Picture Books with Kaitlyn Sanchez

January 24th, 2022 - February 15th, 2022

with Emily M. Bailey

Group started

In this intimate workshop, you'll receive a written critique of a picture book manuscript from literary agent Kaitlyn Sanchez with Context Literary Agency, plus get the opportunity to speak to Kaitlyn individually in the live group call that follows critiques. You'll also exchange critiques within your group of up to 9 writers. 

How it works

You'll submit your pages at the group start, then spend the next weeks critiquing peer stories. Kaitlyn will submit her notes near the critique deadline. After critiques are complete, we host a 2-hour group debrief, in which each writer gets individual time with Kaitlyn to dig into feedback, brainstorm next steps, and discuss any writing questions. 

Our goal with these events is to help writers become stronger storytellers. That said, each opening pages event we offer also comes with a submission opportunity.

About the group workshop format

Participants should be sure they have at least 1 hour to give for critiquing each person's manuscript (plus reading time). Because this is a group of 9, this means you should have at least 8 hours available for your peers' stories.

This makes for an intense workload for the few weeks of peer critique. However, we've also found that this format accelerates learning because you are able to read a professional's feedback on each story you have read and critiqued, and you will listen to each one-on-one in the debrief. Many writers have told us that listening and learning from the professional's notes to others has been just as beneficial to their learning as the feedback on their own work.

We are pleased to offer a workshop spot free of charge to a writer of color or from a traditionally marginalized background. Apply by 12/20: https://inkedvoices.typeform.com/to/JHRR9Q18

Notes

Who this workshop is for: This workshop is best suited for writers querying, preparing to query, or who have an agent but are looking for a high level educational opportunity.

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

Group size: 8 writers

Submissions: Submit one picture book. Fiction submissions should be under 900 words; nonfiction should be under 1500 words.

Fee

Members: $96; Non-members: $115

About Emily M. Bailey

Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez is a mom, wife, agent with Context Literary Agency, middle school math teacher, and picture book author. She's also the proud co-creator and co-host of the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest and Kidlit Zombie Week as well as creator and co-host of the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy Contest. In her free time, she loves to play soccer, binge-watch TV shows, and, of course, read, especially when she's all cozied up with her husband and daughter reading together.

Critique Style:
My editing style focuses on sharing what I adore and what I can see improving even more. I focus on making sure the manuscript has various ways to appeal to publishers, usually by looking for layers as well as strong openings, closings, and logic. When I make suggestions inline, I often try to give specific ideas to get your mind churning.

Schedule:

Mon, Jan 24th - submissions due
Tues, Feb 15th, critiques due
Fri, Feb 18th, 4 - 6:15 pm ET – debrief call
Tues, Feb 22nd - group closes