Story Quest 2022

It's time for another quest! A StoryQuest! Picture book authors, grab your quill and parchment and get ready for five weeks like no other! Join us in person at the Writers' Loft in Hudson MA, or over zoom!

Come with a completed picture book manuscript; leave with a polished picture book and query letter, ready to submit!

Speakers: Author Janet Costa Bates and Author/Illustrators Brian Lies.



During StoryQuest there will be:

Three workshops on Crafting Picture Books by leading industry picture book authors and illustrators. Janet Bates and Brian Lies!

Guided, small, assigned critique groups (in person or online) where you can discuss your manuscript and have the opportunity for feedback from your peers, and offer feedback in return.

Guided Revision of your manuscript

Guided Query letter writing

An online agent Q&A (TBD)

A wrap-up party/open mic night to celebrate your success!

Limited number of tickets! Grab yours now!

Week One: Kick-off: Workshop with Author Janet Bates Monday, September 19, 7pm ET AND we assign you critique groups with an accomplished leader. Meet with your critique groups, get critiques

Week Two: Revise your manuscript, meet with your crit group.

Week Three: Workshop with Industry Professional, Brian Lies: Tips for Picture Book Authors Who Want to be Illustrated Well: September 24 from 2-4pm ET

Write your Query Letter

Week Four: Meet with your curated critique group, query letter work, workshop for Query Letter writing!

Week Five: Wrap up Part, Open Mic, Q&A with Agent, TBD

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the dates of StoryQuest? StoryQuest kicks off on September 19th, with a workshop with Janet Bates. We will sort you into critique groups based on your availability, which is why there are no set times in the registration. As soon as we hear from the other StoryQuest mentors on their schedules, we will let you know when the other workshops will run. Every workshop will be recorded and available for playback for two weeks.

What happens in the critique groups? Critique groups are led by an accomplished mentor, who structures the group so everyone gets proper time and feedback. Past StoryQuesters have continued these groups for years after StoryQuest ends!

What should I expect during the five weeks of StoryQuest? We ask that you put your PB manuscript on project status. If you put in the time and effort, you will come out of the conference with a polished picture book, and a polished query letter and we will all press send together to send the first query letter for this manuscript. If you already have an agent (some past StoryQuesters have) then you can workshop a second PB manuscript during the five weeks, when others are working on the query letter.

Is StoryQuest for everyone? Absolutely not. We ask that you are ready to hear feedback, revise accordingly, give great feedback to others, and work hard for your story. If you don't have time to commit to the process during the five weeks, please don't sign up.