We are so thrilled to share about our 2022 KidLit Palooza Faculty!
So without further ado let's introduce them in chronological order:
Mira Reisberg - OK it's a bit weird to start with myself, but I'm Dr. Mira Reisberg, former acquiring editor and art director and founding instructor of the Children's Book Academy. I'm an expat Jewish Australian who ended up being Australian because so few countries wanted Jews after the Holocaust. But Australia did for cheap white labor hence my parents immigration. I wasn't considered Australian until I moved to the States, and this discrimination is part of why we give the Diversity part of our scholarships. I've published 8 books that have won awards and sold over 600K copies, while my students have contracted or published over 850 books. I tend to fall in love with the students who participate in my courses, and am so excited to be collaborating with Melissa-Jane on a picture book together. This book weaves both of our cultures together in a fiction story using lots of vernacular language.
Melissa-Jane Fogarty AKA Melissa-Jane Nguyen is a kidlit author/illustrator and freelance editor. She’s of Mununjali descent, living on Darkinjung land in NSW, Australia. Melissa-Jane has a Masters in Publishing from the University of Sydney, a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Newcastle and is a graduate of the Children’s Book Academy as well as The Australian Writers’ Centre. With those powers combined, Melissa is focusing on creating picture book manuscripts and working away at a middle grade novel that she hopes to share with the world soon.Together, Melissa and I will be presenting on creating a Collaborative Cultural Mashups and sharing Indigenous Australian and Jewish books.
A. J. Sass is a former scholarship winner who is crushing it in the middle grade space. He/they uses his lived and imagined identity as a neurodiverse, non-binary Jewish Crossing Gender Norms in KidLit
Melissa-Jane Fogarty AKA Melissa-Jane Nguyen is a kidlit author/illustrator and freelance editor. She’s of Mununjali descent, living on Darkinjung land in NSW, Australia. Melissa-Jane has a Masters in Publishing from the University of Sydney, a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Newcastle and is a graduate of the Children’s Book Academy as well as The Australian Writers’ Centre. With those powers combined, Melissa is focusing on creating picture book manuscripts and working away at a middle grade novel that she hopes to share with the world soon.Together, Melissa and I will be presenting on creating a Collaborative Cultural Mashups and sharing Indigenous Australian and Jewish books.
A. J. Sass is a former scholarship winner who is crushing it in the middle grade space. He/they uses his lived and imagined identity as a neurodiverse, non-binary Jewish Crossing Gender Norms in KidLit
Currently only $147 for 26+ speakers, 6 panels, worksheets, handouts and more!
Please help support our diversity+ and low income scholarships
We've given 20-30 scholarships per year totaling over $100,000 that we can no longer afford to give - hence the Palooza. We've been running the Palooza since 2016 but only as a fundraiser for the past 3 years.
So if you have the time and willingness to join us, you'll have...
Please help support our diversity+ and low income scholarships
We've given 20-30 scholarships per year totaling over $100,000 that we can no longer afford to give - hence the Palooza. We've been running the Palooza since 2016 but only as a fundraiser for the past 3 years.
So if you have the time and willingness to join us, you'll have...
Recordings of all the Events 26 Amazing Presenters 6 Fantastic Panels |
Keep Forever Worksheets and Handouts Interactive Networking Opportunities Oodles of Fun & Love & Learning & SO MUCH MORE!!!! |
PLUS a Whole Year of Additional Access!
And for a wee upgrade you'll also join:
• A brand new interactive Masterclass on How to Successfully Sell a Manuscript
with Penguin/Random House/Doubleday Editor in Chief Frances Gilbert, Dr. Mira Reisberg, and a FAB Mystery Agent
• An Interactive session with Dr. Mira's Magic-Powered Pitch and Bio Makeovers
• An Instant Access Writing Pitches and Bios that Sell Masterclass
• and an Instant Access Masterclass on Rules to Break to Make Your Picture Books
with Chronicle Books Editor Ariel Richardson & Dr. Mira Reisberg
Click here to purchase the 2022 Kidlit Palooza with or without the Upgrade!!!
