Confidently Write Your First Children's Book in Just 12 weeks!

Use my proven 4-step process to go from idea to finished story in the quickest and easiest way possible.

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Kidlit Writing 101 Introductory class about how to write a children's book
Journey to Kidlit Writing 101 - Intro to Writing Class

Confidently Write Your First Children's Book in Just 12 weeks!

Use my proven 4-step process to go from idea to finished story in the quickest and easiest way possible.

Your chance to sign-up today ends in:

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You know you have what it takes to write a children's story, but . . .

You want to make sure this book is something you'll be proud to show your friends and family.

Let's be honest . . . you’ve probably read a children's book before -- sure, it might have been 10 years ago when your kids were little -- but children’s books are short.

How hard can they really be to write?

If you’ve had this thought, you probably thought learning about the writing process isn’t worth your limited time. After all, you’re itching to start writing your draft NOW. 

You just need to finish it so you can move onto the next step → sending it to publishers. A seemingly smart plan, but you know what? 


When every aspiring children’s book writer tries this, they end up with a stack of rejection letters and are stuck in the same cycle of writing something, sending it out, and waiting to hear back, only to be rejected again, for YEARS. 😬


I don’t want you to take years to see your publishing dreams happen.

That’s why I created this course to show you the simple, 4-step process to write a children's book you're ready to publish. And save you time and money in the process.

Hi, I'm Brooke Van Sickle!

And I want to show you how to stay unstuck as you finish your children's book.

I’m an award-winning picture book author, publisher of over 30 children’s book titles, and writing coaching to thousands of writers from over 35 different countries across the world.

But, as someone who's been in the industry for almost a decade that reads stories from new writers every month . . .

I’ve found that most stories aren't ready for readers.

Until you understand the children’s writing process for today’s market, your story will always need a rewrite or will experience a rejection from a publisher.

Which is why I’ve committed myself to teaching you this process, because I firmly believe that every children’s book idea -- including yours -- deserves a place on a child’s bookshelf.

All it takes is the tools to help you get it there. Which you get as soon as you join Kidlit Writing 101.

Learn all about children's book writing from an award-winning instructor:

Royal Dragonfly winner | Brooke Van Sickle
Moonbeam Award Winner Brooke Van Sickle
Mom's Choice Award Brooke Van Sickle
Reader's Favorite Review | Brooke Van Sickle
Purple Dragonfly Award Winner Brooke Van Sickle
National Indie Excellence Award Journey to Kidlit Self Publishing Masterclass
Brooke Van Sickle Founder at Journey to KidLit

Hi, I'm Brooke Van Sickle!

And I want to show you how to stay unstuck as you finish your children's book.

I’m an award-winning picture book author, publisher of over 30 children’s book titles, and writing coaching to thousands of writers from over 35 different countries across the world.

But, as someone who's been in the industry for almost a decade that reads stories from new writers every month . . .

I’ve found that most stories aren't ready for readers.

Until you understand the children’s writing process for today’s market, your story will always need a rewrite or will experience a rejection from a publisher.

Which is why I’ve committed myself to teaching you this process, because I firmly believe that every children’s book idea -- including yours -- deserves a place on a child’s bookshelf.

All it takes is the tools to help you get it there. Which you get as soon as you join Kidlit Writing 101.

Learn all about children's book writing from an award-winning instructor:

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Journey to Kidlit Writing 101 - Intro to Writing Class

The proven 4-step process to write a children's book that kids ENJOY!

You see, being able to write a truly amazing story that kids will love starts at the beginning. Where you might be right now 👉 with an idea to write a children's book.

But what you do with that idea is where a lot of writers get stuck.

You may have been inspired to write this story based on something your own child did or after you searched for a story to help solve a problem, but couldn't find the book you were looking for. Right?

While this is a great place to start, without understanding the very industry, you'll struggle to write something that connects with readers because you don't know what your child reader is looking for. 

The good news is there’s an easy way to learn everything you need to know to make your children’s book idea into something you will be proud to show your family and friends.


You simply need to start with these 4-steps.

Kidlit Writing 101 - 4 step writing process

1 - Gather Your Story Assets

Kidlit Writing 101 - 4 step writing process

2 - Write Your First Draft

Kidlit Writing 101 - 4 step writing process

3 - Edit Your Story to Perfection

Kidlit Writing 101 - 4 step writing process

4 - Prepare to Publish It!

SIGN UP FOR KIDLIT WRITING 101 NOW!

