#KidLitPhil Auction item 29 from Paul Weiner

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #29: Early Reading

Description: Small sketch of a little girl deeply involved in a picturebook. The little girl loves to read when she isn't playing.This is one of a series of little girls created for the children's publishing market.  A 7.5" X 11" digital pencil sketch duotone copy on white Bristol board.


Estimated Value: $20

Minimum Bid:  $10

Auction Ends: 12/7/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Paul discovered his inner creativity as a young child. He was continuously drawing when he had the chance; even when he shouldn't have. His favorite spot was his parents' livingroom walls. They didn't appreciate this. He gradually learned discipline and tempered his drawing to his drawing pads and sketchbooks. His parents appreciated this.

While in high school he loved to dissect frogs and thought he would become a famous surgeon. His hopes were dashed when he barely passed biology (to his teacher's relief). 
Paul didn't care much for math and always avoided difficult problems. After graduating from high school he applied to several schools and decided Massachusetts College of Art would be fun.

After graduating Paul started commissioned illustration assignments for magazines, design studios and educational publishers. He has experience as a digital instructor at Montserrat College of Art and Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.

He loves to relax and play music with the Harmony Gritz band. He is quite sure his harmonica playing is scaring the neighbors' cats and dogs.


Donor Paul Weiner’s website: www.paulweiner.com

Auction Instructions:
* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.
* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.
* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.
* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.
* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!
* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.
* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 28 from Diane Allison

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #28: Author/illustrator school visit

Description: I have done school programs all over the country, incorporating my story-telling/performance skills with my teaching experience to give children a rich understanding of the joys of writing and illustrating stories. I ask the question, where do books come from? And the answer, IDEAS! help the child realize that they have all the resources inside them to do great work. I use original artwork, dummies, reference material and finished books as teaching tools. We have a wonderful time.

I will do three 30 minute sessions for groups of up to 60 students, ages from kindergarten to high school. (Older students are taught seminar-style).

If the school is over an hour outside of Brooklyn, transportation and lunch costs must be paid by the school.


Estimated Value: $500

Minimum Bid: $100

Auction Ends: 12/7/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Diane is an author/illustrator/performer trained in Montessori teaching. She lives in paradise, aka Brooklyn, a bike ride from Prospect Park, the Botanic Garden, an art museum, zoo, and BAM, and she often bikes over the Brooklyn Bridge and back to work at her favorite book stores. If she's not working there, or writing poems or songs, or honing her drawings and dummy books, she may be performing one person, one act, one (life-size) puppet play, MIRIAM, or helping her husband with campaigns for UNICEF.

Donor Diane Allison’s website: dianewallison.com

Auction Instructions:
* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.
* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.
* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.
* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.
* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!
* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.
* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 27 from I.W. Gregorio

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #27: Agent query critique + 15pp author critique

Description: Get two query critiques and a critique of your first 15 pages!
First I.W. Gregorio will critique your query + first 15 pages of your manuscript. Then, after you revise if you so desire, agent Jessica Regel of Foundry + Media will critique your query.


Estimated Value: $100

Minimum Bid: $30

Auction Ends: 12/7/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: I. W. Gregorio is a practicing surgeon by day, masked avenging YA writer by night. A graduate of the Yale School of Medicine, she studied creative writing at the University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins University. Her debut YA novel, NONE OF THE ABOVE (Balzer & Bray / HarperCollins, Fall of 2015), is MIDDLESEX meets MEAN GIRLS. She is represented by Jessica Regel of Foundry + Media.

Donor I.W. Gregorio’s website: http://iwgregorio.wordpress.com

Auction Instructions:
* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.
* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.
* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.
* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.
* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!
* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.
* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

# KidLitPhil Donations



UPDATE 11/30: Thank you to everyone who donated items to the auction. I am no longer accepting donations of items or services. If you wish to help, please bid on one of the many wonderful items currently open for bids.  

Thank you for your interest in donating. Please read this carefully before deciding to donate.

