What submissions do children's publishers want? Find out so you can get . . . acquired!
“It's so hard to get published," writers say. Yes . . . and no! It's true that only a small percentage of books are acquired, but crafting a manuscript that publishers want isn’t as hard as it seems. Chances are, you’re simply missing the mark—and you probably don't even know why.
Bushel & Peck's Acquired! workshop sets out to change that. During your three-day course with us, kidlit publishing professionals and decision makers will peel back the curtain and work with you one-on-one to craft ideas and manuscripts that stand a real chance at getting picked up by a traditional publishing house.
Our goal: Getting you acquired. Nothing less!
Did you know? We guarantee that at least one workshop participant will earn a publishing contract right here with Bushel & Peck!
Acquired! is a different kind of workshop:
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Work one-on-one with publishing professionals and decision-makers
You know those people that rejected your manuscript? (Sorry if it was one of us!) This is your chance to work directly with them and find out what they really want! Together, your instructors have over 50 years of experience in acquiring, making, and selling children's books. They have won numerous awards, starred reviews, and worked with premier talent from celebrities to bestselling authors. In short, they know a thing or two—and they're about to share their insider know-how with you.
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Find your golden idea
You don't need to bring any manuscripts to our course—in fact, we encourage you not to! Instead, we'll start at square one: coming up with golden ideas. You'll work one-on-one with our professionals to brainstorm, vet, and select winning concepts that publishers will want to publish. You'll also hear firsthand about trends and other topics succeeding in the current marketplace. Then, with golden ideas in hand, you'll be ready to finally start writing, now with confidence that you're already on the right track!
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Win over editors with irresistible writing
Though the ideas you generate in this class are already invaluable, we don't stop there! We'll help you begin the writing process with special attention to structure, voice, and language—the essential elements that can capture the hearts of acquiring editors.
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Analyze real-life submissions
At the end of our course, you'll even have the chance to peek inside the slush pile and critique real-life submissions alongside our professionals. You'll discover firsthand what elevates a submission and what dooms it, and you'll take away valuable best practices to make your submissions shine!
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Best of all: At least one writer from the course is guaranteed a traditional publishing contract with Bushel & Peck!
Yes! We're so confident in the ideas and manuscripts you'll create with us that we guarantee to acquire at least one of the submissions generated by the class.
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Did we mention you get to learn from the comfort of your own home?
No travel or extensive days off work are required to participate in this course—just a Thursday night, Friday, and Saturday.
Meet the experts
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David Miles
Publisher, Bushel & Peck
David Miles, along with his wife Stephanie, is the founder of Bushel & Peck, a children's publisher based in California. In just a few years since launching its first titles, Bushel & Peck has become one of the fastest-growing kids presses in America. Today, their authors include some of the most recognizable names in the industry, from Jane Yolen to Nancy Kerrigan and beyond.
Over his career, David has acquired and developed countless children's titles, many of which have gone on to win starred reviews, state awards, Junior Library Guild honors, and other accolades.
An author, designer, and illustrator himself, David's own children's books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies. Originally from Pennsylvania, he now lives in California with his wife, son, and too many beagles.
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Dr. Ryan G. Van Cleave
Editorial Director, Bushel & Peck
Dr. Ryan G. Van Cleave is the Editorial Director at Bushel & Peck Books, where he helps shape one of the most creative and dynamic lists in children’s publishing today. He’s also The Picture Book Doctor, the industry’s go-to expert for helping celebrities create unforgettable content for the page, stage, and screen.
A prolific author and ghostwriter, Ryan has published more than 75 books for young readers, including collaborations with Olympic medalists Fred Richard and Nancy Kerrigan, kidlit legend Jane Yolen, and former MLB player and inspirational speaker Chris Singleton.
He also runs Only Picture Books, a popular blog dedicated to thoughtful reviews and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of picture book writing and illustration.
Over the past 25 years, Ryan has taught creative writing at Florida State University, Clemson, George Washington University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and now serves as Department Head of Creative Writing at Ringling College of Art and Design.
He’s also a contributing editor for Writer’s Digest magazine and remains passionate about storytelling in all its forms—and yes, he really does have a penguin as a patronus.
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Harold Underdown
Guest Faculty | Children's Book Editor & Publishing Consultant
Harold Underdown is a highly respected editor, publishing consultant, and educator who has worked in children’s publishing for more than 30 years. He’s the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Publishing Children’s Books and the founder of The Purple Crayon, a go-to resource for writers and illustrators navigating the world of children’s literature.
Harold’s career has included editorial roles at Charlesbridge, Orchard Books, and Macmillan, and most recently, he served as Executive Editor at Kane Press, where he helped expand the publisher’s reach into the trade and library markets. Through Kids Book Revisions, his long-standing partnership with Eileen Robinson, Harold offers intensive workshops and retreats focused on revision and craft.
Known for his clear-eyed insights and generous feedback, Harold speaks regularly at SCBWI events, the Highlights Foundation, and other industry conferences. He’s passionate about helping writers understand how to write and revise a great book and successfully navigate the complex ecosystem of children’s publishing.
