PICTURE BOOK ACADEMY
A New Insider Series · Picture Book Author Academy
with Frances Gilbert
EPISODE #1
An in-depth recorded conversation you don't want to miss!
$12
EARLY BIRD - 72 HOURS ONLY
REGULAR PRICE: $19
* Disclaimer: This event is intended as an educational conversation offering behind-the-scenes insight into the picture book publishing process. It does not include a submission opportunity, and registration for or viewing of the event should not be interpreted as an invitation to submit manuscripts to Frances Gilbert.
ROSIE J. POVA
Award-Winning Picture Book Author
Early Bird Price Available Until...
EARLY BIRD PRICE HAS EXPIRED!
What if you could sit in on a real conversation with a Big-5 picture book editor and get the inside scoop beyond just a wishlist?
That's exactly what this session delivers.
This is a recorded, in-depth interview with Frances Gilbert, where we go beyond general advice and into the real editorial mindset behind picture book acquisitions at a major trade publisher.
The conversation is shaped by questions submitted in advance by writers in the field — so you're hearing exactly what working authors want to know most.
This is the kind of candid industry conversation you typically only access inside closed professional rooms — conferences, editorial intensives, private circles. We're opening that door.
In this session you'll hear:
What Frances is actively acquiring right now
What she's tired of seeing in submissions
What actually gets her attention
Real questions from working writers answered candidly
The Big 5 editorial mindset, unfiltered
Instant access, watch on your own schedule
FEATURED GUEST: FRANCES GILBERT
FRANCES GILBERT is the Editor-In-Chief of Doubleday Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books.
In addition to being an editor, she is also a children’s book author. Her books include Can You Hug a Forest?, Go, Girls, Go!, I’m Dreaming of a Pink Christmas, I Will Always Be Your Bunny, and a number of Step Into Reading easy readers.
Follow her on Instagram at @picturebookwriters, where she posts about picture book writing tips and best practices. She can also be found on Reedsy for freelance picture book editing.
“It was such fun chatting with you, Rosie. Thank you for your very interesting questions.”
- Frances Gilbert
What you'll hear:
The current picture book landscape
The qualities that capture an editor's attention and make a project feel worth pursuing.
Why strong manuscripts still get passed on
The subtle factors that can keep an otherwise promising manuscript from moving forward.
The path from manuscirpts to publication
A behind-the-scenes look at what happens after an editor falls in love with a project and the many steps involved in bringing a book to readers.
The Big 5 editorial mindset
A rare inside look at how acquisition decisions are made at a major trade publisher—from someone in the room.
You questions, answered
Thoughtful questions submitted by picture book creators—covering the topics they most want to understand about publishing and the editorial process.
Backstage access on your schedule
An insightful discussion designed to help you reflect on your own work, strengthen your manuscripts, and approach publishing with a clearer perspective.
An inside look at the decisions, perspectives, and insights that shape today's picture books.
$12
$19
* This event is intended as an educational conversation offering behind-the-scenes insight into the picture book publishing process. It does not include a submission opportunity, and registration for or viewing of the event should not be interpreted as an invitation to submit manuscripts to Frances Gilbert.
IS THIS FOR YOU
✅ This is for you if...
You're a picture book writer or illustrator pursuing traditional publishing
You want to know what Big 5 editors are genuinely looking for right now
You're revising a manuscript and want a clearer sense of the editorial bar
You've been submitting and want to understand the editorial perspective more deeply
You want insider access without a $500 conference price tag
❌ This is not for you if...
❌ You're exclusively focused on self-publishing
❌ You're looking for a step-by-step writing course
❌ You want surface-level "tips" rather than a real editorial conversation
❌ You're not yet serious about traditional publishing
WHAT OUR ATTENDEES SAY
" I have learned so much from these interviews you have hosted. You are such a gift to the writing community. "
Workshop Registrant
As always, your programs have timely topics and excellent presenters. Well done!
Workshop Registrant
I can say, with 100% confidence, it was the most helpful agent workshop I have attended. Thank you!"
Workshop Registrant
I have learned so much from these interviews you have hosted. You are such a gift to the writing community.
As always, your programs have timely topics and excellent presenters. Well done!
I can say, with 100% confidence, it was the most helpful agent workshop I have attended. Thank you!"
Workshop Registrant
Workshop Registrant
Workshop Registrant
An inside look at the decisions, perspectives, and insights that shape today's picture books.
A must-see conversation! Get access with the early bird registration for only $12.
$12
EARLY BIRD - 72 HOURS ONLY
REGULAR PRICE: $19
*Disclaimer: This event is intended as an educational conversation offering behind-the-scenes insight into the picture book publishing process. It does not include a submission opportunity, and registration for or viewing of the event should not be interpreted as an invitation to submit manuscripts to Frances Gilbert.