Entering the Manhattanville College Campus and passing through the security gate my heart skipped a beat with my exhilarated anticipation of the SCBWI Westchester Agents Panel.
Some may ask, why such excitement and why now? Well you see, I'm finally coming into my own and feeling the most comfortable in my own skin for what seems like forever and I'm no longer putting my writing on the back burner. With my new direction for 2020 I am finally dusting off long ago shelved works-in-progress with a determination to secure an agent as well as publishing contracts.
The SCBWI Westchester Agents Panel delivered from the onset and throughout.
We were welcomed by Lori Soderlind, Director of MFA in Writing at Manhattanville College as well as the SCBWI Westchester Chapter regional advisors and coordinators, Gina Macari, Kimberly Marcus and Adrienne May.
The agents panel consisted of:
- Leslie Zampetti of Dunham Literary
- Christa Heschke of McIntosh and Otis, Inc.
- Monica Odom of her own agency, Odom Media Management
Each agent brought their own unique perspective as to what they are seeking,...
- submission process
- what a query should include
- the importance of peer critique groups
- the importance of polishing your work
- the importance of having more than one manuscript available for submission so an agent can cultivate a writer's career
The 90-minute session flew by and excitement buzzed throughout the room with the opportunity to listen to the agents.
Thank you with deep gratitude to the organizers, agents and Manhattanville College for hosting such a worthwhile event.
#SCBWIWestchester
#SCBWI
@agentspanel
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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!
Angel's Forever Home ~ March 2019 ~ Mascot Books ~ 2019 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Picture Books Six and Older
Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2016 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Picture Books Five and Under and Story Monster Approved
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014 and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