Your donations will be made available in an on-line auction. (Bidders will leave their bids in the comments). Winning bidders will donate to one of two organizations: Mercy Corps or Unicef. I chose these two organizations because they allow donors to designate their contributions to specific relief efforts and they each are highly rated based on the percent of the money that goes directly to those in need (as opposed to going toward administrative or fundraising costs).  
Source: http://charitynavigator.org/

I will not handle any money or donations. Winning bidders will send me a copy of their receipts, I’ll connect bidders and donors, and donors will send the items directly to the winning bidders. Any shipping costs will be paid by the donor (you) unless otherwise noted in your donation description.

Please make sure your description clearly defines what you are offering. All services should be provided at the convenience of both the donor and the winning bidder, but this should happen within three months of the auction’s end unless something else is agreed upon by both parties or noted in your description.

I will open the auction as soon as I am able, perhaps as soon as Monday, November 25th.  All updates will be shared through social media and on my blog.

Once I have received all of the donations, I will set up firm guidelines regarding how many items will be released each day, etc.  At this point, I estimate between 3 and 5 items per day and that they’ll each be open for about 5  days. But that’s my best guess right now. It  may have to change. Since I am one person, I may need to limit the number of donations I can manage. That would be a good problem to have.

Therefore, for obvious reasons, I am especially seeking bigger ticket items. In addition, in the interest of staying focused, I’m only accepting donations from the KidLit writing/illustrating community.

I’m especially seeking donations such as these:
1.       manuscript and portfolio critiques from editors, agents, and published kidLit authors/illustrators.
2.       “jump the slush pile” critiques with editors/art directors
3.       Original art or prints from KidLit illustrators.
4.       Skype visits by published KidLit authors/illustrators.
5.       School visits from published authors/illustrators.
6.       Something else exciting or creative that you might dream up. Please don’t let this list limit you.
Those ideas don’t work? Maybe one of these?
  • If you are an author or illustrator, perhaps your donation could be to help secure a critique or portfolio review by your editor, art director, or agent.
  • Maybe several people would like to work together on something? (Keep the auction format in mind, though. Make sure it will work).
  • Name a character in your next book after the highest bidder (or a name of his/her choosing).
Thank you, in advance, for donating, bidding, or spreading the word however you can. 

Other ways to stay informed:
  1. Subscribe to/follow this blog.
  2. “Like” the Facebook page. 
  3. Follow the twitter account @KidLitPhil 
  4. Use the hashtag #KidLitPhil
Please make all donations through the on-line form. (11/30: The on-line form is now closed)

 ADDED 11/25: I've been monitoring the on-line form and all seems to be working well. Due to the volume of work, I'm unable to send individual acknowledgment emails. I will publish a final list of donors before the auction goes live so you can let me know if anything is missing. Thank you for your understanding. If the form stops working, please let me know by leaving a comment. 

#KidLitPhil Auction item 26 from Scott Blagden

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #26: Signed copy of Dear Life, You Suck and t-shirt

Description: Signed copy of the young adult novel Dear Life, You Suck by Scott Blagden and a Dear Life, You Suck t-shirt - Dear Life is printed on the front and You Suck is printed on the back. Dear Life, You Suck has been nominated to YALSA’s 2014 Best Fiction for Young Adults list, the 2014 Texas Library Association TAYSHAS reading list, and the New Jersey Association of School Librarians Annual Best Books for Young Adults.

Estimated Value: $40

Minimum Bid: $20

Auction Ends: 12/6/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Author of Dear Life, You Suck, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013

Donor Scott Blagden’s website: www.scottblagden.com

Auction Instructions:
* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.
* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.
* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.
* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.
* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!
* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.
* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 25 from Vicky Rubin

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #25: picture book ms. or dummy critique

Description: An in-depth critique of a picture book manuscript or dummy, plus, if the writer would like, two additional rounds of critique after revisions. Topics will include, among other things, character development, structure, pacing, plot, and the takeaway.

