Picture Book Critique Group
January 15 - March 5, 2025
Wednesdays, 8 weeks, 7-8:30pm
Instructor: Beth Bacon
Have you been working on a picture book and are searching for a way to take it to the next level? This collaborative workshop provides an opportunity for picture book illustrators and/or writers to turn their ideas into reality through peer feedback and guided discussion. Each week, participants share their works-in-progress, offer suggestions and constructive dialogue with a focus on making each picture book manuscript the best it can be. We will discuss key elements of a successful picture book, including character development, pacing, structure, language, and illustration techniques. In each workshop, you will gain new insights, a clearer understanding of your story's strengths and practical advice to move forward. Join a trusted peer group that provides accountability so you can finally make your ideas real!
This 8-week class offers an interactive environment for picture book artists and authors to develop their manuscripts and storyboards through peer feedback, guided critiques, and class discussions. Each participant will bring in a manuscript they are working on, and classmates will read and offer constructive feedback on each other’s work. In addition to critiques, we will review one or more published picture books each week to hone our understanding of that week’s theme. The goal is for each participant to refine their manuscript by the end of the course to get it as close to publication-ready as possible.
Prerequisites: None. Open to writers of all levels.
Supplies: Students bring their own Laptop/tablet or writing/sketching paper, pencil/pen, illustration supplies. Illustrators may want to download Procreate or Fresco illustration apps for their tablet, or can just bring sketch paper.
Course Objectives:
By the end of the course, participants will:
Have refined their picture book manuscript and storyboard with peer and instructor feedback.
Understand the fundamentals of picture book structure, page turns, illustration techniques, and story pacing.
Cultivate a supportive community of writers with a shared interest in picture books.
See Syllabus below for plan for each week
$35 Members | $50 Non-Members
If you must cancel, please email (info@stlouisartistsguild.org) or call STLAG. A refund will be given only if cancellation occurs seven days prior to the first day of class. No exceptions. Refunds will be processed minus a $25 withdrawal fee per course registration.
St. Louis Artists Guild is committed to providing educational experiences to as many people as possible. We are pleased to offer sliding-scale scholarships to make classes and workshops more accessible to our community, adults & children. If you are interested in scholarship information please contact Kathryn Nahorski, Membership and Development Director, at knahorski@stlouisartistsguild.org