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Page Turn Guide

Do you dream of writing a children's book?

You have one (or a million!) story ideas that continue to pester you. You think, "Someday I'll write this."

Maybe someday is today.

What We Offer

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Courses

A full library of writing and illustration courses. Everything you need to know at your fingertips.

Membership

The perfect combination of knowledge and feedback to get your story out of your head and into a bookstore.

Coaching

Take your storytelling to the next level with direct coaching from an industry professional.

All the courses. In your time. On your terms.


With Makers Self-Study, you have access to our courses
24/7 for the duration of your membership.

Your Story Coaches

Published professionals help you achieve your creative goals

Arree Chung

Award-winning author/illustrator of Mixed and the founder of Storyteller Academy.

Jim Averbeck

Author/illustrator. His first book, In a Blue Room, was a Charlotte Zolotow Honor book.

Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Illustrator of around 90 children's books who is dedicated to including children of all ethnic backgrounds in her stories and artwork.

Julie Downing

Award-winning author/illustrator noted for her jewel-like illustrations. She has illustrated over 50 picture books.

Laurie Keller

Award-winning author/illustrator of 2017 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for We Are Growing and many picture books.

FEATURED

How to Write Children's Books in 7 Steps

Everything from idea generation to publication, we'll tackle all your questions and help you take that first daring step toward your creative dream.
FEATURED

How to Publish a Children's Book

The big question everyone is asking . . . once you've got your story written, how do you get it published?

Learn about your publishing options, how to get started, and the mistakes to avoid.

Member Success Stories

Every student follows his/her own path to writing a children's book. Explore their journeys to success.

Nadia Salomon
Author, Goodnight Ganesha
READ STORY

Todd Sturgell
Author/Illustrator, Except Antartica
READ STORY

Laurie Elmquist
Author, City Baby
READ STORY

Katy Tanis
Illustrator, I Am The Jungle
READ STORY

Lily LaMotte
Author, Measuring Up
READ STORY

Charlotte Watson Sherman
Author/Illustrator, Brown Sugar Babe
READ STORY

Member Success Stories

Every student follows his/her own path to "Yes!" Explore their journeys to success.

Lily LaMotte

Author, Measuring Up

READ STORY

Charlotte Watson Sherman

Author, Brown Sugar Babe

READ STORY

Laurie Elmquist

Author, City Baby

READ STORY

Katy Tanis

Illustrator, I Am The Jungle

READ STORY

Nadia Salomon

Author, Goodnight Ganesha

READ STORY

Todd Sturgell

Author/Illustrator, Except Antartica

READ STORY

Latest Videos

Everyone has a story to tell.

Create your picture book with this free guide.

Sign up now and get your guide.

Create your picture book with this free guide.

"Storyteller Academy has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams even when I thought they were impossible. Also, my critique group is an amazing rag-tag group of authors/ illustrators that I adore.”

Tracy Ramey

Author

“Thanks to Storyteller Academy, a group of really nice people with differing backgrounds but similar heartfelt aspirations meets twice a month to share stories. Using principles of Storyteller courses, our writing is progressing and we appreciate belonging to Storyteller Academy!”

Cindy Leopold-Ritsko
Author/Illustrator

“I am very privileged to have worked with amazing authors for my illustrative projects. Doing Storyteller academy has been my highlight – learning a lot from all the classes and fellow friends here who have the same struggles and joy as me.”

 Lisa Wee
Author/Illustrator

"Storyteller Academy has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams even when I thought they were impossible. Also, my critique group is an amazing rag-tag group of authors/ illustrators that I adore.”

Tracy Ramey
Author

“Thanks to Storyteller Academy, a group of really nice people with differing backgrounds but similar heartfelt aspirations meets twice a month to share stories. Using principles of Storyteller courses, our writing is progressing and we appreciate belonging to Storyteller Academy!”

Cindy Leopold-Ritsko
Author/Illustrator

“I am very privileged to have worked with amazing authors for my illustrative projects. Doing Storyteller academy has been my highlight – learning a lot from all the classes and fellow friends here who have the same struggles and joy as me.”

 Lisa Wee
Author/Illustrator

free guideS

Storytelling Guide for Picture Books

If you have story ideas and want to learn how to make a picture book, click below!

Free Guide: How to Draw and Invent

Learn how to draw and invent out of your imagination. This step-by-step guide makes drawing simple, easy and fun.

Submission Ready?

Get Ariel's and Melissa's (editors at Chronicle Books) submission checklist so that you can query with confidence!
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Makers Self-Study Membership

Your membership rate will return to the standard $30/m starting in month two.

Your membership rate will return to the standard $300/y starting in year two.

Makers Pro Membership

Your membership rate will return to the standard $85/m starting in month two.

Your membership rate will return to the standard $850/y starting in year two.