About Journey to Kidlit
At Journey to Kidlit, we believe every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and understood in literature.
When this happens, it ripples out to create kinder, more empathetic communities.
But those books also have to be written for young readers and genuinely engaging enough to hold their attention.
We want stories that make a child say, “Read it again.” Stories that help them understand and become curious about the world around them. Stories worthy of the limited years they spend discovering books.
That’s what we’re here to help you create. Story by story. Author by author.
Our Mission: Educate authors about what it takes to write and publish books for today’s readers. (Without holding anything back.)
Journey to Kidlit exists to help authors from all backgrounds, experiences, and locations around the world understand the children’s book industry.
Whether you’re just getting started with your first idea or you’ve been writing for a long time and are ready to take the next publishing step, we offer resources and tools to meet you where you are on your publishing journey. ❤️
When Brooke Van Sickle founded Journey to Kidlit in 2019, she wanted to create an online resource that not only explained what she was learning through her own publishing journey, but also helped others succeed on their own paths.
Journey to Kidlit is not just one author’s opinion, but a collection of industry insight spanning decades from various speakers, authors, and leaders in the children’s book publishing space.
All of our tools and resources are created from real industry knowledge of what it takes to be successful writing for kids today. Our educators come from backgrounds including:
- Editors at Big 5 and mid-list publishing houses like Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Charlesbridge, Doubleday, and more
- Agents from well-known and reputable agencies like Bookends, Andrea Brown, Galt & Zacker, Martin Literary, and more
- New York Times and Amazon best-selling authors
We also share current trends and recent data about what’s happening right now in Kidlit that we pull from reputable and well-researched sources like Publishers Marketplace, Publishers Weekly, and more.
Everything we do, share, or create is made with the intent to help authors who write for kids ages 0-18 be successful.
What We Stand For
Quality Over Speed
We reject the “just publish it” mentality that floods the industry with forgettable work. Instead, we guide authors through a proven process that transforms ideas into stories children actually want to read.
Human Heart, Smart Tools
We’re not anti-technology. We’re anti-using technology to do the work for you. When used correctly—with guided prompts, intentional collaboration, and clear boundaries—technology can support the writing process. But it will never (and should never) replace what only lived human experience can offer: heart, voice, and meaning.
You’re the author. Great books come from collaboration between humans and tools — but technology should never replace the human voice required to create meaningful stories.
Transformation, Not Transaction
Publishing should change you. It should make you a better storyteller, a more confident creator, and proud of what you’ve built. We’re not here to take shortcuts or make empty promises. We’re here to walk alongside you as you do the real work of crafting something lasting.
What We Stand Against
Rushed, low-quality publishing that damages the credibility of self-published authors and wastes children’s time.
Misleading advice from unqualified coaches who overpromise results without teaching proper craft, market alignment, or editorial standards.
The myth that “good enough” is sufficient when children deserve stories that spark imagination, build empathy, and fuel curiosity.
We call this out directly because someone has to. The industry deserves better. Kids deserve better. And you? You deserve to create something you’re genuinely proud of.
Our Approach: The POLISH Method
We don’t believe in winging it. Every author who works with us follows our proven framework:
- Plan for your idea – Define your target reader and assess story viability
- Outline your story – Use proven structures to build strong character motivation
- Let it flow – Write freely to get your story on the page
- Initial Draft – Craft a complete draft that captures your voice
- Sharpen it up – Edit for clarity, pacing, and marketability
- Happily prepare to publish – Choose the best publishing path and polish your manuscript
This method keeps writers grounded in a practical, repeatable process—no matter where they are in their journey.
Meet Our Founder
Journey to Kidlit was founded in 2019 by Brooke Van Sickle, an award-winning children’s author and best-selling nonfiction writer, who while on her own journey to publication, saw too many well-intentioned writers struggling without proper guidance.
After meeting countless people with stories in their hearts but no clear path to turn those dreams into reality, Brooke knew the industry needed a different approach. One that prioritized craft over speed, quality over quantity, and transformation over transaction.
Learn more about Brooke’s approach to coaching →
Ready to Write Something That Matters?
If you’re serious about publishing a children’s book — whether through traditional publishing or self-publishing — and looking for someone who’s going to tell you the truth about what it takes to make your story work, you’ve found your people.
We’re here to help you create a children’s book that you’d proudly read to your grandkids, donate to your local library, or submit to a publisher without shame.
Because kids deserve better than books rushed to market.
They deserve books that matter.
Start your journey here with our free Children’s Book Template →
(You can also read our full transparency policy here.)
