Picture Books, with agent Julie Romeis Sanders, Winter 2026

January 21st, 2026 - February 20th, 2026

with Julie Romeis Sanders

Not open yet

Member registration opens November 3rd at 10:00 (EST).
Non-member registration opens December 22nd at 10:00 (EST).

You'll submit your pages at the group start, then spend the next weeks critiquing peer stories. The agent 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 agent to dig into feedback, brainstorm next steps, and discuss any writing questions. In addition, the agent will lead a group discussion in the group workspace.

Our goal with these events is to help writers become stronger storytellers. 

You may sign up for 1 PB workshop per season. 30 days ahead, you may sign up for a second group provided you are able to give thorough peer critiques in each group.

Notes

Who this workshop is for: <p><span>Writers are expected to be at an intermediate level of picture book writing craft or above. Writers may have achieved&nbsp;this through self-study of books and exercises, or organized instruction such as classes, workshops, or webinars. Writers should be familiar with elements of craft such as characterization, plot, internal arc, and pacing, in order to offer craft-rooted feedback to their peers.</span></p>

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

Group size: 8 writers

Submissions: <p>Fiction submissions should be under 900 words; nonfiction should be under 1550 words including backmatter. If your backmatter runs longer, please submit the headers for sections that are not included and omit your bibliography.&nbsp;<br></p><p></p>

Fee

Members: $140; Non-members: $165

About Julie Romeis Sanders

Julie Romeis Sanders joined SteelWorks Literary as an agent in the spring of 2025. Julie’s career in publishing has spanned nearly 25 years and includes a range of experiences including editing, bookselling, teaching, and freelancing. Julie was a founding member of Bloomsbury USA in 2001, helped launch Chronicle’s first fiction for older readers in 2009, and edited their first Caldecott in 2013. Her keen eye for debuts including Rick Yancey, Victoria Jamieson, Aaron Reynolds, and Jennifer “JC” Cervantes, has led to many creators getting started on stellar careers. Through it all, Julie has honed her eye for books kids love along with her passion for supporting creators throughout the creative process. At SteelWorks Literary, Julie hopes to bring all these experiences together to help build a community of writers and illustrators who are as eager to create lasting contributions to children's literature as she is. She is currently seeking authors and author/illustrators who are creating for ages 0-12.

Schedule:

  • Wed, Jan 21 - Submissions due
  • Wed, Feb 11 - Critiques due
  • Tues, Feb 17, 3-5:15pm ET - Debrief call
  • Fri, Feb 20 - Group closes