How to be a Picture Book Writer – 4 weeks

A four-week online course with experienced picture book editor Jo Collins

How to be a Picture Book Writer

Turn your story ideas into magical picture books — and get your work seen by a real industry editor.

Have you ever dreamed of seeing your name on the front of a beautiful picture book? Of writing words that make children giggle, gasp — or demand one more read before bed?

This course is your chance to begin that journey with expert guidance, hands-on feedback, and the rare opportunity to have your work reviewed by a publishing industry insider.

Led by Jo Collins, respected industry editor and Director of Writing Picture Books for Young Children at Golden Egg Academy, this course is designed to take you from “I have an idea” to “I know what makes a picture book publishable.”

What You’ll Get

An exclusive 1:1 editorial session (value £70.00)
Get personalised feedback on one of your picture book texts from a professional industry editor. This is your chance to ask questions, polish your work, and understand what editors look for. (Included for Club members or £30.00 for non members – LIMITED PLACES AVAILBLE)
Live, online workshops
Join Jo Collins and a community of aspiring writers for live, interactive sessions that bring the material to life.
Video lessons
Learn at your own pace with Jo’s engaging, expert-led videos, packed with insight, examples and practical advice.
Weekly modules with activities
Build your skills step by step — from generating ideas to structuring your story and refining your language.
A private online community
Share progress, swap feedback and connect with others who share your dream in our members-only Facebook group.

Bookings for the 2026 course have now closed however you can express your interest in the next course by clicking the link below.

Join The Club

COURSE OVERVIEW

This four-week course includes:

NOW INCLUDES AN EDITORIAL One2One with an industry editor on one of your Picture Book texts.
Three, one-hour, live, interactive webinars, in which you will get the chance to ask Jo questions.
Twelve+ videos, in which Jo Collins will share publishing industry insights and give top tips on writing picture book texts, using published picture books by best-selling authors to demonstrate the tricks and techniques you can explore in your own writing.
One workbook module per week over four weeks, each examining a different aspect of picture book storytelling.
- Each module, full of advice based on Jo Collin’s extensive experience in the picture book publishing industry, includes notes on the week’s topic, exercises to improve your writing, and a weekly assignment. These are self-guided assignments to be completed in your own time.
A private Facebook group in which you can ask Jo questions about the course, gain support and share your journey with your peers.
An end of course masterclass with Jo Collins (Director of Picture Books). Jo will discuss the picture book publishing industry today, and what publishers are looking for.
New! 15 minute 1 to 1 editorial (worth £70.00) available to Golden Egg Club members inclusive or to non members at a cost of £30.00.

To join the Golden Egg Club, you can see the full range of benefits as well as receive your 1 to 1 editorial for this course by clicking here.

This course is perfect for anyone with a passion for picture books, ideas for their own stories and a willingness to learn the craft. It is particularly relevant for those who wish to prepare their application for the Academy’s popular one-year picture book writing programme.

If you have any questions about this course please contact: [email protected].

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

You need only three things to apply for this course:

A passion for picture books
A story idea
A willingness to learn how to develop your craft

Bookings for the 2026 course have now closed however you can express your interest for the next course now.

WEEKLY TOPICS

Week One: Free your imagination

Engage your inner child as we get to know the child audience and learn how to identify the best picture book story ideas for today’s market.

Week 2: Shape up your character

We consider the unique characteristics of picture book writing and discover the secret to creating memorable characters.

Week 3: Shake up your story

Get plotting as we learn all about structure, shape and building your storyline.

Week 4: Win with your ending

We look at the ingredients for a winning story ending and get to know the picture book publishing industry, the people you’ll work with, and the creative process from commissioned text to finished book.

SUCCESS STORIES

Graduates from our picture book courses have gone on to sign publishing deals with Andersen Press, Penguin Random House, Nosy Crow, Little Tiger, and Barefoot Books, amongst others. Numerous writers have also signed contracts with literary agents such as The Catchpole Agency and Peters, Fraser & Dunlop, to name a few. Click here to learn more about Golden Egg Academy success stories.