Wahoo! It's the...
2022 Kidlit Palooza!
LIVE & RECORDED Sept. 17-18 with the option to upgrade and include Sept 19th as well!
It's a Kidlit Career Making Conference includes information, interaction, tips,
techniques, prizes, pitches, personal advice, handouts & re-usable worksheets for:
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Board Books
Picture Books Chapter Books Middle Grade Novels |
Young Adult Novels
Graphic Novels and Illustration |
Starring Award-Winning and Debut Authors and Illustrators, Editors, Agents, and Art Directors, and so much more!
Currently only $147 for 26+ speakers, 6 panels, worksheets, handouts and more!
Please click here to 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 click here to 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 with a whole year of access to everything! 26 Amazing Presenters 6 Fantastic Panels |
Keep Forever Worksheets and Handouts Interactive Networking Opportunities • Prizes & Gifts Oodles of Fun & Love & Learning & SO MUCH MORE!!!! |
PLUS a Whole Year of Additional Access!
And for a wee upgrade you'll also join LIVE and/or receive recordings for
Monday September 20th with THE BIG PRACTICAL PUBLISHING PIECE including:
• A brand new interactive Live and Recorded Masterclass on "The Path to Publication and What Happens Next!"
with Penguin/Random House/Doubleday Editor in Chief Frances Gilbert, Dr. Mira Reisberg,
and Prospect Literary Agent Charlotte Wenger.
• An Interactive session with Dr. Mira's Magic-Powered Pitch and Bio Makeovers
+ FOUR INSTANT ACCESS MASTERCLASSES
• And Lots of Optimized Fantastic Submission Opportunities
Click here to purchase the 2022 Kidlit Palooza with or without the Upgrade!!!
Monday September 20th with THE BIG PRACTICAL PUBLISHING PIECE including:
• A brand new interactive Live and Recorded Masterclass on "The Path to Publication and What Happens Next!"
with Penguin/Random House/Doubleday Editor in Chief Frances Gilbert, Dr. Mira Reisberg,
and Prospect Literary Agent Charlotte Wenger.
• An Interactive session with Dr. Mira's Magic-Powered Pitch and Bio Makeovers
+ FOUR INSTANT ACCESS MASTERCLASSES
• And Lots of Optimized Fantastic Submission Opportunities
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 WHO HAVE DONE EXTRAORDINARY THINGS.
BELOW are just some of this year's presenters! ALL OF THEM, EXCEPT THE EDITORS AND AGENTS, ARE FORMER STUDENTS WHO HAVE DONE EXTRAORDINARY THINGS.
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
- Marsha Diane Arnold - Social Emotional Learning from Family Cultural Values and how to include it in your work
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 * Participant Draw Overs
- Chantelle and Burgen Thorne - Trade versus educational illustration + Fabulous digital illustration tips
- Katie Mazeika - How to find different kinds of illustration work
- Vincent X. Kirsch- Finding Writing and Illustration Inspiration
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 US
- Debasmita Dasgupta - Illustrating & Publishing in Singapore & the UK
- Richa Jha - Writing, Publishing, and Being a Publisher 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
- Debasmita Dasgupta - Making Picture Books vs 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 - Humor + Culture = KidLit Success
- Nancy Churnin - The beauty and joy in writing award-winning biographies
- Jennifer Swanson - How to make STEM Nonfiction fun
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.
Clarissa Wong - Executive Editor at Scholastic Books - What I acquire and why and how to make me happy!
Kaitlyn Sanchez - Context Literary - How to get & keep your agent happy
Kate DePalma - Senior Editor at Barefoot Books How to make an editor happy with your submission
Joni Sussman - Publisher at Kar-Ben Publishers. What Joni publishes and why and how you can publish there too
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
Clarissa Wong - Executive Editor at Scholastic Books - What I acquire and why and how to make me happy!
Kaitlyn Sanchez - Context Literary - How to get & keep your agent happy
Kate DePalma - Senior Editor at Barefoot Books How to make an editor happy with your submission
Joni Sussman - Publisher at Kar-Ben Publishers. What Joni publishes and why and how you can publish there too
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
FREE INSTANT ACCESS BONUS RULES TO BREAK MASTERCLASS FOR ALL ATTENDEES!
There's a reason why we give you a whole year of access. We like to promise a lot and then over-deliver!
