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In this online writing course, author Belinda Murrell will provide feedback on your writing for children, enabling you to hone your skills over five months. Feedback will vary depending on each submission, but it may focus on areas such as storytelling, plot, structure, characterisation, theme or voice.

Is this course right for you? Read our FAQ >

Once a month, you’ll submit either a picture book text (up to 800 words) or an early reader/chapter book text (up to 1500 words). Your tutor will provide tailored feedback, giving you time to incorporate her suggestions and advice into the next month’s submission. Each month, you can submit either new or revised writing.

You’ll also have the opportunity to read and critique the writing of other participants. This process of giving and receiving feedback from fellow writers is an ideal way to determine what works, what resonates, what falls flat – and how to improve.

This online program takes place on a website specifically designed for writers, making it simple and easy to share your writing, give and receive feedback, and interact with fellow writers.

If you’re ready to challenge yourself and develop your skills through constructive critique and independent work, this is the program for you.

Please note: this is a feedback-based program. While you are welcome to generate new material for submission during this time, no prompts or themes will be provided.

Regarding picture books: Industry standard word count is generally a maximum of 500 words. It’s rare that longer picture book text would be published, so shorter submissions are encouraged. This online feedback program will help you learn how to write more concise picture book text.

Participant Requirements

This course is for picture book and early reader/chapter book writers. This course is not suitable for writers of young adult fiction. If you would like feedback on young adult fiction, check out our manuscript assessments. Picture book text and early reader text should be fictional.

Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program. Read our FAQ before enrolling>>

This five month course starts on 5 July 2021 with enrolment into our online classroom. You will receive a link to join the online classroom by 10am that day. Submissions of picture book text (up to 800 words) or early reader text (up to 1500 words) are due on the following dates, 10pm AET (NSW):

12 July
16 August
20 September
18 October
15 November

After each submission date, you’ll have 10 days to complete peer feedback. At the end of each feedback period, you’ll receive your tutor feedback.

This interactive online course has limited places. Book early to avoid missing out. 

More from Writing NSW

Check out our full range of online creative writing courses and our feedback programs to see how we can help you on your writing journey. Find out about our grants and prizes, as well as writing groups across NSW, and sign up to our weekly newsletter for writing events, opportunities and giveaways.