Have you ever dreamed of publishing your very own children’s picture book and earning a passive income from something you love? As a teacher and published author of six picture books, I understand the unique skills teachers bring to the table when it comes to writing for children. And I want to help you make that dream a reality!

In my step-by-step course, I will guide you through 10 essential steps to transform your story into a professional manuscript, ready to submit to a publisher. Plus, you’ll receive practical resources, including a cover letter template you can cut and paste, and a formatted manuscript to follow throughout your journey.

Why Teachers Make Great Children’s Picture Book Writers

Teachers already possess a powerful skillset when it comes to writing children’s books. We understand the rhythm and rhyme of language, how to spark curiosity in young minds, and how to nurture a child’s imagination. You’ve seen firsthand how children connect with stories that not only entertain but teach valuable lessons.

Teaching and writing go hand in hand, and your experience in the classroom makes you the ideal storyteller for this journey. There are so many teachers who have already become published authors, so why not you?

What’s Included in the Course?

This course is designed to take you from idea to publication, with hands-on exercises, expert advice, and the exact process I followed as a teacher-turned-author. Here’s a sneak peek into the 10 steps that will help you bring your story to life:

1. Idea Development: Spark Your Creativity

You’ll learn how to brainstorm unique, engaging ideas that will captivate young readers. We’ll explore how to weave emotions and life lessons into your story—key elements that resonate with children and parents alike.

2. B-M-E Story Structure

The Beginning-Middle-End (B-M-E) structure is a creative framework that will keep your readers hooked from start to finish. Learn how to craft a compelling story outline that keeps your audience curious about what happens next!

3. Character Development: Bring Your Characters to Life

Learn how to create relatable, memorable characters. We’ll dive into the process of developing characters with distinctive traits, motivations, and flaws that will resonate with kids. Whether you’re writing about talking animals or a child protagonist, this step will bring your characters to life!

4. Writing & Formatting Your Manuscript

Master the art of manuscript formatting and understand the business side of writing. This module covers everything from proper manuscript layout to industry standards, ensuring your work is presented in a professional manner ready for submission.

5. Illustration Considerations: Think in Pictures

Picture books are a visual medium, and we’ll explore how to embrace the visual aspect of storytelling. You’ll learn how to use picture words—descriptive language that makes your story come alive in the reader’s mind and provides clear guidance for illustrators.

6. Revise, Edit, Reread, Submit

Refining your manuscript is key to producing your best work. We’ll go through the steps of receiving feedback, editing, and polishing your story until it’s perfect and ready for submission.

7. Finding a Publisher: Where to Submit Your Work

I’ll show you the best ways to research and find the right publisher for your picture book. We’ll discuss how to write a compelling cover letter, and I’ll provide you with a ready-to-use template to make the process easier.

8. The Publication Process: From Manuscript to Published Book

What happens once you find a publisher? This step covers the exciting journey of working with your publisher, learning how your manuscript will be turned into a beautiful, printed book.

9. Marketing & Promotion: Share Your Book with the World

We’ll dive into creative strategies for marketing your book and connecting with readers. Learn how to build excitement and engage your community, from book launches to social media.

10. Post-Publication: Keeping the Momentum Going

Once your book is out, the journey doesn’t end. Discover how to sustain your momentum, stay connected with your audience, and explore future opportunities to continue your career as a children’s author.

Bonus: A Creative Workbook to Guide Your Journey

As part of the course, you’ll receive a print and digital workbook to help you organize your ideas and visualize your story. This workbook includes helpful resources like:

• Theme Brainstorming

• B-M-E Story Structure Templates

• Character Development Worksheets

• Storyboarding Layout

• The Power of Picture Words Chart

Ready to Make Your Dream of  a Reality?

Teachers make fantastic picture book authors—you already know how to inspire and engage young minds. Now it’s time to turn your ideas into stories that will spark imaginations across the world!

In my course, you’ll not only learn the essential steps to writing and publishing your picture book, but you’ll also receive the tools and resources to bring your story to life in a professional, polished format ready for submission.

Let’s get started today and turn your dream of publishing your children’s picture book into reality!