Know for certain that your children's book is on the right track.
Get real-time feedback from an award-winning author:
Get real-time feedback from an award-winning author:
So you wrote a children's book . . .
But how do you know that it's finished? Or actually any good?
Let's be honest -- kids will tell you if they don't like something. Including your story, if you don't write it well enough. And they can sense a lesson coming from a mile away.
You might have a good idea. But you don't want them to chuck your book on the floor in search of a better one because you couldn't write it well enough.
The truth is anyone can write a Word Doc and call it a children's book. But that's not good enough. In order to write a GOOD children's book, something that kids actually want to read, you have to know what you're doing. (For real know.)
INTRODUCING ...
The monthly coaching program for you to get feedback on your story!
1 - Edit your story with a new lesson each month
2 - Submit your story for professional review
3 - Share your story with your peers for critique
"I think that everyone is in the same boat, and everyone is excited about it. Obviously, if you’re doing this, you’re passionate about your story. You want to get your voice out there, and the monthly coaching gives you this platform that's not scary. And the beauty is that you give us the things that are working, the things we need to work on, and then the next steps to make those things that we need to work on just that little bit better."
- Becca Johnsey -
Hey there!
I'm Brooke Van Sickle and I want to help you write the BEST children's story possible.
As a senior editor at a children's book publishing house, I read submissions daily from authors who want to publish a children's book. And while their hearts and story ideas are in the right place, the story itself is nowhere near ready.
It might be too long. Or targeted to the wrong audience. Or simply not something a kid wants to read. So I help them create an even better story that gets them 5-star reviews and makes them award winners.
And I want to help YOU do the same.
That's why I created Kidlit Academy -- a monthly coaching program for you to get real-time feedback on your story. So you can know with certainty that what your writing is ready for readers.
Hey there!
I'm Brooke Van Sickle and I want to help you write the BEST children's story possible.
As a senior editor at a children's book publishing house, I read submissions daily from authors who want to publish a children's book. And while their hearts and story ideas are in the right place, the story itself is nowhere near ready.
It might be too long. Or targeted to the wrong audience. Or simply not something a kid wants to read. So I help them create an even better story that gets them 5-star reviews and makes them award winners.
And I want to help YOU do the same.
That's why I created Kidlit Academy -- a monthly coaching program for you to get real-time feedback on your story. So you can know with certainty that what your writing is ready for readers.
"I love it! When I was first shared my story in the academy, I was scared to death because I thought oh, my story was going to be shredded. I’m so bad at this. But, you were so kind, and that’s what I need. I need someone who's kind but realistic and guiding me through."
- Peni Clark -
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS . . .
WHAT DOES KIDLIT ACADEMY INCLUDE?
Kidlit Academy is our monthly coaching program with award-winning author, Brooke Van Sickle. Each month, you'll be able to send your story for professional review, get a new editing lesson to help you improve as a writer, and connect with your fellow writers for peer critiques.
CAN I SUBMIT MORE THAN 1 STORY FOR REVIEW?
Yes! You can send one story each month during your time in the coaching program, but it doesn't have to be the same story the whole time. Kidlit Academy is a 6-month program, so you can send a new story each month or the same story the whole time until it's perfectly polished. It's up to you!
WHAT IF I CAN'T MAKE IT LIVE?
While we do encourage you to attend live, in order to ask questions and connect with your fellow writers, we know that it's not always possible. That's why each live session with Brooke includes a submission form for you to send your story ahead of time and is recorded for you to watch the replay later.
IS THIS JUST FOR PICTURE BOOKS?
No! Since children's books are more than picture books -- this program reviews all types. However, Kidlit Academy is exclusive to only children's books. (Middle grade and Young Adult included.)
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR STORY WILL BE SAFE FROM THEFT?
While original creators are protected by copyright in the U.S., we want to make sure all our authors feel comfortable sharing their stories with others. Which is why everyone is required to agree to our non-disclosure and anti-harrassment policy before participating.
HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT THAN KIDLIT WRITING 101?
Kidlit Academy is the perfect companion to Kidlit Writing 101, our all-encompassing course to the writing process. Along with all the self-study course lessons, you'll be able to meet monthly for face-to-face time with Brooke to discuss your writing and any questions you have. A great way to make sure your story's moving in the right direction.
WHEN DOES THE COACHING TAKE PLACE?
Kidlit Academy is a 6-month coaching program with two live sessions scheduled per month:
- On the 2nd Thursday of the month at 10AM CST
- Or on the 4th Monday of the month at 4pm CST
The type of session rotates each month and all live sessions with Brooke are recorded if you're not able to make it live.
WHAT'S THE COST?
Kidlit Academy is the companion coaching program to Kidlit Writing 101. Each student is given lifetime access to the self-study course, along with the 6-month live coaching program to ensure you get the best education in children's book writing. If you're already enrolled in the class, you'll receive a discount coupon code to the coaching program.
But if this is your first time signing up, you have two payment options for the program:
- Pay in full for just $997
- Or split the cost into 5 payments for just $250
It's completely up to you!
WHEN DOES THE COACHING START?
Kidlit Academy is a continuous program with scheduled live events and a new editing session each month. You can join at time of sign-up to receive all the benefits and remain active for the full 6-months of your membership. However, registration for the program only opens up 2xs a year -- in the spring and the fall.
"I was a little bit apprehensive at first. I thought “I don’t want Brooke telling me everything that I did wrong in front of all these people” but it actually was good because a lot of people said, “Oh I actually have that same problem”. It makes me feel like I’m not alone, I’m not the only one who doesn’t know how to do a plot or that needs to edit more and take some of those words out and put better words in. It was so helpful that way."
- Julia Ruschmann -
© 2022 Journey to KidLit | All Rights Reserved