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/

 

 ________________________________________________

Reminders about Upcoming SCBWI-MI Events

• Registration for the SCBWI-MI 2026 mentorship begins today, January 2, 2026. If you need more information, see:
• Mentorship coordinator Jessica Zimmerman explains the program.
• Interview with 2026 mentor Sheela Chari
• Words of wisdom from previous mentees

• Registration for the SCBWI-MI Level Up series of webinars and workshops opens January 14, 2026. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCBWI-MI HappySad Changes and Celebrations

A chill is in the air, the kids are back to school, and changes are underway for our SCBWI-MI chapter. After 11 years serving as Regional Advisor, Leslie Helakoski is handing over the reins to another energetic and enthusiastic volunteer - Jodi McKay. Jodi leaves her busy PAL Coordinator role to join Carrie Pearson as Co-RA. The PAL Coordinator position has been renamed Published Members Coordinator, and a huge thanks to Lauren Nyquist for stepping into that role!

Did you follow all of that? These movers and shakers each have an outgoing or incoming message for you, so I’m turning this blog post over to their words. Here's Leslie, Jodi, and Lauren.

From Leslie Helakoski:

Dear Michigan SCBWI-ers,

Well, I can hardly believe this myself, but after 11 years of being a regional advisor in Michigan, I am stepping aside. It’s been a wonderful time and I’m grateful I was able to spend all these years helping this wonderful group.

I first joined SCBWI in 1998 --I’d been attending SCBWI events in Wisconsin and was reluctant to let go of that group when my family moved downstate. The Michigan group was bigger and couldn’t possibly be as wonderful as the Wisconsinites. Could it? But at that very first event in Michigan, I met Shutta Crum, Lisa Wheeler, Kelly DiPucchio and Monica Harris. I had a new community.

Back then, Shirley Neitzel was RA with Buffy Silverman as ARA. They were followed by Mindy Krasner (now Tiedgen), then the wonder twins, Ann Finkelstein and Paula Payton. I became part of the planning committee called AdCom. This is when everyone was mailed a hard copy of the quarterly newsletter after we laid it out by hand. We signed up for events by mailing in registration forms and sending in checks. We did not have google docs for sharing documents! And I remember the big discussions on going electronic because some people just didn’t want to convert to getting info by email! What changes!

Monica Harris and I became RA’s in 2008. Monica was followed by Rachel Anderson and finally, Carrie Pearson and I have been RAs for the past 6 years. What a ride! 

One of the things I tried to accomplish as RA was welcoming new attendees at events. We can all remember that old feeling of being the new kid in the room/class/event. I ask all of you to continue with the practice of being especially welcoming to newbies. All organizations need new blood, new ideas and new volunteers.

Many of us can say we wouldn’t be published without this organization and I know for sure that I wouldn’t have had as much fun on this journey without it. But as much fun as it’s been to run this chapter, it’s a big job, and I look forward to spending more time on my own projects. Luckily, I feel comfortable doing that as we still have Carrie Pearson at the helm and she’ll be joined by Jodi McKay who shows every sign of being a fabulous RA for our region.

I’m not leaving the chapter. I’m only saying goodbye as RA.  I’ll still spend summer and fall in Michigan and hope to attend events as much as possible but winters will be spent down in Louisiana. (Y’all be sure to let me know if you travel that way.) Thanks to all who have sent notes and comments about times we’ve shared, it warms my heart.  I’ve learned so much from all of you and our generous sharing community.

Emeritus Regional Advisor
Leslie Helakoski

From Jodi Mckay:

Hi everyone, I know we will see each other, chat quite a bit, and work together for a while yet so I won't take up too much of your time. I just want to say that I am so happy to step into a role that allows me to support all of you in so many ways. Our Michigan region is a community of generous, brilliant, talented authors and illustrators (I know this because as the PAL coordinator I've met so many of you these past few years!) and I look forward to working with you as we continue on in this wonderful world of creating books for children.

Jodi McKay
Co-Regional Advisor with Carrie Pearson

From Lauren Nyquist:

Hi, I’m Lauren! I’m an illustrator and writer, born and raised in Michigan and a graduate of the College for Creative Studies. I create children’s book illustration and stories, and designs for greeting cards, along with some copywriting here and there. I became an SCBWI member in 2018, and I’m so glad I have! I’m excited to be a part of this community, and to start working as your Published Members Coordinator!

