How to Write a Picture Book Course + Manuscript Assessment

  • Concise online learning and practical tools to make your picture book texts the best they can be.

  • Comprehensive feedback on your draft manuscript from a professional author and editor.

  • Personalised advice to strengthen your pitches to trade publishers or self-publishing plan.

Course highlights

  • Storyboarding tools

    Define your story purpose and plan how it will flow from page to page with handy worksheets and templates.

  • Self-publishing insights

    Considering self-publishing? Browse bonus modules on budgeting, design, working with an illustrator and more.

  • Editorial advice

    Get uplifting, constructive and actionable insights to make your draft story shine and apply to future projects.

Your manuscript assessment

At the end of your course, you will be invited to submit your best picture book manuscript to your tutor Suzanne Barton for a professional manuscript assessment. If you'd like to book a picture book manuscript assessment only, without joining this course, please visit Suzanne's website.
A person writing in a notebook







Student reviews

5 star rating

Mini course, Maxi information

Shirley Burns

The short course was packed with information to guide new authors on the pathway to publishing their first book.

The short course was packed with information to guide new authors on the pathway to publishing their first book.

Read Less
5 star rating

Picture Books 101 Mini Course Review

Sharon Roulhac

Great, concise mini-course. Packed with tons of valuable information. Thank you!

Great, concise mini-course. Packed with tons of valuable information. Thank you!

Read Less
5 star rating

Picture book pro-tips

Susan Jobsky

Thank you for sharing your pro-writing tips in a simple and engaging fashion. I appreciate the ability to move at my own pace by clicking from slide to slide...

Read More

Thank you for sharing your pro-writing tips in a simple and engaging fashion. I appreciate the ability to move at my own pace by clicking from slide to slide. I am able to listen, take notes, and download files without fear of missing something important. Thank you for adding the helpful links at the end of the course, too.

Read Less
5 star rating

Very helpful for a new writer

Deborah Albers

I have written stories for a decade, only for my kids and grandkids. Recently I was told I should publish them. This was intriguing but I did not know if m...

Read More

I have written stories for a decade, only for my kids and grandkids. Recently I was told I should publish them. This was intriguing but I did not know if my stories were good, if they would sell, or how I should publish. This quick and fun course helped me get a high-level view of the elements I should consider.

Read Less
5 star rating

Informative

Bruce Glass

I found this course informative. It helped fill in a couple of gaps in what I have learned so far. I like the approach that is more friendly than some I ha...

Read More

I found this course informative. It helped fill in a couple of gaps in what I have learned so far. I like the approach that is more friendly than some I have looked at before--not just facts, but personalities of the contributors as well.

Read Less
5 star rating

Great tips!

Peggy Stroud

This course provided some great tips and checks for children's picture book manuscripts. One you are going to write or one you've already written. Thanks!

This course provided some great tips and checks for children's picture book manuscripts. One you are going to write or one you've already written. Thanks!

Read Less
5 star rating

A great place to start - quick, concise info

Frank de Swart

A fast introduction with great information along with downloadable notes that complement the course and help the student. Good stuff!

A fast introduction with great information along with downloadable notes that complement the course and help the student. Good stuff!

Read Less
5 star rating

Off to a Good Start

Sarah McFarland

I am just now venturing into the world of book writing as I have always just been on the consumer side. I feel like this course is simple to understand and s...

Read More

I am just now venturing into the world of book writing as I have always just been on the consumer side. I feel like this course is simple to understand and straight to the point on how to get started!

Read Less
5 star rating

Writing Picture Books 101 Mini Course

Deb Perry

Excellent refresher and the forms you get are invaluable!

Excellent refresher and the forms you get are invaluable!

Read Less
5 star rating

Nice, Concise

Madeleine McLaughlin

Great little course. Puts it all together in a nice, short form. Easy to access lessons.

Great little course. Puts it all together in a nice, short form. Easy to access lessons.

Read Less
5 star rating

Writing Picture Books Mini Course

Kathy Appleton

Very helpful, I like the specific ideas and descriptions. I learned a lot!

Very helpful, I like the specific ideas and descriptions. I learned a lot!

Read Less
5 star rating

Writing Picture Books 101 Mini Course

Ineke Kruger

Short and sweet. Just enough to give an idea of what is expected.

Short and sweet. Just enough to give an idea of what is expected.

Read Less

Meet your coach

Suzanne Barton is trade- and self-published children's book author, magazine editor and marketing and communications manager with nearly 20 years of experience across diverse industries.

Suzanne specialises in creative content development and supporting purpose-driven people with authentic, inclusive storytelling of all kinds. She loves helping aspiring authors achieve their goals.
A woman in a floral top standing in front of a picket fence and some treesMEMe

Manuscript assessment testimonials

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