Write Your Picture Book in a Weekend
Are you excited by the idea of writing a picture book but aren’t sure how to go about it?
Maybe you’re brand new to creating picture books or maybe you’ve tried before and didn’t get the results you hoped for.
You want to create something you are proud to share with family and friends. You might even want to work toward becoming a published picture book author.
You just need a little help to get those great ideas out of your head and onto the page.
What if you had a 30-year picture book publishing veteran to take you, step-by-step, through the process of writing your picture book? And what if you could do it in a single weekend?
That’s exactly what you’ll get when you register for Picture Book in a Weekend!
You will learn a repeatable, reliable, proven system to not only write your picture book in a weekend, but to do it over and over again as many times as you like.
I created the process I will show you over 30 years in the publishing industry working with authors to create and publish hundreds of titles.
During this unique weekend workshop, you will…
- Discover what makes a picture book a picture book (and why) so you don’t waste time and effort doing the wrong things
- Cut years off your learning process so your creative ideas can get out to the world
- Master the process of selecting the best story ideas so you spend your time working on a winner
- Get a simple tool to manage your story so you stay on track
- Learn the standard picture book format so you have a framework to create your story
- Discover how to use character and point of view to influence and drive your story so you create something that is engaging and memorable for your audience
Hi, I’m Simone Kaplan, and I’ve edited picture books at big, traditional publishers like Henry Holt + Company and HarperCollins where I worked with some of the giants in the genre, including Bill Martin Jr., Jean Marzollo and Marilyn Singer. I published first, or early work by Laurie Halse Anderson, Kathy Appelt, Dan Yaccarino, and James Yang.
Today, I work as an independent editor and coach and have helped many writers get their manuscript out of their heads and onto the page. I help my clients make their manuscripts both marvelous and marketable with the highest chance possible for success in traditional or self publishing. Several of my clients have found agents, signed publishing contracts, and won awards.
I know what it takes to create a successful picturebook and I can show you how!
What Simone's Authors say...
Simone understands picture books like no-one else I know in the industry. She has the unique ability of being able to take a book from conception to completion
-- Trevor Romain
Simone takes the time to understand your voice, your vision and then helps you put it into words. The first time we worked together I felt like the clouds parted! Whether you are new to the children’s book business, or a seasoned author, you will benefit from working with Simone. Three published picture books later I can’t imagine my life without her.
—Paulette Bogan, paulettebogan.com
When Simone works with a writer, she is in their corner all the way. Working with Simone through the years has been a complete joy for me as well as many lucky authors. Armed with Simone's solid advice, you will come away with a new confidence, and a true feeling of accomplishment.
⎼⎼Rebecca Kai Dotlich
Here's what you'll get...
For two days, we’ll walk, step-by-step, through the process of creating your picture book manuscript. This isn’t just a lecture. It’s a hands-on implementation workshop.
By the end of this workshop, you will have a picture book manuscript.
Each day, we'll have a morning and afternoon session with a lunch break in between. I'll begin with an explanation of an aspect of creating a picture book, followed by hands-on time to apply what we’ve discussed to your picture book.
In every session, you’ll be able to workshop your ideas with me and the other participants so you get plenty of feedback, new ideas, and problem solving.
The workshop happens live via Zoom, so you can attend from wherever you are.
Picture Book in a Weekend
June 26 and 27, 2021
11am to 5pm Eastern time (8am to 2pm Pacific)
Just $497
or 2 payments of $260
Some more success stories...
Simone Kaplan is a rarity in today’s world. She is truthful to a fault, nurturing, and a person of her word (the highest qualities any human can possess in my book). When you are speaking to Simone, she makes you feel as though you are the only person in the world, and she is a great listener. It is obvious meeting her, even for the first time, that she has attained so much wisdom and is an authority on the subject of children’s books and publishing. This is a person I unconditionally trust, as I know her comments always reflect her true beliefs, and the truth, which I seriously heed. May she touch your life the same way she has touched mine.”
—David Goldman davidgoldmanagency.com
Before I started to work with Simone, I had many fears. Mostly the fear of actually speaking to her on the phone instead of hiding behind emails. Speaking to her meant I had to face her, and more importantly myself and my desires to write and all the blocks I had around writing. And there were many.