Lauren Nyquist
Published Members Coordinator

One more photo of the dynamic duo. Thanks for your leadership and friendship, Carrie and Leslie! Leslie - we wish you the best with your new projects. Carrie - we're so glad you're still here to lead on!

In other news...

It's the Mitten Five-Year-Blogiversary! 

280 posts later, here's a flashback to our very first post back in 2014:
https://scbwimithemitten.blogspot.com/2014/08/welcome-to-mitten.html

A huge thanks to Jodie Fletcher for helping me transition our SCBWI-MI chapter newsletter into this public blog with a much broader reach. Thanks to the volunteers who've stepped up since then to brainstorm and conduct interviews and create illustrations and so much more. Cheers for our blog team - Patti Richards, Nina Goebel, Charlie Barshaw, Jodi McKay and now Lauren Nyquist who will be doing our Book Birthday celebration posts. But the biggest thank-you goes out to all of the SCBWI-MI members who have contributed ideas and posts and photos and artwork throughout the years - we couldn't do this without you!

Happy reading and writing!
Kristin Lenz

ABC (Authors, Books, and Children) Program: A Heartfelt Thank You by Jodi McKay

March Reading Month is just about over and WHOA were we busy! We have had book deals and book birthdays, we’ve added authors to our PAL list, we visited schools near and far, and the PALs came together in an incredible way to give our books and time to Carsten’s Academy of Aquatic Science, a K-8 school in Detroit as part of our ABC (Authors, Books, and Children) Program. I’d like to speak a bit about this program, if you don’t mind, as it is something that I think highlights how amazing our SCBWI-MI PALs are.

The ABC Program was created to provide children in underfunded and under-resourced schools the opportunity to read a wide variety of books and to have the ability to connect with books and authors in a way that may not have been available to them otherwise. We accomplished this by donating almost 90 books from PALs all over Michigan, by donating free 20 min. Skype visits with the 1st-4th grade classes, and by holding a reading contest that resulted in three readers winning a Skype session with Lori Taylor who sketched them and will be including their likenesses as characters in her next book, HOLLY WILD: MOTOR CITY MAYHEM (out this May!). The winners of the contest will also receive fossils from Sleeping Bear Dunes, sketch-and-color books, and copies of book 5 of Holly Wild when it comes out. This was our first year with the ABC Program and it was an incredible experience!

As the PAL coordinator it is my job to find ways for authors to market and sell their books, so I can’t tell you how moved I was with the response to the ABC program. Don’t get me wrong, I know how generous our authors are so I wasn’t surprised that many jumped on board, but when my inbox flooded with “count me in’s” and the books started piling up in my office, I have to say that my heart felt full and my eyes may have watered a few times.

I really can’t thank you enough and I know the school feels the same way:
“Carstens' students really enjoyed the Skype interviews with the authors. The authors' love for writing was contagious and has the students excited about reading and writing books of their own. I’d like to thank you for reaching out to our school with this opportunity.” –Katie Burton (Carsten’s school counselor)

Your generosity it appreciated more than you know. I am so proud to be part of our community. SCBWI-MI rocks!

Jodi McKay lives in Grosse Pointe, Michigan with her husband, son, and a couple of furry friends. She discovered that she loved to write when she was 8 years old, but decided to finish school before pursuing it full time. Now she is an active member of the incredible kid lit community and is proud to be represented by Linda Epstein at Emerald City Literary Agency. Jodi is the author of the picture book, WHERE ARE THE WORDS? published by Albert Whitman & Co. Learn more at her website (look for the teacher's guide!), and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.








Coming up on the Mitten blog: A new Featured Illustrator and another round of Hugs and Hurrahs! Nina Goebel is working with our surprise illustrator to unveil our new spring blog banner, and Patti Richards is collecting your writing/illustrating/publishing news. Please email your good news to Patti by April 9th to be included. Don't be shy, we're inspired by your success!

Are you registered for the SCBWI-MI Spring Conference? Don't delay!

https://michigan.scbwi.org/2018/02/11/unearth-your-funny-bone-getting-serious-about-writing-humor/

It's almost time to apply for the first of SCBWI-MI's two 2018 novel mentorship programs. The submission window for the PAL mentorship with Leslie Connor opens April 2nd-23rd. Read our interview with mentor Leslie Connor here.







Calling all illustrators! Are you signed up for the 4 Out the Door postcard challenge? Learn more here.

Behind the Scenes with your host, Jodi McKay

Picture this: There’s a marketing event coming up. Tons of people will be there, looking to buy books and have them signed by the author. You will be that author and you can’t wait to connect with the readers.

