The Power of Two: Direct Collaborations Between Authors and Illustrators with Editor, Adam Blackman
Jul 26, 2026
Online event
We all know about the power of three. But when it comes to picture books, it takes two: text and art! The industry standard is that authors and illustrators work separately. Join us as acquiring editor for Cardinal Rule Press, Adam Blackman, discusses notable exceptions to this standard and explores how closer collaboration between authors and illustrators can lead to work that is more than the sum of its parts.
About Adam:
Adam is the Acquisitions Editor for picture books for Cardinal Rule Press. A former bookstore manager and nonprofit director, Adam earned his MFA in Fiction from Sarah Lawrence College and has written for both adults and children. He also works with writers on a freelance basis to shape and shine their stories. An active member of Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) and regular presenter at writing conferences, Adam lives in a hutch in Brooklyn, NY with his tween son and seriously adolescent bunny.
Critiques available!
A limited number of picture book critiques are available from Adam for an additional fee. A written critique is $100 and for an additional $25 you can have a 20 minute zoom chat with Adam. To sign up for a critique please email the Nevada Regional Advisor at [email protected]. It will be noted here when all critiques are sold out.