Have you ever dreamed about writing a picture book, middle grade, or YA novel but don’t know where to begin? Or maybe you have a manuscript completed and wish you knew the next steps? Kickstart your writing goals by hearing from a panel of experts in the field!
 A panel of local picture book authors and novelists will answer your questions and discuss their paths to publication. They will share their best tips for getting started with writing and what to do with a book once it’s completed. In addition to being authors, all three panelists are parents, and they will discuss how they balance busy lives with creative pursuits. At the end, there will be time for a Q&A and a book signing.
Ticket cost is $10 and will be applied to your account to be used as store credit at the event or a later date.
Topics covered:
How to get started: Panelists will talk about the resources we used in learning to write well-written, properly formatted manuscripts. We’ll also talk about the distinctions between picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and YA—and why you need to know what type of book you’re writing at the onset.
The actual writing: Panelists will share what a writing session looks like for each of us, how we structure our time as busy working people and parents, and the work that goes into putting a book together. We will also share some of our favorite craft books about writing and “mentor” texts to read when getting started.
“I finished a book, now what?” – What does the publishing industry look for in a manuscript? In this section we’ll tackle revising, formatting, word counts, and other nitty-gritty standardizations you need to know about to be taken seriously.
How to get an agent: As veterans of “the query trenches” we will talk about the process of researching agents and how to put together a submission package. We’ll also cover what makes a good agent versus a “schmagent” and how to spot the difference. 
About the Panelists: 
Gabriella Alderman
Gabriella Aldeman is a Panamanian American author and professional translator of children’s books. Gabriella holds degrees from Georgetown University and the College of William and Mary. Her books include Paula’s Patches (Free Spirit, 2023), Squawk of Spanish (Charlesbridge, 2024), and the forthcoming Sometimes A Dream (Versify/HarperCollins, 2027). She lives in Fairfax with her husband and two children. Please visit her at 
www.writebetween.com
.
Alyssa Colman
Alyssa Colman is the author of 
Where Only Storms Grow (available 8/19/
2025), 
The Tarnished Garden,
 and 
The Gilded Girl
, which won the 2021 Northern Lights Book Award for middle grade fantasy and was a Bank Street Best Book of the Year. Publishers Weekly called the story “a thoughtful and imaginative exploration of friendship, internal change, and perseverance” in a starred review. Alyssa lives in Vienna with her family including twin preschoolers. 
www.alyssacolman.com
Leah Moser
Leah Moser is a children’s book author living in Vienna. With degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology, Leah has spent years as a classroom teacher. She loves sharing her passion for picture books with her husband, three elementary-aged daughters, dog, and readers of all ages. She is agented by Daniel Cramer of Page Turner Literary Agency and also works as a freelance picture book editor. I Am a Thundercloud is her debut book and was released in April 2024 with Running Press Kids/Hachette. 
https://www.leahmoserwrites.com/
Information Source: Old Town Books | eventbrite

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Time:	May 19, 2025 (UTC-4) ENDED
Location:	Old Town Books

Writing & Publishing Kid Lit: A Panel | Old Town Books

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