Jackie Kruzie
Author & Associate Literary Agent with Focused Artists
2027 Event Calendar
January 29-30, 2027 At Home Author: Picture Book Creator Conference (Virtual)
I am taking virtual pitches and offering manuscript critiques during the At Home Author Picture Book Creator Conference. Use code JACKIE30 for 30% off your ticket price.
February 15 & March 15, 2027 SCBWI Illinois Lightbulb Series (Virtual)
The Lightbulb Series is multi-part event designed to impart practical strategies for children's authors and illustrators to prioritize creative milestones and turn publishing dreams into reality.
On February 15th I will present a one-hour virtual webinar on creating dynamic picture book characters and give tips on how to write a novel synopsis.
On March 15th I will lead a roundtable event - more details to come
I am offering a limited number of critiques during this event and accepting submissions from all Lightbulb Series participants.
April 8-10, 2027 Ink & Agave Retreat (In-Person)
I will be in Phoenix, AZ at the in-person retreat for children's authors. I will lead a roundtable events where authors will receive valuable feedback on up to 4 manuscripts for pb or several pages of a WIP for middle grade or young adult novels. 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.
psst...last year I signed 3 authors from this event
April 30-May 1, 2027 Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. (OWFI) conference (In-Person)
I will be at the OWFI in-person writer's conference in Oklahoma City. I will present my Dreaded Synopsis workshop a one-hour comprehensive guide to writing a two-page synopsis for novels. We will discuss proper format, what to include, why agents and editors ask for them, and how authors can utilize them in planning and plotting novels. Workshop attendees will receive Beat Sheet template at assist in writing a synopsis. As part of the event, I will be accepting submissions from all attendees.
June 14-18, 2027 Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Conference (Virtual)
WIFYR is an in-person conference, however I will be attending virtually. Throughout the week I will present two workshops and take pitches.
Perfect Pitches - a one-hour immersive workshop on crafting 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 different elements of a pitch, a query letter, and a synopsis and how each is important in the submission process. This presentation is tailored for all genres from picture books to novels.
The Dreaded Synopsis - a one-hour comprehensive guide to writing a two-page synopsis for middle grade and young adult novels. We will discuss proper format, what to include, why agents and editors ask for them, and how authors can utilize them in planning and plotting novels. Workshop attendees will receive Beat Sheet template at assist in writing a synopsis.
As part of the event, I will be accepting submissions from all attendees.