Write your story with the same Creative Process used by
award-winning children’s books authors and illustrators.
(Even if this is your first time writing . . . you don't know how to draw . . . or you feel like you NEVER have time.)
Quick Question . . .
Do you dream of writing a children's book but struggle with self-doubt or feeling lost?
Are you . . .
- a dreamer who longs to write or illustrate children's books but also has to maintain a “real job.”
- a parent deep in the trenches, spending hours reading children's books, and needing to tuck anything for yourself inside a hectic schedule.
- an educator who knows exactly what types of books the classroom (and world) needs.
- a writer or artist who wants to hone your skills for the children's market.
Get your children's book story idea out of your head and turn it into a book!
Makers Membership
A Makers Membership gives you everything
you need to write your story, connect with other authors
and illustrators, and get your book published.
Imagine seeing your book inside
of bookstores and libraries
How do I get my stories Published?
You’ve got an idea for a children’s book but where do you go from there? Unfortunately, having an idea isn’t enough. Dreaming about making a children's book isn’t going to make it a reality.
So how do published authors & Illustrators transform their ideas into award-winning picture books? They use a creative process to create stories and rely on a creative community for feedback and revision.
Mastering the creative process with a community of creative people is the most effective way to transform your ideas into award-winning children’s books. That’s why we’ve created the Makers Membership!
Storytellers aren’t born, they're created.
We collected the creative processes that help storytellers create award-winning books that kids, parents, editors, and agents LOVE and BUY.
Introducing the Makers Membership!
Inside the Makers Membership, you’ll learn the Creative Processes behind award-winning children’s books taught by professional authors, illustrators, agents, and editors from the children’s book industry.
You’ll get to join a Creative Village so that you don’t have to try figure it all out on your own. You’ll get feedback and support from a creative community designed to bring your book to life.
If you’re ready to get unstuck and bring your stories to life, join the Makers Membership now!
“We started working on the manuscript for STRONG back in April of 2019. After completing multiple drafts, we finally got interest from an agent. She loved the story idea, but I wasn't executing it right. Arree helped me rethink the approach and find the true heart of the story. The agent loved the revisions, and offered us a contract! After a few more drafts, we got a deal with Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, and our book, STRONG, comes out in May 2022! I couldn't have done this without Arree and Storyteller Academy!”
– Eric Rosswood, co-author of Strong
“At the time I took Arree’s class, I had just written a brand new draft about a dinosaur that I thought had a decent hook. So I decided to work on that one. Arree’s class was incredible because it forced me to make a physical dummy of the book. That was new for me. As a writer, I didn’t think about creating dummies of my drafts. I thought that was something for illustrators. By making the dummy, however, I could see exactly how my manuscript was working, and where it wasn’t working.
– Elaine Kearns, author of Noah Noasaurus
Learn anywhere, anytime.
With two membership levels, you can select the one that is exactly right for your goals and your schedule.
What's included in your membership:
20+ Signature Courses on writing, illustrating, and publishing children's books
Create your children's book with the creative processes of award-winning authors/illustrators.
What are your creative goals? Whether you're a beginner or more advanced, each course at Storyteller Academy is designed to help you with a specific goal. Choose your course and start learning. Each signature course takes a deep dive into the creative process with six learning modules, printable handouts, guides, and resources.
Clear action items following each lesson (homework!) allow you to implement the lessons through your story immediately.
The best part . . . all the lessons are pre-recorded and available to watch 24/7, as many times as you like, for the duration of your membership.
Never fall behind or miss a replay window again.
Foundational and Advanced Courses
Say goodbye to feeling stuck and wondering what to do next.
Our foundational courses will help you build a solid foundation for storytelling. You’ll learn how to develop ideas, write manuscripts, make dummies, create characters, and submit your book. And if you are ready to take your work to the next level, we've got advanced courses ready. You’ll learn everything from how to craft your voice, how to write rhymes, how to illustrate, how to create graphic novels, and more!
40+ craft-based mini-classes
Our on-demand 42 craft-based mini-classes are bite-sized, skill-based courses designed to focus on a specific element of writing, illustrating, or business. Most mini-classes are about a hour long, allowing you to elevate your skills in manageable chunks of time.
All of these classes are pre-recorded and available on-demand.
3. Engaging, interactive community of fellow creatives
You have found your people!
Our community of over 1,000 members (and growing!) is available to support you in your creativity, encourage you through disappointment, and answer questions.
