Picture Books (fiction), with editor Daniela Villegas-Valle, Winter 2026

January 8th, 2026 - February 9th, 2026

with Daniela Villegas Valle

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 this workshop is to help you strengthen the project submitted and push your storytelling craft.

<p>You may register for one picture book workshop in winter 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

Group size: 8 writers

Submissions: <p>Submit one <b>fiction</b> picture book under 900 words. If you are submitting a poetry collection, the word count limit is 600 words (art notes and poem titles do not count towards this max).</p>

Fee

Members: $150; Non-members: $180

About Daniela Villegas Valle

Daniela Villegas Valle joined Simon & Schuster in 2021 and is now an assistant editor to Justin Chanda and Anne Zafian. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in both English and Spanish and a minor in creative writing from Virginia Commonwealth University, after which she completed the NYU Summer Publishing Institute.

She is drawn towards multicultural voices that speak about identity and adventure. Whimsical picture books, cozy fantasy, and character driven stories are some of the things that she loves. Currently acquiring.

Schedule:

  • Thurs, Jan 8 - Submissions due
  • Thurs, Jan 29 - Critiques due
  • Thurs, Feb 5, 12pm-2:20pm ET - Debrief call 
  • Mon, Feb 9 - Group closes