Live Workshop · May 4th

What's Holding Your Picture Book Manuscript Back?

An open dialogue with a top children's book editor — bring your questions, your story ideas, and find out exactly what's keeping your manuscript from catching an editor's eye.

Monday, May 4th, 2025

11:00am CT / Noon Eastern

Live Zoom Workshop

Join This Workshop — $47 Join Kidlit Academy — $39/mo

Kidlit Academy membership includes this workshop + all future events

Frances Gilbert

Brooke

Live Workshop · May 4th

Editor in Chief · Doubleday BFYR

Frances Gilbert — Photo credit: Alixandra Mullins

Your Host

Meet Frances Gilbert

Editor in Chief, Doubleday Books for Young Readers · Random House Children's Books

Frances Gilbert is one of the most respected editorial voices in children's publishing. As Editor in Chief of Doubleday Books for Young Readers — an imprint of Random House Children's Books — she's seen tens of thousands of submissions and knows in the first few pages exactly what a manuscript is missing.

Beyond editing, Frances is also a published children's book author. That dual perspective means she understands the creative process from the inside, and the editorial standards from the outside. This makes her insights uniquely valuable for writers at every stage.

Her books include:

Can You Hug a Forest? Go, Girls, Go! Too Much Slime! I Will Always Be Your Bunny I Love Pink! I Love My Tutu! I Love Cake! I Love My Teacher!

What We're Covering

An honest look at what's really stopping your story

This is an open-forum, Q&A-style event — bring your actual questions and story ideas. Frances will share what she sees from an editor's perspective, including the most common reasons manuscripts don't make it past the first read.

First-Draft Mistakes That Cost You

Why a weekend draft isn't ready to submit — and what it actually takes to write something that catches an editor's eye before you ever hit send.

Common Reasons Manuscripts Get Passed On

Frances will share the real reasons she's declined manuscripts — the patterns that appear over and over that writers often don't know are dealbreakers.

What Works vs. What Just Feels Like It Should

Bring a concept or a line and get honest feedback. There's a real difference between a story that excites and one that feels right in your head but doesn't land on the page.

Live Q&A — Your Questions, Answered

This isn't a lecture — it's a conversation. Come with your specific questions about your work-in-progress and get direct answers from someone who acquires books for a living.

Reserve Your Spot

Two ways to join us

Grab a single-event pass, or unlock the full Kidlit Academy experience at a lower monthly rate — and get everything that comes with it.

Workshop Only

^$47

One-time access to this event

Live workshop with Frances Gilbert
Open Q&A forum — bring your questions
Live Zoom access on May 4th

Join This Workshop — $47

Kidlit Academy Social Membership

^$39

per month — cancel anytime

This workshop included — May 4th with Frances
2 Live Office Hours with Brooke each month
Bonus Live Workshops with industry leaders
30-Day Replay Access to all recordings
Peer Critiques + Private Facebook Community
Bonus Tools: Kidlit Market Analyzer + Kidlit Insider publisher & agency list

Join Kidlit Academy — $39/mo

What Members Are Saying

Writers who showed up and grew

"I am so grateful for you and your guidance through this journey. I cannot think of a better way to learn the industry and wade into the publishing reality."

— Carin Johnson

"Journey to Kidlit gave me the confidence I needed! It has helped, not only in writing a good book, but in how I should publish and present it to the public."

— Diane Pleasant

"Your wealth of knowledge and experiences is unmatched by any of the instructors I've tried to work with throughout the years!"

— Roseann Schwartz

Questions

Everything you need to know

What is this workshop exactly?

It's a live Zoom session on May 4th at 11am CT with Frances Gilbert, Editor in Chief of Doubleday Books for Young Readers. You'll get honest, direct feedback on what commonly holds picture book manuscripts back — and you can bring your own questions and story ideas for an open Q&A.

What's the difference between the $47 and $39 options?

The $47 option is a one-time pass for this single workshop. The $39/month Kidlit Academy Social Membership includes this workshop AND everything else: 2 monthly office hours with Brooke, bonus industry workshops, 30-day replays, peer critiques, a private community, and bonus tools. It's actually a lower price for significantly more access.

Will there be a replay if I can't attend live?

Replays are available for Kidlit Academy Social Members for 30 days after the event. If you purchase the $47 single-event ticket, please plan to attend live to get the most out of the experience.

What is the Kidlit Academy Social Membership?

It's your ongoing connection to the kidlit community and publishing industry. Each month you get live office hours with Brooke, bonus industry guest workshops, peer critiques, access to a private Facebook group, and bonus tools like the Kidlit Market Analyzer and Kidlit Insider publisher and agency list. You can cancel anytime.

Can I bring my actual manuscript to the session?

Yes — this is an open dialogue. Come with your specific questions, your story ideas, or even a line or concept you're working on. The more specific your question, the more useful the feedback will be.