Jackie Kruzie
Author & Associate Literary Agent with Focused Artists
2026 Event Calendar
February 2026 Inked Voices Opening Pages Event
In this intimate workshop, you'll receive a written critique of your opening pages from Jackie Kruzie, literary agent at Focused Artists, plus get the opportunity to speak to Jackie individually in the live group call that follows critiques. You'll also exchange critiques within your group of up to 7 writers.
February 2026 Writer's Digest
I am offering query letter critiques through Writer's Digest
March 19, 2026 The Writing Barn The Courage to Create Event (online)
I will be presenting my Picture Book Characters that B.A.R.F. workshop with an above the slush pile submission opportunity for attendees
Characters that B.A.R.F.
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 are important in the submission process.
April 10-12, 2026 Ink & Agave Retreat
I will be in Phoenix, AZ at the in-person retreat for picture book authors. I will be leading roundtable events where authors will receive valuable feedback on up to 4 manuscripts. I will also participate in a first pages session with other industry professionals.
As part of the event, I will be accepting submissions from all attendees.
I will be back at the Ink & Agave Retreat in 2027 whoohool!! More details to come.
April 10-12, 2026 Writing Day Workshop
I will be taking online pitches during the Pittsburgh Writing Day Workshop event.
July 15, 2026 The Writing Barn
I am presenting a webinar through The Writing Barn where I am sharing tips and tricks on how to write a synopsis that gets agent and/or editors' attention.
As part of the event, I will be accepting submissions from all attendees.
September 19, 2026 SCBWI Arizona
I am presenting my Perfect Pitches Webinar on crafting an unforgettable pitch and offering tips on how to prepare for in person pitches. I am offering a limited number of critiques and accepting submissions from all attendees.
September 20, 2026 Writing Away Refuge
I will be taking pitches during the virtual pitch event on the morning of Sunday September 20. If I like your pitch and want to see your submission, you will receive a special link to submit through Query Tracker.
September 26, 2026 SCBWI Austin Conference
I will be at the in-person children's author conference in Austin discussing "Leaving Room for Art in Picture Books" an immersive workshop on the value of art notes, when to use them, how to use them, and when to leave them out.
Included with the conference ticket is a bonus Perfect Pitches webinar on August 27, 2026 where I share tips on crafting an unforgettable pitch and how to prepare for in-person pitches at the conference.
As part of the conference, I will be accepting submissions from all attendees.