The opening pages of any book are critical for capturing the reader's attention and keeping them engaged as your story unfolds. Submit the first 2k words and a synopsis of your manuscript and have a 30-minute call to get personalized feedback from a mentor of your choice!
Questions? Email terra@roadmapwriters.com
I’m drawn to pitches with a clear, compelling hook right away—something that tells me the heart of the story in a single, strong concept. Character is key for me; I want to instantly understand who I’m following, what they want, and what’s standing in their way. I especially love ideas that make me laugh, surprise me, or spark curiosity from the first line.
For nonfiction and biographies, I’m looking for a strong narrative angle that highlights voice and emotional resonance, not just facts. For STEAM-driven stories, I love concepts that feel fresh, accessible, and story-first rather than concept-heavy. Above all, I appreciate clarity, confidence, and submissions that let the story’s energy and originality shine through without overcomplicating the pitch.
Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 60+ trade and educational books for children. A science enthusiast from a young age, Lydia now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books. Her titles include UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere (Capstone, 2025), DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023). She also continues writing fiction and humorous books, like her debut graphic novel series, GROUCHO THE GROUCHY GROUNDHOG (Andrews McMeel, 2025/6). She has won numerous awards such as the Crystal Kite Award for the Canada and North America division, a Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, and multiple Cybils Award nominations.
Lydia is an experienced speaker and presenter in the kidlit space. She has led professional webinars for organizations such as SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators), Storyteller Academy, and Rate your Story, and frequently speaks on topics including writing for children and STEAM integration. She brings an engaging, practical, and energetic approach to her presentations, whether speaking to educators, writers, or industry professionals. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program.
Lydia is represented by literary agent Miranda Paul from Aevitas Creative Management. For more information, please visit www.lydialukidis.com.
After registering, you will receive instructions on how to submit your material in your order confirmation email. After submitting your material, please allow about 3-4 weeks to receive proposed times for scheduling your call with the mentor. If you haven't heard from your exec by the 3-4 week mark about scheduling, please email terra@roadmapwriters.com so we know to check in with them on your behalf about their proposed dates/ETA for you.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with Roadmap's Code of Conduct.
Questions? Email terra@roadmapwriters.com
Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your registration for a refund or Roadmap gift card if you have not yet submitted your material for review. However, once your material has been received by Roadmap, your registration cannot be canceled. Having revised material or a desire to retroactively apply a discount or gift card code are not grounds for cancellation, refunds, or gift card credit. Once your material has been submitted, the only acceptable grounds for cancellation and a refund or gift card credit is an unforeseen, ongoing emergency on the part of either the writer or the exec resulting in more than 6 weeks without any scheduling update from the exec via direct contact or Roadmap, or a sudden change in the exec's ongoing availability. In the instance of an irreconcilable scheduling issue, the writer may still receive a written feedback report from the exec. In this case, the writer is not entitled to a refund or gift card credit as the exec has read the submitted material and provided written feedback in lieu of the call.