Picture book writing: advanced

What is the course about?

Under the guidance of an experienced tutor, these workshops offer help and support to children's picture book writers with works in progress. Over six weeks, different writers will have an opportunity to present their picture book text and receive helpful and constructive comments from the class. There will also be close reference to published texts, information on current markets and advice on how to approach publishers.

Students say: "You will learn a lot in a short time and receive honest and constructive feedback." "This course is fantastic and exceeded my expectations. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone" .

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

In this advanced workshop course, you will cover topics such as child development in relation to perception and books; active plotting; the use of spreads/page turns; structure; handling characters; using repetition, rhyme and rhythm; approaching agents and publishers.

Please note these topics will be discussed during the workshopping process as and when they arise in the pieces being critiqued.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Respond to and assess picture book manuscripts with sensitivity
- Receive an unbiased critical appraisal of your picture book by your peers and the tutor, within a supportive atmosphere
- Redraft your picture book text, taking into account the feedback you received
- Identify ways of preparing a picture book text for publication.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is suitable for those actively writing picture book fiction for young children. Ideally, you'll have completed the introductory ‘Picture Book Writing’ course or intensive 'Picture Book writing’ weekend, or the ‘Writing For Children’ course at City Lit. However, new students are welcome if you are already a published author or if you are otherwise actively involved in writing picture book fiction for young children. The workshop is not suitable if you have no experience of writing picture books.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught by group discussion and feedback. You should be actively writing outside the class so that you have work to bring each time it is your turn. We will also analyse examples from published picture texts.

All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which
will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a
policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should
be delivered in that spirit.

For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set
deadlines.

City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Bring writing materials.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Other children's writing courses. Please speak to your tutor for further advice.

All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.