Memberships starting at $15/month
Group Critiques
We meet weekly to critique our writing, share suggestions and polish our words.
Ideas spark and grow, as creative juices begin to flow!
Community of Writers
You will meet a wonderful group of committed kidlit writers, all seeking to reach children with their words. Loose your fear of talking online.
We are friends that feel like family!
Progress Weekly
Grow your understanding of manuscript, character and plot development. Learn about the use of age appropriate vocabulary and tools to help you be come a better writer. Grow through the experience and suggestions of others.
How Kidlit Connect Works
Kidlit Connect meets online at least once weekly (except holidays). Members may submit up to three pages, double-spaced, 12 point type, for critique by the group. You will read your submission aloud, as the group follows the page online. Group members give their impressions and critiques of your work. The goal is to encourage and give helpful, constructive suggestions, so you can improve your writing. All writers should have the goal of publishing, even if it is only for their own family.
Meeting Days
Presently, Kidlit Critique groups meet every-other Wednesday and Thursday, from 1:00-3:00 PM (CST/2:00 EST). With increased interest, more days and times may be added, to accommodate various schedules.
Built-in Flexibility
Your subscription allows you to pause or cancel at anytime. That way, if life gets in the way of writing, you can take a break until you are ready. Members may also attend for inspiration or to take part in critiques, even if they do not have a work-in-progress to share.
Friend Zone!
Kidlit Connect was created to help writers hone their skills and polish their manuscripts for publication. Many great ideas can come from our collective minds. As a friendly community, we strongly discourage bullying or hateful speech. We work as a team, each one making our best creations. Both traditional and self-published writers are welcome.
MEET THE HOST
Welcome! I am Dayna Ault, host and moderator of the Kidlit Connect Community, and author of Benjamin’s Coin Purse (2001) and Who Made This Mess? (2022). Before and between those two books, I wrote and edited for newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and blogs. In 2010 I became editor and publisher of the Missouri Autism Report Magazine (2010-17), running the business from home while schooling my children.
Along the way, I found that I really enjoy working with other writers. In February of 2021, I started Kidlit Connect where kidlit writers can meet for honest, gentle reviews on their work, and learn how they might improve their manuscripts. We are now accepting new members. I would love for you to check out our community of dedicated writers and authors, who are interested in helping you create great Kidlit.
Active but still adding…take a peek!
Books by Kidlit Connect Authors
Testimonials
I met Dayna Ault through an online community of authors, which included writers of many, different genres. Dayna saw the need to create an online home for writers who specialize in children’s literature. She designed a safe place where authors can post their work for critique by fellow Kidlit writers.
I have already benefited from the comments of other Kidlit Connect members and know my fiction writing will improve as a result. However, one advantage of belonging to Kidlit Connect that I hadn’t envisioned is the connections I have made with other authors that I hope will continue to grow.
Thanks to Dayna for creating this great space!
Chris “Portialily” Taylor
Kindra Silk Kreislers
I’m loving Kidlit Connect. Dayna is a warm and welcoming host. She and the participants take critique seriously and offer qualified feedback in my niche —something I really struggled to find elsewhere.
Before finding Kidlit Connect, I found it hard to find a writing-for-children critique group. I found a few, but they were not a good fit for me. A good fit is very important! Months passed until I resumed my search and I’m so glad I did.
Since joining Kidlit Connect, I’ve met so many other kidlit writers in every stage imaginable, who are eager to help you along your journey. I found Dayna to be very patient and cheerful. She offers expert advice for whatever type of children’s story you’re working on. My writing has improved because of Dayna’s help and suggestions.
My search for a good critique group is over. Thank you, Dayna!
Deb Hockenberry
Deryn van der Tang
Writing my first children's book, I knew next to nothing about how to go about it, but with the encouragement, help, and critique from the Kidlit group, I could take it from first draft to publication. Their friendly help was invaluable.
Vivianne Winters Israel
I am a published non-fiction author re-entering writing/publishing to create children’s fiction. Experiencing the process of story development, revision and refinement through Kidlit Connect has been invaluable to me. A tiny but mighty community of heart-sourced, talented, and supportive individuals with a wide range of relevant skill sets.
Jackie Nix
Writing can be lonely, solitary work. As such, it is vitally important to have a community of fellow children’s authors to help hone your skills. Dayna has created a safe space where children’s writers can come together to bond and support one another in our respective publishing pursuits. Belonging to a group like this provides benefit no matter where you are in your journey. There is great value in both giving and receiving critiques; both make you a better writer.
Rita Jan Bailey
I had written several children’s stories but didn’t have any idea how to edit or publish them. How do I get my story from a manuscript to a fantastic book? How did other writers go about publishing good books? I knew I needed a mentor. I met Dayna, and she shared her KidLit Connect group with me. This group is a safe, caring critique group. They give me suggestions on how to revise and refine my writing with lots of encouragement about my stories. The members of this group have become my friends and mentors. I have grown so much as a writer since I joined Kidlit Connect.
Start your Kidlit Connect Adventure today.
Need Editing Services?
Have you gone through the writing, critiquing and self-editing process and are ready to get input on your book? Do you need another set of eyes on your
Kidlit Connect Members Receive a 20% discount on edits.
manuscript? Are you unsure about your plot, character development or story line?
You may be ready for a Developmental Edit, or if you are new to the business of writing, you may need a writing coach.
Author, editor and writing coach, Dayna Ault (creator of Kidlit Connect Critique Group) may be the answer to your next step. Click the “Learn More” button to…well…LEARN MORE!