Craft & Business of Writing Picture Books

Registr ation // Content // Perks & Bonuses // Teachers // Submissions // Contributors // Lives // Testimonials // FAQs

Calling All Children's Picture Book Writers and Illustrators!
We are now OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!!!
Everything you need to write, illustrate, and publish wonderful children's picture books taught by a fantastic dream team!

The live training series runs 5 weeks from Jan 9- Feb 13, 2023
PLUS an instant-access mini-conference and tons of bonuses!

Ready to Start Today? Click one of the magical pics below!
Use the case-sensitive PBLove promo code to save $100.
Make sure the code is working as we've tested it on our end and can't refund money.
We also have wonderful scholarships right here!

Craft and Business of Writing and Illustrating Children's Picture Books Course... explained!

During the course, you will...

Learn everything you need to know about making and publishing picture books
Exclusive publishing opportunities
Live and recorded mentoring
An interactive supportive community
Daily M-F interaction and feedback from your co-teachers
Weekly live and recorded critiques with industry guests

What's new this session?

Advance lessons to help you get started before the course begins
TWO fabulous new acquiring co-teachers, some new Golden Ticket judges
FREE LIVE advanced picture book writing and targeting your submissions Masterclass bonus for returning students!
FREE NEW LEVERAGING LUSCIOUS LANGUAGE TO MAKE YOUR STORY SING INSTANT ACCESS MASTERCLASS!
Skip-the-Slush-Pile with MANY new submission opportunities
Tons of bonuses for all enrolled students

this course is for you if you want to...

Write a fresh children’s picture book story from start to finish or jump in with one of our suggestions
Revise and polish an existing children's book manuscript radically improving agenting and/or publication possibilities
Write and/or illustrate a story that will make you proud
Create a targeted cover letter ready to send to your ideal editor or agent
Create an effective punchy pitch and bio for your cover letter and pitch fests
Participate in weekly critiques and our super interactive private course platform
Join an optional small critique group
Submit to an exclusive panel of editors and agents who are looking to acquire from this course
Have lots of fun

Who: The course is co-taught with daily interaction by the expert publishing faculty, the weekly guests, and the gifted assistants. The course also includes videos and written interviews with over 25 industry experts.

What: It's a size-limited, online interactive e-course, talent search, and community lovefest with everything you need to know about writing, selling and marketing children's picture books. There are written and video lessons, worksheets, templates, handouts, lists of publishers and agents, feedback, and step by step directions, providing a really comprehensive education.

Where: It all happens in the comfort of your own home, a café, the library, on vacation, anywhere that you can get Internet access. With recorded LIVE webinars, this proven-track record course is designed to accommodate students from all corners of this beautiful world.

When: The course starts January 9th and runs for 5 full faculty weeks, PLUS a bonus instant-access mini-conference week. Plus, you can start the other bonus courses and masterclasses as soon as you register! The program is designed to be extremely time-flexible where you can access the lessons whenever you want, and interact as much or as little as you like. The only time-specific elements are the weekly critiquing webinars, which are also recorded, the daily office hours (also recorded either via Zoom or in writing), and your optional critique groups. All the materials come with a full year of access!

How: To accommodate different learning styles, the course is taught using multiple modalities and LOTS of interaction and feedback! Learn from time-flexible daily lessons, worksheets, writing templates, videos, interviews, and much more in our password-protected platform, tons of resources including lists of publishers and agents! Get your work critiqued in weekly topic-specific webinars. Get daily feedback M-F from our co-teachers, upgrade for a one-on-one one hour critique with one of our co-teachers, join an optional critique group and interact in our vibrant chat area or office hours. Everything is recorded so it doesn't matter where you are in the world or when you're available to sink into the course communities and trainings.

Why: The most important aspect —you want to write and publish children's picture books. This is the only course with an unparalleled track-record of published, award-winning, and agented students!

