Picture Books (Nonfiction) (R&R), with author Kirsten Larson, Winter 2026

January 8th, 2026 - March 23rd, 2026

with Kirsten Larson

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In this workshop, picture book writers will work with Kirsten Larson and a curated group of peers to revise a manuscript over two submission rounds. The group will meet shortly after work is submitted for an intro call, in which the writers can share their intentions for the story plus questions/issues they're having. In Round 1, writers submit one story for written peer and professional critique. For Round 2, writers will revise and resubmit their story. Round 1 concludes with a live group debrief call where each writer discusses their work with Kirsten. Round 2 concludes with a discussion board open for Q&A, to allow writers to ask Kirsten questions and discuss industry/craft topics. These discussions will be hosted in our group workspace, and writers can chime in on their own time (they are not live).

While the workshop allows significant time for revision and critique, the time tends to pass quickly, and participants should be mindful of their schedules when considering this group.

<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.&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: $265; 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:

  • Thurs, Jan 8 - Submissions due
  • Mon, Jan 12, 7-8:30pm ET - Intro and author intentions call. Authors share their intentions for the story, plus questions/issues they are having, what they want us to read for. 
  • Mon, Jan 26 - Critiques due
  • Thurs, Jan 29, 7-8:45pm ET - Debrief call (20 min per writer)
  • Thurs, Feb 26 - Revisions due 
  • Mon, Mar 16 - Critiques due
  • Mar 17-Mar 23 - Discussion board open for Q&A; Kirsten will check in once per day