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"I have learned so much from this course. I literally knew nothing about writing a book, let alone a children's book. All I had was an idea inspired by my children. I am truly grateful for this course and am so grateful for you!"

- Jannesy DeLeon -

"Your course has been very helpful. It gave me great perspective on how to change the things that I can make better. My first manuscript is finished and because of your course I’m more confident in writing and will continue to write more stories."

- Deb Wade -

Jannesy Deleon Headshot
Deb Wade Testimonial

It's more than a writing course. It's a writing TRANSFORMATION! 🖤

"I would highly recommend this course to others. I loved the length, the information, and the homework to keep everyone accountable. I would recommend to anyone wanting to write children’s books."

-Ashley Koney

"The writing course was extremely helpful. I'd never written a children's picture book before, but Brooke's expert guidance helped me nail my plot and characters. And her lesson on editing helped me polish my language to truly bring out the right voice and tone for my story. I now have a picture book manuscript I'm truly proud of!"

- Sarah Graves

"It's ALL been good and editing was an eye-opener! I'm taking mega notes, writing down titles of books (to purchase and read), and applying what I have learned to my current story. Thank you! I would recommend your course to anyone who is interested in writing (and reading) for children."

-Ramon Rojas

"This course has been a lifesaver for me! You discuss items that don't get discussed in a "normal" how-to book on children's writing. So I'm recommending this course to the other writers in my other groups I belong to."

- Bruce Benson

You are a wealth of knowledge, and your communication and presentation were excellent! Thanks so much – Much to do now, but feeling super pumped about the process.

- Simon Lovell

"Oh my goodness I’m not sure where to start but you’ve led such an incredible framework for how the business of writing a children’s book works there’s so much tangible information that I didn’t have yet that YOU did. You took all the things you’ve learned over the years and you distilled it down to this few weeks. So valuable, so thank you."

- Courtney Denee

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"All of the lessons have helped me to really understand just what a picture book is, the elements that should be included, how to make those elements come together.  I think that is great so I think that it is well structured. I love it!"

- Julia Ruschmann -

Julia Ruschmann Testimonial

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THE COURSE . . .

Kidilit Writing 101 - Gather your story assets

Step #1 - Gathering Your Story Assets

What I've coined as "gathering your story assets" or brainstorming your idea fully. In this lesson, I'll show you:

  • How to create a believable setting + cast of characters that people can relate to
  • What to do if you don't have a character
  • Plus, how to make sure your story has a strong goal/purpose

Lesson includes: 6 video lessons, companion workbook, story set-up guide, + character profile card


Kidilit Writing 101 - Writing Your Children's Book

Step #2 - Writing Your Children's Book

In this section, you’ll learn my proven formula for the actual writing process. Including:

  • How to choose the right pov & tense for your story
  • The steps you must include in your story's plot (Even if you're writing a concept book or nonfiction)
  • And my secret writing tips to make your story more fun to read!

Lesson includes: 9 video lessons, companion workbook, 2 bonus video lessons on plotting and leaning into your theme, + plot outline worksheet


Kidilit Writing 101 - Editing Your Children's Book

Step #3 - Editing Your Children's Book

Here, we'll cover all the editing secrets I've learned firsthand as both a senior editor at a publishing house and published author myself. This covers:

  • What editors are looking for in stories that are written today
  • How to look at your story from an editor’s perspective to know what’s working and what needs changed
  • Plus, you'll get all my advanced editing tips to make your words count (& how to fit your story to your category) -- one of the many secret ingredients you'll find to writing a standout story

Lesson includes: 8 video lessons, companion workbook, 6 bonus feedback example lessons on what to look for in your story, + editing checklist


Kidilit Writing 101 - Finalizing Your Children's Book

Step #4 - Finalizing Your Children's Book

This section explains what to do when you've finished your story. (The step you want to get to as fast as possible right?) I'm right there with you. Which is why I teach you:

  • How to give and receive feedback from other writers, so you can create your own little group to help you improve faster
  • Your publishing options and industry-proven tips to get published
  • Plus, the secrets to writing a successful story pitch that's the same one we use when writing backcover copy for all our books at our own publishing house.

Lesson includes: 3 video lessons, companion workbook, manuscript submission checklist, + publishing resources cheat sheet


And if that wasn't already enough to get you excited about your story . . . You'll also get instant access to over $260 worth of additional BONUS products about how to make yourself even more successful as a children's book writer. Including:


Intro to the children's book market

BONUS: Intro to the Children's Book Market

The mini-course that walks you through what it's like to write for today's market. Including the children's book categories you need to know and the different markets you can sell a book in.

