Plot Consultant

picture book

****NOTE: During this challenging time we face together, I’m offering free access to this video series

Do you have a terrific idea for a picture book for children? Learn how to plot and write and ultimately submit the picture book in your imagination TODAY! From the comfort of your own home, tailored to your own individual schedule and at a pace that best facilitates your learning, learn How To Write and Sell a Picture Book. 

 
Plot Whisperer Martha Alderson teams up with Literary Agent Jill Corcoran (although Jill has since left agenting, her insight into publishing continues to be invaluable) to guide you through all the necessary steps how to develop your concept, characters, plot, page-turns, etc AND learn how to write your query and submit your work to agents and editors.  

 

Picture Books Have their Own Special Requirements 

How to Write and Sell a Picture Book on-line video course demonstrates all the elements and features unique to writing and submitting a picture book. In each of 7 videos of direct instruction, you’re provided with exercises designed to help you integrate each of the concepts covered into your own personal picture book. 
 
  • Watch all the videos first and then go back and follow along by doing the exercises

OR

  • Immediately begin integrating what you’re learning

Program Description

picture booksHow To Write and Sell a Picture Book consists of 7 videos with over 4.5 hours of step-by-step instruction and exercises plus an agent’s insider tips how to create and then sell picture books that agents, editors and readers will love. The program begins with a focus primarily on the character and action and story design and concept before moving to the page and finally the word levels. Each video guides you sequentially through each step in how to plot a picture book and create a compelling story with a plot from beginning to end. All of the exercises teach how to plot and turn inspiration into a story. 
 
Your stories and your writing will never be the same!

 

INTRODUCTION

Video #1 = INTRODUCTION 
JILL:

  • Different kinds of PB 
  • Art and Illustration
  • Our focus here

MARTHA:

  • Character and action-driven pictures with examples of each
    • Balloons over Broadway (action only)
    • Tea Party Rules (character & action)


OVERALL STORY LEVEL

Video #2: HOW TO CHOOSE a PB TO WRITE
JILL:

• Let the CONCEPT be Your Guide

MARTHA:

  • Commit
  • Beginning, Middle, End
  • Parameters of each
  • Character Traits


PLOT AND DESIGN LEVEL

Video #3: ENERGETIC MARKERS
JILL:

  • Common concept problems
  • Rhyming in PB

MARTHA:

  • Introduce Plot Planner
  • Major turning points in every great Picture Book
  • How to arrange the turning points into a plot

 

Video #4: TAKE-AWAY, PITCH, PLOT & TRANSFORMATION
JILL:

  • Review
  • Take-away / concept

MARTHA:

  • Layers of Plot
  • Character Transformational Summary


SCENE LEVEL

Video #5: BEGIN WRITING
MARTHA:

  • Review
  • Definition of Antagonist
  • Antagonist’s Climax

JILL:

  • Voice

MARTHA:

  • Character Goals / Motivation 
  • Begin Writing


WORD LEVEL

Video #6: REVISION + THEME
JILL:

  • Review
  • How to Revise: All about logic
  • Every word perfect, active verbs, age appropriate, length

MARTHA:

  • Elements of Theme 
  •  Test your turning points
  • Rewrite your PB


NOW WHAT?

Video #7: HOW TO SUBMIT
JILL:

  • How and Who to Submit to

MARTHA:

  • Wrap-up

****For FREE access to the video program, click HERE