Apply for The Verge
Join us to learn how a picture book journeys from first idea to bookstore shelf.
Celebrate the release of The Ghost Who Saved Halloween with Verge alum and author Jennifer Anyong and her agent Morgan Hughes, as we pull back the curtain on the publishing process behind this delightfully spooky new picture book.
Jennifer will share her inspiration behind the story, the path from manuscript to publication, and the collaborative process that helped bring this ghostly tale to life. Along the way, she'll share how she navigated the publishing journey and what it really takes to turn a seasonal story into a book readers will treasure year after year.
Whether you're a writer, educator, or simply love children's books, you'll leave with an inside look at the magic, revisions, and perseverance behind every published picture book.
Jennifer will share her inspiration behind the story, the path from manuscript to publication, and the collaborative process that helped bring this ghostly tale to life. Along the way, she'll share how she navigated the publishing journey and what it really takes to turn a seasonal story into a book readers will treasure year after year.
Whether you're a writer, educator, or simply love children's books, you'll leave with an inside look at the magic, revisions, and perseverance behind every published picture book.
From Harper Collins:
It’s up to Ghost to save Halloween in this irresistible picture book perfect for fans of How to Catch a Monster and Trick or Treat on Scary Street!
Might I try a good ‘ole haunt? Ghostly games I have to flaunt. Forgive me, I don’t mean to taunt... Ok, maybe I do.
Candy has upstaged Ghost on Halloween for far too long. It's time for Ghost to learn a new trick and treat these kids to a haunt or else the holiday will fall flat like a busted pipe organ. To the tune of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven, this spirited and clever rhyming picture book ideal for Halloween read-alouds is sure to enchant young readers all spooky season long.
It’s up to Ghost to save Halloween in this irresistible picture book perfect for fans of How to Catch a Monster and Trick or Treat on Scary Street!
Might I try a good ‘ole haunt? Ghostly games I have to flaunt. Forgive me, I don’t mean to taunt... Ok, maybe I do.
Candy has upstaged Ghost on Halloween for far too long. It's time for Ghost to learn a new trick and treat these kids to a haunt or else the holiday will fall flat like a busted pipe organ. To the tune of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven, this spirited and clever rhyming picture book ideal for Halloween read-alouds is sure to enchant young readers all spooky season long.
BONUS!
Agent Morgan Hughes of Fine Print Literary Agency will be open to submissions for CTC members only!
Agent Morgan Hughes of Fine Print Literary Agency will be open to submissions for CTC members only!
CTC Open House events welcome everyone to join us for programming normally available to Courage to Create members only!
About Writing Barn Craft Webinars:
Industry professionals: authors, agents, editors, etc. facilitate these events. Price points are low and attendance is high, anywhere from 50-200+ attendees. Writing craft and industry engagement are explored. *REPLAYS are made available for all registrants 2 business days after the event and are available for a limited time.*
Morgan Hughes grew up in the Midwest before relocating to Texas as soon as she turned eighteen. There, she attended Texas Tech University and earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English literature. Morgan was previously an intern and Agency Assistant at Pippin Properties before joining FinePrint Literary in 2023 as an Associate Agent. She currently lives in Texas with her husband and their dog. Morgan believes that books can change the world and is committed to discovering and uplifting underrepresented voices. She is seeking Middle Grade and YA fantasy/adventure with a particular interest in graphic novels. She is also interested in picture books, YA, New Adult, and Adult romance. She loves unique narratives, strong voices, and impressive world-building but is also drawn to small-town vibes and sports settings. She is currently not seeking science fiction, thrillers/mysteries, or nonfiction.
About Morgan Hughes
Jen Anyong is a Hungarian-American woman living in Edmond, OK with her family. She earned a BA in Communications, a minor in Creative Writing, and worked seven years in PR before leaving the workplace for motherhood. Jen's stories are full of undeniable charm and she loves writing humorous and clever picture books that make people smile. She's one of the WB's Empowered Authors, a Verge alum, a member of 12x12PB, and serves as Social Media Manager for SCBWI-OK/AR. Her debut picture book released with HarperCollins in July, with three others releasing between 2027-28.
About Jen Anyong
