This Session of the Workshop is Full
Join the waiting list:
The workshop has been filled. If you would like to enroll in future sessions of this workshop, join our waiting list by filling out the form below.
Write & Publish Children's Books with Guidance from a Publishing Expert
Get feedback on your manuscript and personal help getting your writing published, directly from John Claude Bemis.
John Claude Bemis is an expert on the world of children's book publishing. Not only does he have books published with Disney and Penguin Random House, he's an award winning teacher who loves helping writers get their work into the world.
-
Four weeks of in-depth guidance on writing a book that wins over the hearts of children and meets the needs of publishers
-
Personal feedback from John Claude Bemis on your manuscript, so you can submit it to publishers with confidence
-
Personal feedback on your query letter and synopsis, so you can win over agents and publishers
-
Full access to our private community of writers, so you can connect with your fellow students, even after the course is complete
-
Access to live office hours with John Claude Bemis and all of our instructors, even after the course is complete, so you can stay part of our community, and learn from our entire faculty of instructors
Write a Children’s Book that Can Land a Publishing Contract (Without Being Forced to Make Major Revisions)
Too many authors make simple mistakes that make traditional publication almost impossible. Fortunately, these mistakes can be avoided with the right knowledge and guidance.
After years of success getting his children’s books published (with Disney and Penguin Random House), John Claude Bemis knows how to overcome the major stumbling blocks authors face when they attempt to publish their novels.
These are not the types of things they teach in MFA programs -- but these are the things every successful writer eventually learns. (Usually, the hard way.)
John’s four week workshop includes many of his best strategies for writing books that connect with kids – but he also goes far beyond just writing your book. The course gets into the nitty-gritty details of actually getting published, so your book can get in print, in bookstores, and in the hands of your friends, family, and even strangers.
During this course, you’ll learn:
- How to think like a kid -- so your book can connect to children on a deep level
- John’s simple “story reversal” strategy for keeping readers glued to the page
- How to avoid simple mistakes that make it virtually impossible to get your book published
- What publishers expect from children’s book authors – whether you’re writing picture books, chapter books, or middle grade books
- How to choose “comp titles” that will grab the attention of publishers (and how to easily avoid choosing ones that are major red flags)
- The real-world process for landing a publishing deal with a major publisher
During this course, John will help you polish your book, and then give you personal help getting it published. By the end of this course, you’ll be armed with a polished submission packet you can use to win over agents and publishers. More importantly, you’ll know the process for getting published and you’ll have an expert ready to guide you through the process.
The course starts on January 17th, and ends on February 11th. Everything is hosted online, via our digital learning platform. The course includes weekly lessons you can complete on your own time, live office hours, and detailed feedback on your writing.
Enrollment is strictly limited to just 20 writers. (No exceptions.) If you’re thinking about enrolling, I encourage you to do so right away.
Reviews of This Course
Worth Every Minute and Dollar Spent
Lisa Kristel
Not only is John Claude Bemis a talented author and enthusiastic teacher, he also is empathetic and acknowledges the confusion and doubts that writers often face. His lectures (video and text) are filled with helpful information and charged with h...
Read MoreNot only is John Claude Bemis a talented author and enthusiastic teacher, he also is empathetic and acknowledges the confusion and doubts that writers often face. His lectures (video and text) are filled with helpful information and charged with humor—an excellent combination. I learned so much in four short weeks and enjoyed the discussion with John and the rest of the class. Highly recommended!
Read LessBest Workshop Ever
Danielle Brown
John Claude Bemis's workshop, 'Writing for Young Readers' was time and money well spent. He covered every aspect of writing for this genre. Step by step he led us through the writing process and then finished off with how to get agents, editors an...
Read MoreJohn Claude Bemis's workshop, 'Writing for Young Readers' was time and money well spent. He covered every aspect of writing for this genre. Step by step he led us through the writing process and then finished off with how to get agents, editors and publishers to look at our manuscripts. He gave plenty of examples and answered all our questions. I highly recommend this course and Mr. Bemis.
Read LessExcellent information; Caring instructor
Will Limón
I truly enjoyed John Claude Bemis's online class on “Writing for Young Readers.” His warmth and willingness to help are matched only by his knowledge of the craft and of current children's literature. The format was very user-friendly, and I espec...
Read MoreI truly enjoyed John Claude Bemis's online class on “Writing for Young Readers.” His warmth and willingness to help are matched only by his knowledge of the craft and of current children's literature. The format was very user-friendly, and I especially liked the engagement with other class members on the platform as well as the choice to complete assignments on my schedule. The text was to the point yet written in a relaxed manner, very accessible. My only critique is that I would have liked another video or two from Mr. Bemis as his enthusiasm and encouragement is most evident in that medium.
