Building a plot twist can prove even more difficult than just plot. See what Jan Fields has to say about the way plot twists can…
Our online, self-paced courses have been launching writers’ careers since 1969. Work with a published author and professional editor as your one-on-one mentor to improve your creative writing skills and learn how to become a children’s author.
Together you’ll:
- explore what inspires you
- learn to write both fiction and nonfiction
- develop engaging characters
- hook your reader with dynamic plots, conflicts, and resolutions
- discover (and learn to appreciate!) the art of constructive feedback and revision
- transform your children’s stories and articles into sellable manuscripts
Think of our one-on-one method of instruction and time-tested curriculum as your launchpad—providing the structure, guidance, and support you need to stay focused on your craft and prepare your writing for today’s publishing marketplace.
Our online, self-paced courses have been launching writers’ careers since 1969. Work with a published author and professional editor as your one-on-one mentor to improve your creative writing skills and learn how to become a children’s author.
Together you’ll:
- explore what inspires you
- learn to write both fiction and nonfiction
- develop engaging characters
- hook your reader with dynamic plots, conflicts, and resolutions
- discover (and learn to appreciate!) the art of constructive feedback and revision
- transform your children’s stories and articles into sellable manuscripts
Think of our one-on-one method of instruction and time-tested curriculum as your launchpad—providing the structure, guidance, and support you need to stay focused on your craft and prepare your writing for today’s publishing marketplace.
How to become a children's author
As a student at the Institute, you’ll look beyond the end of your manuscript to the business of selling and publishing your work. Your instructor will teach you how to write children’s stories and articles, navigate the publishing industry, and how to become a children’s author. Fine-tune your fiction and nonfiction manuscripts to meet submission standards. You don’t have to do it alone!
How to become a children's author
As a student at the Institute, you’ll look beyond the end of your manuscript to the business of selling and publishing your work. Your instructor will teach you how to write children’s stories and articles, navigate the publishing industry, and how to become a children’s author. Fine-tune your fiction and nonfiction manuscripts to meet submission standards. You don’t have to do it alone!
Where our students have been published
Choose The Course For You
Writing for Children & Teens
Learn fiction and nonfiction techniques, how to package your submissions, and how to target your manuscripts to publishers. Kickstart your children’s book, from Picture Book to Young Adult, your choice.
Assignments
10
TIME
220 hours/ 2 years
TUITION
$1,515 or $79/month
IDEAL FOR
Pre-published writers
Writing for Magazines
Create short stories & articles that magazine publishers are looking for and tap into today’s industry trends.
Assignments
7
TIME
155 Hours / 12-18 Months
TUITION
$1,220 or $79/month
IDEAL FOR
Pre-published writers
Writing for Children & Teens
Learn fiction and nonfiction techniques, how to package your submissions, and how to target your manuscripts to publishers. Kickstart your children’s book, from Picture Book to Young Adult, your choice.
ASSIGNMENTS 10
TIME 220 Hours/2 Years
TUITION $1,515 or $79/month
IDEAL FOR Pre-Published Writers
Writing for Magazines
Create short stories & articles that magazine publishers are looking for and tap into today’s industry trends.
ASSIGNMENTS 7
TIME 155/12-18 Months
TUITION $1,220 or $79/month
IDEAL FOR Pre-Published Writers
Meet your instructor
Guides to great writing
Student Testimonials
Peter D’Hollander
ICL Graduate
Angelie Tumaghap Martzke
ICL Graduate
Shayna Kershaw
ICL Graduate
Peter D’Hollander
ICL Graduate
Angelie Tumaghap Martzke
ICL Graduate
Shayna Kershaw
ICL Graduate
Writer’s Resources
After each writing contest, we hold a live workshop to announce the winners. The contest judge will reveal tips for writing in the contest genre and critique the winning entries sharing why they worked--and how they can be even better. ICL Bedtime Stories Picture Book webinar is August 5, 2025. Get more info here.
Take your manuscript to the next level with an in-depth analysis by a publishing industry professional. View Critique Offerings Here.
Free writing resources at your fingertips to become a children's author. Guides to help improve your writing. View all of our writers toolkit resources here.
NEWSLETTER
Weekly news & tips for upcoming writing contests, workshops, resources and more!
BLOGS
Our blog explore inevitable writing struggles and offers tireless strategies and techniques to support you in reaching your writing goals.
Plot is a calculated and time-consuming process. We will discuss what it takes to make a seamless and logical plot that doesn't confuse readers.
Plot is more than just a storyline. A writer must tackle all parts of plot including its logics, its holes, and its linear pattern. Are…
Pared down to the most basic, plot is simply the way your story is told. This month we're taking a look at specific essential elements…
Reading is a natural part of writing. How can we reflect on our favorite writers and their own perseverance to make us better writers?
Want to write for adults?
ICL’s sister school, Institute for Writers, offers creative writing courses, contests, and critiques designed for the adult publishing market