Registration

There are four options for the Craft and Business of Writing and Illustrating Children's Picture Books
Don't forget to use that case-sensitive PBLove promo code when you register to SAVE $100.00

Full Course + 1hr Helen H. Wu Critique	Full Course + Dr. Mira Reisberg Critique	Full Course Only	Full Course + Lisa Rosinsky Critique
747.00 with discount code	747.00 with discount code	597.00 with discount code	$747 with discount code
			per unit
Register Now	Register Now	Register Now	REGISTER NOW
5+ weeks of live training	5+ weeks of live training	5+ weeks of live training	5+ weeks of live training
Weekly critiques	Weekly critiques	Weekly critiques	Weekly critiques
Interactive Community	Interactive Community	Interactive Community	Interactive Community
Tons of submission opportunities	Tons of submission opportunities	Tons of submission opportunities	Tons of submission opportunities
Daily Office Hours with Teachers	Daily Office Hours with Teachers	Daily Office Hours with Teachers	Daily Office Hours with Teachers
An amazing ONE HOUR Extra Success critique with Helen H. Wu – just for you!	An awesome ONE HOUR Extra Success critique with Dr. Mira Reisberg – just for you!	And so much more!	A fabulous ONE HOUR Extra Success critique with Lisa Rosinsky – just for you!

Each week we have LIVE, topic-specific, critique webinars with acquiring editors and agents to further increase student's work quality and chances for publication. We call these the Lives. These editors and agents, plus other decision makers, return at the end of the course to look at student-mentored work with an eye towards acquisitions. WE ARE STILL CONFIRMING THIS YEAR'S LIVE CRITIQUE GUESTS BUT BELOW ARE LAST YEAR'S. PLEASE STAY TUNED OR SIGN UP NOW AND TRUST THAT THEY'LL ALSO BE FANTASTIC!

/

In 2013, Marissa Moss founded Creston Books, starting the small children's press with a Kickstarter campaign. Dedicated to strong storytelling, the creator-centered house hopes to give debut and established authors a bigger role in their books, from design to marketing. Each list of four titles has a good balance of picture book and older readers, debut authors and well-known names, and strives to showcase the very best in children's books. Personally, Marissa has published more than 50 children's books.

Marissa Moss

Editor and Publisher
/
Creston Books

/

Dainese Santos is the Assistant Editor at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. She especially loves stories that are warm and joyful. Her sweet spot is contemporary fiction. She also loves family stories, especially about big extended families who are meddling but well-meaning—because she’s someone with first-hand experience in that field. Dainese is is looking for stories that are rooted in the traditions of underrepresented cultures; but, as with everything else regarding her taste, there must be joy and warmth at it center.

Dainese Santos

Assistant Editor
/
Simon &Schuster

/

Kaitlyn Sanchez is a mom, wife, middle school math teacher, picture book author and agent with Context Literary Agency. Context Literary represents high-quality children's literature, women's fiction, and narrative non-fiction. Kaitlyn's MSWL says, " I really connect with emotional writing and, on the other, very funny stories. But both, both is THE BEST! (Creators who can do this are magicians, in my eyes!)".

Kaitlyn Sanchez

Agent
/
Context Literary Agency

/

Claire began her publishing career at Painted Words in 2012 as an assistant, and worked her way up to Agent. She loves stories with humor and heart, relatable characters, unpredictable endings, and books that reflect the diversity of children’s experiences. Her favorite picture books inspire compassion, curiosity, and a fresh way of looking at the world. She especially loves humorous, character-driven stories; entertaining nonfiction; and timeless stories that can be enjoyed at any age.

Claire Easton

Agent
/
Painted Words Literary Agency

/

Kandace is the associate editor at Lee & Low Books. She grew up in the Bronx, New York, where she spent her weekends at the public library reading stories and writing her own. After graduating from Barnard College, Columbia University, she won an internship grant from We Need Diverse Books and joined the Lee & Low team. Kandace enjoys working with new writers and illustrators and helping their projects grow into published picture books. Professionally and personally, Kandace loves strong female protagonists as well as any story that can make her laugh.

Kandace Coston

Associate Editor
/
Lee & Low Books

From complete beginners to seasoned writers and illustrators, this course has something for everyone.
Our students say this course is "like attending twenty conferences or a prestigious MFA program in one course."

Here are the 2021 Golden Ticket judges! 2023 Submission Opportunities Coming Soon!

Last year's judges, at the end of the course, requested to see 56 full manuscript submissions!
Quite a few of these students are now agented or contracted. Woohoo!

We are still confirming Golden Ticket Judges for This Coming January 2023 Course But Here are the Last Year's...

Alex Wolfe - Penguin Random House
Alex Wolf is an Associate Editor at Penguin Random House which publishes award winning books like these recent winners: Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback, The Cat Man of Aleppo by Karim Shamsi-Basha and Irene Latham, Sing a Song Kelly Starling Lyons and Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson. Besides being an associate editor, Alex is also a writer. Her most recent book is a Parks and Recreation Mad Libs.

