Picture Books, with Lisa Amstutz
August 26th, 2024 - September 27th, 2024
with Lisa Amstutz
You'll submit your pages at the group start, then spend the next weeks critiquing peer stories. The agent will submit their notes near the critique deadline. After critiques are complete, we host a live group debrief over Zoom, in which each writer gets individual time with the agent to dig into feedback, brainstorm next steps, and discuss any writing questions.
Our goal with these events is to help writers become stronger storytellers. That said, this workshop also comes with a submission opportunity.
<p>You may participate in up to one picture book workshop per season. If the group fills, email Brooke or Judith for the waitlist.<br></p>
Notes
Who this workshop is for: Writers are expected to be at an intermediate level of picture book writing craft or above. Writers may have achieved this through self-study of books and exercises, or organized instruction such as classes, workshops, or webinars. Writers should be familiar with elements of craft such as characterization, plot, internal arc, and pacing, in order to offer craft-rooted feedback to their peers.
Focus: Children's - Picture Books - Fiction - Children's - Picture…
Group size: 9 writers
Submissions: <p>Submit one picture book. Lisa is interested in reading fiction and nonfiction. She is happy to read it all: lyrical and prose; humor; rhyme (self edited before submission); concept books; and poetry collections. </p><p>Fiction submissions should be under 900 words; nonfiction should be under 1500 words including backmatter. If your backmatter runs longer, please submit the headers for sections that are not included and omit your bibliography. If you happen to be submitting a poetry collection, the word count will be similar to the fiction limit.</p><p><span style="font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700;">Changes and Withdrawals Policy: </span></p><ul><li>2 months or more ahead of a workshop start: you will be credited the full amount of the workshop, less a $20 change fee.</li><li>Under 2 months to 14 days ahead of a workshop start: If we are able to replace you, you will be credited for the full workshop price less a $20 change fee. If we can't replace you, you will receive a credit for 50% of the workshop cost. </li><li>Withdrawals within 14 days of a workshop start: If we can replace you, you will receive a credit for 50% of the workshop price. If we cannot replace you, you will not receive a credit. Your fee will go towards our workshops and scholarships. </li></ul>
Fee
Members: $116; Non-members: $140
About Lisa Amstutz
Lisa Amstutz is a literary agent with Storm Literary Agency and the author of more than 150 books for kids on topics ranging from applesauce to zebra mussels. She currently represents nonfiction for all ages (preschool–adult), picture book and middle grade fiction, and picture book author/illustrators. Lisa particularly loves books with heart and humor, lyrical texts, and multicultural themes. For more information, see https://www.stormliteraryagency.com/aboutus and www.LisaAmstutz.com.
Schedule:
- Mon, Aug 26 - Submissions due
- Mon, Sept 16 - Critiques due
- Mon, Sept 23, 4-6:15pm ET - Debrief call
- Fri, Sep 27 – Group closes