Basic But Still Awesome Palooza |
Outside of Palooza Cost |
Palooza Premium Everything in Left Column PLUS |
Outside of Palooza Cost |
6 Live and Recorded Panels |
Normal Cost |
Total of 7 Live and Recorded Panels Plus 4 Extra Instant Access Masterclasses & More |
Normal Cost |
FINDING, CELEBRATING, & SHARING YOUR CULTURES! + Collaboratively Creating Kids Books & What is SEL? |
149.00 |
Live & Recorded In-Depth SELLING STORIES AND ART Masterclass |
149.00 |
BUILDING AN ILLUSTRATION CAREER (Fun & Practical) |
149.00 |
Live & Recorded Pitch and Bio Makeovers with Dr. Mira |
125.00 |
PUBLISHING AROUND THE WORLD: Maybe An Untapped Market |
149.00 |
Instant Access FREE BONUS MASTERCLASS: WRITING WITH EMOTION |
$79.00 |
YOU CAN DO IT ALL! Writing For Different Ages + GN Illustration |
149.00 |
Instant Access FREE BONUS MASTERCLASS: WRITING COVER LETTERS & PITCHES THAT SELL |
$79.00 |
FINDING YOUR CREATIVE SUPERPOWER: Or Write What You Love! |
149.00 |
Instant Access FREE BONUS MASTERCLASS: STEAL THIS - Using Cultural References for Writers * Illustrators |
$79.00 |
WHAT DO AGENTS, ART DIRECTORS, and EDITORS WANT? |
149.00 |
Instant Access FREE BONUS MASTERCLASS: 3 TOP TECHNIQUES FOR WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS (Rhythm, Pacing & Page Turns) |
$79.00 |
INSTANT ACESS FREE BONUS MASTERCLASS: Rules to Break to Make Your Picture Book |
79.00 |
MULTIPLE OPTIMIZED SUBMISSION OPPORTUNITIES |
$125.00 |
Worksheets and Handouts |
50.00 |
Awesome Extra Worksheets with Bonus Classes |
79.00 |
2 WORKSHOPPING & NETWORKING PARTIES |
150.00 |
EXTRA WORKSHOPPING & NETWORKING PARTY |
$75.00 |
Full Cost |
1173.00 |
Full Cost |
$2083.00 |
Your Palooza Cost |
147.00 (or 99.00 if your finances are hard - Use case sensitive AussieOrLowIncome code) Click here! |
Your Palooza Premium Cost |
247.00 (or 199.00 if your finances are hard - Use case sensitive AussieOrLowIncome code) Click here option 2! |
BUT WAIT! THERE'S EVEN MORE! The Palooza PLUS Extravaganza AKA The Big Practical Publishing Piece AKA Palooza Premium - is only $100.00 extra! for THREE DAYS (plus a whole year of access) 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 860 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
- A Free Instant Access Masterclass: Rules To Break To Make Your Picture Book
- A Free Instant Access Masterclass on Writing with Emotion for both Writers & Illustrators
- A Free Instant Access Masterclass on Three Top Techniques for Writers & Illustrators: Rhythm, Pacing &
Page Turns
THE BIG PRACTICAL PIECE IN PUBLISHING AKA PALOOZA PREMIUM includes 5 fabulous extras including: How to Successfully Sell a Picture Book + things you absolutely need to know to succeed in publishing (applies to other kinds of books as well)
Monday September 20th, 4:00-5:30PM PDT
FOUR FANTASTIC FREE INSTANT ACCESS BONUS MASTERCLASSES
(images are books edited or art directed by the co-teachers)
Monday September 20th, 4:00-5:30PM PDT
- Mira Reisberg - Critical things to know BEFORE sending out your manuscript
- Editor-in-Chief Frances Gilbert - The Winding Path to Acquisitions and What Happens Next
- Literary Agent Charlotte Wenger - The Winding Path to Acquisitions and What Happens Next
FOUR FANTASTIC FREE INSTANT ACCESS BONUS MASTERCLASSES
(images are books edited or art directed by the co-teachers)
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Many students say that Mira's pitch and bio makeovers have helped them land contracts.
Come join us and see if she can make magic with yours.
Come join us and see if she can make magic with yours.
This Rules To Break To Make Your Picture Book Masterclass teaches you the rules that you need to know so you can break them. Watch this self-paced instant access masterclass co-taugh anytime you like for a whole year. Follow along with the activities, and utilize the resources included. Then start, revise, or finish that picture book! This used to be a three part offering but one of the presenters asked to pull her section, which was quite a blow. When I get a chance, I'll find a fabulous 3rd person.
There's an art and form to Writing Cover Letters, and Pitches that Editors and Agents Want to Read hopefully leading to a "yes to publishing". In fact short pitches and bios are literally tiny masterpieces of writing. This instant access masterclass will teach you exactly how to do it. And it's all yours to access whenever you like for a whole year if you sign up for our special extra Monday event. When you click the link, it will give you two options. Just click the second one. You won't regret it! Wahoo!
Writing with Emotion is fundamental to keeping your reader hooked in with suspense, fear, happiness, joy, concern, and a ton of other emotions that make reading exciting, memorable and worthwhile.
Three Top Techniques teaches you how to work with Rhythm, Pacing, and Page Turns for both writers and illustrators! It's pretty awesome!
Finally, Steal This: Using Cultural References looks at ways that writers and illustrators can steal from (er learn from, be inspired by, adapt) visual culture, pop culture, history, mythology, folk-tales and more. It's pretty amazing!
Writing with Emotion is fundamental to keeping your reader hooked in with suspense, fear, happiness, joy, concern, and a ton of other emotions that make reading exciting, memorable and worthwhile.
Three Top Techniques teaches you how to work with Rhythm, Pacing, and Page Turns for both writers and illustrators! It's pretty awesome!
Finally, Steal This: Using Cultural References looks at ways that writers and illustrators can steal from (er learn from, be inspired by, adapt) visual culture, pop culture, history, mythology, folk-tales and more. It's pretty amazing!
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
When you click the kitty below you'll have the option to grab this year's Palooza with or without the upgrade,
although the upgrade is next level! Yabbadabbadoo! We can't wait to see you.
although the upgrade is next level! Yabbadabbadoo! We can't wait to see you.
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 instructions 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 instructions 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
