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The children’s book market presents a thriving opportunity for writers, but it can be exceedingly difficult to break into. The strict and intimidating guidelines and categories, especially for picture books, stop a lot of hopefuls.

Savvy writers know that children’s book publishing is segmented by category, age, and reading level. This class will help you understand the various brackets in the picture book age group, what word counts are appropriate for each, and what distinguishes a picture book from an illustrated storybook.

By far the most common error aspiring picture book writers make is to overtly teach their audience. You might have a theme you’re writing about and you want everyone to know it, which is understandable. But a didactic picture book manuscript will die a quick death in the submissions pile. This class will help you avoid this common pitfall, empower your protagonist, and avoid having the wise adult swoop in at the end to deliver the message. We all love Granny, but the final moment of discovery in a picture book belongs to the child-age main character.

In addition to needing a really strong grasp of the form, writers should have a variety of salable ideas if they want to attract an editor or agent. Most agents will not sign up a picture book creator unless they have at least three truly stellar projects. This session will help understand what constitutes a stellar idea and hone your thinking about writing for this very specific audience.

This class will cover:

• What kinds of stories work well for picture book readers
• How to give young readers the respect and dignity they deserve by digging deep into your own childhood experiences
• How most picture books in today’s market are heavily character-driven—which means that your story should focus on your picture book character first
• How to craft a story with organic theme, something that comes out of the characters’ experiences
• How to present your work and whether to engage an illustrator (or illustrate yourself!)
• How the picture book market works, from agents to publishers to self-publishing
• The challenge presented by rhyming picture books

Before you can share the fun, heartwarming, and interesting adventure that’s in your picture book imagination, learn the market and craft fundamentals to give yourself the strongest shot at success.

Who should take this class

• Writers who have always been curious about writing for preschool-age readers
• Writers who have a few manuscripts kicking around that would be great as picture books
• Writers who have submitted some picture book projects in the past but haven’t gotten anywhere

This class is not suited for

• YA writers and children’s middle-grade writers
• Writers who are rigidly set on their idea/draft/manuscript and are not open to learning and considering feedback or alternative perspectives
• Writers who are chasing the goal (publishing) instead of the work (writing). Publication is one small facet of a life in letters, compared to the process of actually writing, revising, and learning.

Note: We offered this class in late 2021 with Mary; while there will be minor differences between the two sessions, we don’t recommend registering for this class a second time. The guidance remains largely the same.

What’s included in all of Jane’s classes

How do I attend the live class?

This class uses Zoom webinar technology. You will join through your Internet-connected computer or mobile device. When you register, you will receive information via email on how to join the class. If you don’t receive it within 1 hour of registering, please contact us.

• When: Wednesday, August 9, 2023
• Time: 1–2 p.m. Eastern / 10:00 a.m. Pacific
• Registration fee: $25

The webinar is broadcasted via the internet with live audio delivered through your computer or mobile device speakers. The visual presentation is displayed directly from the presenter’s computer to your computer screen. The Q&A is managed through a chat-style submission system with questions read and answered by the presenter for the entire class to hear.

Closed captions are provided during the live class. We use Zoom’s automated closed caption service (powered by Otter), which is about 80%+ accurate. We also use Otter AI to generate an unedited transcript, provided with the recording.

Testimonials

All students receive the following

• Access to the live class. After roughly 45 minutes, the instructor will take questions during class using in-class chat/text. The class will end after roughly 60 minutes.
• A recording of the class—audio and video. This is especially helpful if you have a conflict with the class time or something comes up and you can’t make the session. Each registration comes with access to the archived version of the program and the materials for 30 days. You do not have to attend the live event to access the recordings.
• Presentation slides. All participants receive a copy of the slide presentation in PDF form.
• Rough transcript. We use Otter to create an automated transcript of the entire webinar, which we’ll share with you in addition to the audio and video recording.

Event Attendance & Anti-Harassment Policy

We strive to provide an environment where all present—whether attendee, presenter, or staff—can feel supported. In order to ensure a welcoming event, here is what we expect from all who participate.

• That the presenter and the presenter’s work be treated with respect by attendees and that all attendees treat each other with respect and a generosity of spirit.
• That attendees will refrain from harassment of any sort including (but not limited to) comments or questions of a racist, homophobic, sexist/sexual, or threatening nature. This includes actions that disrupt or interfere with anyone’s ability to participate. Offenders will be disconnected from the live event.