Next workshop: May 15-17, 2025
Board Books, Picture Books, and Illustrated Nonfiction This workshop is currently full. If you'd like to be added to the priority waiting list for our next session, please email davidandstephanie@bushelandpeckbooks.com.
Workshop schedule:
It's a jam-packed three days!
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Thursday, May 15
3:00–5:00 pm (Pacific Time)
3:00 pm Introductions
3:30 pm Foundation Lecture: "Winning Ideas"
What are publishers looking for? What makes them pick one manuscript over another? And how can a children's writer hit the mark? Find out in our first foundation lecture! Publisher David Miles will teach you how to THINK like a publisher, analyzing things like market, topic, value, package, competitiveness, rights potential, and more. By the end, you'll have learned how to blend creativity with savvy to generate idea after idea to captivate publishers.
4:30 pm Ask Me Anything: David and Ryan
Wish you could talk to the people behind the curtain? Here's your first chance! David and Ryan have reviewed thousands of manuscripts throughout their years in publishing. Ask them anything!
5:00 pm Session End
Homework
To cap off the first day and prepare for the next, you'll each be asked to brainstorm a list of 30 original book ideas for use in tomorrow's session.
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Friday, May 16
8:00 am–5:00 pm (Pacific Time)
(Reminder: Each class member must bring their list of book ideas from the day before.)
8:00 am Book Idea Consults
This session is the magic of Acquired! Each class member will have 20 minutes to pitch their best book ideas to David and Ryan (and the class), who will give on-the-spot feedback just like an acquisitions board. We'll help you spot the gems in your list of ideas, telling you what we love, what might be an instant rejection, and best of all, HOW to whip your most promising ideas into shape. Class members are encouraged to participate in all discussions so everyone learns together, even when it's not your turn to present.
12:00 pm Lunch Break
1:00 pm Book Idea Consults
The magic of book consults continues! Trust us: nothing will give you more of a competitive edge as a writer than hearing decision makers critique book ideas for 6+ hours.
4:00 pm Foundation Lecture: "Winning Formats"
By now, we'll have helped you identify several winning book ideas. But before you can develop them, you need to understand a thing or two (or ten) about formats. From board books to novelty books, matching the right idea with the right format is essential for success! We'll teach you how.
5:00 pm Session End
Homework
It's time to start writing! From your list of ideas, we'll help you select one to start developing. Begin writing the book and bring as much as you're able to complete to Saturday's sessions.
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Saturday, May 17
8:00 am–5:00 pm (Pacific Time)
(Reminder: Each class member must bring the start of their manusript to class.)
8:00 am Foundation Lecture: "Winning Writing"
Your book idea is just the beginning. Now, it's time to tackle the execution. Ryan, a celebrated author and educator, will walk you through common pitfalls in children's writing and help you find simple ways to dramatically improve your craft.
9:00 am Writing Consults
Each class member will work directly with David and Ryan to improve the book they've started. We'll look at language, voice, vocabulary, and more, providing specific ideas and tips throughout.
12:00 pm Lunch Break
1:00 pm Writing Consults
Writing consults will continue for another hour so everyone has a chance to get feedback specific to their book.
2:00 pm Foundation Lecture: "Winning Submissions"
Are there secrets to crafting a good submission? Yes! While a good book can speak for itself, knowing what publishers look for can give you a leg up. And of course, there are some things that are immediate turn-offs, too. Together, we'll review some real-life submissions and see why some rise and some fall.
3:00 pm Guest Lecture: Harold Underdown
What separates hobbyists from professionals? In a practical, career-focused 30-minute presentation, veteran editor Harold Underdown shares the habits and strategies that help writers break into the children’s publishing world. He then answers your questions on anything children’s publishing-related, from writing basics to the submissions process to the nitty gritty of working with a publisher.
4:00 pm Ask Me Anything: David and Ryan; Final Remarks
5:00 pm Session End
FAQs
Who is this course for?
Everyone is welcome! However, we expect the course will be most helpful to:
- Unpublished children's writers wanting to get published
- Self-published children's authors looking to break into traditional publishing
- Traditionally published children's authors looking to build their career
- Adult authors wanting to expand into children's books
- Children's illustrators wanting to write books of their own
What types of books does this course focus on?
Our instruction will focus on board books, picture books, and illustrated nonfiction books. Chapter books and middle grade books will be covered in a future course.
How much does the course cost?
The total cost for all three days is $495. We charge a $100 deposit upfront to reserve your spot. The remaining $395 will be automatically charged two weeks before the course runs.
Is this in-person or virtual?
We run the entire course virtually on Zoom. This lessens the burden of travel and having to take time off work for our class members. We recommend you download the Zoom software in advance and test your audio and video.
What does the course not cover?
Our course is laser-focused on helping you get an original manuscript acquired by a traditional kidlit press. We leave other wonderful topics, like illustration, AI, work-life balance, the creative life, and so forth, to other worthy conferences.
Do you really guarantee a publishing contract to one of the participants?
We do indeed! We know from experience that at least one of the books from one of the participants in the course will be so good, we'll want to contract it on the spot. We've even been known to acquire more than one!