Your dream of writing a children's book could tuck you into a dark corner of your house all alone, or it could be shared with creative, devoted, friends who share the same goals.
EXCLUSIVES
*EXCLUSIVES*
Live Classes: Story Foundations
Learn the step-by-step from award-winning author/illustrator Arree Chung
Genres: Picture Books, Chapter Books, Middle Grade & Graphic Novels
In this crucial course, you'll master storytelling basics, explore children's book categories, and receive guidance from Arree on idea generation, story plotting, and editing techniques. This class includes 6 live classes and hands-on worksheets and exercises.
Instructor-led Feedback Workshops
Submit your work for constructive feedback based on your skill-level
Story Foundations
Perfect for beginners or brand new stories, these workshops provide actionable feedback on foundational story elements like concept, kid-relatability, hook, core problem, and character.
Story Advanced
Turn your rough drafts into submission-ready masterpieces with feedback focused on polishing elements like pacing, subtext, word choice, and rhythm.
Illustration Foundations
Kick your fear of drawing to the curb with drawing feedback designed for creatives just starting their illustration journey.
Illustration Advanced
Take your art to the next level with feedback on your submission-ready, portfolio-focused illustrations
Submission Opportunities and Coaching
Deepen your industry knowledge and submit with confidence.
Stand out in the crowd and get your story seen by literary agents and editors from traditional publishers. We’ll help you craft your story and get it in front of agents and editors with submission workshops, the pitch party, and the annual showcase!
Coaching
This season's coaches are:
- Ariel Richardson from Chronicle Books
- Jennie Dunham of Dunham Literary
- Myrna Foster
- Amy Flynn of Storyteller Academy
ANNUAL PITCH PARTY
Think American Idol for children's books . . .
Once a year, we host three agents for a rapid round of live pitching. Storyteller Academy staff read short pitches submitted by students and a responding “thumbs up!” from an agent is an invitation for that creator for an above-the-slush submission opportunity.
Coaching
This season's coaches are:
- Ariel Richardson from Chronicle Books
- Jennie Dunham of Dunham Literary
- Myrna Foster
- Amy Flynn of Storyteller Academy
ANNUAL PITCH PARTY
Think American Idol for children's books . . .
Once a year, we host three agents for a rapid round of live pitching. Storyteller Academy staff read short pitches submitted by students and a responding “thumbs up!” from an agent is an invitation for that creator for an above-the-slush submission opportunity.
The Agent Series
Three times per year we host The Agent Series. Students are invited to submit their query to receive feedback as a learning opportunity.
Following the live event, all students are invited to submit their manuscript with an above-the-slush query.
Annual Showcase
All eyes on your stories.
NEW! Each year we will be featuring our students' best work in a virtual showcase. Chosen work will be presented to an exclusive list of editors and agents to highlight those stories that have been polished and are submission ready.
The Agent Series
Three times per year we host The Agent Series. Students are invited to submit their query to receive feedback as a learning opportunity.
Following the live event, all students are invited to submit their manuscript with an above-the-slush query.
Annual Showcase
All eyes on your stories.
NEW! Each year we will be featuring our students' best work in a virtual showcase. Chosen work will be presented to an exclusive list of editors and agents to highlight those stories that have been polished and are submission ready.
Join a Critique Group
**Next Placement: FEBRUARY 2024**
Find your people!
Several times per year, we place members into peer critique groups. Connect with creatives, share feedback, and support each other's creative journeys.
You can also join a mentored critique group, a groupof five students led by one of our instructors for an additional price.
How much value is inside the Makers Membership?
The Makers Membership is the library of classes that teach you the creative process to create award-winning children’s books. You’ll also get access to live workshops, critique groups and access to agents and editors inside Makers Pro.
- 25 Signature Courses ($299 retail price/course)
- 42 Mini-Classes ($99 retail price/course)
- Live Workshops, Ask-Me-Anything Sessions, and Agent Series Events
- Pitch Party & Manuscript Showcase
- Peer Critique Group Placement
Value: $7,475
Value: $4,158
Value: $2,080
Value: $300
Value: Priceless!
TOTAL VALUE: $14,013
How much value is inside the Makers Membership?
The Makers Membership is the library of classes that teach you the creative process to create award-winning children’s books. You’ll also get access to live workshops, critique groups and access to agents and editors inside Makers Pro.
