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Writing for Young Readers I

Boys (6-7) and girl (4-5) enjoying reading children's book
WRITING X 446.2E

Get a strong introduction to writing for children, from picture books through complex young adult novels, in this workshop perfect for beginners.

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Duration
As few as 10 weeks
Units
3.0
Current Formats
Online
Cost
Starting at $820.00

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What you can learn.

Learn the standards for writing for distinct age groups and audiences
Identify basic storytelling principles like structure, plot, character development, and dialogue
Discover your niche as a writer for young readers
Complete a draft manuscript, chapter, or outline for longer works
Get an overview of publishing books for young readers

About This Course

If you want to write for kids, you need to think like a kid and enjoy the process of returning to the imaginative, possibility-filled world of childhood. This course introduces you to all major categories of writing for young people, including concept books, picture books, beginning readers, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult (YA) novels and nonfiction for all age ranges. You learn the basic storytelling principles of story structure, plot, character development and dialogue as it applies to each genre, and discover your own niche in the world of children's publishing. You also learn how to tailor your work to the psychological and emotional development, reading abilities, and interests of each age group. The goal is to complete a draft of a manuscript for a picture book or a sample chapter and chapter outline for older readers. Query letters, marketing and resources for children's book writers are also covered in detail.

Spring 2026 Schedule

Date
Details
Format
 
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Instructor:
Kelly Barson
REG#
407405
Fee:
$820.00
Onlineformat icon
Updating...
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. Materials required. 

This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.

Deadline
Refunds only available from February 02, 2026 to April 12, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PUBLIC SYLLABUS FOR THIS COURSE.

Summer 2026 Schedule

Date
Details
Format
 
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Instructor:
Kelly Barson
REG#
408683
Fee:
$820.00
Onlineformat icon
Updating...
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. Materials required. 

This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.

Deadline
Refunds only available from April 27, 2026 to July 05, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
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