Introducing. . . Girl Power Hour
- rateyourstoryweb
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
Oct. 11, 2025 Girl Power Hour Girl Power Hour is the celebration by the kidlit community of the International Day of the Girl. On October 11th, each year, kidlit creatives come together to celebrate and promote the representation of all girls in kidlit as well as support diversity. This year we will celebrate with an all day #kidlit conference! Hone your kidlit craft and learn about the business of kidlit with strong women in the industry. Opportunities for FREE mentor sessions and other kidlit goodies will be raffled throughout the day!
This is my fourth year being a part of Girl Power Hour (the brainchild of The Little Press Founder and Publisher Michele McAvoy) and I am really excited! While the first two years I had fun being part of the panel breakout sessions, last year, I gave feedback on First Pages during the lunch break. I'm happy to be doing that again this year!
Last year, one of the First Pages I read, Good Luck Puck by Donna Marx, brought good news for both Donna AND me!
It became what would be Donna's debut picture book, and my first acquisition for The Little Press! It is such a fun and unique book, with great takeaway value and a important event tie-in -- I am so grateful to be on this book's path to success!
If you are seeking professional, insightful feedback on your manuscript, First Page Events are a great way to do that, and see if you are on the right track.
Here are some things considered when reviewing a first page:
Has the first page captured my attention? Is it well written?
Does the first page make me want to keep reading?
Does the submission stand out against other submissions?
Are there visible hooks for marketing the manuscript?
Does it have an engaging voice?
Does the pacing feel effective and does the page flow from start to finish?
Is the main character likable and will a kid connect with him/her?
Is the problem one a kid will identify with.
Is the language appropriate? Is there context for more advanced words?
Is the premise (topic or theme) kid-friendly?
These are just a few of the things that may be addressed in first page feedback, but all are essential in the execution of a well-written, well-told story for children.
Be sure to take notes, not only on your First Page, but on comments made on other first pages, as likely many of the comments can be useful for other manuscripts you have.
And don't forget that Girl Power Hour (not just for girls) includes a submission opportunity -- first pages is a good way to test drive your submission and see if it lands well!
Sign up HERE! Hope to see you there. I look forward to reading your first pages!
Select first pages will be read (as time allows) during lunch. Others will get a 10 minute session with me to go over your First Page -- so don't miss out!
And don't forget -- be sure to review The Little Press catalog and related blogposts to be up to date on what we like and are looking for!
Link to The Little Press Website:
Related Blogposts:
Find MORE Editors and Genres on our Team Here:
NOTE: Please feel free to leave any questions you may have in the comment section of this post.
