Editing and Submitting Your Picture Books

Create a polished version of your picture book manuscript and learn how to submit it in a way that gives you the best chance of getting published.

Learn how to create the best version of your picture book manuscript through a process of self-editing and road testing. It will also guide you through the submissions process, showing you how to confidently format your story to industry standard and what steps to follow when submitting to publishers.

If you’re starting out or emerging in the picture book genre and would like some solid guidelines on how to edit and format your manuscript for publishers, this course is for you. It follows on from Aleesah Darlison’s informative introductory course, Getting Started with Picture Books, and builds on the knowledge imparted in that course.

Writing picture books is a rewarding and fascinating pursuit. After all, picture books are multi-layered works of art representing the perfect marriage between text and illustrations that combine seamlessly to express multiple narratives, and which should withstand multiple readings. Once you’ve got a picture book draft, it’s time to get out your eagle eyes and fine-tooth combs to take your story to the next level – submission standard!

You’ll also learn the best ways to test your work, how to format your manuscript to a professional standard, and how to find suitable Australian publishers for your work.

For more information, see our FAQ below.
Course level: Aspiring
Writing NSW members receive a $20 discount. Contact Writing NSW for your discount code. Not a member? Join here.


Your Instructor


Aleesah Darlison
Aleesah Darlison
Aleesah Darlison is an internationally published, award-winning author. She has written over 50 books for children including picture books, chapter books, novels and series. She has won or been shortlisted for numerous awards including the Environment Award for Children’s Literature, the CBCA Eve Pownall Award and the Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards. Visit aleesahdarlison.com.



Course Curriculum


  Welcome
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  Module 1: Self-Editing Part A - Creative Elements
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  Module 2: Self-Editing Part B - Technical Elements
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 7 days and we will give you a full refund.
What level of writer is this course aimed at?
This is course is for aspiring and emerging picture book writers. This means writers who are just starting to find their feet in the writing world, haven’t yet developed a steady practice, and haven't taken picture book writing courses before, as well as writers who have formed a writing practice, had some writing published and may be actively involved in the writing community.

Get started now!