Writers are often told their work is “too quiet.” But what does “too quiet” really mean? Every project is different, yet when it comes to a “quiet” designation, there are often key qualities informing that assessment.
The good news is that it IS possible to submit a “quiet book” and secure a spot on a publisher’s list. In fact, “quiet books” often result in starred reviews, “best book of the year” designations, ALA awards, and springboards for series. “Quiet” can actually be your picture book’s hidden strength AND a quality that sets it apart.
In this intensive, we will explore the hallmarks that may lead to a book being dismissed as “too quiet.” As we explore case studies of published “quiet books,” we will consider the following:
Deliverables:
This replay is available for rewatch until May 2nd end of day eastern time. It is not downloadable.
When you register for the replay, please email support at inkedvoices.com and we will reply with the recording link and handout. Thank you!
Who this workshop is for: <p>The class material is for picture book creators at all levels.</p>
Focus: Children's - Picture Books - Fiction - Children's - Picture…
Group size: 50 writers
Submissions: <p>There are no critiques with this workshop. </p>
Members: $50; Non-members: $80
Naomi Kirsten is a freelance editor and creative consultant. During her 16 years as an editor at Chronicle Books, Naomi acquired and edited hundreds of titles, including picture books, cookbooks, novelty books, board books, games, stationery, and toys. Naomi’s notable and award-winning picture books include New York Times Notable Book There Must Be More Than That!; New York Times Notable Book and Society of Illustrators Gold Medal winner The Bear’s Song; New York Times Best Illustrated Book The Boring Book; Neighbors, winner of the 2021 BolognaRagazzi Award Opera Prima 2021; The Book That Can Read Your Mind, which was shortlisted for Barnes & Noble’s Best Picture Book of the Year in 2024; and Junior Library Guild Selection and international bestseller I Didn’t Do My Homework Because…, which has 22 foreign editions to date.
Naomi regularly speaks about the picture book market and development, product ideation, and the creative process. She has been an instructor and presenter at international conferences, webinars, and illustration schools, including Mimaster Illustrazione in Milan, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Inked Voices, Orange Beak, Signs & Lines in Milan, and the Bologna Book Fair Illustrator Survivor’s Corner.
For more about Naomi, visit naomikirsten.com.
This replay is available through May 2, 2025. It will be deleted after this time.