Courses
Cracking open the world of children's books
Helping creatives understand the industry
Empowering creators to build their careers
Building a Career in Picture Books
with Michelle Robinson and Fiz Osborne
A specialist course for picture book creators
Four, hour-long online sessions
February 2024
Cost: COURSE ENTRY NOW CLOSED
What does it take to break into the competitive world of picture books—and stay there? Join long-term collaborators Michelle Robinson and Fiz Osborne for a series of fascinating talks on building a career in children’s publishing.
This is a rare opportunity to pick up a wealth of tips from two hugely successful industry insiders – an author/editor team who have worked together for years. Over four, hour-long sessions, Fiz and Michelle will discuss the industry – past and present – in detail, giving you an exclusive insight into what’s currently making an impact with agents and editors. There will also be a Q&A at the end of each session, giving you the opportunity to quiz Fiz and Michelle directly.
This course will also feature a literary agent and book packager as special guests, revealing what they're looking for and why. This really is an incredible opportunity for aspiring and burgeoning picture book creators, so don't miss out.
The course will be delivered live online to registered participants only. Please include your email address when you purchase your ticket.
Please note
Places are limited.
A quarter of the available spaces will be reserved for people that the industry has historically under-published.
Michelle Robinson is the bestselling, award-winning author of over 50 picture books and chapter books, and current BookTrust Writer in Residence.
Fiz Osborne is the award-winning author of ten picture books, and a former Publisher with over 17 years of experience.
Schedule
Session 1: Path to Publication
Monday 5th February 2024, 7-8pm
Joined by special guest speaker, agent and bestselling picture book author James Catchpole, Michelle and Fiz discuss how to break into the industry – and stay there!
Session 2: Overcoming Obstacles
Monday 12th February 2024, 7-8pm
Michelle and Fiz discuss the road to publication, including overcoming rejections and the many other things that can continue to go wrong along the way.
Session 3: Staying Relevant in a Shifting Market
Monday 19th February 2024, 7-8pm
It’s not just subjects and trends that change over time. The publishing world is constantly influenced by external factors in ways that aren’t always disclosed. Michelle and Fiz discuss some of publishing’s best kept secrets.
Session 4: Embracing Restrictions
Monday 26th February 2024, 7-8pm
Joined by special guest speaker, screenwriter, editor and founder of Storymix, Jasmine Richards, Fiz and Michelle ask if creativity can exist within restrictions or a brief and discuss the benefits of teamwork, etiquette, attitude and elbow grease.