Estimated Value: $75

Minimum Bid: $20

Auction Ends: 12/6/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Vicky is the author and illustrator of Ralphie and the Swamp Baby, a Bank St. Best Book Selection, and author of The Three Swingin' Pigs, which was illustrated by Rhode Montijo and received a Kirkus starred review. Her poems have appeared in Cricket and Spider magazines. She has illustrated activity books and children's stories in Alpacas magazine. She has worked as a writer, copyeditor, teacher, and hand model. She's a member of SCBWI and CBIG (Children's Book Illustrators Group, http://cbig-nyc.com).

Donor Vicky Rubin’s website: http://doodlesoop.com

Auction Instructions:
* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.
* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.
* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.
* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.
* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!
* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.
* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 24 from Jennifer Fosberry

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #24: 30 minute Skype Visit

Description: Jennifer Fosberry will Skype with a classroom about Isabella Star of the Story, writing and imagination!

Estimated Value: $150

Minimum Bid: $25

Auction Ends: 12/6/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Jennifer Fosberry is a science geek turned children' book writer. Since receiving her very first library card, Jennifer has had a love affair with books. She is the New York Times Bestselling author of My Name is Not Isabella (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky 2010), My Name is Not Alexander (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky 2011), Isabella Girl on the Go (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky 2012), and Isabella Star of the Story (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky 2013).

After working in the high tech industry in Silicon Valley and running away to Costa Rica for a few years, she returned to the San Francisco Bay area to read, write, and try to get out of housework. She lives with her supportive husband, her three darling children and her little dog, too.
She blogs: http://jfosberry.com/blog/
Tweets: https://twitter.com/jenfos
And wastes time on Facebook: Jennifer Fosberry

Donor Jennifer Fosberry’s website: http://jfosberry.com/blog/

Auction Instructions:
* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.
* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.
* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.
* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.
* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!
* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.
* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 23 from April Jones Prince

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #23: DIG IN! to Signed Board Books With Moving Parts!

Description: Dig In! and Dive In! are newly published board books from Abrams Appleseed. Both feature "diggers" and big machines, a surprise ending, and moving parts that are just right for little hands. Your copies will be signed by illustrator Michelle Berg and signed/personalized by author April Jones Prince. Both books are Amazon Best Books of the Year and Parents' Choice Fun Stuff Award Winners. Dive in and bid!

Estimated Value: $16

Minimum Bid: $10

Auction Ends: 12/5/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: April Jones Prince is a children’s book author and freelance editor. She has worked in the editorial departments of William Morrow and HarperCollins Children’s Books, and has also been a children’s bookseller. Currently, she works at Studio Goodwin Sturges, an illustrator’s agency in Providence that represents nearly 40 children’s book authors and illustrators. April is the author of eight books for young readers, including the award-winning Twenty-One Elephants and Still Standing and What Do Wheels Do All Day? She especially loves history, biography, and all kinds of picture books.

Donor April Jones Prince’s website: www.apriljonesprince.com

Auction Instructions:
* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.
* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.
* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.
* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.
* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!
* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.
* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 22 from Marlo Garnsworthy

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #22: Developmental Editing

Description: Developmental editing (with comments embedded in your MS), plus copyediting, proofreading, and, formatting (for submission) of one picture book manuscript, or one chapter of a novel, and/or your query letter.

Estimated Value: $180-$300

Minimum Bid: $50

Auction Ends: 12/5/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: I have been editing books and teaching writing since the late 1990s. I am on faculty at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Continuing Education and teach Writing for Children's Books (picture books), Writing Chapter Books for Children, and various writing and revision workshops. I work in an editorial and art direction advisory capacity for a number of small publishers, and am an editor with Book Editing Associates. I'm also a published children's book author and illustrator.

