Who Should Apply:
Anyone working on picture books (fiction, nonfiction, or both) should apply. Maybe you have an entire draft—or several!—and you’re not sure how to revise. Maybe you have an idea in your head, and you’re not sure how to get it on the page. Maybe you’re somewhere in the middle. Let’s work together to make your stories come to life!
How It Works:
After you get accepted, we’ll talk about where you are in your picture book writing process, and we’ll plan how to move forward. I will give you deadlines for your work. You’ll be turning in one picture book manuscript each month. It’s up to you whether you want to submit a new manuscript each month or turn in revised pages. I will read your pages and provide big-picture and line-level feedback, and then we will have a video chat to make sure you feel clear about what your next steps should be and discuss any concerns you may have.
During our 6 months together, I’ll be available to you via email to talk about your progress. I may also suggest readings or writing activities if that seems appropriate, and I’m happy to answer questions about my experience publishing books.
In bullet points, here’s what you’ll get:
- An initial consult on the phone or on Zoom to discuss your specific needs
- A calendar of deadlines
- Monthly calls to discuss your work
- My email address, which you can use as much as you want for 6 months
- A final plan for how you’re going to move forward when the mentorship ends
- Info on publishing books
“I’ve worked with a number of well-regarded editors over the years, but none as good as Kathy. She immediately got the vision for my book and guided me on issues big and small to bring that vision onto the page. Her feedback was insightful, precise, and practical. With her edits in hand, I had confidence that my manuscript and my query letter were ready to put out into the world. All that, and she’s a warm, encouraging, and positive person. We need more Kathy MacMillans in the world!” — William T., middle-grade author
Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Payment plans available.
Stories By Hand with Kathy MacMillan 