Picture Books, with editor Danielle Collins, Fall 25

September 2nd, 2025 - October 3rd, 2025

with Danielle Collins

Apply

You'll submit your picture book at the group start, then spend the next weeks critiquing peer stories. The editor will submit their notes near the critique deadline. After critiques are complete, we host a live group debrief over Zoom, in which each writer gets individual time with the editor to dig into feedback, brainstorm next steps, and discuss any writing questions. In addition, the editor will lead a group discussion in the group workspace.

Our goal with these events is to help writers strengthen the project submitted and to push their storytelling craft.

<p>You may register for one picture book workshop in fall season. If there is extra space 1 month ahead of the workshop start (6 weeks for multi-round groups), you may register for another.</p>

Notes

Who this workshop is for: <p>This workshop is an advanced group. You must be an Inked Voices member, and you must meet one of the following for this advanced group: 1) picture book traditionally published or under contract; 2) agented (or previously agented in the past 3 years); or 3) querying and getting requests for additional PB manuscripts. (limited spots available for this category)</p>

Focus: Children's - Picture Books - Fiction - Children's - Picture…

Group size: 8 writers

Submissions: <p>Submit one fiction picture book under 900 words or one nonfiction picture book under 1500 words (including backmatter). If your backmatter runs longer, please submit the headers for sections that are not included. There is no need to include a bibliography.&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700;">Changes and Withdrawals Policy:&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li>2 months or more ahead of a workshop start: you will be credited the full amount of the workshop, less a $20 change fee.</li><li>Under 2 months to 14 days ahead of a workshop start: If we are able to replace you, you will be credited for the full workshop price less a $20 change fee. If we can't replace you, you will receive a credit for 50% of the workshop cost.&nbsp;</li><li>Withdrawals within 14 days of a workshop start: If we can replace you, you will receive a credit for 50% of the workshop price. If we cannot replace you, you will not receive a credit. Your fee will go towards our workshops and scholarships.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Fee

Members: $135; Non-members: $165

About Danielle Collins

Danielle Collins is an Associate Editor at Beach Lane Books at Simon & Schuster, where she works on fiction and nonfiction picture books. Danielle is drawn to stories that inspire curiosity, empathy, and joy in young readers. She’s looking for books that tackle big feelings with a light & lyrical touch, and is especially interested in those that explore themes of identity, self-discovery, and self-expression. Nonfiction about lesser-known people, periods, and fascinating STEM topics often piques her interest. Danielle is actively searching for stories featuring underrepresented identities and communities, and would particularly like to see more LGBTQIA+ picture books. Above all, Danielle loves books with captivating writing, memorable characters, and a whole lot of heart. Danielle grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, went to college in Los Angeles, and now lives in Brooklyn, where she can often be found at bookstores and bakeries.
 
You can also visit her more detailed MSWL here: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/danielle-collins/

Schedule:

  • Tues, Sept 2 - Submissions due
  • Tues, Sept 23 - Critiques due
  • Mon, Sept 29, 7-9:10pm ET - Debrief call 
  • Thurs, Oct 2 - Group closes