Donor Marlo Garnsworthy’s website: http://cleverbirdy.blogspot.com/

Auction Instructions:
* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.
* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.
* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.
* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.
* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!
* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.
* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 21 from Nicole Zoltack

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #21: First Three Chapter Critique

Description: I will critique and edit the first three chapters of your work, whether fiction or nonfiction using Track Changes. I also write up a report that highlights your strengths and weaknesses, what works and why and what doesn't. Feel free to also send your synopsis or query letter so I can better understand the story and make my edit the most useful it can be.

Estimated Value: $50

Minimum Bid: $20

Auction Ends: 12/5/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Nicole Zoltack has been working as an editor for years. She is a content and line editor for MuseItUp Publishing and also freelances. With experience editing most genres of fiction and some non-fiction, she can help polish your stories into masterpieces.

Donor Nicole Zoltack’s website: http://NicoleZoltack.blogspot.com

Auction Instructions:
* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.
* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.
* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.
* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.
* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!
* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.
* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 20 from Russ Cox

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #20: Portfolio Review

Description: An online or email illustration portfolio review with me which includes a full write up of comments and a Skype or phone chat. This would be for someone just starting out or with limited experience.

Estimated Value: $150

Minimum Bid: $40

Auction Ends: 12/5/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: RUSS COX was raised by a pack of crazed hillbillies in the back woods of Tennessee. Without much in the way of modern conveniences, like a television set or running water, he spent his time drawing and whittling away the hours. After dismantling his grandfather's lawn mower engine, and without a clue on how to get it back together, he soon realized that he did not have an automotive bone in his body so he kept drawing. After graduating from art school, with a portfolio in his hand, he ventured into the world of design and illustration. He opened his own studio, Smiling Otis Studio, where he presently specializes in illustration for children. When not drawing, running amok in the snow, or training their four cats to sing Bohemian Rhapsody, Russ enjoys some quiet time, working on his picture book stories. He also enjoys playing the banjo but his wife would prefer him to play the triangle or build a sound proof room.

Donor Russ Cox’s website: http://www.smilingotis.com

Auction Instructions:
* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.
* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.
* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.
* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.
* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!
* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.
* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 19 from Donna Earnhardt

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #19: Critique + book

Description: 1. I will give a detailed critique of a picture book, up to 1200 words OR a general critique of a chapter book (up to 6,000 words), with emphasis on character development and plotting.
2. In addition to the original critique, I will include a follow-up critique (general) of the original story if the writer wants me to give more input after revisions. *
3. Also, I will mail a copy of Being Frank for the winner to keep, gift or donate to their choice of school, library or other organization.
* Second critique must be used within 6 months of the first critique.


Estimated Value: $100

Minimum Bid: 25

Auction Ends: 12/5/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: When Donna isn't homeschooling or battling the laundry, she's writing children's stories, poetry, songs, and mysteries. You might find her fishing the Pee Dee River, hiking in the mountains with her family, or visiting her hometown of Cordova, NC. She lives in Concord, NC, and Being Frank is her first picture book.

Donor Donna Earnhardt’s website: http://wordwranglernc.wordpress.com

Auction Instructions:
* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.
* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.
* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.
* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.
* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!
* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.
* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 18 from Scott Blagden

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #18: Young Adult manuscript critique

Description: Critique of the 1st ten pages of your young adult manuscript (adult and teen writers welcome).

Estimated Value: $50

Minimum Bid: $25

Auction Ends: 12/4/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Scott Blagden is the author of the young adult novel Dear Life, You Suck, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. Dear Life, You Suck is a YALSA nominee for the 2014 Best Fiction for Young Adults list, a 2014 Texas Library Association TAYSHAS reading list selection, and selected to the New Jersey Association of School Librarians Annual Best Books for Young Adults.


Donor Scott Blagden’s website: www.scottblagden.com

Auction Instructions:
* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.
* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.
* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.
* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.
* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!
* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 17 from Carolyn Curtis

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #17: Autographed Copies of I Took the Moon for a Walk

Description: The Moon connects us with our sorrowing neighbors in the Philippines, reminds us of our smallness, inspires us to greatness. It evokes deep feelings. It seems to reflect OUR light, OUR magic. It is a comfort, a flirt, a memory, a hope. 