Includes - Video lesson, companion workbook, guide to the children's book market, + children's book categories cheat sheet


Kidlit Formatting Mini-Course

BONUS: Kidlit Formatting 101 Mini-Course

Your complete guide into how to format your children's book story. Whether you're writing a picture book, chapter book, or novel -- this course will show you the steps to get it ready to send to publishers.

Includes - Video lesson, companion workbook, formatting checklist, + sample manuscript


Kidlit Digital Resource Binder

BONUS: Digital Kidlit Resource Binder

Which includes over 30 worksheets you need to have whenever you start a new story. Things like picture book plotting worksheet, the hero's journey plotting guide, character profile card creator, title creation worksheet, and so much more!


All of which is included when you sign-up for the course.

Kidlit Writing 101


But wait . . . upgrade your experience to add these bonuses to the course:

Kidlit Publisher - Content Included

ADD-ON BONUS: Monthly Peer Critiques AND Live Q&A

Join our exclusive accountability group on Facebook to get monthly peer critiques on your story! A great way to make sure you're holding yourself accountable and implementing what you're learning.

Includes - Private access to our accountability Facebook group, ongoing monthly peer critiques, quarterly live Q&A calls with Brooke


Kidlit Idea Creator Bonus

ADD-ON BONUS: Kidlit Idea Creator

A mini-course to teach you how to choose a new children's book idea + make sure it's a good one by vetting it against the market. Also, shows you how to find your comp books which you need before you start to pitch!

Includes - Video lesson, companion workbook, Kidlit Idea Decoder, + Competition Finder worksheet


Children's Book Illustration Bonus

ADD-ON BONUS: Illustrating Your Children's Book

A mini-course to teach you the role of a children's book illustrator, how to think about the illustrations when you're not the artist, and how to find an illustrator when it's time.

Includes - 3 video lessons, companion workbook, guide to children's book illustrators, + the dos & don'ts to illustrator notes cheat sheet


Writing Good Dialogue Bonus

ADD-ON BONUS: Writing Great Dialogue Workshop

A mini-course all about how to write amazing dialogue in your story! A fantastic way to learn more about the component of writing so many writers struggle to master.

Includes - 4 video lessons, 4 companion workbooks, Picture Book Perfection, picture book dummy layout, picture book plot worksheet, and picture book character profile card.

Your chance to sign-up today ends in:

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"It was just fantastic. Without these videos, I would be totally lost on how to write a picture book. I loved the course, and I go back and listen to the lessons all the time. All I can say is that I love it. I think it’s great."

- Becca Johnsey -

Becca Johnsey Testimonial
Journey to Kidlit Writing 101 - Intro to Writing Class

Choose from the 3 tier options below.

Kidlit Writing Academy Tier 1

Kidlit Writing 101 - Basic

Level includes:

  • Lifetime Access to all Kidlit Writing 101 online content
  • Four Digital Companion Workbooks to help you go deeper into each session ($190 Value)
  • Introduction to the Children's Book Market mini-course - Includes lifetime access to video lessons + guide to the children's book market ($97 value)
  • Kidlit Formatting Mini-Course - Includes lifetime access to all 3 video lessons + formatting workbook ($67 value)
  • Character Creation Worksheet
  • Picture Book + Novel Plotting Guide
  • Kidlit Digital Resource Binder - Includes over 30 worksheets for every step of the writing process ($97 value)

Total Value $850

Yours Only $297

(or 4 monthly payments of $85)

Register Here
Kidlit Writing 101 Tier 2

Kidlit Writing 101 - Premium

Level includes:

  • Lifetime Access to all Kidlit Writing 101 online content
  • Monthly Peer Critiques ($900 Value)
  • Quarterly Q&A Calls with Brooke ($500 Value)
  • Four Digital Companion Workbooks to help you go deeper into each session ($190 Value)
  • Introduction to the Children's Book Market mini-course - Includes lifetime access to video lessons + guide to the children's book market ($97 value)
  • Kidlit Formatting Mini-Course - Includes lifetime access to all 3 video lessons + formatting workbook ($67 value)
  • Character Creation Worksheet
  • Picture Book + Novel Plotting Guide
  • Kidlit Digital Resource Binder - Includes over 30 worksheets for every step of the writing process ($97 value)
  • Access to the Private Facebook Community

Total Value $2,250

Yours Only $397

(or 4 monthly payments of $110)

Kidlit Writing 101 Tier 3

Kidlit Writing 101 - All-In

Level includes:

