This year we had 18 incredible submissions of Middle Grade and Young Adult novels. Our panel of judges explained that there were some really great stories in the mix, and they had quite a time narrowing down the list.
Sheela Chari, our mentor, was given the top three applicants and explained that it was hard choosing, as all three were strong and held merit.
With that, a drumroll please…
Heather Shumaker is this year’s mentorship winner!
Heather is a Traverse City-based author and proud member of SCBWI. She writes books for both children and adults, concentrating on Middle Grade. Her books include: THE GRIFFINS OF CASTLE CARY (Simon & Schuster BFYR, 2019), a slightly spooky MG adventure, and SAVING ARCADIA, a Michigan Notable Book about Great Lakes land conservation. She’s also the author of two early education books IT’S OK NOT TO SHARE and IT’S OK TO GO UP THE SLIDE. Heather co-coordinates the Up North Shop Talk and is a staunch defender of books, children, nature, and libraries.
As Heather said in her application, “I’ve come to realize that every critique and reader reaction is a gift. I appreciate frank feedback and serious brainstorming. I’d like to work with someone who understands the tender responsibility that comes with kidlit, and seeks to push a story until it’s worthy of a child’s time.”
Heather will work with Sheela from April 10th to November 20, 2026. After their time together, she will have an opportunity to submit to an acquiring editor using one of SCBWI-MI's "golden tickets," which means no slush pile!
The first-place runner up is Kelsey Gross, who will receive one free entry to the 2026 Critique Carousel.
Anita Fitch Pazner is the second-place runner up, who has won a $25 gift card to the SCBWI bookstore.
Thank you so much for our incredible judges for their hard work, and congratulations to all of our applicants! It was a tough competition this year!
Picture book authors get ready - submissions for the 2027 Picture Book Mentorship will open in January, 2027!
Jessica Zimmerman
SCBWI-MI Mentorship Coordinator
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