For Writers

Kekla enjoys supporting other writers in their creative journey, through teaching and sharing of resources. Here are several of the organizations, writing retreats, and online resources that have helped her in her own journey.

Here are some educational resources and organizations to check out:

VCFA

Kekla is a graduate of the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults program (July ’05). VCFA was the first college in the country to offer an MFA specializing in writing for young people, and it remains the best educational opportunity for YA/children’s writers hoping to improve their craft. Kekla now serves on faculty at VCFA, along with many award-winning and bestselling authors who also happen to be excellent teachers. If you’re interested in checking out the program, visit www.vcfa.edu or contact admissions@vcfa.edu. We love to have prospective students visit the campus!

SCBWI

If you’re just getting started, or interested in learning more about children’s writing, check out the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. This is a national organization with regional chapters that are active across the country. Members can meet editors and agents, connect with fellow writers, and attend conferences and workshops to learn more about writing craft and the business of publishing. Visit www.scbwi.org for more information.

Here are some wonderful writing workshop and retreat venues:

Here are some excellent YA/children’s literature blogs and websites:

  • Cynsations, the blog of author Cynthia Leitich Smith
  • Writing the Other, a resource for those looking to include diverse characters in their writing

Manuscript Critique Services

Kekla offers manuscript critiques on a limited basis. However, she often gets more requests than she can manage, especially from writers eager for a tight turnaround.

Plan Ahead

Critiques with Kekla must be scheduled 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Once your manuscript arrives on the scheduled date, you can expect a written response within 7-10 days.

What to Expect

Kekla’s response will include margin notes and a detailed summary letter. Kekla offers craft-based critiques, not “sensitivity reads,” though she will comment on issues of diversity and representation within the course of her reading. If you are looking for a pure sensitivity read, with no substantive craft-based feedback, Kekla is not a good fit to review your manuscript.

Fee Schedule

  • Full manuscript critique (novel or non-fiction, up to 250 pages): $2,000
  • Query letter and first pages critique (query letter, synopsis, and up to 30 pages of text): $250
  • Picture book critique (one manuscript, up to 1000 words): $250
  • Picture book critique (three manuscripts, up to 1000 words each): $500
  • 30-minute follow-up phone call: $50

Kekla offers discounted rates for VCFA alumni.

Payment by check or online (PayPal/Venmo, etc) is due in advance.

Kekla does not offer critique services for writers under 20. Teen writers, please check out Kekla’s FAQ page for some encouraging writing advice!