Breakout Sessions

A. Saribel Pages – Query 101 for Picture Books and Graphic Novels

In a sea of picture books and graphic novels and an even larger sea of submissions, it may feel hard to have your work stand out. In this breakout, we’ll discuss the art of the query, what literary agents are looking for and how to craft that letter that’ll leave agents asking for more.

B. Rebecca Eskildsen – Understanding Genre Distinctions

Where does your book fit in the market? Who is your ideal audience? Understanding genre conventions is a crucial step in best positioning your book. Learn how to correctly pitch your book as speculative vs. fantasy, romance vs. rom com, contemporary vs. historical...and how not to fall into common genre traps that can mislead your reader and leave them feeling unsatisfied. 

C. Jennifer March Soloway – The Art of Voice

They say “voice” cannot be taught—either you got it or you don’t. But I disagree. You have a distinct voice. Everyone does. Your voice has evolved from your unique set of experiences and perspectives. The hard part, however, is how to capture your voice on the page—and that, I believe, can be taught. In this session, we’ll talk about ways to hone your voice (your character’s point-of-view), showing and telling your story with language, syntax, as well as details that only you can write. Your voice matters, and with practice and revision, the narrative will blossom, I promise.

A. Jonah Heller – Navigating Editorial Feedback

From that first hello to final product, we’ll examine the stages of editorial development across picture book and young adult publishing. We’ll demystify what to expect in a development letter, examine best practices for returning revisions, explore how to safeguard your vision while remaining collaborative, discuss how to field copyedits and proofreads, and break down how and when to pitch your next project.

B. Tracy Shaw – Top Tips from an Art Director: My Best Advice for Illustrators Navigating the Publishing Landscape

Tracy Shaw has been in the industry for 25+ years. She’s collected some advice on how either to get into the world of publishing – it’s hard! – or what to keep in mind as you continue as a published artist/author to gain traction and attention.

C. Alan Gratz – A Writer’s Checklist

Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face. That punch may happen when you're outlining, when you're writing the first draft, or when you're revising. Bestselling author Alan Gratz is in your corner! Join him as he shares the writing checklists he uses to get him off the ropes and back in the fight.

A. Andrea Colvin – Great Beginnings: Why First Pages Matter So Much

Selling your book today means battling for attention. First in the querying trenches, then in the submissions pile, then for the focus of sales reps and bookstore buyers, and finally in the consumer sales channel, where readers have thousands of book choices. This is why you need to grab your readers by the eyeballs from the very first page. This session will look at what works and what doesn’t for your opening pages, and how to sell the promise of your book from the very start.

B. Rebecca Eskildsen – Creating Compelling Stakes

Stakes! Not just for Buffy to wield. Your story needs strong, compelling stakes to set up your plot for success, and to hook the attention of agents and editors. These stakes need to be close and personal for your characters, regardless of the magnitude of the backdrop. Using a TV episode, we will discuss how to make the small moments feel big. 

C. Mary Reaves Uhles – Picturebook Cinematography: Composing Effective Illustrations with Perspective

Every artist learns 1, 2, and 3 point perspective along with composition in art school. But how well do you utilize this tool to create compelling cinematography in your spreads and illustrations? Thinking about perspective is much more than vanishing points and lines. As a former animator turned picturebook artist, I’ve learned that where we put the camera helps the reader get to the heart of the story faster.

A. Saribel Pages – Why Rhyme? The Art of a Rhyming Picture Book

Many of my favorite books as a child were rhyming picture books, and I bet many of yours were as well. But why do we hear the feedback that rhyming books are hard to sell? In this breakout we will discuss what makes a successful rhyming picture book, common pitfalls, and how to refine your rhyme so your book can sing.

B. Jonah Heller – Establishing Setting Through Character

Your character walks into a room. Have you done the homework of visual reference research? Based on your homework, what’s the first thing we notice? Why did we notice that first? How much do we notice? How much time do we spend looking at it and describing it? Would your character even know what to call certain things? We’ll explore how to craft setting based on character history and past experience with place, people, objects; internal character frame of mind and the emotions they bring with them into the scene; and external pressures or lack thereof.

C. Tracy Shaw – From Idea to Print: What Happens After Your Submission Gets Noticed

A closer look at how books are born, from book dummy query letter to the final product on the shelf. Tracy will take you through each step along the way, what you’re involved in as well as what you’re not, and what to do after the ink has dried.

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