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!

What attendees are saying:

  • "My first book deal"

    I received my first book deal while attending ACQUIRED. The presentations were super informative and fun. Our ideas were critiqued by professionals, steering us in the right direction, so when I began writing my first draft, I already knew it was a winning concept. ACQUIRED will give any writer a tremendous advantage in the publishing world.  

    —Ernest Robertson

  • "Galvanizing experience"

    I've attended many wonderful workshops, conferences, and retreats in the nearly twenty years since my first children's manuscript was acquired, but none quite like this one! I had multiple lightning-strike moments and feel like I am now much better equipped to choose which of my ideas to focus on—instead of wasting so much precious writing time on projects that are less likely to be acquired. If your budget for professional development is limited (as mine is), invest your money in this galvanizing experience. Talk about high value for the money. Thank you, David and Ryan!

    —Irene Latham, irenelatham.com

  • "Unparalleled . . . best ROI"

    I am so appreciative for the feedback and industry insights I gained from Acquired! This workshop is unique in its focus on giving authors a behind-the-curtain look at the considerations and priorities of the decision-makers. This workshop is unparalleled in personalized feedback, idea generation, and industry insider info. Thank you for your attention to detail, your generous feedback, and your desire to help those who are new to the industry! I found this to be the best ROI workshop I have attended. I also found it to be incredibly motivating and inspiring. The roller coaster of emotions and learning curve for someone starting out is... real. This weekend was such a glimmer of hope for me. I so appreciate your dedication to making it worth our while. I found myself astonished at your kindness throughout the workshop.  Thank you, thank you!

    —2025 Attendee

  • "I would sign up again in a heartbeat!"

    Acquired! was such a fantastic experience. David and Ryan were so welcoming and knowledgeable. They immediately took a list of nearly two dozen manuscript ideas and helped me decide where to focus my energy, then offered meaningful feedback on book structure and voice. It was also so helpful to get to peek behind the curtain at the market factors that influence publishers' decisions. I would sign up again in a heartbeat!

    —Jennifer N.

  • "Most innovative approach"

    David and Ryan poured their hearts into this workshop and shared with us honest and fresh information about what it takes to be published. They pushed us to think about what we have to offer as writers and to understand how we can get our work on the published page. Truly the most innovative approach to a writing workshop I have experienced.  

    —Monta Monaco Hernon

  • "Enlightening and delightful"

    Of the many writing workshops, courses, and webinars I've participated in, ACQUIRED stands out as unique. The two perspectives from editor and publisher as they critiqued hundreds of ideas and provided specific feedback to dozens manuscripts was invaluable. One could say - enlightening and delightful. 

    —Pat Austin, patriciaaustinwrites.com

  • "SUCH a positive experience!"

    The Acquired conference was SUCH a positive experience!  The small number of attendees made the process feel so personal, and the sense of community built in just a few days was incredible. The range of experiences brought by the various participants and speakers made the brainstorming really fun, as well, as each person had slightly different specialties/expertise. David and Ryan clearly care about what they are doing, about mentoring and preparing aspiring writers, about crafting creative and fascinating literature for even the youngest of readers (or read to). I would highly recommend both the conference and any titles published by Bushel & Peck. 

    —Abi

  • "Valuable insight"

    David and Ryan shared valuable insight about the craft of writing for children and about the business of writing for writers at all levels in their careers. The highlight of our workshop was the immediate, spot on feedback each writer received on a list of 20+ ideas we had brainstormed before joining the group. I can't emphasize enough how impressed I was with the time, attention and energy they devoted to each writer and to the presentations. I look forward to taking another workshop with Bushel & Peck!

    —Jeanne Pettenati, author of Galileo's Journal: 1609-1610 and Arturo Takes a Bow.

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:

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.
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Meet the experts

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Dean Burrell

    Managing Editor, Bushel & Peck

    With a career spanning 30 years at some of the nation's most prestigious publishers, Dean has shepherded thousands of books through the publishing process. He honed his editorial skills by learning from the best, first at Harper San Francisco and then at Chronicle Books. Dean's decades of experience have given him a keen eye for promising book concepts and authors. He is also an author himself of two nonfiction titles for kids.

    Dean enjoys working with all team members, liaising between authors and clients, editors, designers, and print buyers. Above all, he adheres to a publishing philosophy that says every project begins with a vision. It’s this vision, clearly and succinctly defined, that drives each project to success.

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Next workshops:

June 19–21 July 17–19 August 14–16

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Workshop schedule:

Each workshop runs over a Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. It's a jam-packed three days!

  • Thursday

    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.

    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 10 original book ideas for use in tomorrow's session.

  • Friday

    7:00 am–4:00 pm (Pacific Time)

    (Reminder: Each class member must bring their list of book ideas from the day before.)
    7:00 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 Dean (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. However, if you need some time away to write or work on homework, you're welcome to slip in and out.

    11:00 pm Lunch Break
    12:00 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.

    3:00 pm Foundation Lecture: "Winning Writing"

    Your book idea is just the beginning. Now, it's time to tackle the execution. Ryan, a celebrated author and The Picture Book Doctor, will walk you through common pitfalls in children's writing and help you find simple ways to dramatically improve your craft.

    4:00 pm Session End
    Homework

    It's time to start writing! From your list of ideas, we'll help you select one to begin developing. Tonight, start writing the book and bring as much as you're able to complete to Saturday's session. You'll have an additional hour to write Saturday morning, too, so don't stress!

  • Saturday

    7:00 am–4:00 pm (Pacific Time)

    (Reminder: Each class member must bring the start of their manusript to class.)
    7:00 am Writing Time

    This hour is for you! We know your head will be buzzing with ideas after Ryan's lecture on Friday, and you might not have been able to finish everything you wanted the night before. This hour gives you extra time to get ready for our writing consults.

    8:00 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.

    11:00 pm Lunch Break
    12:00 pm Writing Consults

    Writing consults will continue for another hour so everyone has a chance to get feedback specific to their book.

    3:00 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.

    3:30 pm Ask Me Anything: David and Ryan; Final Remarks
    4:00 pm Session End
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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!