade helping writers like you slay their doubt demons and get their novels and memoirs reader-ready. She's worked with both award-winning and newer authors across the publishing spectrum from Big Five to small and university presses to indie and hybrid. She is an Author Accelerator-certified Founding Book Coach, a sought-after speaker and writing instructor, and a regular contributor to Jane Friedman and Writers Helping Writers, and a regular instructor for AuthorsPublish, IWWG, ProWritingAid and more.

Rebecca Dolence is a certified book coach through Author Accelerator, and she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. She has been an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators since 2014 and earned two certificates from the Institute of Children’s Literature in Special Publishing and Writing & Selling Children’s Books.

Christy Yaros is a certified book coach and story editor, working with serious middle grade and young adult writers who want to create stories that engage, encourage, and empower young people. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children from Simmons University. Christy is also a Co-Assistant Regional Advisors for SCBWI New England and cohost of the Coaching KidLit Podcast.

Sara Gentry is a math PhD turned Author Accelerator certified book coach. Now she uses her nerdy analytical skills to help writers find the solutions they need to write books they love. Sara is a member of SCBWI, WFWA, and 12x12 Picture Book Challenge. She is the host of KidLit Summer Camp.