Marissa Moss Editor and Publisher of Creston Books
In 2013, Marissa Moss founded Creston Books, starting the small children's press with a Kickstarter campaign. Dedicated to strong storytelling, the creator-centered house hopes to give debut and established authors a bigger role in their books, from design to marketing. Each list of four titles has a good balance of picture book and older readers, debut authors and well-known names, and strives to showcase the very best in children's books. Personally Marissa has published more than 50 children's books.

Kaitlyn Sanchez - Context Literary
Kaitlyn Sanchez is a mom, wife, middle school math teacher, picture book author and agent with Context Literary Agency. Context Literary represents high-quality children's literature, women's fiction, and narrative non-fiction. Kaitlyn's MSWL says, " I really connect with emotional writing and, on the other, very funny stories. But both, both is THE BEST! (Creators who can do this are magicians, in my eyes!)".

Jennifer Newen - West Margin Press
Jennifer Newen is the Publishing Director of West Margin Press. The press was named West Margin Press after a rebranding in 2019. The press was originally called Graphic Arts Books and had been an independent publisher since 1967. Commenting on the adoption of its new name, Newens said: “West signals our location and foundation. It is a subtle reference to the coastal values we aspire to convey in our list, which will inform our acquisition process. It also evokes a pioneer spirit, reflecting our experimental nature and our willingness to take risks. Margin is a literary reference, evoking a manuscript or a book, as well as a place where things are allowed to unfold outside prescribed boundaries.”

Helen H. Wu - Yeehoo Press
Helen is a children’s book author and illustrator of over 20 picture books, as well as a translator, graphic designer, and publisher at Yeehoo Press. Yeehoo Press is dedicated to publishing fun, enchanting, and socially responsible children’s books for audiences around the world and produces many fabulous praised and award winning books such as: The Whole World Inside Nan's Soup by Hunter Liguore, art by Vikki Zhang, My Monsterpiece by Amalia Hoffman and The Vanishing Lake By Paddy Donnelly. Helen loves being fascinated by the differences and similarities between cultures, Helen loves to share stories that can empower children to understand the world and our connections.

Claire Easton - Painted Words Literary Agency
Claire began her publishing career at Painted Words in 2012 as an assistant, and worked her way up to Agent. She loves stories with humor and heart, relatable characters, unpredictable endings, and books that reflect the diversity of children’s experiences. Her favorite picture books inspire compassion, curiosity, and a fresh way of looking at the world. She especially loves humorous, character-driven stories; entertaining nonfiction; and timeless stories that can be enjoyed at any age.

Dainese Santos - Simon & Schuster
Dainese Santos is the Assistant Editor at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. She especially loves stories that are warm and joyful. Her sweet spot is contemporary fiction. She also loves family stories, especially about big extended families who are meddling but well-meaning—because she’s someone with first-hand experience in that field. Dainese is is looking for stories that are rooted in the traditions of underrepresented cultures; but, as with everything else regarding her taste, there must be joy and warmth at it center.

Sandra Sutter - Gnome Road Press
Sandra Sutter is the owner of Gnome Road Publishing, where they seek stories with the “R” factor . . . Re-Readability! This experience blends well with her past roles as an attorney and counselor to work effectively with creative talent. She enjoys bringing people and ideas together to showcase stories and art that can be treasured by young readers everywhere. Check the GRP website for wish lists and open submissions periods. Sandra lives outside of Louisville, Kentucky with her husband, two energetic kids, a pair of goofy-doodle dogs, a Siamese cat and a fluffy, floppy Ragdoll kitten.

of Frances Gilbert - Penguin Random House / Doubleday
Frances Gilbert is the VP, Editor-in-Chief of Doubleday Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children's Books. She is also the author of the picture books Go, Girls, Go!, Too Much Slime!, and I Will Always Be Your Bunny; the Step Into Reading leveled readers I Love Pink!, I Love My Tutu!, I Love My Grandma!, I Love Cake! and I Love My Teacher!; and an abridgement of The Secret Garden for Little Golden Books. Follow her on Twitter at @GoGirlsGoBooks.

