You Have an Important Idea. That's Not Enough Anymore.


Children's book publishing has never been more important - no more competitive. Children need well-crafted books to help them understand and navigate a changing world. At the same time, publishers like EK Books are inundated with submissions. To stand a chance, you need more than just a good idea.

You need a manuscript executed on a professional level, following all of the conventions (structure, pacing, language, layout, and more) of professional publishing

You also need to come across as a viable, long-term business partner who a publisher wants to invest in

Built by publishers and taught by publishers and award-winning authors, this course shows you how to actually become the kind of author who gets published.

Transform From Aspiring Writer into Professional Author

We're excited to introduce our publisher-designed, industry-aligned training and submission pathway for writers serious about becoming professional children’s authors.

This comprehensive, course trains you to become the kind of children's author publishers actually want to work with. From your manuscript to your pitch, to understanding contracts to getting your story in the news, we've got you covered at every step.






Your Journey Includes...


1. Live Workshop One — The Craft of Children’s Books

Begin your journey with a live, interactive workshop led by a top author from EK Books. This is your chance to connect directly with the creators who shape award-winning children’s titles today.

✔ Discover what publishers are truly looking for in a manuscript today
✔ Ask your questions directly — no guesswork, no gatekeepers
✔ Learn how to strengthen your story from the perspective of professional editorial teams

"Writers often think they know what a picture book is — this workshop shows them what a publishable picture book really looks like."

2. Ten Concise Chapters to Guide Your Children's Book Publishing Journey

Access 10 concise, highly practical chapters built to reflect real-world industry standards — not just writing theory, but publisher-aligned professional development. You’ll be guided through both the creative and commercial sides of being a children’s author.

✔ Master picture book structure, voice, character, theme, rhyme, and visual storytelling
✔ Understand the publishing business: pitching, royalties, contracts, marketing, media
✔ Access ready-to-use templates for pitching, school visits, press kits and more

This is the training aspiring authors need — from the publishers who know what succeeds on shelves, in classrooms, and with readers.

3. Live Workshop Two — The Business of Authorship

Midway through the course, you’ll join a second live workshop, this time focused on navigating the business of being a children’s author. Led by a senior publishing professional, this session prepares you to act — not just dream.

✔ Learn how to pitch professionally, build a marketable author profile, and position yourself as a publishing partner
✔ Understand how the business works — rights, royalties, submissions, and career sustainability
✔ Ask questions, get clarity, and take the mystery out of the publishing process

"This session connects the dots between creativity and career."

4. Personal Feedback on Your Manuscript

After completing the course, you’ll submit your manuscript for personalised editorial feedback from experienced publishing professionals.

✔ Get honest, constructive feedback that highlights strengths and uncovers blind spots
✔ Understand how your work aligns with current market needs
✔ Receive a clear, actionable path forward — no vague advice, no templates

This is real feedback — not from peers, but from editors who evaluate submissions for a living.

5. Final Submission & Certification

After you’ve implemented your feedback, you’ll submit your final manuscript for certification.

✔ Earn your EK Books Author Certification — a mark of readiness and professional craft
✔ If your manuscript meets our publishing standards, you may be passed forward for internal editorial consideration
✔ Graduate with a polished, submission-ready manuscript — and the confidence to submit anywhere in the industry

Curriculum

  Introduction
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  Craft of Children's Book Authorship
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  Business of Children's Book Authorship
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  Essential Templates and Checklists
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  Certification Process
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Your instructor

We are excited to announce that the workshop on the Craft of Children's Book Authorship will be taught by award-winning EK Books children's author Dimity Powell.

The workshop on the Business of Children's Book Authorship will be taught by a senior member of the EK Books publishing and editorial team.

Since 2013 EK Books has been on a mission to publish children’s books on themes that other publishers fear to touch. Our motto is ‘Books with Heart on Issues that Matter.’

We have been nominated on three occasions for the Publisher of the Year (Oceania Region) Award at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, and among the awards and accolades our titles have received, we have twice won the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for Book of the Year in Australia and New Zealand. Distributed and promoted in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and in translation across Europe and Asia, EK Books provides hope, heart and entertainment for children worldwide.

Your certification


For the first time ever, we're offering certification. Upon final submission of your manuscript (after you've had ample time to implement the initial round of feedback) your manuscript will once again be assessed by professional publishers. Provided you have implemented the lessons in the course and meet today's standards for professional authorship, you will receive your Children's Authorship Certificate. This endorsement of your work will set you on the path to professional authorship.


