October 14 @ 7:00 pm - October 16 @ 7:00 pm
Online
$59Overview
A Two-Night Mini Online Course
Children’s publishing is always changing, and often responding to change in the wider world. From understanding agents’ & editors’ wishlists to adjusting to trends and industry preferences, how can writers and illustrators understand new trends and opportunities? And how do societal changes like book banning and AI affect publishing? In this comprehensive but digestible workshop, Editor Harold Underdown will guide you through the different kinds of change in the publishing world, and help you best position yourself to respond to them.
This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short course of two, 75-minute sessions offering limited interaction with the community, but loads of information about the changing kid lit publishing landscape.
- Tuesday, October 14, 2025 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
- Thursday, October 16, 2025 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
- Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat
- Recordings available until November 30, 2025
Why This Workshop?
Join editor Harold Underdown as he offers valuable insight and guidance for children’s book writers and illustrators as they navigate change in the publishing industry. Key topics covered during the program will include:
- Trends in acquisition preferences, such as picture book biographies and romantasy;
- The impact of societal and technological changes on the way books are acquired and received;
- Telling fads, trends, and market shifts apart—and finding where the opportunities are;
- and so much more!
There will be time saved for a Q&A on both nights of the program, and resource lists that you can use to extend your learning.
Feedback Expected
- There will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You are interested in learning about current trends in publishing. This mini course is filled with information and resources.
- You’re just starting to write for children, or have been in the industry for a while. All creators need to stay in the know about changes in the business of publishing.
- You’re looking for something short, sweet, and smart! This is not a full workshop; these are short sessions meant to engage and build an understanding of publishing trends..
- You are considering A CRASH COURSE IN CHILDREN’S BOOK PUBLISHING and would like a taste of Harold’s teaching style.
Tentative Agenda
At registration: You will receive a Zoom link to use each night of the course. IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND LIVE: If you are unable to attend either session for any reason, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through November 30, 2025.
- Please note that if you cannot attend live but you’d like to receive recording links by email, you must register for this course. Recordings are not sold separately; they are only available to those who register.
- Please also note that if you register for the course after the start of the first session, you will not receive recordings immediately. You’ll receive both recordings after the close of the last session, usually within 24 hours.
Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail. All Times are Eastern Time.
Part 1: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)
- Introduction: A short, lively history of trends and market shifts in children’s and YA publishing
- Understanding trends and opportunities
- Fads, trends and market shifts – how do you tell them apart?
- Graphic novels as a case study of a market shift
Q&A with Harold
*Please note that the question portion of this program may run until 8:30pm Eastern. If you need to leave promptly at 8:15pm Eastern, the remaining time will be included in your recording of the program.
Part 2: Thursday, October 16, 2025 (7pm-8:15pm EST)
- Finding opportunities in “true” trends and market shifts
- The psychology of the acquiring editor or agent: how they respond to what’s going on in our society/culture
- Large-scale changes affecting children’s publishing and how they affect you.
- Diversity initiatives
- Book bans
- Artificial Intelligence and other technological change
Q&A with Harold
Handouts with carefully curated links and resources for continued learning will be sent to participants.
*Please note that the question portion of this program may run until 8:30pm Eastern. If you need to leave promptly at 8:15pm Eastern, the remaining time will be included in your recording of the program.
How It Impacts Kids
Understanding the business of publishing is a key step in the creative process that allows you to not only be responsive in the stories you create, but also to be in the best position to navigate the business side of kidlit.
Testimonials from Our Community
“Harold was very knowledgeable and very easy to listen to. I appreciated getting instruction from someone with an editing background.”
“I was so impressed by Harold’s knowledge of the industry and his experiences. His stories, advice, and knowledge provided so much insight and information.”
“I knew I could not attend in person but I signed up because you offered the recording. Having that option was invaluable.”