  • Lifetime Access to all Kidlit Writing 101 online content
  • Monthly Peer Critiques($900 Value)
  • Quarterly Q&A Calls with Brooke ($500 Value)
  • Four Digital Companion Workbooks to help you go deeper into each session ($190 Value)
  • Introduction to the Children's Book Market mini-course - Includes lifetime access to video lessons + guide to the children's book market ($97 value)
  • Kidlit Formatting mini-course - Includes lifetime access to all video lessons + formatting workbook ($67 value)
  • Kidlit Idea Creator mini-course - Includes lifetime access to all video lessons + Kidlit Idea Decoder ($97 value)
  • Illustrating Your Children's Book mini-course - Includes lifetime access to all video lessons + Guide to Children's Book Illustrators ($97 value)
  • Writing Good Dialogue Workshop - Includes lifetime access to all video lessons + Picture Book Perfection ($67 value)
  • Character Creation Worksheet
  • Picture Book + Novel Plotting Guide
  • Kidlit Digital Resource Binder - Includes over 30 worksheets for every step of the writing process ($97 value)
  • Access to the Private Facebook Community

Total Value $2,515

Yours Only $447

(or 4 monthly payments of $125)

 "I would try to get some freebies that were like piecemeal all over the place and I was like, just stop. You know what you need. You need a whole kit and caboodle. So then, when I saw your course, I was like this is for me. I love that I can go at my own pace, and it’s very thorough. It's wonderful!

- Peni Clark -

Peni Clark Testimonial
Journey to Kidlit Writing 101 - Intro to Writing Class

Avoid making the same mistakes new writers make when they first start writing . . .

If you dive straight into the writing process without an understanding of the industry, you’ll most-likely end up where I found myself for four years . . .


Stuck in the cycle of writing, sending your story out to publishers, getting rejected (if you hear anything back at all), and repeat. 🤦‍♀️


This will cause you to get so frustrated, you’ll start researching self publishing options instead of waiting any longer for a publisher to give you a chance.


But as an industry-leader for almost a decade and someone who reads new stories every single month, I know self-publishing isn't going to solve your problem. 

👉The only thing that will get you unstuck and moving toward your dream of publishing a story you’re proud to share with others is if you understand what it takes to write an amazing story that children want to read.

Which starts inside the course.

Your chance to sign-up today ends in:

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"I just love how Brooke talks to us, to me. She is kind, patient, and has a nice voice. I like how she tries to help us understand what is a plot, how to build a story, and how to write a children's book to sell, not just for a hobby. She is great and because of this course I am more determined. Thank you!"

- Angelica Ion -

Angelica Ion Testimonial
Journey to Kidlit Writing 101 - Intro to Writing Class

Answers to all your questions...

WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH KIDLIT WRITING 101?

The introductory course is a self-paced online course with all sessions available at once. It walks you step-by-step through the 4-step process to write a children's book through both video lessons, digital workbooks, and real-life story examples.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

In Kidlit Writing 101, you'll learn how to:

  • Research your story idea against the market to make sure it really is a good one to start with
  • Study a ton of other published books to familiarize yourself with books that are published today. (Which are very different from anything published before 2010, let alone, the year 2000.)
  • Gather your own story assets – which is my fancy way of teaching how to brainstorm your idea completely. (Including your characters, plot, etc.)
  • THEN start writing your first draft using the skills you’ve gathered
  • Perfect your story so it's ready for publication.

HOW DO I KNOW WHETHER THE WRITING COURSE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

If you’ve finally found the time to write and you’re serious about not only making your publishing dream happen, but happen faster — this course is for you.

Because you know you have what it takes to write a children's story, but you’re hesitant to write just anything.

Instead, you want to make sure whatever you create is something you will be proud to show your family and friends. That’s why you’re taking the time to learn about the writing process before diving in just yet. (I love that about you!)

Unlike other new writers who get stuck in the cycle of writing something – only to be rejected, and repeat, for YEARS – you’re going to make BIG strides.

Because not only are you only going to work with an expert to help her learn the process faster and easier, but you’ll also be connected with other like-minded children's book writers in order to form a critique group. 

And if you commit yourself to the lessons, and your story, you’ll be able to update your status from "aspiring" children's book writer to "published".

HOW'S THIS COURSE DIFFERENT THAN ALL THE REST?

If it’s anything like our Kidlit Writer’s Starter Kit or Story Jumpstart, the product you purchased is most-likely only designed to help you dip your toes in the process.

