Children's Book Writing Courses
Be inspired to write children's novels and short stories at the college where Andrea Levy, Malorie Blackman, Anna Burns, and other celebrated authors studied.
Bring your stories to life for young readers with City Lit’s children's book writing courses, available online and in London. Whether you’re interested in writing picture books, middle-grade novels, or young adult fiction, our expert-led courses will guide you through the creative process of crafting engaging and age-appropriate stories.
Learn how to create memorable characters, build exciting plots, and master the unique style and tone needed to captivate young audiences. Explore the different categories within children’s literature, from early readers to teens, and discover the key elements of writing for children, including pacing, dialogue, and character development.
From picture books to teen thrillers: learn the art of writing for children and young adults on our range of weekday, evening and weekend courses. Our tutors are all successful children's authors who can provide guidance and constructive feedback as you get to grips with the genre and begin to write your story. All our writing courses are taught by practicing writers.
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- Writing for children: getting started
Course start date: Tue 14 Jul 2026 (and 3 other dates)Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Andrew WealeDevelop your ideas for children's stories in this practical and interactive short course. Topics will include plot, characterisation and viewpoint, and how to approach the children's publishing industry today.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Picture book writing: getting started Course start date: Sat 8 Aug 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Andrew WealeWould you like to write a picture book text for young children? This taster course is designed for children's writers and for illustrators wishing to write their own stories; a starter course to develop both your ideas and your technique.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Writing for children: workshop Course start date: Mon 28 Sep 2026 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Penny JoelsonThis workshop is for you if you are writing children’s books. During the workshop you will take turns to share work and will develop your work-in-progress with constructive feedback from tutor and classmates. You need to have completed a ‘Writing for children’ course before joining this class.
Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00 - Writing for children Course start date: Tue 29 Sep 2026 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Neil ArkseyAlways wanted to write a children's book? This practical course will enable you to take the first steps in writing for younger readers with a focus on learning how and what to write for different age groups.
Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00 - Picture book writing: advanced Course start date: Mon 12 Oct 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Andrew WealeWould you like to workshop, edit and polish your picture book texts for young children? This course is designed for advanced picture book writers wishing to hone and improve their own stories.Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £229.00 Concession £149.00 - Picture book writing Course start date: Sun 25 Oct 2026 (and 7 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Andrew WealeWould you like to write a picture book text for young children? This course is designed for children's writers and for illustrators wishing to write their own stories; a starter course to develop both your ideas and your technique.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00 - Writing great child characters Course start date: Sat 28 Nov 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sophie McKenzieWrite your way to compelling and convincing child characters that truly connect with your readers, in this fun, interactive course.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00 - Writing for children: a taster Course start date: Tue 1 Dec 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Andrew WealeFind out more about writing children's stories in this practical and interactive, short taster session.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - Writing a bear book for childrenCourse start date: Sat 5 Dec 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Penny JoelsonHave fun and learn skills in writing for children, while you create a bear character and write/start writing a bear story for children, inspired by wonderful bear books including Winnie the Pooh, Paddington, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Where’s my Teddy? and The Last Bear.
Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00 - Picture book writing: a taster Course start date: Mon 7 Dec 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Andrew WealeFind out more about writing a picture book text in this practical and interactive, short taster session.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - Developing your writing for children Course start date: Tue 12 Jan 2027 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Josh LaceyMade a start with writing a children's book? For those who have learned the basics and understand the age bands into which fiction is structured by contemporary children’s publishing, this practical course will deepen your understanding and develop your ability to create stories appropriate to the age bands and genres of contemporary children's fiction.
Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00 - How to plot your children’s novel Course start date: Wed 28 Apr 2027
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sophie McKenzieYou’re a writer with some experience and a great idea for a children’s novel, but plotting is the thing that lets you down. Over six weeks on this fun and interactive course you’ll learn how to structure your book, finding fresh ways to develop your idea into a compelling plot.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00 - Writing children's poetry Course start date: Sat 22 May 2027
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Andrew WealeIn this interactive workshop you will be exploring a range of poetic styles for the different age groups. There will be plenty of practical activities, and a chance to perform a poem in a final ‘slam’.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00
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