While many aspiring children's authors dream of a contract with a major publisher, a growing number are experimenting with indie-publishing to hone their craft or to publish a story for a niche audience.
Self-publishing a picture book should be a wonderful experience, but it can also be overwhelming, time consuming and expensive. This course can help demystify the process and help you achieve a quality outcome.
Create a plan for your picture book project founded in passion, purpose and understanding.
Get pro tips on best-practice storytelling, how to collaborate with an illustrator and designer, printing, marketing and more through self-guided modules.
Submit your picture book manuscript to a professional editor to get friendly, motivating advice on how to make it the best it can be.
Get expert feedback
This course is designed for writers who want to self-publish an illustrated book for children aged 0 to 6. This course does not focus on chapter books, or middle grade or young adult fiction. If you have a query, please contact Suzanne.
for a niche audience, such as a family, interest group or cause
as a new income stream for an existing business with established followers
to hone your skills while you pursue a trade-publishing contract
as a creative project for people not motivated by trade-publishing
Welcome
FREE PREVIEWHandy hint
Lesson with slides and audio
Course notes for this module
Activity: Explore the market
Worksheet: Define your story purpose
Lesson with slides and audio
Course notes for this module
Download: 'Top Tips for Picture Book Writers' infographic
Activity: Play with the poetry of words
Audio lesson
Course notes for this module
Activity: Begin to plan your budget
Audio lesson
Course notes for this module
Activity: Make a storyboard
Lesson with slides and audio
Course notes for this module
Activity: An eye for design
Audio lesson
Course notes for this module
Activity: Meaningful marketing
Quick quiz
Course notes
Your picture book manuscript assessment
Conclusion
Handy links
Register now to make your picture book dream a reality.
$200.00
Online course plus manuscript assessment
There is a wealth of self-publishing resources in the kidlit industry, but what is often lacking is targeted, highly accessible content presented in a clear and engaging manner. How to Self-Publish a Picture Book – the new online course from Humble Bee Writer’s Studio – fills this gap. I had the pleasure of test-driving this new offering and was blown away by the breadth and scope of the course, its user-friendly interface and the high level of editorial support from a seasoned professional. Anyone considering self-publishing: Stop what you’re doing and sign up now!
Maura Pierlot
I am delighted with Suzanne’s suggestions and edits to my picture book manuscript. It is an eye-opening, nurturing and uplifting experience. Suzanne is very efficient, professional and committed to making a story work. She has a sharp eye for detail and her comments are spot on. She addressed issues in areas such as the structure, pacing, and interaction between words and pictures, and provided excellent suggestions. Suzanne works wonders with the hook and synopsis too. Her clear explanations have helped me improve as a writer.
Theresa M Tay
Suzanne Barton assesses each story in its entirety looking at narrative flow, the mood of the manuscript and the effectiveness of the piece as a whole. In addition, Suzanne has an editor’s eye for detail. Not only will she point out problem areas within your work, she will make suggestions to improve these. Suzanne is gentle in her criticism and overt in her encouragement. Her enthusiasm for "kidlit" shines through each critique, inspiring you to continue creating.
Zoe Gaetjens
WOW! What a comprehensive critique! I was not even expecting so many constructive and encouraging comments. You put a lot more into this than the worth of what little you charged. A great investment on my part. And your analysis of the book's commercial appeal was pure gold, to use a cliché. Thank you so much.
Doug Atkins
Get top tips and one-one-one feedback from an expert editor and trade- and self-published author.
$200.00
Online course plus manuscript assessment
How to Write a Picture Book is our mini course with a manuscript assessment.
