The Mitten: Writer Spotlight: Jodi McKay

SCBWI-MI, Cardinal Rule, editorial suggestion, and takeaways: SCBWI-MI co-RA and author Jodi McKay

Charlie Barshaw coordinates our regular Writer Spotlight feature and interviews writers of SCBWI-MI. In this piece, meet author and SCBWI-MI co-RA Jodi McKay.

How did you start with SCBWI-MI?

To me, when starting any new job, hobby, or skill, it’s important to learn as much as possible about it. In 2013, I decided I wanted to write books for children and therefore needed a thorough understanding of what it takes to create a book worthy of a child’s attention.

Books like Anne Whitford Paul’s, Writing Picture Books were helpful, but I needed more. Cue Google! A quick search for “How to write a picture book” led me to SCBWI’s website and on to SCBWI-MI’s webpage.

SCBWI-MI friends

I got involved in as much as possible to give myself every opportunity to soak in the knowledge and experience that was so generously provided not only by industry professionals, but also by other SCBWI-MI members. I went to shoptalks, became the PAL coordinator, volunteered at conferences, and now I’ve been the co-regional advisor for the past six years.

In your interview with Maria Dismondy, Publisher of Cardinal Rule Press, you described how your first picture book was picked up and published as “weird.” You won a writing contest and a mentorship with a published author, who suggested you send your manuscript to her editor. And the editor was interested. That never happens, but it did for you. Can you describe the step-by-step process?

You’re right! It hardly ever happens that way, but the stars just happened to align. It went down like this:

Star #1: I entered Susanna Hill’s Halloweenie Contest in 2014. It was a cute little story that met the theme- Witches.

Star #2: Much to my surprise, I won and received a critique from Anna Crespo (who is now an author and an agent!).

Star #3: A local shoptalk was offering a critique session. Wanting to polish my manuscript a bit before sending it to Anna, I had it critiqued. The feedback helped tremendously! I sent it on to Anna.

Star #4: The email she sent back along with my critique included this question, “Do you mind if we send this to my editor at Albert Whitman. I think she would like it.”

I didn’t mind at all. I sent it to Kelly Barreles-Saylor in November, and wouldn’t you know it, Anna was right, she did like it.

Star #5: I received a contract in December. Little did I know that there were a couple more stars that wanted to get in line as well.

It was only after the book was accepted that you found your agent. How did you do that?

With a contract in hand, I felt like I had a better chance at finding an agent. I emailed the agents I had queried over the past few months and let them know that I had received a book contract for Where Are The Words? and as more luck would have it, Star # 6: Linda Epstein asked to see a few other manuscripts. We chatted soon after and then I had an agent.

When I first sat down to write PENCIL, it was going to be a continuation of sorts from my first book, WHERE ARE THE WORDS? which ends with the characters asking for Pencil to draw them the perfect pictures for the story they just wrote. My editor at Albert Whitman & Co. liked the story and picked it up, but with a few changes that I think took it to the next level. She suggested that I have Pencil draw a picture for someone special, his dad. This added heart to the story and it became relatable to kids who often draw pictures for the special people in their lives.

You entered a contest, earned a critique. The person who gave the critique suggested you send your manuscript to their editor. This editor published your first manuscript, suggested winning changes for your next manuscript. Yet there were plenty of places along the way where everything could have gone south. What role does luck play in being published? How much did your hard work lead you to any lucky breaks you experienced?

While I put in the work to learn how to write, I still feel like I experienced a lot of luck along the way. Of course, with most things, there were some hiccups.

There were communication issues with the contract department which slowed things down quite a bit and then the editor who acquired my first book left Albert Whitman halfway through the process. It was disheartening, but I accepted the fact that publishing is all about ups and downs.

Author and son

I was in a “down time” but based on how I got the contract in the first place, I knew an “up time” could be right around the corner, so I wanted to be ready. I continued writing.

Then, Star #7: My new editor was lovely and helped finish Where Are The Words? It was Andrea who read Pencil’s Perfect Picture and suggested it become a stand-alone.

The stars have since dispersed and I’m currently in a “down time”, but I’m still writing, I’m still learning, and I’m still finding ways to let the good luck in. That’s what we do, right? We persist!

Takeaway time:

School visit

· There may be a little luck or perhaps timing that affects the path to publishing, but don’t discount the research, reading, and work that’s required to understand the craft of writing and illustrating. It can be hard, but you can do it.

· Remind yourself of your “why”. Why do you want to create books for children? Write it down and post it where you will see it every day. It’s little things like that that could help you get through a “down time.”

· Give yourself the best chance at helping your stars to align. Become an SCBWI member, volunteer, attend a conference or webinar, apply for a mentorship or a scholarship, get in on a writing or illustrating contest. DO IT ALL. You never know what will happen if you do. You could find an agent, form a critique group, learn something new that changes your work, or get that email/call that we all hope for.

What’s next for Jodi?

In 2026, you’ll find me working on our upcoming spring workshop series, a few fall webinars, some school visits, and the 2027 in-person conference alongside our IC’s Katie and Jen.

When I’m not focusing on SCBWI matters or writing picture books and middle grade novels, I plan to spend my time staring at my son (and trying not to cry) who is graduating in May then leaving right after to go to Marshall University where he will play football. Now accepting well-wishes and positive vibes because I’m going to need them!

Please share any social media:

Website- https://www.jodimckaybooks.com/

IG- JodiMcKay1

FB- https://www.facebook.com/jodi.mckay.33/

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Reminders about Upcoming SCBWI-MI Events