Picture Books, with Sera Rivers

January 22nd, 2025 - February 21st, 2025

with Sera Rivers

Not open yet

Member registration opens November 6th at 09:30 (EST).
Non-member registration opens December 20th at 09:30 (EST).

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. In addition, the agent will lead a group discussion in the group workspace.

Our goal with these events is to help writers become stronger storytellers. 

<p>You may participate in up to one picture book workshop per season. Winter season includes groups with Jan 6-Apr 14 starts. 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&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.

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

Group size: 8 writers

Submissions: <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;<br></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: $125; Non-members: $150

About Sera Rivers

Sera Rivers (she/her) is a Literary Agent at Speilburg Literary Agency, an AALA member, and a writer. She represents middle grade, young adult, children’s graphic novels (author/illustrator only), and select picture books. She holds an MFA in writing for children from Simmons University. Prior to agenting, she worked in educational publishing for seven years and launched Avenue A Books, a children’s book imprint at Center for Responsive Schools. As Avenue A’s acquiring and managing editor, she worked with new and established children’s book writers and illustrators to create picture books and middle grade graphic novels. Sera only accepts queries through referrals, conferences, and pitch events. Check out her full MSWL and status updates at SeraRivers.com. Follow her on Twitter @writeloudly.

Schedule:

  • Wed, Jan 22 - Submissions due 
  • Wed, Feb 12 - Critiques due
  • Wed, Feb 19, 12:30-2:35pm ET - Debrief Call 
  • Fri, Feb 21 - Group closes