Behind the Scenes of The Publishing Process
Oct 24, 2026
Online event
What really happens inside a publishing house after a manuscript arrives—and what determines whether it becomes a book?
Behind The Scenes of The Publishing Process
Drawing on real examples from Picnic Heist Publishing, publisher Janet Bruins takes attendees behind the scenes of the entire publishing process, from acquisitions and manuscript development through illustration, design, printing, distribution, marketing, and sales.
Attendees will learn how acquisition decisions differ between large publishing houses and independent presses, including the roles of mission alignment, comparable-title analysis, projected P&L, production costs, institutional buyers, and seasonal capacity. The presentation also explores what a publisher’s existing list reveals about what it may be seeking, why libraries and schools are especially important to the picture-book market, and how back matter and other value-added elements can strengthen a book’s commercial and educational potential.
Throughout the session, Janet emphasizes that publishers and acquiring editors are human beings making difficult decisions within real creative, financial, and operational constraints. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how publishers evaluate projects, why strong manuscripts are sometimes declined, and how authors and illustrators can approach submissions as informed and effective creative partners.
Event Details
- When: Saturday October 24th, 2026
- Time: 10:00am - 11:00 am EST
- Where: On Zoom (Link provided after registration and prior to workshop. Also available in the events page on your SCBWI profile.)
- Member Price: $25.00
- Registration closes Friday, 12noon October 23rd, 2026.
Meet Janet Bruins
Bio
Janet Bruins is the founder and publisher of Picnic Heist Publishing, an independent children’s press creating thoughtfully crafted picture books that celebrate cultural heritage, curiosity, kindness, and connection. Before entering publishing, Janet built a multidisciplinary career spanning engineering, corporate finance, and international development. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering and an MBA, and spent nearly 15 years working as a professional engineer in the nuclear industry before moving into corporate finance. Janet brings this analytical, research-driven perspective to developing nonfiction picture books. She works closely with authors, illustrators, editors, subject-matter experts, and organizations to strengthen each title’s accuracy, visual storytelling, back matter, and market potential. She is also the author of Expecting It All, a nonfiction book for new mothers. Through her workshops, Janet gives writers a practical, behind-the-scenes look at how publishers evaluate and develop manuscripts—and how authors can strengthen their work before submission.
Refund Policy
SCBWI is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. SCBWI Regions are managed by unpaid volunteers. Region funds support programs that benefit SCBWI members.
As part of the event planning process, Regional Advisors must sign contracts with venues, speakers, critiquers, vendors, and others who will be providing services during a regional activity. Registration fees collected for an event must cover the cost of these contracts; therefore, refunds are the exception rather than the rule. In the rare case a refund is granted, it will always be less any credit card processing fees and any other processing expenses. Because fees paid to professionals for manuscript critiques, portfolio reviews, intensive programming, mentorships, pitch evaluations, and other exclusive offerings are contracted in advance, these fees cannot be refunded.