• A brand new interactive Masterclass on How to Successfully Sell a Manuscript
with Penguin/Random House/Doubleday Editor in Chief Frances Gilbert, Dr. Mira Reisberg, and a FAB Mystery Agent
• An Interactive session with Dr. Mira's Magic-Powered Pitch and Bio Makeovers
• An Instant Access Writing Pitches and Bios that Sell Masterclass
• and an Instant Access Masterclass on Rules to Break to Make Your Picture Books
with Chronicle Books Editor Ariel Richardson & Dr. Mira Reisberg
Click here to purchase the 2022 Kidlit Palooza with or without the Upgrade!!!
The Palooza was an amazing win-win-win. First, I had the opportunity to learn from a fabulous group of kidlit authors and publishing professionals about cutting edge topics. Second, the presentations were well organized, recorded and the schedule wasn't overwhelming, like many writing events. And last, but not least, the incredibly reasonable fee went directly to support diverse kidlit writers and illustrators and those with financial barriers, to take a course with Children's Book Academy that was career altering for me and many others. ~ Bonni Goldberg (now published)
BELOW are just some of this year's presenters! ALL OF THEM, EXCEPT THE EDITORS AND AGENTS, ARE FORMER STUDENTS. Keep checking back for more! It's going to be extraordinary!
BELOW are just some of this year's presenters! ALL OF THEM, EXCEPT THE EDITORS AND AGENTS, ARE FORMER STUDENTS. Keep checking back for more! It's going to be extraordinary!
Last year's Palooza was an absolute blast. I learned so much, saw lots of great speakers, and met some very creative people. By the end of the event, I had at least half a dozen ideas for picture books to write. One is already drafted. When the info for the 2021 event arrived in my inbox, I didn't hesitate to sign up. So worth the modest cost of admission. I hope to see you there! ~ Eric Sondergeld
Thank you Eric. This is our sixth Palooza, which we promise will be our best one yet!
Thank you Eric. This is our sixth Palooza, which we promise will be our best one yet!
And to make this even more helpful for attendees, bring your cultural experiences or lived history examples and we'll give you some tips for making your own work more meaningful and marketable.
Please click the links to find out about the presenters and their presentations:
Please click the links to find out about the presenters and their presentations:
- Mira Reisberg and Melissa-Jane Fogarty - Collaborative Cultural Mashups - Indigenous Australian and Jewish books
- A. J. Sass - Crossing Gender Norms in KidLit
Whether you're an illustrator, or writer, or both, this panel will provide practical, inspirational and fascinating information about how illustration works and how to build an illustration career if you're already an artist. All of these panelists are former students who have built brilliant careers including:
- Larissa Marantz - Illustrating Picture Books and Beyond + Why I love Clip Studio Paint
- Chantelle and Burgen Thorne - Trade versus educational illustration + Fabulous digital illustration tips
- Katie Mazeika - How to find illustration work
- Vincent X. Kirsch- Chicken or Egg - writing AND illustrating – which feeds which feeds which?
When I attended last year’s Palooza, I was quite new to picture book writing, and learned so much from talented authors and illustrators! However, this event is not just for new writers - I also heard more experienced writers state that they found the information to be inspiring and informative. Throughout the weekend, I was amazed by the kindness and generosity of the Kidlit community and presenters. The authors/illustrators provided inspiring words, giveaways, personal stories, interactive opportunities, tons of tips, handouts, book lists, etc.! I would highly recommend this affordable, fun, and informative event to writers at any stage of their learning journey. ~ Alison McGauley
Are you curious about how publishing works around the world? Then this panel is for you. These awesome award-winning authors and illustrators share what publishing is like in their countries and how they also publish in the U.S.
I didn't know what to expect from the Picture Book Palooza, and was blown away by how fun, interesting, and useful the panels and panelists were. The entire weekend was fun and fascinating, and I came away with oodles of new information, inspiration and ideas. ~Nora Sawyer
- Sandhya Parappukkaran - Diversity in Aussie KidLit
- Yvonne Mes - What’s new and happening in Aussie KidLit?
- Miri Leshem-Pelly - Contemporary Publishing in Israel & the Middle East
- Debasmita Dasgupta - Illustrating & Publishing in Singapore & the UK
- Richa Jha - Writing and Publishing in India: A Colorful World of Imagination
I didn't know what to expect from the Picture Book Palooza, and was blown away by how fun, interesting, and useful the panels and panelists were. The entire weekend was fun and fascinating, and I came away with oodles of new information, inspiration and ideas. ~Nora Sawyer
Agents these days love clients who can work in a variety of genres, especially the better paid Middle Grade, Young Adult and Graphic Novels. Some creatives worry that writing for older age kids is going to be too much work but an exceptionally well written board book or picture book can take just as long or even longer. Learn from our amazing panelists how they write for different ages and often for more than one age, while former major house editor and now multi-award-winning agent speaks about writing Young Adult novels and Graphic Novels and how wonderful they can be.
