One of the benefits of being a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators–or SCBWI, for short–is the opportunity to workshop with seasoned professionals. The organization has regional chapters throughout the world. The Los Angeles region has nine chapters that offer “LitMingles” that meet on a monthly basis. Each have their own presentations about the writing process, or a talk with an agent or editor, or manuscript reviews.

Author photo ©Marlena Van Zandt

Last Saturday, December 5, SCBWI-Pasadena–hosted by Ronna Mandel–held a workshop with a special guest, Christine Van Zandt, who provided feedback on query letters.

Ms. Van Zandt is a freelance writer, literary editor, and owner of Write for Success Editing Services, in which she finds ways to improve one’s manuscript and/or query letter. When she offers to “take your manuscript to the next level,” she certainly did with my query letter. Her insights are razor-sharp. In my case, she also “went the extra mile” in providing some market information. Click on this link for more details.

Take a peek at her upcoming book, A Brief History of Underpants, here.