- 25 Signature Courses ($299 retail price/course)
- Value: $7,475
- 42 Mini-Classes ($99 retail price/course)
- Value: $4,158
- Live Workshops, Ask-Me-Anything Sessions, and Agent Series Events
- Value: $2,080
- Pitch Party & Manuscript Showcase
- Value: $300
- Peer Critique Group Placement
- Value: PRICELESS
TOTAL VALUE: $14,013
“I would not be a published author without Storyteller Academy. I like to say that before SA, I didn’t know how much I didn’t know. Arree’s Making Picture Books class set me on the path that has led to my book launch in just a few weeks!”
– Todd Sturgell, author/illustrator of Except Antartica
“Storyteller Academy gave me the encouragement and tools to turn my fine art background into a burgeoning career in illustration. This means the world to me, because, I have always known that I wanted to write and illustrate children’s stories since I was little girl stapling copy paper together to make my own books. However, I was lacking mentorship and direction; I never knew anyone who had walked the path before me. I am grateful to Storyteller Academy for carving a clear path that showed me that my lifelong dream is tangible with actionable steps and building supportive relationships.”
– LaTonya Jackson, Illustrator of Hair and the Holy Spirit
Get these Makers annual membership bonuses
Makers Self-Study Annual Bonus
Free Written Critique
Your Makers Self-Study annual membership comes with a FREE written critique from a PAL publishers author/illustrator.
Makers Pro Annual Bonus
Free One-on-One Live Critique
Makers Pro annual membership comes with a FREE one-on-one live critique with any of our available instructors, agents, or editors.
Start your journey today.
Start your journey today.
Self-Study
-
Or join at $30/monthly
-
On-demand access to 21 courses on writing, illustrating, and publishing children’s books
-
On-demand access to 42 craft-based mini-classes
-
Time-saving checklists and worksheets to guide you through the creative process
-
Knowledgable, supportive creative community
-
ANNUAL BONUS: FREE workbook and get 2 months free
Makers Pro
-
Or join at $85/monthly
-
Everything on Self-Study
-
Over 140 instructor-led workshops
-
Feedback on stories, illustrations, and submissions
-
Free placement in a peer critique group
-
3 Above-the-slush submission opportunities
-
How to Pitch training and Pitch Party
-
Annual Story Showcase with over 20 agents and editors
-
ANNUAL BONUS: One-on-One critique and get 2 months free
Makers Self-Study Membership
$300
annual
- Or join at $15 your first month and $30 for succeeding months
- On-demand access to 21 courses on writing, illustrating, and publishing children’s books
- On-demand access to 42 craft-based mini-classes
- Time-saving checklists and worksheets to guide you through the creative process
- Knowledgable, supportive creative community
ANNUAL membership bonus: Get a FREE written critique and get 2 months free
Makers Pro Membership
$850
annual
- Or join at $85/monthly
- Everything in Self-Study
- Over 140 instructor-led workshops
- Feedback on stories, illustrations, and submissions
- Free placement in a peer critique group
- 3 Above-the-slush submission opportunities
- How to Pitch training and Pitch Party
- Annual Story Showcase with over 20 agents and editors
ANNUAL membership bonus: Get a FREE One-on-One critique and get 2 months free
What's Possible?
– Bonnie Kelso, author/illustrator of Nudi Gill: Poison Powerhouse of the Sea
– Laurie Elmquist, author of City Baby
Did you know?
(14.5% write more than 20!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Makers memberships give you everything you need to learn how to write, illustrate, and publish your children's book. Learn the creative process from award-winning authors & illustrators inside the children’s book industry so that you can finally create your children’s book!
As a Makers Pro member, you have access to our entire library of courses, live workshops, and events. You can go through any class as many times as you like for the duration of your membership. Additionally, if you are interested, we will place you in a peer critique group for free.
As a Makers Self-Study member, you have access to the same courses, content, and resources, but they are all self-study. Self-study means that you don't have access to live workshops, live classes, or peer critique group placement.
With a Makers Membership, you take courses at your convenience, and are able to create children's books with the time you have.
In fact, having a membership will save you time! No more searching the internet for the answers to your questions. Instead you'll be spending your time learning and creating.
We don't lie to you. Writing children's books is not easy. It takes time and creativity but it is a skill you can learn. If you have a story and the desire to bring it to life, then your story will be good enough.
Inside the Makers Membership, you'll discover what makes a great story and how to improve your story. You'll sharpen your creative skills and turn your hobby of writing or drawing into a life-long, successful career.
You will learn how to write, illustrate, and publish children's books. You'll also learn how to get an agent, self-publish, and build a successful business. Basically, it's everything you need to know. All in one place.
