COOK UP A PICTURE BOOK COURSE

COOK UP A PICTURE BOOK WITH AN EXPERT EDITOR

 

Do you dream of publishing a picture book? 

 

• Do you have drawerfuls of stories, but you have no idea which is most marketable? STUCK?!

• Are you an illustrator who would love to write your own picture book stories, but you don't know HOW?

• Have you plucked up the courage, submitted your stories, but keep getting REJECTIONS?

 

I can help!

 

• I am an expert editor with 30+ years' publishing experience nurturing debuts and publishing bestselling authors and illustrators.

 

• I understand the creator's journey I am a published author.

 

• I can empower you to create a child-centred picture book that resonates - I am an early years educator, qualified in Montessori and Developmental Psychology.


Together, we will work in a friendly, supportive environment to cook up delicious picture books for children aged 0–6 years.

 

In just six sessions, you will:

 

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of picture book craft

• Create stories with strong characters and plots

• Access insider knowledge about the publishing industry so you can sell your work

 

PLUS discover your unique style and picture book voice.

 

Ready? You don't need years to create your picture book. You can do it in just 9 weeks.

 

 

My signature Cook Up a Picture Book method equips you with all the TOOLS you will ever need to create a picture book in JUST 6 SESSIONS.

How does it work?

In each session we will meet online on a TUESDAY evening from 7:00-9:00 pm* to kick-start your picture book creation. The course runs over a period of 9 weeks, incorporating breaks for you to have time to create and fine-tune your picture book stories. (*live attendance is strongly encouraged for best progress, but sessions are recorded. You will have access to materials until 31 December 2025.)

 

It's as easy as 1,2, 3:

 

We will work step-by-step and learn key concepts:

 

1. Begin each session with a 90-minute live-taught, comprehensive workshop webinar with hands-on tasks to help you every step of the way as you shape a key aspect of your picture book from idea to submission-ready.

 

2. Live 30 minute Q&A ask-me-anything session so you can get all your questions answered by an experienced editor and published author, to support you on your storyshaping journey.

 

3. Join the course community for accountability, inspiration, tips and friendship, plus tips from your tutor.

 

Don't miss out. Grab your spot now! 

 

Webinar style and practical hands-on exercises, with lots of time for exploration and questions with a picture book expert and published author, MBE.

 

image © Lizzie Finlay

 

 SIX COMPREHENSIVE LIVE-TAUGHT WORKSHOP MODULES take you from IDEA to SUBMISSION-READY picture book pitch:

Session 1: Figuring out your story – what makes a commercial picture book? Formats, genres and universal themes. 

12 November 2024

 

Session 3: Putting it down on paper – creating a sound picture book structure and developing your premise.

26 November 2024 (break to fine-tune premise)

 

Session 5: Creating an opening that grabs, an ending that delivers, and vivid scenes in between.
7 January 2025 (break for writing time)

 

Session 2: Understanding your characters – what makes a memorable and child-centred character?

19 November 2024

 

Session 4: Top tips on leveling up your plotting, pacing and rhythm.


3 December 2024 (break for writing time)

 

Session 6: Tightening up your story – tips on nailing your hook, revision, and submitting to agents & editors.

21 January 2025

 


 

Who is the course for?

 

Beginner level authors and illustrators who would like a more structured learning experience:

 

• You have never written a picture book, but it sounds FUN!

• You have a notebook of ideas or doodles in a sketchbook, and WANT TO HAVE A GO!

• You want to independently publish your book idea, and want it to be COMMERCIAL!

 

I've got you. We will do it together, step-by-step.

This course is for YOU! 

 

Intermediate creators who want to level up:

 

• You've spent years writing drafts, dream of being published, and are GETTING NOWHERE!

• You are an illustrator and dream of writing and illustrating your OWN picture books.

• You keep getting REJECTIONS. Why, oh, why?!. . .

 

Yes, yes, I can help you cook up a picture book that hooks and help you find your unique voice.

This course is for YOU! 

 

Questions? Please contact me!

 

Get off the slush pile and kick-start

your picture book dreams NOW!

 

Next course start: November 2024 

 

 

Imagine seeing your book in bookshops and libraries!

 

Say goodbye to feeling stuck and wondering what to do next  . . .

 

 

COOK UP A PICTURE BOOK COURSES empower YOU to tell the stories you love! 

 

Come on a storyshaping journey!

 

Together, we will finally create that picture book! My bespoke, comprehensive, supportive, step-by-step storyshaping model incorporates 30+ years of editorial expertise. Find out more about Natascha

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I understand just how challenging it is to dream up ideas, revise and finesse your book, pitch and hope to get published, deal with rejection and re-imagine, stay motivated and keep up with the business, fit being creative into your life, and constantly work to become a better writer or illustrator. TOGETHER we will go on a storyshaping journey. I can’t wait to meet you and your stories!

 

"One of the books I have worked on with Natascha has won a prestigious award, and another shortlisted" – Georgie Birkett, Is This My Nose?

Storya narrative, either  fictitious or true,  designed to interest, amuse or inspire 

Shape  to fashion or form, mould, create or give character to