But, wait. How did this amazing opportunity come to be?

Cue your friendly SCBWI regional advisors and PAL coordinator!

We work hard to find ways for you to market your books and art and thought you might want a glimpse at what it takes to set up an event. Let’s use the Kerrytown BookFest!

Idea

·      May 2nd- Hey, the Kerrytown BookFest looks like the place to be! We think this will be a great way to market our authors and illustrators.


Research

·      A little web surfing to read about the festival.

·      Email event coordinators to get the details.


Set-up

·      Create a snazzy invitation document to send to SCBWI-MI authors and illustrators.

·      Create a sign-up sheet for shifts.

·      Register for booths.

·      Coordinate with local book store for book sales. Send author list.

·      Collect display books and bio cards. I might have read a few.

·      Create super cool giveaways- pins and book packages!

Emails

·      Emails between Carrie, Leslie and myself.

·      Emails with Kerrytown event coordinator.

·      Emails with Nicola’s event coordinator.

·      Email pictures of sloths to friends to mix it up a bit.

·      Emails with all PALs.

·      Emails addressing author/illustrator participant’s questions or concerns.

·      New info. and reminder emails.

·      Books received emails.

·      Who was tired of receiving emails from me???

Promotions

·      Tweets about each author, their books, and when they will be signing

·      FB event page created

Jeff Jantz, Kathy Higgs-Coulthard, Mary J. Grant, and Peggy House

Day of

·      Sept. 10th- Coffee in hand, not enough warm clothes on, register at 8:00.

Jodi McKay and Jack Cheng

·      Create an eye pleasing set up with the help of friendly volunteers.

·      It’s 10:00, time to rock! Our first shift meets the book fest’s first guests.

·      Switching shifts with a few hiccups, but nothing we can’t handle!

·      Missing books? Nicola’s to the rescue!

·      Book giveaway #1! Happy winners receive awesome books- woo hoo!!

·      Eat? Nah! There’s too much fun to be had with authors and readers.

Shutta Crum and Leslie Helakoski

·      Sit down for a moment and listen in on a great YA panel.

·      Book giveaway #2! No one wants to answer my phone call. Keep trying. Found 2 winners!

·      The bell tolls, 5:00pm. Time to tear down.

·      More fabulous volunteers toss items into the big SUV.


And that was that. It was a wonderful, bright, sunshiny day. We laughed, we signed, and we connected with fellow readers and writers. All of the hard work was well worth it, and I have to say that I am looking forward to the next event. Until then!

Jodi lives in Grosse Pointe, Michigan with her husband, son, and a couple of furry friends. She discovered that she loved to write when she was 8 years old, but decided to finish school before pursuing it full time. Now she is an active member of the incredible kid lit community and is proud to be represented by Linda Epstein at Emerald City Literary Agency. Jodi is the author of the picture book, WHERE ARE THE WORDS? published by Albert Whitman & Co. Learn more at her website (look for the teacher's guide!), and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.








Coming up on the Mitten Blog: In October, Nina Goebel will unveil our new blog banner created by our new Featured Illustrator! But first, we're celebrating our members' good news. Please email your writing/illustrating/publishing news to Patti Richards by Monday, Sept 25th, to be included in our Hugs and Hurrahs next week. We'll also have a recap of our fall conference, A Gathering on the Grand, which took place last weekend. Here's a sneak peek:

Thanks to Mentorship Coordinator, Ann Finkelstein, and congrats to Sara Kendall!

Nine Tips for a Successful Book Signing Event by Janet Ruth Heller

Kathie Allen and Rhonda Gowler Green at Book Beat

August was a busy month for our SCBWI-MI authors and illustrators. Book Beat's 35th Anniversary Party was a day long event featuring authors and books of all genres for children through adults. PAL coordinator, Jodi McKay, organized two events at Barnes & Noble, one for younger readers and one for teens, and then moved on to planning a full day at the Kerrytown Book Festival.

Jodi will be here next week to share more about what goes on behind the scenes to plan these events, using Kerrytown as an example, but today, Janet Ruth Heller is here with tips for a successful book signing event. She's been doing signings since 2006 when her first book for children was published, and she participated in the Barnes & Noble event for young readers last month. Here are her tips:

1) Advance Planning
Because most organizers plan signing events months or years in advance, we writers and artists need to start early, doing research about local events and contacting venues to ask whether the staff members want us to participate. For example, many places have pre-Christmas/Chanukah book fairs and signings. Libraries and bookstores often present authors and illustrators reading their work to children on Saturday mornings or afternoons. We need to find out who coordinates these events and ask to be included.