I Took the Moon for a Walk is a picture book for all ages which celebrates the special bond we share with the Moon. This lyrical adventure may encourage your family to begin a new, nightly tradition of taking the Moon for a walk! Items 

Donated: One hardcover British version pre-signed by Alison Jay and signed/inscribed at your request by Carolyn Curtis and one lapbook (oversized board book) version signed/inscribed at your request by Carolyn Curtis.

Estimated Value: $32

Minimum Bid: $25

Auction Ends: 12/4/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Carolyn Curtis is the author of I Took the Moon for a Walk (Barefoot Books, 2004), a lyrical and luminous picture book illustrated by the internationally-renowned artist Alison Jay. Scholastic Parent & Child magazine recently named I Took the Moon for a Walk one of the Top 100 Children's Books of all time.

Auction Instructions:
* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.
* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.
* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.
* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.
* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!
* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.
* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 16 from Carol Gordon Ekster

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #16: School Visit

Description: Carol Gordon Ekster will do a 45-60 minute power point presentation for one classroom, grades 3-5, covering the process of publishing picture books, her books and being an author, and tips for improving students' writing. The school must be within 25 miles of Andover, MA. (If you live further away and wish to bid, Carol will do her program via Skype. Please be certain you have the technology to support simultaneous Skype and Power Point projection and a person to offer technical support as needed).

Estimated Value: $100

Minimum Bid: $25

Auction Ends: 12/4/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Carol Gordon Ekster was a passionate elementary school teacher for 35 years. Her first published book was, Where Am I Sleeping Tonight?-A Story of Divorce, Boulden Publishing, 2008. “The Library Is The Perfect Place,” was in Library Sparks magazine, 2010. A picture book, Ruth The Sleuth and The Messy Room, was on Character Publishing’s debut list, 2011. Her newest picture book is expected out early 2015 with Pauline Books & Media. Retired from teaching, Carol now spends time in critique groups, doing yoga and exercising, and working on her books. She’s grateful that her writing allows her to continue communicating with children. She also speaks at conferences about using picture books with older readers.

Donor Carol Gordon Ekster’s website: www.carolgordonekster.com

Auction Instructions:
* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.
* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.
* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.
* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.
* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!
* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.
* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 15 from Nancy Tandon

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #15: A Complete Newbies Guide to Twitter

Description: Everything you wanted to know about starting your author presence on Twitter, but were afraid or too busy to ask! This is a one hour, one-on-one, face-to-face consultation that will help you sign up for Twitter, create your user name and profile, and give you the basics of who to follow, how to tweet, and what in the world it all means. I am a recovering technophobe myself, and will take you step by step and hold your hand through this process. (Literally, if you need me to). I will discuss common mistakes, how to fit your ideas into 140 characters, and let you know once and for all what a hashtag is. This is for newbies only - my "expertise" only goes so deep! Consultation will take place at the New England SCBWI conference in Springfield, MA May 2-4 2014. Or, at our mutual convenience if you are able to travel to within 1 hour of Hartford, CT. (Alternatively, for those who live further away, Nancy will work with you via phone or Skype). 

Estimated Value: $50

Minimum Bid: $10

Auction Ends: 12/4/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Nancy Tandon is a picture book and middle grade writer, and a member of SCBWI. She is also a mom, wife, and speech-language pathologist. The twists and turns of life have led her to the alcove at the top of the stairs, where she spends her days dreaming and writing.

Donor Nancy Tandon’s website: www.nancytandon.com

Auction Instructions:
* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.
* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.
* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.
* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.
* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!
* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.
* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 14 from Kate Messner

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #14: Picture Book Critique & Jump-the-Slush-Pile Invitation!

Description: Award-winning author Kate Messner will critique your picture book manuscript and offer suggestions to help you prepare for submissions. You'll receive both a "big-picture" letter and line edit suggestions via comments in Microsoft Word.