Rosie Ahmed - Dial Books For Young Readers
Rosie Ahmed is an acquiring Assistant Editor with Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Young Readers. Before that, she was an editorial assistant at Dial and the former Kathy Dawson Books. Rosie has interned with Bloomsbury Children’s and the Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency, and earned her MA in Creative Writing at the University of South Dakota. She works on picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, and nonfiction that give children the stories they need in order to thrive.

Michelle Lee - Dial Books for Young Readers
Michelle Lee (she/her) is an acquiring Assistant Editor at Dial Books for Young Readers, after receiving her M.F.A. in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the New School, and is also a junior mentor with the Representation Matters Mentorship Program. She acquires picture books, novels, and graphic novels, and is looking for stories that present the world through a clever lens, have fresh takes on tropes, and celebrate community—especially from marginalized creators. In addition to editing her own titles, Michelle assists the Publisher and Senior Executive Editor at Dial Books for young readers.

Kandace Coston - Lee & Low Books
Kandace is the associate editor at Lee & Low Books. She grew up in the Bronx, New York, where she spent her weekends at the public library reading stories and writing her own. After graduating from Barnard College, Columbia University, she won an internship grant from We Need Diverse Books and joined the Lee & Low team. Kandace enjoys working with new writers and illustrators and helping their projects grow into published picture books. Professionally and personally, Kandace loves strong female protagonists as well as any story that can make her laugh.

We'd love you to add your story to our story of over 920 now-published or contracted students' books on shelves at bookstores everywhere!

Curriculum

WEEK 1: It's all about the hook

Helen and Mira show and tell about hooks.
Getting started with a Sh*tty First Draft (Annie Lamott) or revising a less-than-perfect story.
Crafting a great hook
4 sweet steps to edit for brevity - or 4 tips to get that word count down. Tell me less - a violent story.
Working with an illustrator and the physical structure of a picture Book
Picture Books by age and concept
Review and interviews
Webinar: Share 3 PB ideas or an existing hook or book description

WEEK 2: Creating Memorable characters

Helen and Mira show and tell about creating memorable characters.
Underlying truths and universal themes.
Structuring your writing.
Writing a plot-driven book.
Anthropomorphism pros and cons.
Mira and literary agent Sean McCarthy discuss plotting, pacing, and emotional arcs.
Concept books, developing memorable characters, quirky characters, and delightful stories.
Inspiration, researching, and writing the new non-fiction and biographies. Interviews.
Webinar topic: Creating memorable characters or subject matter.

WEEK 4: Great Endings

Helen and Mira show and tell about great endings.
Turning points, climaxes, and endings. Researching your ideal editor or publisher, creating the package, and formatting the manuscript.
The new publishing paradigm. Getting your first book published. Bonus interview with Christy Ottaviano and assistant editor Amy Allen. Publishers who accept unsolicited manuscripts.
Crafting the cover letter. Creating submission records.
More than sweetness and light - multiculturalism and other considerations.
Review and interview with the revisionaries. Work it baby, work it! Your critique group and you. Different ways to finish your story.
Webinar: How does it all end OR do the twist in 60 words or fewer.

WEEK 5: The art of pitching

Helen and Mira show and tell about the art of pitching.
The 5 Ps of Publication. Interview with Chronicle Books Editor Ariel Richardson.
How contracts work. Tips for responding to the "Yes, we are interested in you" call.
The pros and cons of working with agents. Agent and book seller interviews. Book treats.
More about working with editors. Interviews with editors. Voice and internal logic.
Building or improving your author social media platform and marketing your book. Interview with an awesome author/illustrator/publisher.
Webinar: Pitch us your story in 60 or fewer juicy, memorable, and intriguing words.

WEEK 6: Special guest appearances

Mini-conference of wonderful guests.

START PREPPING YOUR GOLDEN TICKET SUBMISSIONS!

Perks & Bonuses

THE GOLDEN TICKETS

An EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY no other academy offers! At the end of this course, you will be able to put your work in front of real industry experts! You will directly pitch a select group of agents and editors and bypass the slush pile or closed-house submission policy.

In the Ultimate Craft and Business of Writing and Illustrating Picture Books, you'll learn how to not only write memorable and marketable picture books, but also how to write powerful pitches, bios, and covers letters to catch that agent or editor's eye. Our panel of judges then look at a secret website of your pitches and bios and select ones that they're interested in seeing more from for a chance to publish your work.

