Workshops

Super Children’s Book Boot Camp 2017 | July 20 – July 23, 2017

Finish your picture book and get it ready for submission!

Designed for authors and illustrators with a picture book project in progress, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to polish, finish, and present your manuscript to top publishing professionals. You’ll work with established children’s book authors and illustrators to get your project ready to present to a senior editor and a senior art director from two major publishing houses. You’ll also meet with a top literary agent interested in discovering new talent.

The workshop will be limited to 20 participants, with acceptance based on the viability of your book project. A maximum of 200 words from your manuscript and/or three illustration samples must accompany your application. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and finish that dream project, this workshop offers direct input from a faculty dedicated to helping you get your picture book published.

Preliminary schedule:
Day 1
Afternoon
An optional tour of Highlights for Children and Boyds Mills Press.
Arrival and check-in.

Evening
Appetizers & welcome reception: faculty & campers meet.
Dinner.
After dinner: Dessert & pitches – introductions of campers and their projects in three-minute presentations.
Campers meet briefly with their workshop leader and group for introductions, guidelines, Q&A.

Day 2
Morning
Breakfast.
Campers meet with assigned group to workshop projects.

Afternoon
Lunch.
Individual meetings between campers and faculty begin.
General group: independent work time.

Evening
Appetizers with publishing guests.
Dinner.
After dinner: dessert with Q&A. Faculty will answer questions about the day’s critiques, pitches and revisions.
Independent work time

Day 3
Morning
Breakfast.
Publishing guest panel: introductions, what they look for, current projects, Q&A.
General group: Practice pitches/troubleshooting. Campers: five minutes each to perfect pitch; describe projects, possible edits, get group feedback.
Pitch sessions begin. Present to publishers.

Afternoon
Lunch.
Pitch sessions continue.
Four sessions: faculty presentations.

Evening
Appetizers & dinner.
After dinner: Cirque du Fleming activity (optional, but fun!)

Day 4
Morning
Breakfast.
Publishing guest panel for general or specific pitch questions.
Game plans: campers discuss next steps for their projects (5 min. each).
Faculty closing remarks.

Afterroon
Lunch and farewell.

Faculty blog posts:
Guest Post: Dylan Teut–Denise, Ducks, and Getting Dressed: An Interview with Denise Fleming
Faculty Interview: Pat Cummings
Faculty Spotlight: Take a Tour of Denise Fleming’s Studio

Faculty & Special Guests

Denise Fleming

Pat Cummings

Paul Zelinsky

Rowboat Watkins

Alison Green Myers

Cecilia Yung

Erica Rand Silverman

Ken Geist

"It was great to hear from people who have, collectively, over 100 years (and 100 books) in the industry. Their insight was valuable."—2016 attendee

"The faculty were all terrific. Each contributed something personal and distinctive to the critique process."—2016 attendee

"Instructors gave priceless, descriptive, and corrective feedback. I loved every minute!"—2014 attendee