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Confidently Write Your Next Children's Book Manuscript!
Use my proven 4-step process to go from idea to finished story in the quickest and easiest way possible.
Sign-up ends in:
Confidently Write Your Next Children's Book Manuscript!
Use my proven 4-step process to go from idea to finished story in the quickest and easiest way possible.
Sign-up ends in:
You know you want to write a children's book, but . . .
You want to make sure it's something you'll be proud to show your friends and family.
Let's be honest . . . you’ve probably read a children's book before and thought children’s books are short.
How hard can they really be to write?
You have the idea and are anxious to finish the story draft so you can make it a book as quickly as possible.
I get it.
But, you see, trying to publish a poorly written story will only lead to rejection. (Which happens 100% of the time when an author sends a story out before it's ready.)
That’s why I created Kidlit Writing 101: to show you the simple, 4-step process to write a children's book and save you time AND money while you prepare to get published.
If you're ready to fully understand what it takes to produce a children's book you can confidently send to publishers, keep reading.
"All of the lessons in Kidlit Writing 101 have helped me to really understand what a children's book is, the elements that should be included, and how to make it all come together. I love it!"
- Julia Ruschmann -
The proven 4-step process to write a children's book that kids ENJOY!
Being able to write a truly amazing story that kids love starts at the beginning 👉 with an idea or an initial first draft.
But this is where a lot of writers get stuck.
You may have been inspired to write something based on your own experience or after you searched for an already published book to help solve a problem, only to fail to find anything else that already existed.
You don't have any formal writing experience, but you know this idea is meant to be a book.
However, without understanding today's industry, you'll struggle to create a book that truly connects with readers because you don't know what a child is looking for.
The good news is there’s an easy way to learn how to turn your idea into a finished children's book you'll be proud to show your family and friends.
All you need are these 4-simple steps found inside Kidlit Writing 101.
1 - Gather Your Story Assets
2 - Write Your First Draft
3 - Edit Your Story to Perfection
4 - Prepare to Publish It!
Hi, I'm Brooke Van Sickle!
And I want to show you how to easily finish your children's book.
I've been a writing coaching to thousands of writers for almost a decade now and I see the same mistakes made time and time again . . .
And stories with these mistakes aren't ready for readers.
Until you understand the children’s writing process for today’s market, your book will never be ready to be published.
If you skip this step, your story will always need a rewrite or will experience a rejection from a publisher.
That's why I created Kidlit Writing 101. To help writers, like you, easily understand the process so you can get published faster.
Learn all about children's book writing from an award-winning instructor:
Hi, I'm Brooke Van Sickle!
And I want to show you how to easily finish your children's book.
I've been a writing coaching to thousands of writers for almost a decade now and I see the same mistakes made time and time again . . .
And stories with these mistakes aren't ready for readers.
Until you understand the children’s writing process for today’s market, your book will never be ready to be published.
If you skip this step, your story will always need a rewrite or will experience a rejection from a publisher.
That's why I created Kidlit Writing 101. To help writers, like you, easily understand the process so you can get published faster.
Learn all about children's book writing from an award-winning instructor:
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
HERE'S WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE COURSE . . .
Module #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
Includes: 6 video lessons, companion workbook, story set-up guide, + character profile card
Module #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!
Includes: 9 video lessons, companion workbook, 2 bonus video lessons on plotting and leaning into your theme, + plot outline worksheet
Module #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
Includes: 8 video lessons, companion workbook, 6 bonus feedback example lessons on what to look for in your story, + editing checklist
Module #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.
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:
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
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
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 pre-recorded to work at your own pace.
But wait . . . upgrade your experience to add these bonuses to the course:
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
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
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
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.
Sign-up ends in:
"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 -
Avoid making the same mistakes new writers make when they first start writing . . .
If you dive straight into the writing process without understanding 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 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 Kidlit Writing 101.
Sign-up ends in:
"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 -
Choose from the 3 tier options below.
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
Retail Price: $297
Yours Only $197
(or 4 monthly payments of $85)
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
Retail Price: $397
Yours Only $297
(or 4 monthly payments of $110)
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
Retail Price: $447
Yours Only $347
(or 4 monthly payments of $125)
"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 -
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:
- Brainstorm your idea fully
- Create strong characters and complete plot outlines for your story
- Format your draft as a professional manuscript
- Edit your story to make it more enjoyable for readers
- Finish your draft so it can be published
HOW DO I KNOW WHETHER THE WRITING COURSE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Kidlit Writing 101 is the perfect course for any writer who's feeling frazzled, overwhelmed, or confused by the children's book writing process. This course will easily break down what to do to in a simple 4-step process so you can confidently complete your children's book.
HOW'S THIS COURSE DIFFERENT THAN ALL THE REST?
Most courses only give you a portion of the process, and leaving you wondering about the rest, but not Kidlit Writing 101. This course is designed to be everything you need to know in order to finish your story in a way that you'll be proud of.
Plus, 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. All of which you'll receive once you own the course, because it comes complete with LIFETIME access to all current and future content.
HOW DOES THE COURSE WORK?
Once purchased, you'll receive immediate access to our online course platform. From there, you'll create an account to login and view all the content at once.
The course will then 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.
WILL ANYTHING BE SHIPPED TO ME?
No. This is an online course, so nothing physically will ship to you. Once checkout is complete, Your "Kidlit Writing 101" login information will be delivered via the email address you provide at checkout. It should arrive within 5-10 minutes of your purchase. (All our online courses are self-paced and include lifetime access. If you’ve previously purchased a course with us, you can use the same login to access all the information in one place.)
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. Plus, I even broke up everything into micro-lessons, so even if you only have 15 minutes, you can still move forward with your story.
And you can start 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.
"The editing lessons were the most helpful for me. I think my picture book was about 2,000 words when I first started. But through the process, I got it down to less than five hundred words. It has been a great learning experience!"
- Suzanne Morreale -
OUR STUDENTS ALWAYS 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
"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 -
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