THE LIVE WEBINARS

The "LIVES" are another Children's Book Academy EXCLUSIVE available to you through this course! Each week, you'll have the opportunity to share your work with our special honorary guests in order to get some of their insights and direct coaching of your work during our live (and recorded) sessions and also hopefully make some fabulous connections.

From hooks to character development to plot twists and pitches, your work is guaranteed live critiques throughout the course weeks in a friendly and supportive environment that fosters growth and community. You will not find an opportunity to impress editors and agents from the most sought-after houses anywhere else.

PLUS a BRAND NEW FREE LIVE higher-level Writing and/or Illustrating
YOUR IDEAL STORY and targeting your publishers or agent bonus
Live and Recorded Workshop for Returning Students!

FREE How to Build a Website Great for authors & illustrators
FREE Bonus Videos The Brilliant Barbara Bottner Bonus Interviews dig deeper into course materials
FREE Social Media Tips & Tricks Learn to setup your accounts & develop a social media following to help promote your books
FREE Learn Photoshop We offer this at two levels: beginners (Part 1) and seasoned users (Part 2) in one FREE course
FREE The Pleasures of Procreate This course is an absolute game-changer for illustrators and those open to illustrating
FREE Writing Cover Letters and Pitches That Agents & Editors Want to Read How to do it in the best way possible
FREE Expert Writing Tips FREE The Little Big Book of Children’s Book Writing Techniques & Terminology
FREE BUT WAIT THERE'S EVEN MORE - a quickie intro to humor with Amy Fitzgerald!!!
FREE A Brand new masterclass: LEVERAGING LUSCIOUS LANGUAGE TO MAKE YOUR STORIES SING!
AND another BRAND NEW FREE LIVE (and Recorded) higher level writing and/or illustrating your ideal story WORKSHOP targeting your publishers or agent for returning students!

Plus TWO other awesome bonuses for the first 20 to register:
• A delicious FREE start today FULL COURSE "Let's Get Funny: Writing Humor for Kids" course (which gets rave reviews)
• PLUS a FREE Full Course FREE CLIP STUDIO PAINT!
THAT'S A TOTAL of TWELVE EXTRA BONUSES WITH A WHOLE YEAR TO EXPLORE AND BENEFIT FROM THEM!

For The Full Course with all the amazing bonuses, daily interaction and mentoring, weekly critiques with editors and agents, keep forever handouts and worksheets, a fantastic community
WORK LIVE DAILY WITH YOUR CO-TEACHERS, WEEKLY WITH OUR FANTASTIC INDUSTRY GUESTS, AND INDIVIDUALLY IN ONE-HOUR SESSIONS WITH BRILLIANT YEEHOO PUBLISHER HELEN H. WU
or CBA DIRECTOR/KIDLIT WHISPERER DR. MIRA REISBERG!

Co-Teachers

Dr. Mira Reisberg has helped MANY authors and illustrators get published. Her students have published or contracted over 920 books and won just about every major North American kidlit award that she knows of. Mira has worn just about every hat in the industry including illustrator, editor, art director, author, and literary agent. She holds a PhD in Education and Cultural Studies with a focus on children's literature and art education. Mira has taught children's literature survey and making courses at Washington State University, Northern Illinois University, San Francisco City College Extension, and US Berkeley Extension. She is also an award-winning children's book illustrator and writer.

Helen H. Wu is a children’s book author, illustrator, translator and publisher. As the Publisher of Yeehoo Press, an independent children’s book publisher based in San Diego, California, she is fascinated by the differences and similarities between cultures. As the author and or illusrtator of over 22 books, including Tofu Takes Time, illustrated by Julie Jarema (Beaming Books, 2022) and Long Goes To Dragon School, illustrated by Mae Besom (Yeehoo Press, 2023), she loves to share stories that empower children to understand the world and our connections. Helen resides in sunny Southern California, with her family and two kids. Learn more about her at helenhwu.com and follow her on Twitter at @HelenHWu and on Instagram at @HelenHWu.

AWESOME AGENT TBA

SOME OF THE MANY BOOKS MIRA ACQUIRED, AND/OR EDITED, OR ART DIRECTED FROM THIS COURSE ALONE:

SOME OF HELEN'S BOOKS AND BOOKS FROM YEEHOO PRESS!

