Picture Books, with Kayla Cichello
March 10th, 2025 - April 10th, 2025
with Kayla Cichello
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 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. <br></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: $125; Non-members: $150
About Kayla Cichello
Kayla Cichello is an agent with Upstart Crow Literary open to picture books through YA and illustrators. She’s searching for voices that can make her laugh, and keep her turning the page, but above all else, voices that feel authentic and honest. Some of her clients include Ana Otaru, author of the upcoming picture book MASQUERADE FOR GRANDPA (Atheneum/S&S, 2023), and a follow up in 2024, and author/illustrator Kirbi Fagan, illustrator of SUMMER OF THE TREE ARMY (Sleeping Bear, 2021). You can find more about Kayla’s taste at www.upstartcrowliterary.com.
Schedule:
- Mon, Mar 10 - Submissions due
- Mon, Mar 31 - Critiques due
- Mon, April 7, 7:30-9:35pm ET - Debrief call
- Fri, Apr 10 - Group closes