PICTURE BOOK ACADEMY
Picture Book Author Academy
A New Insider Series · EPISODE 3
with Emily Feinberg
EPISODE #3
A must-watched conversation about what makes a picture book manuscript stand out—and what editors really look for.
$49
*Registration is Non-Refundable
* 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
Use Code
GREENROOM10
for $10 off
— expires in:
CODE EXPIRED!
Early Bird Price Available Until...
"“Remember that everyone is human and that publishing goes in waves.”"
- Emily Feinberg
★ 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 Emily Feinberg for consideration.
Submission guidelines, Emily'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 separates a “good” picture book manuscript from one an editor can’t stop thinking about?
Emily pulls back the curtain on voice, pacing, originality, market needs, and the many decisions that happen before a book reaches acquisition.
She also shares what she wishes writers understood about editors, rejection, and building a lasting career in children’s publishing.
WHAT YOU'LL HEAR:
Voice is more than "Voice"
See how pacing, restraint, rhythm, and knowing when to stop can reveal a manuscript’s editorial voice.
Freshness Matters
Discover why familiar ideas can work when they bring a surprising perspective or original thought.
Great writing isn't always enough
Learn how list needs, market gaps, art, and other factors can influence an acquisition decision.
Behind-the-scenes access, on your schedule
Hear Emily’s candid take on craft advice, over-revision, and reading published books critically.
What you'll hear:
★ Featured Guest
EMILY FEINBERG
Emily C. Feinberg is an Executive Editor at Fifth Color Press, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. She is the editor of many award-winning, acclaimed books for children including Caldecott Honor-winning Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper, Sibert Honor-winning Jumper by Jessica Lanan, Eisner-nominated Go With the Flow by Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann, and YALSA finalist White Lies: How the South Lost the Civil War, then Rewrote the History by Ann Bausum. She works on picture books, graphic novels, illustrated novels, and nonfiction. Emily earned a master’s degree from the Center for the Study of Children’s Literature at Simmons University. She teaches picture book writing and history at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, and splits her time between her apartment in Brooklyn, New York and her mother’s home in Woodstock, New York, where her dogs live.
★ 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
See your manuscript through an editor’s eyes.
Publishing decisions are rarely as simple as “I love it” or “I don’t.” Get a closer look at the layers behind acquisition—and the craft choices that can help a manuscript rise above the competition.
Whether you’re revising your first picture book or preparing to query, this conversation gives you another lens for reading, revising, and thinking about your work.
$49
*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.