And now for the incredible deal that is this AMAZING course!
This size-limited course is the equivalent of 4-5 other courses, especially compared to university courses that cost 3 times as much! Plus, you're not competing with 400-900 other students. It's comparable to 20 conferences or a (much more fun) Master's degree without the certificate. Not only that, but you get valuable time and attention from skilled professionals in the KidLit industry.
Please scroll down to see the testimonials and track-record of published students and skilled contributors.
Prices below include the early bird PBLove promo code $100 discount!

FABULOUS COURSE OFFERINGS	FULL COURSE GREAT VALUE $597	FULL COURSE + CRITIQUE BEST VALUE $747
Five+ weeks of live access to your helpful instructors, assistants and super supportive peers in our Private Group	X	X
Access to roughly 30 lessons + an additional 6 day mini-conference	X	X
An additional YEAR of access to all the juicy content	X	X
ELEVEN additional bonuses (value $1200)	X	X
The Little Big Book of Children’s Book Writing Techniques and Terminology (Absolutely Priceless)	X	X
Lifelong access to your own optional critique group	X	X
Daily M-F access to your instructors	X	X
Live weekly topic-specific, workshop/webinars focused on you and your work. These interactive webinars will also be recorded.	X	X
A FREE Social Media course	X	X
Fabulous templates, worksheets, and done-for-you scripts	X	X
A beautiful CBA badge for your website	X	X
An additional week of instant access conference materials including the Barbara Bottner recordings	X	X
A FREE e-Book of course content	X	X
Live weekly topic-specific work-shopping critique webinars where we focus on you and your work (these interactive videos will also be recorded)	X	X
Fabulous templates, worksheets, and done-for-you scripts	X	X
Optional peer support critique groups set up for you	X	X
Priceless opportunities to learn from and connect with editors and agents in our live webinars	X	X
Exclusive entry into the Golden Ticket skip-the-line pitch fest/talent search contest where editors and agents will select manuscripts to consider for publication, and so much more!	X	X
EVERYTHING PLUS a Deeply-Discounted, ONE HOUR, one-on-one live critique that’s like an intensive individual mini-course focused solely on you and your work with an acquiring editor or agent! These are really amazing!	Receive a Critique for only 150 more	X

Testimonials

Still a little unsure? Here are some testimonials from awesome students who have taken this transformative journey,
all of whom are now multi-published!

Join former students who have now published or received over 920 contracts and others who have signed with their dream agents. Here's a wee video from former student AND NOW MULTI-MULTI AWARD-WINNER Yuyi Morales.

Marcie Colleen is now multi, multi published with a major kidlit career!

Jenny Kouts is also multi published and doing great in Greece! Yay Jenny!

And here's Danielle Dufayet, now published with four books and more on the way!

From Tanja Bauerle
I just completed The Craft and Business of Writing Children’s Picture Books. The wonderful Mira Reisberg is so incredibly generous and knowledgeable that the past five weeks have been filled with resources, information and practical applications that I can’t wait to implement into my own writing. I feel so inspired and feel like my inner writer is blossoming, all that’s to the marvelous Mira. I highly encourage you to take any of Mira’s courses. You will not be disappointed and the tools that she will bestow on you will propel you onwards. Tanja was already multi-published before the course.

From Melanie Moschella
I thoroughly enjoyed the online format of “The Craft and Business of Writing Children’s Picture Books”! Every weekday there was a new lesson posted with lecture notes and informative videos from other children’s book authors [and editors, agents, and book sellers]. I had an idea for a picture book, but as a new writer I did not know how to get started. What I especially liked about this class was our small critique groups and the one-on-one critique with Dr. Reisberg. Dr. Reisberg understands the children’s book industry and her feedback and continued encouragement has been wonderful!

From Marcy Pusey
Just completed five weeks with the Children's Book Academy… and I have to say: It was SUPERB. FANTASTIC. The class has so inspired and equipped me, that I’ve been more intentional about submitting, working, pitching, querying… and writing. I have some new, great, practical “tools” in my writer’s toolbox that I didn’t have before. I’ve left with a new fantastic critique group, an e-book with all the information, access to the website for awhile longer, and Mira. Mira is amazing. Since the class ended, I've won second place in the Perfect Character Driven Pitch contest. I submitted a book to a publisher I’ve worked with before (SNAP Learning) who loved my work and bought it! Marcy is now multi-published!

