Picture Books, with editor Esther Cajahuaringa, Winter 2026

February 2nd, 2026 - February 27th, 2026

with Esther Cajahuaringa

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 - Children's - Picture…

Group size: 6 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>

Fee

Members: $150; Non-members: $180

About Esther Cajahuaringa

Esther Cajahuaringa edits picture books and graphic novels (up to middle grade). As a former educator who graduated from Teachers College, Columbia University, she’s passionate about elevating underrepresented voices. She is looking for strong writing, captivating voices (from the heartfelt and lyrical to full of mischief and silliness), distinctive artwork, unforgettable characters, and places to live in (whether real, imaginary, or re-imagined). She loves musicals, traveling, and getting lost in bookstores with her husband.

Schedule:

  • Mon, Feb 2 - Submissions due
  • Thurs, Feb 19 - Critiques due
  • Wed, Feb 25, 7:30-9:15pm ET - Debrief call 
  • Fri, Mar 27 - Group closes