PICTURE BOOK ACADEMY
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Picture Book Author Academy
A New Insider Series · EPISODE 2
with Taylor Norman
EPISODE #2
An in-depth recorded conversation you don't want to miss!
$49
Use code GREEN10 for $10 off
* 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...
"Rosie, that was so fun. I am really honored to have been asked all your thoughtful, insightful, thought-provoking questions. You have a wonderful presence and it was excellent to be with you."
- Taylor Norman
★ Exclusive — Registered Attendees Only
An Exclusive Manuscript Submission Opportunity
As part of this event, all registered attendees will have the opportunity to submit one picture book manuscript directly to Taylor Norman for consideration.
Submission guidelines, Taylor's current wishlist, and all submission details will be shared when the event launches. Registration secures your place and your submission slot.
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
★ ABOUT THIS SESSION
What if you could sit in on a real conversation with an esteemed 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 Taylor Norman, where we go beyond general advice and into the real editorial mindset behind picture book acquisitions at a prestigious publishing house.
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.
WHAT YOU'LL HEAR:
The current picture book landscape
Explore the stories and themes that excite Taylor most right now, how the market has evolved in recent years, and what she believes the future holds for picture books.
What captures an editor's attention
Inside an editor's decision making
Gain a rare firsthand look at how an editor evaluates submissions, champions projects internally, and decides which stories are the right fit for her list.
Behind-the-scenes access, on your schedule
Enjoy an insightful conversation you can watch at your convenience—one designed to strengthen your craft, deepen your understanding of the publishing process, and help you approach your own work with greater clarity and confidence.
Why strong manuscripts still get passed on
Learn about the common reasons promising manuscripts are declined—and the subtle factors beyond strong writing that influence editorial decisions.
From manuscript to bookshelf
Step behind the scenes of the editorial process as Taylor walks through what happens after a manuscript is acquired and how editors, authors, illustrators, and art directors work together to bring a picture book to life.
The questions every picture book writer wants answered
Step behind the scenes of the editorial process as Taylor walks through what happens after a manuscript is acquired and how editors, authors, illustrators, and art directors work together to bring a picture book to life.
What you'll hear:
★ Featured Guest
TAYLOR NORMAN
Taylor Norman is the editorial director of Neal Porter Books. She publishes picture
books, chapter books, middle grade novels, and graphic novels. Taylor aims to make books that are highly attentive and without condescension to the kid reader, books that are classic in feel and groundbreaking in approach, timeless and important, from perspectives unexplored or undervalued. She devotes her energy to helping her creators make each book the best possible version of itself, and cares deeply about publishing books that are welcoming and friendly to as many types of kids as possible, in hopes of making it easy for any child to consider herself a reader—no matter how often, when, or why she chooses to pick up a book.
Taylor is especially proud to have edited The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers (Newbery Medal); Have You Ever Seen a Flower? by Shawn Harris (Caldecott Honor); The Other Half of Happy by Rebecca Balcárcel (Pura Belpré Honor); The Great Frog (Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor) and the Lowriders graphic novel series by Cathy Camper and Raúl the Third (Pura Belpré Medal). Taylor was the 2024 Publishers Weekly Star Watch Superstar.
★ Your Host
ROSIE J. POVA
Award-Winning Picture Book Author & Founder, Picture Book Author Academy
Rosie J. Pova is an award-winning children's book author whose work has been featured by The New York Times and Parents Magazine. As founder of the Picture Book Author Academy, she helps aspiring writers strengthen their craft, avoid common pitfalls, and develop submission-ready picture books.
She regularly hosts literary agents, editors, and publishing professionals — giving the kidlit community direct access to insider knowledge, current market insight, and exclusive opportunities like this one.
An inside look at the decisions, perspectives, and insights that shape today's picture books.
$12
* 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.
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
"Just watched your conversation with editor Frances Gilbert, and it was superb. Your questions were excellent and her answers were so giving and helpful. Thank you for creating this event and for all the work you do to support the kidlit community."
- Donna r.
"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
"Just watched your conversation with editor Frances Gilbert, and it was superb. Your questions were excellent and her answers were so giving and helpful. Thank you for creating this event and for all the work you do to support the kidlit community."
- Donna r.
"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
IS THIS FOR YOU
✅ This is for you if...
You're a picture book writer or illustrator pursuing traditional publishing
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
An inside look at the editorial decisions that shape today's picture books — plus a direct submission opportunity.
Register now for access to the full interview and your exclusive opportunity to submit one manuscript directly to Taylor Norman.
$49
REGISTRATION PRICE
🎟 Use code GREEN10 for $10 off — expires in 3 days
*Disclaimer: Submission Opportunity Note: All registered attendees will receive submission guidelines, Taylor Norman's current wishlist, and full submission details when the event launches. Submission is included with registration at no extra cost. Submission does not guarantee publication or a response, and is subject to the editor's discretion and current acquisitions needs.