Nonfiction Picture Books, with author Kirsten Larson (R&R), Fall 25

August 12th, 2025 - October 31st, 2025

with Kirsten Larson

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In this workshop, nonfiction picture book writers will work with acclaimed author Kirsten Larson and a curated group of peers to revise and polish a manuscript for submission. At the group start, writers will submit their nonfiction picture book. All group members will read the stories, but before critiquing begins, Kirsten will host your first discussion call. Each writer will share their intentions, goals, and questions in preparation for reading submissions. In the 2.5 weeks after the call, each writer and Kirsten will critique all the stories. There will be a discussion call after this first round, and then writers will set to work on revisions. Writers will submit their revision for a second round of feedback. Writers will also get feedback on their pitch in the second round.

In addition to coaching you on your nonfiction project, Kirsten will lead a craft discussion after Round 1 based on what she's seeing in the group's work. She will also be available for manuscript questions that pop up during the revision period between rounds, and after you receive your written feedback in Round 2. All discussions will be on the group's private discussion board, so you are able to participate when convenient for your schedule. 

This workshop is part critiques and discussion, and part teaching. It will have more of a class feel than our usual workshops!

<p>Our general rule is that writers may take one Inked Voices picture book workshop per season. However, if there is space in this group after July 1st and you are able to give fully to the peer critiques, you may sign up for this as a second workshop.&nbsp;</p>

Notes

Who this workshop is for: <p>This workshop is for intermediate and advanced nonfiction picture book writers. You should have prior workshop experience. You might be querying, querying and getting requests, agented or published.<br></p>

Focus: Children's - Picture Books - Nonfiction

Group size: 5 writers

Submissions: <p>You will submit one nonfiction picture book, up to 1600 words, plus backmatter and/or sidebars. The focus of critiques will be on the main text. You will get high level notes on your backmatter/sidebar materials. For round 2, the submission guidelines are the same, except you will also share your pitch (whether for editors or for a query letter).</p><p>Kirsten's expertise is best suited for expository or narrative nonfiction. She is not necessarily the right fit for active nonfiction (like "how to" and cookbooks) or browsable nonfiction (e.g.&nbsp;<i>The Guiness Book of World Records</i> and DK-type books).<br></p>

Fee

Members: $250; Non-members: $310

About Kirsten Larson

Kirsten W. Larson is the author of the Orbis-Pictus Honor-winning The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of, as well as the craft book, Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book. She has more books on the way, including This Is How You Know (a nonfiction picture book) and Light of Resistance (graphic nonfiction). Learn more about Kirsten at https://kirstenwlarson.com.

Schedule:

  • Tues, Aug 12th - Submissions due 
  • Mon, Aug 18th, 7-8:30pm ET - Intros and author intentions call. Writers will share intentions for their story, questions/issues they are having, and what they want the group to read for.  
  • Tues, Sept 2nd - Critiques due
  • Tues, Sept 9th, 7-8:45pm ET - Round 1 call (20 min per writer)
  • Tues, Oct 14th - Round 2 subs due 
  • Mon, Oct 27th - Critiques due 
  • Oct 27th-31st - Discussion board open for Q&A; Pro will check in once per day
  • Fri, Oct 31st - Group ends