Led by Kathy MacMillan (she/her), author of eight fiction and nonfiction picture books and board books, including The Runaway Shirt, the Little Hands Signing series, and the She Spoke series. Kathy is a writer, editor, instructor, nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter, librarian, and signing storyteller. She has published more than two dozen traditionally published books for children, teens, and adults. Kathy has served as both mentor and Mentorship Program Coordinator for the Maryland/Delaware/West Virginia Region of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and was co-Regional Advisor for 5 years.

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 Will:

• Meet deadlines 
• Answer your emails without delay 
• Be a compassionate and useful reader 
• Be a supportive resource for your career

You Will:

• Take deadlines seriously 
• Be willing to dedicate yourself to your picture book writing for 6 months 
• Be open to a new experience

Click HERE to Apply Now.

Praise for Kathy:

“I can’t recommend Kathy’s critiques highly enough.  She always has such keen insight into what I’m trying to do and then offers suggestions and solutions that make my own ideas for the book stronger and clearer.  She has taught me so much about my strengths as a writer and how to play into them to make my books better.”—Tobie Easton, award-winning author of the Mer Chronicles series

“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

“Kathy MacMillan gives fantastic, thorough and thoughtful feedback. Her experience in the industry, as well as her attention to craft, mean that her comments address practical, over-arching concerns while not forsaking the importance of fine details. She is one of my most trusted readers, and I feel confident in my work after working with her. Highly recommended.” – Meg Eden, author of Post-High School Reality Quest

“Kathy critiqued my manuscript, query letter, and synopsis in preparation for submission to agencies. Her comments were incredibly thorough and insightful. She addressed the whole gamut of my work including grammar, plot and description suggestions, plus items to include for submission. Post edits I feel much more confident about my work and presentation as a professional author. I highly recommend her services!” – Lena D., middle grade author

Click HERE to Apply Now.