Apply for The Verge
Industry Engagement Day
Publishing industry professionals will respond in real-time to pitches for picture books, novels, and long-form nonfiction, giving writers valuable insight into what's working and how they can sharpen their pitch.
Online event - July
Writers submit a book pitch and get live feedback from top literary agents and editors.
cost
💡 faculty may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control.
$250 for Non-Members with a Pitch
$185 for CTC Members with a Pitch
$175 Without a Pitch
Market Insights
Alex Land
Associate Agent, Mad Woman Literary
Alex Land is a queer biracial (Filipino/white) writer and agent who loves rooting for the Final Girl—especially if she's a monster. Alex loves collaboration and is excited about working with her clients to form sustainable, long-term careers in publishing. Alex has worked with New York Times Bestselling authors, Stonewall Honors recipients, and many other critically acclaimed authors on various projects. She’s always ready to root for and brag about all of her clients.
Manuscript Wishlist ✨
In Adult, YA, and MG, I'm looking for:
Final Girls who are also monsters, diaspora stories, horror of any kind, stories that will make her laugh/cry/wonder if something is lurking in the darkness, anything that hints at what might be hiding in the ocean, witches, rom coms, witchy rom coms, women/enby/POC-lead thrillers that leave her on the edge of her seat, queer horror, queer rom coms, queer anything, stories written by and for folks from underrepresented/marginalized identities, ghost stories, weird stories, weird ghost stories, time loops, heists, the sensibilities of Grady Hendrix, and anything speculative/fabulist
Interested in:
MG/YA
Lindsey Aduskevich
Literary Manager, Martin-Newens Literary
Lindsey is a Junior Literary Manager with Martin Literary Management. She graduated with a B.A. in English from the University of Connecticut where she developed a love for books that inspire empathy and foster a deeper understanding of the world in which we live. As an agented kidlit writer herself, she is familiar with the ups and downs of the query trenches and submission process. She is a member of SCBWI, four critique groups, and was a member of Julie Hedlund’s 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge for many years before interning with Kristen Terrette at Martin Literary Management. She is open to picture books, middle grade, and young adult with a soft spot for humor with big heart and dark, spooky stories.
Manuscript Wishlist ✨
In all genres I am looking for diverse, marginalized, and/or underrepresented voices.
Picture books:
I am open to authors and author/illustrators. I will look at rhyme only if you absolutely know how to do it (because I do not, and I cannot help you in that area). I love humor, but I want plenty of hooks and big heart. I also love dark humor, so don’t be afraid to send me those! I also love lyrical stories that give me goosebumps or make me want to cry. Send me stories that leave me with questions or inspire me to be a better person.
Middle Grade:
I am wide open here. Send me your contemporary, fantasy, spooky, witchy, mystery…anything really.
Young Adult:
I’m looking for fresh topics with high stakes and a strong voice. Send me romcom, contemporary romance, horror, mystery, paranormal, historical, literary, and fantasy
Interested in:
PB/MG/YA
Kayla Cichello
Agent, Upstart Crow Literary
Kayla is an agent with Upstart Crow Literary. She is open to picture books through YA and illustrators, and select adult manuscripts in the upmarket, thriller, and contemporary romance categories. She is searching for those voices that make her laugh and keep the page turning. Some of her clients include author/illustrator Kirbi Fagan, illustrator of the New York Times Bestselling A HORSE NAMED SKY (Greenwillow/HarperCollins, 2023) and author/illustrator of THE BIG EMPTY (Lerner, 2025) as well as Pura Belpre Award-winning author Lupe Ruiz-Flores (THE PECAN SHELLER, Lerner 2025). Kayla is also expanding into the adult market with the upcoming thriller PEOPLE I'D LIKE TO KILL from author Robin Davies (Park Row, Summer 2027).
Manuscript Wishlist ✨
I'm looking primarily for MG and YA, contemporary, magical realism, thrillers, rom-coms, and mysteries. I prefer fantasy that is grounded in reality. Would love to find something that makes me laugh out loud. Awkward and adorable moments.
What's NOT for me:
sci-fi
novels in verse
high fantasy
Interested in:
MG/YA