Once you've had a chance to revise, you'll get a jump-the-slush-pile pass to submit to Kate's much-loved editor, Melissa Manlove at Chronicle Books! Melissa will respond to your submission within 30 days. There's no guarantee you'll end up in print, but if she passes on the project, it will be with a little feedback to help you revise and/or consider where else you might send it.

Estimated Value: $600

Minimum Bid: $50

Auction Ends: 12/4/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Kate Messner is the award winning author of more than twenty current & forthcoming books for kids, including New York Times Notable picture book and E.B. White Read Aloud Finalist OVER AND UNDER THE SNOW. Her books have been Junior Library Guild selections and SCBWI Golden Kite and Crystal Kite Award winners and nominated for more than a dozen state book awards.

Donor Kate Messner’s website: http://www.katemessner.com

Auction Instructions:
* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.
* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.
* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.
* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.
* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!
* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.
* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 13 from Emma Walton Hamilton

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #13: Query Critique

Description: A line-by-line edit and polish of your query or cover letter to agents or editors for a picture book, chapter book or novel.

Estimated Value: $150

Minimum Bid: $50

Auction Ends: 12/3/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: EMMA WALTON HAMILTON is a best-selling children’s book author, editor and arts educator. With her mother, actress/author Julie Andrews, Emma has co-authored over twenty children’s books, eight of which have been on the NY Times Bestseller list, including THE VERY FAIRY PRINCESS series (#1 Bestseller), JULIE ANDREWS' COLLECTION OF POEMS, SONGS AND LULLABIES, the DUMPY THE DUMP TRUCK series, SIMEON'S GIFT, THE GREAT AMERICAN MOUSICAL, and THANKS TO YOU - WISDOM FROM MOTHER AND CHILD.
Emma’s own book, RAISING BOOKWORMS: Getting Kids Reading for Pleasure and Empowerment, premiered as a #1 best-seller on Amazon.com in the literacy category and won a Parent’s Choice Gold Medal.
Emma is a faculty member of Stony Brook Southampton’s MFA in Creative Writing and Literature, where she also serves as Director of the Children’s Literature Fellows program, and Executive Director of the Young Artists and Writers Project (YAWP), an inter-disciplinary writing program for middle and high school students. A former actress and theatre director, Emma was a co-founder of Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor, and served as co-Artistic Director and Director of Education and Programming for Young Audiences there for 17 years.
Emma also works as a freelance children’s book editor, and hosts Just Write for Kids! (www.justwriteforkids.com), an online home-study course in writing for children, as well as the Children’s Book Hub (www.childrensbookhub.com) - a center of resources and support for aspiring children’s book authors. She also provides voicing and narration for audiobooks, and is an accomplished public speaker, regularly addressing arts and literary conferences, schools, universities and other groups about the value of, and synergy between, the arts and literacy.
Often referred to as the "Query Whisperer," she has critiqued hundreds of queries for events such as WriteonCon and Julie Hedlund’s 12X12 Picture Book Challenge, as well as for students and editing clients.

Donor Emma Walton Hamilton’s website: www.emmawaltonhamilton.com

Auction Instructions:
* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.
* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.
* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.
* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.
* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!
* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.
    * For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.;               winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 12 from Tara Lazar

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #12: Picture Book Critique

Description: Tara will provide a thorough critique of your fiction, non-rhyming picture book manuscript under 1000 words. This critique is redeemable at any time and has no expiration date--so bid now and write later!

Estimated Value: $100

Minimum Bid: $40

Auction Ends: 12/3/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Tara Lazar is a picture book author and founder of PiBoIdMo, Picture Book Idea Month, held every November at taralazar.com. Her latest release is THE MONSTORE from Aladdin/Simon & Schuster. Her next title, I THOUGHT THIS WAS A BEAR BOOK, will be released in September 2014. She speaks at events and conferences on writing picture books and marketing with social media.

Donor Tara Lazar’s website: http://taralazar.com/

Auction Instructions:
* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.
* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.
* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.
* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.
* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!
* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.
* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.