EVERYTHING you've ever wanted to know about how to write picture books is here!

*Please note that this class was originally taught live by Ann Whitford Paul to a class of 20 students in Fall 2016. This is the recorded version of that 10-session class. Ms. Paul may teach this class live again for SVS in the future, please subscribe to the SVS newsletter to receive updates : )

This is a professional level, comprehensive children's book writing class. Ann Whitford Paul is a prolific children’s book author who has also written the best selling book Writing Picture Books: A Hands-on Guide from Story Creation to Publication. Ann is considered one of the top experts on teaching authors how to write a compelling and sellable picture book manuscript.

Is this class for me?

You can get an overview of the class by watching the Free Session video. Ann will go over the content of the class, her Writing Picture Books book, her published picture books, and how to prepare for the critiques at the end of the class.

How To Write Picture Books

This class consists of ten sessions, which will meet on a weekly basis. It will cover everything you need to know to create an engaging story in the traditional picture book format and keep your readers eager to find out what happens next. Ann will also cover the important topic of how to make your language sing and your words echo the action of your story. Sessions 1-4 will focus on story structure and organization, sessions 5-8 will focus on polishing your story and the 9th and 10th sessions will be live critiques of your manuscript. Ann will be assisted by children’s book illustrators Will Terry, Lee White, or Jake Parker each night to field questions and offer insight from the perspective of an illustrator.

In this class you will learn:

  • Create compelling characters in fiction and non-fiction

  • Pinpoint what you’re trying to say

  • Experiment with different ways to tell your story

  • Craft fabulous openings and lines that grab

  • Develop plots and three-act structure

  • Dream up unforgettable endings

  • Write vividly

  • Make a dummy

Stay on track with your art goals!

Try it for FREE and explore 100+ illustration classes designed to kickstart your learning. Get the guidance you need with a curriculum developed by working illustrators. Stream unlimited art classes anytime, anywhere!
Get Started For Free
artist rabbit holding art tools

Join now for access

*Try SVSLearn for free. A credit card is required to start the free trial, but there is NO CHARGE during the trial period. After the trial is up, you will be automatically enrolled in the subscription and charged, unless you cancel.

Or you can purchase the course à la carte

About the Instructor

Ann Whitford Paul

Ann is the author of more than 15 picture books and many, many poems. She also wrote Writing Picture Books: A Hands On Guide from Story Creation to Publication. When she is not writing, you can find her taking long walks, watching spiders spin their webs and listening to her kitty cat purr.

Course curriculum

    1. Free Session

    2. Week 1

    3. Week 2

    4. Week 3

    5. Week 4

    6. Week 5

    7. Week 6

    8. Week 7

    9. Week 8

    10. Week 9 critiques

    11. Downloads

About this course

  • 11 lessons
  • 13 hours of video content
  • 10 Videos
  • 1 Download

Who should take this course:

There are no requirements to take this class. We have beginners up to professional authors/illustrators taking our classes. If you would like to get a jump start on this class we suggest you purchase Ann’s book Writing Picture Books. 

You can find it here: http://amzn.to/2aoKFoS

Reviews

5 star rating

Excellent!

Colleen Townsend

This was a joy to watch. I'm both a writer and an illustrator so I was excited when they announced this course. It was easy to follow and I learned a lot. I ...

Read More

This was a joy to watch. I'm both a writer and an illustrator so I was excited when they announced this course. It was easy to follow and I learned a lot. I hope to see more videos like this in the future!

Read Less
5 star rating

I Learned a great deal of useful information.

Michelle Long

Everyone did a great job providing tips on not only writing but also illustrating books. Well done!

Everyone did a great job providing tips on not only writing but also illustrating books. Well done!

Read Less

Ready to start your creative journey? 

Get the guidance you need on the path to becoming a better artist.

Try it free for 14 days!