Resources for Writers
Melissa is frequently asked about how she got involved in the children’s book writing world.
On this page, you'll find some KidLit groups, challenges, classes, blogs, and mentorship opportunities to consider as you move along in your writing journey. There are many more resources available – these are some that she has turned to regularly.
Melissa's main advice to new writers is always: read, write, revise, and repeat. Keep going! Writing for children and getting published is a long process – stick with it! There are children out in the world who are waiting for your stories.
RESOURCE CATEGORIES
PAID GROUPS, CLASSES + RESOURCES
Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
Highly recommended for all children’s book writers. Check out The Book, an excellent resource for researching all things KidLit including agents, editors, and publishers. SCBWI also runs conferences and webinars, and is divided by geographical region.
Inked Voices
Founded by Brooke McIntyre, this excellent resource offers courses, workshops, writing and critique groups, a community for writers, and more.
Making Picture Book Magic
Run by Susanna Leonard Hill, this class is perfect for beginners and experienced writers alike.
Children's Book Academy
Founded by Dr. Mira Reisberg, this group offers classes and webinars, with a wonderful writing community on Facebook and a weekly blog.
The Writing Barn
The Writing Barn offers excellent in-person and online writing classes and workshops.
Children's Book Academy
Founded by Dr. Mira Reisberg, this group offers classes and webinars, with a wonderful writing community on Facebook and a weekly blog.
Rate Your Story
features authors who review and rate submitted manuscripts; the newsletter offers KidLit information.
Picture Book Summit
held every October, this one-day online conference offers learning, community, and submission opportunities.
12x12 Picture Book Writing Challenge
Created by Julie Hedlund, this challenge offers webinars, author interviews, a robust Facebook community group, motivation, and more.
12x12 Picture Book Writing Challenge
Created by Julie Hedlund, this challenge offers webinars, author interviews, a robust Facebook community group, motivation, and more.
Children’s Book Insider
database of KidLit resources, including a newsletter featuring information about the industry.
Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
Highly recommended for all children’s book writers. Check out The Book, an excellent resource for researching all things KidLit including agents, editors, and publishers. SCBWI also runs conferences and webinars, and is divided by geographical region.
Inked Voices
Founded by Brooke McIntyre, this excellent resource offers courses, workshops, writing and critique groups, a community for writers, and more.
FREE KIDLIT RESOURCES
Hand Hobbies: A Resource Guide to Writing Basics
Thanks to student writer Amelia for suggesting this article!
Debut Picture Book Study Group
Once monthly studies of debut picture books including sessions with the authors/illustrators.
KIDLIT WRITING CHALLENGES + CONTESTS
ReFoReMo (Reading for Research Month)
Held every March, this challenge encourages reading picture book mentor texts.
Chapter Book Challenge
Held every March, and geared toward writers hoping to complete a chapter book draft in a month.
Twitter Pitch Contests
Check Twitter for various pitch contests including #PBPitch, #DVPit, #FaithPitch, and #PitMad.
StoryStorm
Run by author Tara Lazar, this challenge encourages participants to brainstorm 30 book ideas in 31 days.
NFFest (Non-Fiction Fest)
A new challenge starting in February 2020 geared to non-fiction writers.
National Picture Book Writing Week
Created by Paula Yee, this challenges encourages participants to write seven picture books in seven days.
A FEW FAVORITE WRITING BLOGS
Renee LaTulippe
Blog and “Peek and Critique” lessons about rhyming and lyrical language.
Melissa Stoller
Featuring author interviews and posts about writing craft and inspiration.
Writing and Illustrating by Kathy Temean
Features interviews, contests, and submission opportunities.
The Wonder of Words
Blog from six writers featuring interviews and a pitch writing contest.
MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We Need Diverse Books
This organization provides mentorships, scholarship opportunities, internships, retreats and more.
Writing with the Stars
From BeckyTara Books, a mentorship program for pre-published picture book writers.