Have you written a picture book but are uncertain of where to go with it from here? Time for some one-on-one feedback from an experienced author! For $150, you can submit one picture book manuscript (up to 1000 words) to Lisl for a written critique analyzing aspects of your work including characterization, plot, word choice, and marketplace potential. The cost includes one round of back-and-forth follow-up questions via e-mail OR a 20-minute one-on-one Zoom call. Contact Lisl for more information.
Here's what one writer had to say about Lisl's manuscript feedback: Lisl’s critiques are thoughtful, practical, and immensely helpful for improving my work. As a published picture book author, she knows what she’s doing. I also think she has a talent for teaching, mentoring, and generally bringing out the best in others’ writing. Lisl offers supportive and positive comments on the aspects of my story that are working well, complimenting a nicely turned phrase, unique wording, or great idea and generally letting me know when I’m getting it right. She is also gentle but honest in identifying the aspects of my manuscript that aren’t working well yet. Whether I need to add, delete, clarify, or restructure, her questions and comments ultimately make my work much stronger. Lisl has critiqued many of my manuscripts over the past year and I have been more than satisfied with the results. If you’re looking for a manuscript critique, I would highly, strongly, absolutely recommend her services. -Jennifer Gunderson
Picture Book Classes
Lisl regularly teaches virtual picture book classes and workshops for beginning to intermediate writers, focusing on topics such as types of picture books, craft, structure, formatting, and how to write query or cover letters for submission. Stay tuned for updates! If you'd like to work with her one-on-one, contact her above for critique services.
More Great Resources for Writers
Whether you're an experienced writer or new to children's literature, a great organization to know is: SCBWI: "The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, is the only professional organization specifically for individuals who write and illustrate for children and young adults. Our mission is to support the creation and availability of quality children’s books in every region of the world. Through our awards, events, and publications, we give established writers and illustrators the tools and resources to manage their careers, as well as educate those just starting out. SCBWI is also proud to serve as a consolidated voice for our members within the publishing industry. Membership in SCBWI is open to anyone with an active interest in children’s literature, from picture books to young adult novels. We welcome aspiring and published writers and illustrators, as well as librarians, educators, translators, artists, students, dramatists, musicians, filmmakers, and others. A passion for children’s literature is our number one criterion."
Are you a children's book author looking for help with school visits? Start here: Cool School Visits, where you can find author Kim Norman's wonderful site for authors who do school visits.
Great places to take writing workshops and classes: The Writing Barn: "Situated on the 7.5 wooded acre homestead of author Bethany Hegedus in Austin, Texas, The Writing Barn is a book lover’s haven. Whether retreating at the Book House, The Cabin, or attending one of the many events and workshops held at The Writing Barn, you will have every opportunity to retreat, create and celebrate. With floor to ceiling bookshelves, rows of instructional craft books, free wi-fi, and no television, The Writing Barn and its grounds are a quiet and quaint spot for rest and relaxation within 20 minutes of downtown Austin."
The Highlights Foundation: "In 1985, the Highlights Foundation began offering an annual week-long summer workshop at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. The Writers Workshop at Chautauqua was designed to inspire and instruct children’s authors, connecting them with professionals in the field of children’s literature and supporting their creative goals with lectures, mentoring, and one-on-one critiques. In 2000, we began offering more specialized workshops throughout the year at our Retreat Centernear Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Smaller and more intimate than the annual Chautauqua Workshop, these workshops feature the same outstanding faculty and support while allowing attendees a narrower focus and more personal attention."