Advanced Picture Books with Sarah Jane Abbott, Fall 2024

September 23rd, 2024 - December 16th, 2024

with Sarah Jane Abbott

Group started
In this workshop, picture book writers will work with Sarah Jane Abbott and a curated group of peers to revise a manuscript over two submission rounds. In Round 1, writers will submit two stories for written peer and professional critique. For Round 2, writers will revise and resubmit one of these stories. Both rounds conclude with a live group debrief call where writers get a significant amount of individual time discussing their work with Sarah Jane. In addition, Sarah Jane will host a discussion each round to allow writers to ask questions and discuss industry/craft topics. These discussions will be hosted in our group workspace, and writers can chime in on their own time (they are not live).

While the workshop allows significant time for revision and critique, the time tends to pass quickly, and participants should be mindful of their schedules when considering this group.

<p>You may participate in up to one picture book workshop in fall season (includes workshops with Aug 15- Nov 30 start dates)<br></p>

Notes

Who this workshop is for: <p>This workshop is geared towards picture book writers who are farther along in their journey. This includes agented writers, writers who have published picture books, and writers who are in the query trenches.<br></p>

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

Group size: 4 writers

Submissions: <p>There will be two rounds of submissions. Writers will begin by submitting two stories. After the first round, writers will select a single story to work on for the second round of the workshop.</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: <u>if we are able to replace you</u>, 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: $320; Non-members: $380

About Sarah Jane Abbott

Sarah Jane Abbott is an experienced editor who has spent the past ten years making books for children. She got her start at Simon & Schuster’s Paula Wiseman Books and Beach Lane Books, where she had the pleasure of working with many wonderful authors and illustrators including Samantha M. Clark, Samantha Cotterill, Anita Lobel, and Diane Goode. She is a frequent public speaker and has given lectures and workshops at conferences across the country, including many SCBWI events. In 2020, she established Sarah Jane Abbott Editorial and works with authors and publishers on a wide range of projects. She specializes in picture books, both fiction and non-fiction (including biography and narrative). When she isn’t reading or editing, you can find her knitting, drinking tea, or trying to master the art of baking a macaron that would meet Mary Berry’s standards.

Schedule:

  • Mon, Sept 23 - Round 1 submissions due (2 manuscripts)
  • Mon, Oct 14 - Critiques due
  • Mon, Oct 21, 7-8:45pm ET- Debrief call 1 (25 min per writer)
  • Mon, Nov 25 - Submissions due (1 from Round 1, revised)
  • Mon, Dec 9 - Critiques due 
  • Mon, Dec 16, 7-8:25pm ET - Round 2 Debrief Call  (20 minutes per writer)