Read LessSpot on for what I needed
Virginia Bergquist
I loved this class with John because it applied to my current writing project. Rather than random assignments, John was focused on the work we were already doing and how to refine it. So many invaluable insights into the world of getting published...
Read MoreI loved this class with John because it applied to my current writing project. Rather than random assignments, John was focused on the work we were already doing and how to refine it. So many invaluable insights into the world of getting published and what it takes. I cannot say enough things about the detailed feedback he gave to my assignments. John is so generous and willing to help. Thank you for a great experience.
Read LessGreat Class
Julie Maschhoff
I learned so much from this class. John is an excellent instructor and provided much needed suggestions. I highly recommend it!
I learned so much from this class. John is an excellent instructor and provided much needed suggestions. I highly recommend it!
Read LessLoved it!
Kate Grono
I really enjoyed this course on writing for children. John was very friendly, helpful and encouraging, and clearly had a good deal of expertise. There was a broad range of information included on writing techniques and also on getting published.
I really enjoyed this course on writing for children. John was very friendly, helpful and encouraging, and clearly had a good deal of expertise. There was a broad range of information included on writing techniques and also on getting published.
Read LessWrite a Children's Book that Connects With Kids — And Meets the Needs Publishers
During this course, John Bemis will guide you through the process of writing an engaging book that meets the needs of publishers, while still honoring your vision as an author. He'll then help you polish your manuscript, and submission packet – so you can maximize your chances of landing a publishing contract.
-
Personal Feedback on 3,000 Words of Your Manuscript
-
Help Crafting Your Query Letter and Synopsis
-
Expert Guidance on Meeting the Needs of Publishers
Personal Feedback on Your Writing
In addition to the 4 weeks of in-depth lessons on the art & craft of children's books, John Bemis is offering personal feedback on student writing. He will give you detailed feedback on the 3,000 words of your manuscript, help you polish your query letter, and provide feedback on your synopsis -- so you can present your book in the best light possible to agents and publishers.
The Course is Limited to 20 Students
Because of the personal feedback John is providing, the course is strictly limited to 20 students. Once we reach that number we will close enrollment.Workshop Schedule
The course starts on Monday, January 17th and ends on Friday, February 11th. Each week, the course includes five lessons you can do on your own time, text-based discussion with John, as well as the opportunity to submit an assignment for feedback. This is in addition to the live office hour sessions, which you will get access to even after the course is complete. Everything is provided online, through the digital learning platform hosted by Thinkific.
Note that you will have a full six months from the start of the course to submit your writing for feedback. Also note that you will have access to office hours and the course material even after the course is complete.
-
Daily lessons, available to study any time on our online learning platform, hosted by Thinkific.
-
Feedback and discussion with John via our online discussion platform, email, or our private Facebook Group.
-
When you are ready, John will provide feedback on your manuscript, query letter, and synopsis.
Enroll
Early Bird Tuition is available until January 3rd.
Enrollment is strictly limited to 20 students.
-
Enroll Now
$547.00
Full Tuition
-
Enroll Now
$447.00
Early Bird Tuition
About John Claude Bemis
John Claude Bemis is an established children’s book author. His middle-grade trilogy, The Clockwork Dark was published by Penguin Random House. The Out of Abaton Series is being published by Disney-Hyperion Books. He is also the author of the picture book Flora and the Runaway Rooster, published in collaboration with Heifer International.
In addition to writing, John regularly visits elementary schools as a guest author. A former elementary school teacher, he is a winner of The Excellence in Teaching Award from UNC-Chapel Hill.
As a teacher, his passion for sharing children’s literature with his students grew into a passion for writing, and, eventually, a successful publishing career.
He now lives in Hillsborough, North Carolina with his wife and daughter.
FAQ
-
What is the course schedule?
The course starts on January 17th and ends on February 11th. Each week, you will get five lessons you can study on your own time, and feedback on an assignment from John Claude Bemis. This is in addition to the text-based discussion for each lesson.
Note that you will be able to submit your work for feedback after the course officially ends, but we ask that you do so within six months of the start of the course.
You will also get ongoing access to live office hours, so you can continue to get answers to your questions, even after the course has ended.
-
How much time will the course require?
Expect to spend around 30 minutes a day on the course. Some days will require less work, some days will require more. Daily lessons can be done on your own time. The meetings with John will be scheduled to best work for the entire class, and will be recorded for those who can't attend live.
-
How many students will be allowed to enroll?
Because of the personal feedback John is providing, the workshop is strictly limited to 20 students. Once we reach that number we will immediately close enrollment.
-
How much time will I have to complete my work, so that I can get John's feedback?
We understand that everyone works and writes at their own pace. Though the primary teaching part of the course is focused on four weeks, you are not required to submit your work during that time.
You are welcome to study all of the material at your own pace. We do ask that you submit your assignments within six months of the course starting.