Picture Books, with editor Karen Smith, Winter 2026

January 26th, 2026 - February 27th, 2026

with Karen Smith

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 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 - Children's - Picture…

Group size: 8 writers

Submissions: <p>Submit one fiction picture book under 900 words; nonfiction or informational fiction 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;</p><p>Poetry collections must be 600 words or fewer (you may submit part of your collection).</p>

Fee

Members: $150; Non-members: $180

About Karen Smith

Karen Smith edits board books, picture books, middle grade, and young adult books at Workman Kids. She loves a fresh spin on a useful, accessible topic and books that help little ones navigate the world around them. In her spare time, she loves to bake, watch Netflix documentaries, and spend time with her three young children. She lives on Long Island with her family.

Schedule:

  • Mon, Jan 26 - Submissions due
  • Mon, Feb 16 - Critiques due
  • Mon, Feb 23, 1-3:15pm ET - Debrief call 
  • Fri, Feb 27 - Group closes