Bonus: Join the "Roadmap to Publishing Workshop"



As a free bonus for registered students, you can join us for the "Roadmap to Publication" workshop with Dimity Powell on Wednesday, January 14 at 6 AM Paris, 4 PM Melbourne, 6 PM Auckland time. The event will be recorded and the recording will be made available for your access in your certification student area.

This course is closed for enrollment.

Your Timeline on the 2026 Children's Authorship Certificate program:


  • Immediately: Register and get instant access to all course materials including 10 concise, practical lessons, a bonus checklists, and professional templates for your authorship journey
  • January 28 at 6 AM Paris, 4 PM Melbourne time: Join for the first of two 90 minute Zoom seminars to better understand exactly what publishers are looking for today. We allow time for your questions.
  • February 11 at 6 AM Paris, 4 PM Melbourne. Join us for the second 90 minute Zoom workshop focused on succeeding at the business and professional side of children's authorship. We allow time for your questions.
  • By February 18: Submit your first manuscript draft for feedback
  • By February 28: Receive your personal feedback and begin implementing suggestions
  • By March 10: Submit your final manuscript
  • By March 17: Receive your certificate online!

Important Questions and Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't pass?
You will be given another chance with specific pointers so you understand where you are falling short.

What if I can't make the live workshops?

While we encourage writers to join live so you can ask your questions, we will record the sessions and upload the recordings to your student area within 2 days of each event so you can catch up at your own pace.

What if I need more time to make edits to my manuscript after the feedback?

Please reach out to your instructor and we'll work with you to create a timeline that suits your availability and goals.

What if I can't afford the program?

Children's Publishing Academy courses are premium offerings supplied by experienced professional publishers. They are only for the authors with the determination and resources to invest in these programs, and are absolutely not for everybody. We also offer free resources over at the Children's Publishing Academy. Partial scholarships available on request in exceptional circumstances, please reach out to nathan@exislepublishing.com

Can I submit my book to EK Books after completing the program?

Yes, certificate graduates are given priority submission for life on all books with EK Books. We also strongly encourage and support our graduates to seek publication with other prestigious imprints.

What if I have a different question?

Please write to nathan@exislepublishing.com




Here's What Students From Our Last Cohort Said


These are authentic, unsolicited comments from our students on our last cohort; only edited to remove private details about their books of course!


"Thank you so much for your thoughtful revision of [Title] and the inspiring seminars with yourself and Dimity. Your wisdom is practical and incredibly generous. The story is already stronger because of the clear guidance and care you poured into the feedback. I appreciate the ability to learn from someone with your insight and dedication.

I feel the Children's Author Certification course is one of the most unique and vitally important investments aspiring authors can make with their time and creativity. Industry feedback like yours fuels our ability to craft stories that truly leave a mark on the hearts of the readers we write for.

Time to get to work with the edits!"

Noni

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"Hi Nathan,

Me again! I’ve just submitted [Title] for consideration. Thank you so much for the opportunity.

I also wanted to say how much I enjoyed the EK course, especially the Zoom recordings with you and Dimity. Watching those felt a bit like being handed a quiet little map to the publishing world… the kind drawn in pencil by someone who actually wants you to find your way (not the kind with riddles and secret traps).

As for [Title]— I’ve reread your feedback so many times I’ve lost count, and I’ve decided to pull the whole thing apart again and put it back together with a clearer arc, stronger agency, and a lot more intention. I’ll have the revised version to you before the December deadline.

Thanks again for all your time and generosity throughout the course. It truly made a difference.

Best wishes,"

Renée

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"Dear Nathan,

Thank you for the wonderful workshop today. I really appreciated your insights into the publishing industry.

Please find attached my manuscript for [Title], along with my cover letter and sample illustrations.

I have now completed the Children’s Author Certification Course and attended both workshops. I thoroughly enjoyed the course—the lessons were excellent, and the workshops really helped bring everything together.

I’ve done my best to apply what I’ve learned to both my manuscript and cover letter, and I’m excited to share them with you. I’m very much looking forward to your feedback.

Kind regards,"

Rae

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"Dear Nathan,

I am so glad I decided to invest in myself and join the Children's Publishing Academy. I've learnt so much in a very short time and experienced a huge shift in my approach to writing. 

I'm very much looking forward to what comes next 😊

Warm regards,


Carole