2) Work Closely with the People Who Staff the Venue
If we are selected for a speaking engagement, we should find out all of the details. Here are some questions to ask:
How old are the children who come?
How long will I have to read my book and/or talk about it?
Am I the only visiting writer/artist, or are there others coming?
Will I have a microphone?
Will you announce the reading/signing over your public address system?
Is this event indoors or outdoors or both?
Will you provide a table and chairs for me, or do I need to bring these myself?

3) Practice How to Read Your Book Creatively
Although authors and artists are busy people, we need to find time to practice reading our work aloud in a way that gets the attention of children. Youngsters have trouble focusing and sitting still, so we should offer them a very entertaining presentation to keep their attention. If we get invited to participate on a panel discussion for adults, we need to prepare at least an outline of our major ideas and to practice our talk. We should make eye contact with every member of our audience and speak loudly enough to be heard.

Art activity from Shmulik Paints the Town by Lisa Rose

4) Bring a Craft or Other Activity for Children
Some writers bring an illustrated page from their books without any color so that youngsters can use crayons to fill in the picture. Because my book How the Moon Regained Her Shape has a scene in which the characters exchange gifts, including a beaded necklace, I often bring beads and nice strings for the children to make their own necklaces or bracelets. At some events, I have led the audience in singing some funny songs.

5) Cooperate with Other Authors or Illustrators at the Event
Group signing events can often draw a larger audience than an event featuring one person. For example, Jodi McKay of the SCBWI-Michigan chapter organized a signing at the Barnes & Noble in Brighton, Michigan, on Saturday, August 5, 2017. Kathie Allen, Deborah Aronson, Jack Cheng, Kim Childress, Jodi McKay, Amy Nielander, Jordan Scavone, Maria Dismondy, J. A. Eaton, and I participated. Of course, all eight of us told our friends and relatives about this event, which increased the number of people who came to the bookstore. Many customers stopped to look at one book and wound up purchasing books from the other writers and artists at the same table. Also, we SCBWI-MI members bought books from one another. I purchased six books for my great-nieces and -nephews from my colleagues.

6) Proudly Hawk Your Merchandise
My father was a businessman, and he taught me to be proud of good merchandise and to hawk it to potential customers. So when I go to signings, I boast, “I/ We have great books for children here!” Or I proclaim, “I’ve got an award-winning book about bullying!” These verbal appeals bring curious people over to a table to look at books.

Jordan J. Scavone

7) Make a Display Attractive
Authors and artists can draw people to their book tables by dressing up like characters in their books, bringing a large poster of the book cover, and using stands and other devices that display books attractively.

8) Bring Promotional Materials
I recommend that writers and artists also bring fliers, business cards, or bookmarks about their books to signings. Some people are not ready to purchase a book immediately, but they often order it later, using the information on my fliers. My handouts also have details about how to contact me for school visits and other speaking events. So one speaking event may result in several more engagements.

9) Personalize Your Autograph
Customers like writers and artists who find a way to personalize autographs. For example, Ruth McNally Barshaw draws sketches next to her autographs. I don’t have her artistic talent, but I try to write something about the child or adult who is purchasing my book, such as “I enjoyed meeting you and visiting your class at Amberly School today.” Such autographs make people feel special.

Janet Ruth Heller has taught literature, linguistics, creative writing, and women’s studies at various colleges. She has published the poetry books EXODUS, FOLK CONCERT, and TRAFFIC STOP; the scholarly book COLERIDGE, LAMB, HAZLITT AND THE READER OF DRAMA. Fictive Press published her middle-grade chapter book about sibling rivalry, THE PASSOVER SURPRISE (2015).  Her picture book about bullying, HOW THE MOON REGAINED HER SHAPE (Arbordale, 2006), has won four national awards.. Learn more at www.janetruthheller.com.




For more tips for successful author events, see these posts from SCBWI-MI members:
Breaking Out of Your Circle by Melanie Hooyenga
Jordan J. Scavone's Tips for a MightE Signing Event

Coming up on the Mitten blog: Hugs and Hurrahs! We want to trumpet your success. Please send your writing/illustrating/publishing good news to Patti Richards by September 25th to be included. Plus, take-aways from our fall conference, and a new Featured Illustrator!