Picture Books, with Jes Trudel
April 24th, 2025 - May 27th, 2025
with Kim Pfennigwerth
Non-members may register on April 1st at 11:00 (EDT).
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 register for one picture book workshop in spring/summer season.</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 Kim Pfennigwerth
Jes Trudel is a literary agent with The Rights Factory who spent 15+ years as a freelance editor and storytelling instructor. As a specialist in children's literature, Jes has taught workshops to thousands of people around the world. She's been a guest presenter with SCBWI, the 12x12 Picture Book Challenge, Write For Kids, and TSNOTYAW podcast, and has contributed to BoldFace, Children's Book Insider, and the SCBWI blog. She founded WritingCommunity.ca.
Schedule:
- Thurs, Apr 24th - Submissions due
- Thurs, May 15th - Critiques due
- Thurs, May 22nd, 2-4:05pm ET - Debrief call
- Tues, May 27th- Group closes