The Agents of Critique Carousel 2026

The Critique Carousel is back for its 6^th year and I’m here to introduce you to three of the agents who will be critiquing this year.

What is an agent, you ask? Well here is a great rundown. In short, an agent sells work to editors at publishing houses.

What is the Critique Carousel, you ask? We have answers! The links have all the answers. This post is about the agents who will be critiquing manuscripts, dummies, and portfolios.

The event will run much the same as last year’s event. And we have an E&I scholarship available!

Our three lovely agents for 2026 are…

 

Heather Cashman 

Senior Literary Agent, Storm Literary Agency

Heather loves books about people she could become friends with--fiction or nonfiction--and introduce a new world, but she cherishes the ones that make her want to be the heroine of her own life. Her work in Biochemistry inspired her own imagination for creating worlds. Writing for enjoyment turned into an interest in improving craft and eventually led to becoming a professional editor for Cornerstones Literary Consultancy, editing middle grade, young adult, and adult books. She also loved helping authors by volunteering as Managing Director of Pitch Wars, #PitMad, and Pitch Madness, as well as being a Pitch Wars mentor. Before becoming a Senior Literary Agent and Agent Mentor at Storm Literary Agency, Heather interned for three years at The Bent Agency and Entangled Publishing.

Read more on Heather’s website and Publisher’s Marketplace Page.  

For the 2026 Critique Carousel, Heather will be critiquing:

 

·        Middle grade fiction

·        Middle grade nonfiction 

·        YA fiction

·        YA nonfiction

·        Graphic novels fiction or nonfiction

·        Novel-in-verse

 

 

Hillary Fazzari

Agent, Bradford Literary Agency

Hillary is an agent at the Bradford Literary Agency. She acquires fiction and nonfiction for all ages, from picture books to adult novels along with the occasional piece of nonfiction for the academic market. Hillary begun her career at Scholastic before shifting over to the agency side of the industry where she worked as an editor at several agencies for about a decade before becoming an agent in 2023. Outside of agenting, she has a PhD in medieval history and enjoys reading a wide range of book types (along with watching documentaries).

Find Hillary’s wishlist here.

Hillary will be critiquing:

·        Picture book fiction

·        Picture book nonfiction

·        Picture book dummy

·        Chapter book

·        Middle grade fiction

·        Middle grade nonfiction

·        YA fiction

·        YA nonfiction

·        Graphic novels fiction or nonfiction

·        Novel-in-verse

 

 

Sarah Stephens

Agent, Red Fox Literary 

Sarah Stephens is a children’s book enthusiast in every sense. She has worked as an editor, author, and indie bookseller. As an agent, Sarah is looking to champion books that make her laugh out loud, delight her with new wonders, hold quirky surprises, or speak deep truths. She is interested in elevating marginalized voices, amplifying stories that need to be heard, and connecting children to nature. She enjoys working with authors and illustrators who know their craft and tell their own unique tales with humor, heart, and integrity. 

Find out more about Sarah’s agency, Red Fox Literary, here. 

Sarah will be critiquing:

·        Picture book dummy

·        Chapter book

·        Graphic novels fiction or nonfiction

·        Portfolio review

 

 

As you can see, our agent faculty for this event cover the spectrum of what kidlit creators make. This unique opportunity affords you insight into how this particular person sees your work. They will offer strengths, opportunities to improve, and how it fits into today’s market.

Remember to research the professionals you’d like to submit to, read interviews with them, find out their Manuscript Wish Lists, and read the information on their professional websites. I’ve given you links and a start above, but there’s more, so much more.

Be sure your manuscripts/portfolios/dummies are in tip-top shape. Being professional and following guidelines goes a long way in proving you’ve done your due diligence.

Here’s the website with all the details: cost, guidelines, procedures, and more.

Registration will open September 19 for SCBWI-Michigan members. If you haven’t yet joined SCBWI, do so here (you’ll get a better rate for the event)!

 

September 1-12, 2026 - Application period for E&I scholarship

September 19 – Critique Carousel 2026 opens for Michigan SCBWI members

September 20 – Critique Carousel 2026 opens for all KidLit creators

September 30 – Registration closes

October 1, 11 PM – all materials due via the form provided with your paid registration

 

Stay tuned for the next installment where 8—yes 8!—editors are introduced.

 

Your Critique Carousel Coordinator,

Wendy BooydeGraaff

critiquecarousel@gmail.com

 

Wendy BooydeGraaff is the author of the picture book Salad Pie (Ripple Grove Press/Chicago Review Press) and her middle grade story “The Michigan Triangle” was included in the Haunted States of America anthology (Henry Holt, 2024). Her poetry, fiction, and essays have been included in Alaska Quarterly Review, X-R-A-Y, South Dakota Review, Southword, and elsewhere. Connect on Bluesky @onlybooyskies.bsky.social.