Picture Books, with Sarah Stephens

October 23rd, 2024 - November 22nd, 2024

with Sarah Stephens

Group full

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: <p>Writers are expected to be at an intermediate level of picture book writing craft or above. Writers may have achieved&nbsp;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.<br></p>

Focus: Children's - Picture Books - Fiction - Children's - Picture…

Group size: 9 writers

Submissions: <p>Submit one picture book. Sarah is interested in reading fiction and nonfiction.&nbsp;</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.&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700;">Changes and Withdrawals Policy:&nbsp;</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.&nbsp;</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.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Fee

Members: $116; Non-members: $140

About Sarah Stephens

Sarah Stephens is a children’s book enthusiast in every sense. She has worked as an editor, author, and indie bookseller, and before that she was a book-loving child. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz, Sarah moved to Rhode Island and got her first editorial job at Houghton Mifflin in Boston. When East Coast winters grew too long for the California native, Sarah returned to the San Francisco Bay Area where she continued her editorial career at Chronicle Books and then Lucasfilm Licensing. Though she eventually left the office for the flexibility of freelance, Sarah never left children’s books. She has continued her work as a freelance editor and authored numerous original (Maiden Voyage, Bug Girl, Rescue Dogs) and licensed (Curious George, Star Wars, DC) titles. As an agent, Sarah is looking to champion books that make her laugh out loud, delight her with new wonders or quirky surprises, or speak deep truths. She is interested in elevating the voices of marginalized individuals, amplifying stories that need to be heard, and connecting children to nature. She enjoys helping authors hone their craft and tell their own unique tales with humor, heart, and integrity, and loves picture books that are entertaining and do not underestimate their audience.

Schedule:

  • Wed, Oct 23 - submissions due
  • Wed, Nov 13 - critiques due
  • Wed, Nov 20, 4-6:15pm ET - debrief call 
  • Fri, Nov 22 - group closes