Picture book writing

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Would 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.
Choose a starting date

Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.

7 Dates Available

  • Start Date: 17 May 2025
    End Date: 18 May 2025
    Sat-Sun (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 2 sessions (over -2 weeks)
    Course Code: HW102
    Tutors:  Lou Kuenzler
    Full fee £119.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £60.00
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  • Start Date: 15 Jun 2025
    End Date: 20 Jul 2025
    Sun (Daytime): 10:30 - 12:30
    Online
    Location: Online
    Duration: 6 sessions (over -6 weeks)
    Course Code: HW161
    Tutors:  Andrew Weale
    Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00
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  • Start Date: 26 Jul 2025
    End Date: 27 Jul 2025
    Sat-Sun (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 2 sessions (over -2 weeks)
    Course Code: HW348
    Tutors:  Andrew Weale
    Full fee £119.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £60.00
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  • Start Date: 26 Oct 2025
    End Date: 30 Nov 2025
    Sun (Daytime): 10:30 - 12:30
    Online
    Location: Online
    Duration: 6 sessions (over -6 weeks)
    Course Code: HW159
    Tutors:  Andrew Weale
    Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £80.00
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Any questions? writing@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 4582 0415

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

Book your place
In stock
SKU
226295
Full fee £119.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £60.00

What is the course about?

The course examines how to write a picture book text. We will explore the unique relationship between the words and the illustration in a picture book and - from a writing point of view - how the story must take account of both. The course also looks at how to prepare a text manuscript and approach publishers.

What will we cover?

- Child development in relation to perception and books
- Finding appropriate ideas
- Importance of theme
- The twenty-four and thirty-two page spread
- Finding ideas in the familiar world and in fantasy
- Structure
- Handling characters, time span and visual variety
- Using repetition, rhyme and rhythm
- The picture book for older children
- Approaching agents and publishers.

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

- show awareness of the technical requirements of picture book writing
- demonstrate knowledge of what makes for a successful picture book story.

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

No special educational attainments are required, but students should be able to write fluent English.

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

Through exercises in class, both individually and in groups, class discussion, analysing examples, and through tutor presentation.

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.

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?

Please bring writing materials with you to class.

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

City Lit offers further courses in writing for children including Picture book writing: advanced.

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.

Lou Kuenzler See more See less
Andrew Weale See more See less

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.