And now for their presentations:
The Picture Book Palooza was chock-full of info and inspiration. I had a notepad at the ready at all times and refer back frequently. There are tons of topics and guests, and truly something for everyone. ~ Liz Gill
And now for their presentations:
- Ruth Spiro - From Board Books to Picture Books
- Samantha San Miguel - The Magic of Writing Middle Grade
- Bryan Patrick Avery - From Picture Books to Chapter Book Series
- Anjali Singh - What makes a great YA and essentials for creating YA graphic novels
The Picture Book Palooza was chock-full of info and inspiration. I had a notepad at the ready at all times and refer back frequently. There are tons of topics and guests, and truly something for everyone. ~ Liz Gill
While the presenters in this panel are primarily focused on picture books, the information that you'll learn here will apply to any age level to help you find your own sweet inspirational and craft spot.
About the presenters and presentations: All of these presenters are former students who are multi-published and each of them is exquisite and super smart. I hope you'll support them by buying their books. We'll be doing a US giveaway for one of these books during the Palooza.
About the presenters and presentations: All of these presenters are former students who are multi-published and each of them is exquisite and super smart. I hope you'll support them by buying their books. We'll be doing a US giveaway for one of these books during the Palooza.
- Elizabeth Brown - Creativity, History, Life: The Art of Writing Nonfiction
- Karen Yin - How to subtly weave social justice themes into your work
- Ana Siqueira - Everyone has culture - How to get inspired by yours
- Nancy Churnin - The beauty and joy in writing award-winning biographies
Last year’s Palooza was a brilliant opportunity for me to learn so much about writing children’s picture books! Mira Reisberg is a marvel. She is always is there to help, inspire, and enlighten you when you get a critique from her. With the Palooza you get to meet and share your stories with agents, publishers and editors who can take your story to the next level. And, if it’s really good, you might even get noticed for representation. Register for the Palooza! The price is pennies from heaven with all the jewels of knowledge you gain! ~ Cheryl Chase
Editors and Agents are both gatekeepers and door openers. And even though they hold a lot of power in publishing, they are just people with likes and dislikes and a background education or knowledge of how the industry works and what the market likes for kids.
Kaitlyn Sanchez - Context Literary - How to get & keep your agent happy
Mira Reisberg - Essential tips for finding and keeping your editor and/or agent with quality work
Kate DePalma - How to make an editor happy with your submission
Awesome mystery editor - How and why an editor chooses what she does
I attended the Palooza last year with absolutely no expectations whatsoever. I thought, "Well, this seems affordable and maybe I can learn something new." WOW! I LEARNED SOOOO MANY FANTASTIC THINGS!!! The speakers were amazing and really encouraged us all to keep moving forward with our writing and learning as much as we could about our craft and the business of publishing. I was SO inspired after the Palooza that I immediately signed up for the Children's Book Academy 6 week intensive that began the following January. I received so many opportunities to speak with other writers and got feedback from two different agents as well. There we so many instructive video interviews with established writers, publishers, agents and illustrators not to mention the treasure trove of helpful handouts for character development, pacing, creating a dummy and SO MUCH MORE!!! And it all started at the Palooza!!! ~ Lorrie Oshatz
Kaitlyn Sanchez - Context Literary - How to get & keep your agent happy
Mira Reisberg - Essential tips for finding and keeping your editor and/or agent with quality work
Kate DePalma - How to make an editor happy with your submission
Awesome mystery editor - How and why an editor chooses what she does
I attended the Palooza last year with absolutely no expectations whatsoever. I thought, "Well, this seems affordable and maybe I can learn something new." WOW! I LEARNED SOOOO MANY FANTASTIC THINGS!!! The speakers were amazing and really encouraged us all to keep moving forward with our writing and learning as much as we could about our craft and the business of publishing. I was SO inspired after the Palooza that I immediately signed up for the Children's Book Academy 6 week intensive that began the following January. I received so many opportunities to speak with other writers and got feedback from two different agents as well. There we so many instructive video interviews with established writers, publishers, agents and illustrators not to mention the treasure trove of helpful handouts for character development, pacing, creating a dummy and SO MUCH MORE!!! And it all started at the Palooza!!! ~ Lorrie Oshatz
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PUBLISHING AROUND THE WORLD!