Occasionally we sell our individual courses, but the Makers Membership is designed to give you access to all of the information you need, whenever you need it. Each course you take, every skill you master, will leave you hungry for the next one.
Our signature courses dive deep into the craft of writing and illustrating. Each course contains 6 pre-recorded lessons and handouts designed to improve your craft one module at a time.
Our mini-classes are bite-sized, skill-based courses designed to focus on a specific element of writing, illustrating, or business. Ranging from 30 minutes to a few hours long, depending on the topic, mini-classes are pre-recorded and available on demand.
Makers Pro members can submit their work to instructors for review during live workshops, but there is no guarantee that your work will be chosen. At moderator-led workshops you will have guaranteed feedback from a group of fellow students.
If you would like more support, you can purchase more direct feedback through a mentored critique group or one-on-one coaching.
Makers Self-Study members do not have this feature. If you would like more support, you can purchase more direct feedback through a written critique, a 30-minute one-on-one critique, or you can upgrade to Makers Pro.
Live workshops are held weekly for select signature courses and mini-classes. In a live workshop, students are invited to receive real-time feedback and Q&A time with the instructors. Feedback is not guaranteed. Live workshops and workshop replays are only available for Makers Pro members.
You can sign up for a monthly membership or save money by signing up for the full year. You can cancel a monthly membership anytime, but it will renew automatically if you don't cancel it. An annual membership lasts for 12 months. There's a 30-day money-back guarantee for either type of membership, so you can try it risk-free.
Self-study means you don't have the live guidance or feedback from the instructor (or community) during workshops. You are watching the lessons and doing the assignments at your own pace, on your own time. It's the same content, and you can still email Storyteller Academy staff for help if you need it.
You get access to 10 Foundational courses and 15 Advanced courses (for Makers Pro) or 11 Advanced courses (Makers Self-Study). You also get 42 mini-classes.
Check out our library of courses and mini-classes here.
Signature Courses:
Build a Lead Magnet (Makers Pro exclusive)
Build and Test FB Ads (Makers Pro exclusive)
Character Design
Crafting Picture Book Stories
Drawing 1: Drawing with Mental Models
Drawing 2: Drawing in 3-D
Find and Build Your Audience (Makers Pro exclusive)
Graphic Novels
Hire a VA and Build a Team (Makers Pro exclusive)
Illustrating with Collage
Illustration 1
Illustration 2
Illustration Workshop Series (Makers Pro exclusive)
Making Picture Book Dummies
Picture Book Masters
Picture Book Production Design
Picture Book Wordsmith
Plotting Your MG Novel
Picture Book Revision Workshop Series (Makers Pro exclusive)
Rhyming Picture Books
Self-Publishing Children’s Books
Submission Ready
Submission Workshop Series (Makers Pro exclusive)
Writing Picture Book Manuscripts
Writing the Middle-Grade Fantasy Novel
Mini-Classes:
Adobe Illustrator
Best Creative Year Ever
Build an Author Business
Building an Author Website
Crafting a Strong Beginning
Creating Atmosphere
Creating Characters
Creative Focus and Habits
Drawing People for Children's Books
Find My Art Style
How to Query Agents
Illustrating Novelty and Board Books
Illustrating Early Readers
Illustrating Middle Grade Covers
Making Comics
Meterology
Middle Grade Novel in Verse
Nailing Your Middle Grade Voice
Nonfiction Picture Books
Overcoming Fear
Painting People with Acrylics
Perspective and Point of View
Photoshop Basics
Picture Book Story Frameworks
Pitch Your Story
Presenting a Winning Portfolio
Picture Book Biographies
Revise Your Novel
Social Media
School Visit Presentations
Storytelling in Rhyme
Symbolism & Storytelling
Textures in Your Illustrations
Unlock Your Maker Mindset
Watercolors
Writing Chapter Books
Writing Early Readers
Writing For the Educational Market
Writing Humor
Writing Natural Rhyme That Sells
Writing Nature with All 5 Senses
Writing Voice
All of Storyteller Academy’s courses can be accessed ONLINE. We recommend that you have a personal computer or tablet for an optimal experience.
While Makers Memberships are completely online to allow for unrestricted access to resources, technology does come with the potential for headaches.
Our student support team will walk you through any technical knowledge you need to know. Our staff is there to answer questions whenever they arise.
You can book a 30-minute live Zoom call with our team here, or you can send our support team an email at support@storytelleracademy.com.
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