Whale Rock Workshops

Publishers are always looking for great non-fiction middle grade book proposals.

Have you contemplated writing a children’s non-fiction book but are unsure of where to start? Or maybe you have a book idea and want to know how to make your pitch stand out to an editor. Perhaps you already write non-fiction, but you're stuck on an idea or looking for more industry insight.

In this four-week workshop, we’ll explore what goes into making an outstanding children’s non-fiction book. Each class will include mentor texts, breakout room workshops, and a 30-minute Q&A discussion, where participants can get direct feedback from Katie, an acquiring editor, on their non-fiction book ideas.

WEEK 1: The idea. We’ll look at where non-fiction book ideas come from, how to turn a good idea into a great book, and how to find a unique way into your topic (e.g., approach, structure, form).

WEEK 2: The proposal. We’ll cover how to write a standout proposal, how to craft a compelling hook, and what editors are currently looking for (what’s hot and what’s not!).

WEEK 3: Research, writing, and editing. We’ll explore the research process, writing tips to strengthen your craft, and the author-editor relationship.  

WEEK 4: Design and illustration. We’ll delve into book design and illustration from the author’s perspective, including how to make content visually compelling and what your role and responsibilities are in relation to the art on the page.

You will complete this workshop with:

• An understanding of where good ideas come from and how to turn them into great books.
• Strategies for finding an original way into your topic.
• Tools for making your proposal stand out to an editor.
• Insight into how to apply craft to create a strong non-fiction manuscript.

This workshop is for you if:

• You are an experienced author who wants to break into the non-fiction market to diversify your portfolio and skill set.
• You are a published non-fiction author looking to sell your next book idea.
• You're not yet published, but you are want learn more about and write non-fiction for young readers.
• You are looking for insider knowledge about the non-fiction children’s book market today and what editors are looking for.
• You’re looking for constructive feedback from a publishing professional.

Note: It is not necessary to come to the workshop with an existing book idea.