Picture Book Crash Course
Have a dream to publish a picture book? Don’t know where to start?
I get it, because I’ve been there.
Twenty years into my corporate career in graphic design, I took a major pivot and left the comfort of my cushy job to make children’s picture books. The only problem? I’d never made one before. Crazy, I know. But guess what? With a lot of hard work, I did it.
I want to help you get there, too.
I’ve jam-packed everything I’ve learned so far about traditional publishing into this crash course! We’ll cover both craft and the business. First, I’ll talk about the elements of a strong manuscript. Then, we’ll look at what makes children’s book art so powerful. Finally, we’ll answer the most burning question…“how do I get published?”
It’s like having a private, VIP-only tour into the world of children’s publishing. I give encouragement, pro tips, and real, honest answers to all of your questions.
Adults only
90 minutes; in-person, or live on Zoom or Google Meet
Who this workshop is for
Writer’s groups
Book festivals
Continuing education classes
Note: Individual manuscripts and art will not be critiqued in this workshop.
As a self-taught author and illustrator, I’ve published 9 books. I’ll share how I did it!
MY BOOKS ARE PUBLISHED BY ALL OF THE MAJOR HOUSES:
“MY ADULT STUDENTS AT THE SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS WERE SO EXCITED TO MEET LORI. SHE WAS INSPIRATIONAL, CANDID, GENEROUS, ARTICULATE, AND TOTALLY ENGAGING.”
MONICA WELLINGTON, AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATOR
Picture books are not easy to make.
Many people think children’s books are “easy” to make because they have few words. A picture book needs to have a compelling character with a relatable problem to solve, an entertaining and suspense-building story arc, and a satisfying ending… with a twist. Not easy to do, folks. In this crash course, we will cover this and more:
How many picture books do you need to read before you begin to write?
Why is studying modern picture books so important?
What goes into building a solid children’s illustration portfolio?
I give a real look into the industry, with truth bombs.
Many people think children’s authors are making bank on these books. This because there’s very little insight to the payment model that publishers have with book creators. A shiny, seemingly lucrative offer can actually look like a very different thing when it plays out in reality.
After publishing nine books across all of the major publishing houses, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing this and more:
How do authors and illustrators get paid?
Do I need a literary agent?
What is it really like to get a six-figure book deal?
Book this crash course now!
About me, your teacher and book bestie
Twenty years into my career as a designer and creative director, a side project reintroduced me to my childhood love of drawing. Soon after, I was making art every waking moment outside my day job. This led to an obsession with making children’s books… and, boom! I was off to chase a rainbow.
My side hustle resulted in two picture book contracts with major publishers. I took a chance, leaving the comfort of the corporate world behind, to follow a more inspired path.
I’m now the author and/or illustrator of nine children's picture books published with major houses. My running-inspired art series, View From My Run, was featured by Runner’s World and has inspired thousands of creatively-curious runners on Instagram.