moderator TBA Saturday, Aug 20th, 1:30-3:00PM PDT |
KEYNOTE: YOU CAN DO IT ALL - WRITING BOARD BOOKS, PICTURE BOOKS, CHAPTER BOOKS, MG, YA & GN
moderator TBA Sunday, Aug 21st, 11:30-12:30 PM PDT FINDING YOUR CREATIVE PB SWEET SPOT moderator TBA Sunday, Aug 21st, 1:30-3:00PM PDT WHAT AGENTS AND EDITORS WANT moderator TBA Sunday, Aug 21st, 4:00-5:30PM PDT With more amazing editors and agents to come . . . |
Or The Palooza PLUS Extravaganza for THREE DAYS including:
A brand new live and recorded Masterclass on:
- How to Successfully Sell a Picture Book: with extraordinary Penguin/Random House Editor in Chief Frances Gilbert, Prospect Literary Agent charlotte Wenger, and Dr. Mira Reisberg AKA the Picture Book whisperer whose students have now contracted over 850 children’s books with sales in the millions and won just about every major US kidlit award.
- Submission opportunities to a multitude of editors, agents, and art directors
- A Live and Recorded Interactive Dr Mira’s Magical Pitch and Bios session
- A Free Instant Access Masterclass on Writing Pitches, Bio, and Queries that Sell
all for only $100.00 extra!
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THE BIG PRACTICAL PIECE IN PUBLISHING: How to Successfully Sell a Picture Book and things you absolutely need to know to succeed in publishing (applies to other kinds of books as well)
moderator TBA Sunday, Aug 21th, 4:00-5:30PM PDT |
The Picture Book Palooza attracts great presenters and offers a welcoming atmosphere and huge amount of information for the price. Tips, submission opportunities and the chance to donate to scholarships for others. A wonderful combination!
~ Mary Helen Berg
~ Mary Helen Berg
Choose one of these two options to grab this year's, or this year's PLUS last year's Paloozas to
help fund scholarships at this crazy low price of $149!
help fund scholarships at this crazy low price of $149!
Or if you'd simply like to make a donation of any amount,
just click here & fill out the amount!
Testimonials:
What is great about Picture Book Palooza is that it’s at a low cost and you learn so much in a short amount of time through professionals in the writing world. You take away a lot of information and you get a lot of work sheets so you can keep them for later to review. You will meet new authors as well as established ones. And you learn new information that will help make you a better writer. It’s great for beginners and experts alike because it’s a way to build on your craft. I enjoyed it immensely last year and I would recommend it to any one who is interested in writing picture books or any books in general. It was like a mini workshop but cheaper than most. ~Natalie Cohn
Picture Book Palooza was one of the most inspiring instruction I have ever received. It is not expensive and gives so much. I would pay twice what it costs and still feel it was a bargain. Mira is a wonderful, warm person. ~Madeleine McLaughlin
What an incredible resource Mira Reisberg and her host of publishing professions are! Generosity, inspiration, knowledge, experience, community....the Palooza offers it all, and more. ~Betsy Andrews Etchart
What is great about Picture Book Palooza is that it’s at a low cost and you learn so much in a short amount of time through professionals in the writing world. You take away a lot of information and you get a lot of work sheets so you can keep them for later to review. You will meet new authors as well as established ones. And you learn new information that will help make you a better writer. It’s great for beginners and experts alike because it’s a way to build on your craft. I enjoyed it immensely last year and I would recommend it to any one who is interested in writing picture books or any books in general. It was like a mini workshop but cheaper than most. ~Natalie Cohn
Picture Book Palooza was one of the most inspiring instruction I have ever received. It is not expensive and gives so much. I would pay twice what it costs and still feel it was a bargain. Mira is a wonderful, warm person. ~Madeleine McLaughlin
What an incredible resource Mira Reisberg and her host of publishing professions are! Generosity, inspiration, knowledge, experience, community....the Palooza offers it all, and more. ~Betsy Andrews Etchart