The very first day, she saw my fear and helped me work through it--the frozen block that I had built up over many years melted. I have completed more satisfying writing in the few months that we have been working together than I had in years of wanting to write.
Simone constantly engages me in the process of learning so that I am becoming stronger at seeing what works and what needs work, she is able to guide me through the feelings of unease or messiness that I sometimes feel as I work my way through the drafts.
Reaching inside to have our stories come alive is the goal, and I feel with her, I have gotten as close to that as I can, and I know over time I will feel that even more.
Working with her is priceless.
-- Shell LeDrew
When you register today, you’ll also receive…
- A special set of 21 writing prompts to inspire you, help you overcome writer's block, and get the words flowing.
- A 30-minute 1:1 follow up session with me to look at your work and help you get clear on the best next steps for you to keep going with your picturebook
plus $260 in 30 days or make a single payment of $497
Registration closes in...
More from Simone's authors...
Working with Simone Kaplan at Picture Book People has been the best writing decision I ever made! Prior to working with Simone, my writing was not attracting attention from agents or at writing contests. After working with Simone, I have found my voice. Agents and editors are now sending personalized feedback and requesting additional submissions; stories are placing in competitions. Simone is a unique and brilliant soul. She provides a deep understanding of the writing process and positive constructive feedback, and she elicits my best work. After a session with her look forward to making revisions.
The 3X3 option worked perfectly for me. The program ensured my commitment and focus and has enabled me to create picture book manuscripts that I love. I am confident that I will have a publishing career thanks to Simone and her valuable expertise.
—Melissa Stiveson
As I started on the journey to self-publish my picture book, I quickly realized there were so many things I didn’t know. After a brief conversation with Simone, I felt like I could trust her to help me bring my vision for my story to life.
Simone challenged me to dig deeper into the story, to find the essence and the emotion. I never realized it could be that difficult to write a story with so few words. Simone encouraged me when I thought I couldn’t do it. She made me a better storyteller. She pulled together a team: artist, art director. many other people that I didn’t know I needed. She managed the whole project and produced a book that is absolutely magical--far beyond anything I could have done myself."
—Kathy Simmers
Simone loves picture books, and it shows in her passion and respect for this genre.
I liken my experience working with Simone like meeting a master carpenter. She pulled out her editorial toolbox with tools like her knowledge of character, plot, structure, pacing, tension and language. But it’s her uncanny knack for helping me find the emotional moment in my story that took my work to another level.
I’ve signed my first contract, with NorthSouth/NordSud Publishers. And if that’s not enough, simultaneously, I acquired an agent.
Thank you, Simone, for so deftly sharing your wisdom and insight with me.
—Jacqueline Azua Kramer
FAQs
I’ve never written a book before. Will this be too advanced for me?
Absolutely not. I’ve created this workshop specifically for both inexperienced writers and people with some experience. Learning the process I teach will cut years off your learning curve and make your writing easier wherever you are on your author journey.
I can’t draw, so how can I create a picture book?
You don’t have to be able to draw to write a picture book. In the workshop, we’re going to focus on the story. When the story is done, you can find an illustrator (I can give you some sources), or if you get a publisher, they will handle the illustration for you.
I’ve heard that getting a publisher is very competitive. Can I really get my picture book published?
While I can’t guarantee that a publisher will buy your manuscript, I can say that the process I teach (remember that I worked in publishing for 30 years) will help you become a better writer, which will help you write a better manuscript, which will increase your chances of getting published. Also, self-publishing is always an option. We’ll get into the pros and cons of each during the workshop.
I love the idea of writing, but don’t think I’m very good at it. Will this workshop help me?
Yes! Writing is like any other skill. The more you work at it, the better you become. One of the most important things we’ll cover in this workshop is a set of tools and techniques that help you write better.
This is the sign you’ve been looking for
A lot of writers I talk to are grappling with the question, “When is the right time to start my writing journey?”
What’s wrong with right now?
If you dream of writing a picture book, don't put it off any longer!
If this workshop has found you, now is the perfect time.
Let's do it!
Registration closes in...