From Wendy Greenley
For the past five weeks I've been a student at Dr. Mira Reisberg's Children's Book Academy. Mira's passion for the subject was palpable, and her record of successes with previous students an inspiration. I came away with a renewed sense of focus and a conviction that it isn't enough to write good picture books--children deserve great picture books and it is up to writers to rise to the challenge. Seriously, thanks, Mira.
Now published!

From Danielle Heitmuller
Dr. Mira Reisberg is an excellent teacher. She pushes you to do your best, but in such a supportive and nurturing way. The Children's Book Academy improved my writing skills tenfold. I feel confident in submitting my manuscript and ready to write more with my newly acquired knowledge.

From Audrey Couloumbis
One of the truest truths of writing is that we never know it all, we rarely face the same challenges with the next book that we met with the last. Consequently, we're always learning. I've taken two courses with Mira Reisberg's Children's Book Academy, although I had my doubts, at first, that an online class would be satisfying. But it had been too long since I'd had the opportunity to take any class, anywhere, and I decided to give it a try. I wasn't disappointed. I learned a lot in each class and of course...I'm looking forward to the next. Audrey is a Newbery Honor winner.

Expert Contributors

The expert contributors will speak to you in customized videos and written interviews sharing their perspectives on everything from writing tips and secrets on how they structure their books, to researching and writing non-fiction, to writing biographies, to crafting perfect rhymes, to creating luscious language, to working with plot, to getting rejected and keeping on going, to what they look for in buying books, to what they look for in submissions, to creating an authors platform to make you more attractive to publishers, and SO MUCH MORE!

FAQs

What kinds of formats will there be?

We will have helpful weekly subject-specific show and tell videos, daily lessons, video interviews with expert course contributors, written lessons, written interviews, step-by-step worksheets, handouts, a highly interactive secret Facebook group, weekly live critiques with extraordinary critique guests, and Q&As that are recorded as videos that indefinitely remain available along with the Facebook group, 2 e-books, and optional small critique groups.

Who will benefit from this class?

Anyone who has a passion or interest in writing or illustrating children's picture books.

When does the class start?

The next class starts January 9, 2023.

How much will I be investing in this course and how do I pay?

We have fantastic staggered discounts so the sooner you register, the bigger your discount. And of course there are the extra bonuses! The course includes over 30 lessons + tons of bonus materials, 5 weeks of M-F instructor access plus a bonus instant access week, and lifetime access to your community + a 1 week mini-conference. You’ll register through Infusionsoft, which will automatically convert currency for you and we have nifty payment plans available.

When registering, use the case-sensitive PBLove promo code to save $100. Make sure the code is working as we've tested it on our end and can't refund money. We also have wonderful scholarships right here!

When does registration end?

January 1, 2023. Because our courses generally only happen once a year, and due to the fact that we size limit our courses, which probably helps with the high success rate of our students, this course usually sells out. We recommend that you register sooner rather than later

I’m primarily an artist, will this course be relevant for me?

While the primary focus of the course is writing children's picture books, you will learn a ton of helpful information and most-likely increase your chances of publication as a much desired author/illustrator. A separate, instant access illustration course that is normally $325, will be available to purchase at a deeply discounted price of $75.

What will I need?

Computer and Internet access, a great attitude and open mind, and a willingness to play with creativity.

Are there any specific time requirements?

No! The only time sensitive areas are if you want to submit your work for a live webinar critique, there is a specific deadline, and if you join one of the optional critique groups you need to honor your group's critiquing timeline. The weekly webinars also happen at a specific day and time provided in advance, but if you can't make it live, they are also recorded for later viewing.

What do I do if I have further questions?

You can call Mira directly CALIFORNIA time at 503.255.0152 or email mira@childrensbookacademy.com with "Children's Picture Book Writing Course Question" in the subject headline.

How long does the course stay open after it ends?

Students have an additional year or more access to the course after it ends.

Do you offer refunds?

Sorry, there are no refunds. We appreciate your understanding.

Here's a tiny sneak peek from a much larger video interview with Marsha Diane Arnold where she shares words of wisdom for beginning writers. In the full interview, Marsha shares about her writing process, how she embeds or unearths deeper meanings in her stories, and how she crafts character-driven stories. She's pretty fabulous as are our other gifted contributors.

Is this your time to shine?
Just click one of the pretty pics below and Join us.

Calling All Children's Picture Book Writers and Illustrators!​ We are now OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!!!Everything you need to write, illustrate, and publish wonderful children's picture books taught by a fantastic dream team!