Not to give you the full picture.

But without a complete understanding of the writing process, you’ll end up like me, and so many new writers I know, who are stuck with a stack of rejection letters, still hoping to publish your book, but not making any progress.

Something you can be caught in for YEARS.

Not what I want to happen to you. Which is why I designed this course to be everything you need to know in order to finish your story and finish it in a way that you can be proud of.

And why I continue to add new lessons when people have questions because I truly want to make sure you have everything you need to be successful.

HOW DOES THE COURSE WORK?

You'll receive access to Kidlit Writing 101 through our course platform. From there, you'll create an account to login and view all the content at once.

The course will step you through each intro to download your worksheets for each lesson and view a short video about what to expect.

When you've finished viewing each lesson, you'll have a homework assignment at the back of your workbook with next-step instructions.

Plus, you will be able to log in and out of the platform as many times as you need! The course is built with lifetime access.

WHAT'S THE INVESTMENT?

I know that choosing to invest in yourself and your dreams can be really challenging especially when you’re on a budget. It’s what I considered when I priced this course and why I made sure it was not only affordable, but also that it was the only thing you had to buy in order to get you where you want to go – to be a published author.

At just $297, this course costs less than a 1-time fee to an editor, 1 college writing course, or even 1 ticket to a children's writing conference.

And Kidlit Writing 101 gives you WAYYYY more detailed information than any of those could give you because it teaches you the full step-by-step process. 

Plus, you also get invited into our exclusive network of other children's book writers to ask questions and get help as you work your way through the course. A truly invaluable resource when you're writing, because so much of the process involves you and your computer, but it's impossible to be successful without feedback and help from others.

However, because I know how important this course is to your writing, and because you're committed to your story, and actually want to get your book published, I’ve also included a 4-time payment plan so you can get started working on your for just $85!

A steal when you think about everything you’re going to get, icluding a finished story by the end that you’ll be able to share with your friends and family.

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE MUCH TIME TO COMMIT?

That’s okay. All the content in the course is pre-recorded, so you can move at your own pace. I even broke up everything into micro-lessons, so even if you only have 15 minutes, you can still move forward with your story.

Plus, you can come back and log in at any time! You have lifetime access to all the current and future content in this course.

HOW SOON WILL I GET ACCESS?

Right away! You'll receive the login to the course via email once you've completed your registration. Should see it in your inbox within 15 minutes of purchase.

Your chance to sign-up today ends in:

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"The most helpful for me has been editing. That was something of mine that was a real weak point when I first started. I think my picture book that I first started was about 2,000 words. Through the process, though, I got it down to less than five hundred words. It has been a learning experience, definitely, but it’s been a good one."

- Suzanne Morreale -

Suzanne Morreale Testimonial

BECOME ONE OF OUR STUDENTS AND HAVE SO MUCH GOOD NEWS TO SHARE:

"I started the course feeling that something was missing from my story. Now I feel that I am headed in the right direction and getting closer to writing a story that can be published. Thank you for all the wonderful information you gave in the course. It has been the most helpful course I have taken in writing a children's book."

- Dana Fraley

Your course has definitely made an impact on me. The first time the step-by-step lessons have been so helpful. Your reading my manuscript is the first time I’ve put it out there. Big step all thanks to you.

- Cathy Sladek

It has been a tremendous course! Your deep knowledge about writing for children and your enthusiasm makes the course interesting and fun. I have learned so many things to make the second draft of my picture book better.

- Pia Conte

"This was such an informative course. I found value in looking at the potency of voice in my story and I definitely need to establish showing vs telling in my current story. It is also helpful to hear about the lateral thinking required in regard to the whole team involved in publishing. It invites me to be more flexible."

- Erin Murphy

I am loving it. I am working my way through this course and find that your style of teaching is so easy to follow and understand. I feel comfortable knowing that I can email you at any time if I have questions. I appreciate how genuinely sincere you are, and it comes through in your teachings. Thank you so muchI!

- Coreen Craft

Your sessions were terrific . . . not only from a knowledge/experience standpoint, but your style and demeanor are on the high end of personable and engaging. It was all very aspirational while being grounded and realistic. Thank you!

- Douglas Myers

DON'T WAIT! DOORS TO KIDLIT WRITING 101 CLOSES IN...

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"I loved being in this course. My favorite and most helpful sessions were about the rule of three, the standard plot elements, and the manuscript formatting. Most of all I loved your encouragement that I could make this work and become successful!"

- Katelyn Ward -

Katelyn Ward Testimonial