Turn the story idea you've been carrying around into a finished first draft.

Grab the step-by-step course to plot, write, and polish your first draft, without guessing what comes next or piecing it together from free videos.

Get the Course Here

Retail $297

Yours just $97!

One-time payment. Lifetime access.

The step-by-step process to finish writing your children's book!

With From Idea to Finished First Draft, you'll:

  • Plot your story from beginning to end, so you always know what happens next.
  • Set up your manuscript the way publishers expect, before you ever think about illustrations.
  • Write a story that keeps kids engaged and flipping the page, with voice, pace, and dialogue that fit your category.
Get the Course Here
From Idea to Finished First Draft | How to Write a Children's Book

The step-by-step process to finish writing your children's book!

With From Idea to Finished First Draft, you'll:

  • Plot your story from beginning to end, so you always know what happens next.
  • Set up your manuscript the way publishers expect, before you ever think about illustrations.
  • Write a story that keeps kids engaged and flipping the page, with voice, pace, and dialogue that fit your category.
Get the Course Here
So, I will say that I'm very busy... and if I can find the time... to do it, I mean, really anyone can. The beauty is that each little incremental video lets you take off the chunks you need.
Becca J.
...My first manuscript is finished and because of your course I'm more confident in writing and will continue to write more stories.
Deb W. Deb W.
...All I had was an idea inspired by my children... The difference from my idea and first draft, if you can call it that, is monumental. Your templates are phenomenal...
Jannesy D. Jannesy D.

You’ve thought about it in the shower, in the car, lying awake at night.

You can even picture the kid who needs this story.

But every time you sit down to write it...something stops you.

You’re not sure where to begin.

You write a few pages, then wonder if you’re doing it right.

You read an article, watch a video, join another group, and you still don’t have a finished draft.

This isn't a you problem. Nobody ever showed you the steps to write a book in the right order.

That’s why I made From Idea to Finished First Draft.

It’s a self-guided course that walks you from the idea in your head to a finished first draft, one step at a time, in the right order.

Stop second-guessing every word you write, and start writing with a plan that actually helps you finish your book.

Here's how From Idea to Finished First Draft Works:

From Idea to Finished First Draft | How to Write a Children's Book

Step 1:

Plot Your Story
Know how to connect your story from beginning to end, using the building blocks all stories need.

From Idea to Finished First Draft | How to Write a Children's Book

Step 2:

Write a Draft
Open the sample Word Doc and start typing a story with your character leading the way.

From Idea to Finished First Draft | How to Write a Children's Book

Step 3:

Make it Shine
Add in extra bits, like dialogue and back matter, so that your vision comes all the way through.

By the end, you'll know exactly what it takes to write a great children's book, and hold a rough draft that's on its way to perfection.

Get the Course Here
The course has really exceeded my expectations... I have taken a bunch of courses in the past... This is the first course that I felt really helped me actually write my book! I really liked your use of published books as examples each step of the way. And the worksheets are invaluable!
Kymm W. Published a picture book
There is so much content. When I first purchased the course, I doubted if I could write a children's book. Now I have finished writing, and all my rounds of edits.
Marisol M. Finished her draft and edits
I would try to get some freebies and that was like piece meal all over the place and I was like, just stop... So then, when I saw your course, I was like this is for me. I can go at my own pace, and it's very thorough.
Peni C. Peni C.

Quickly increase your writing confidence so you can finally see your book finished!

For a limited time, get From Idea to Finished First Draft for just $97! (Regularly $297.)

The course includes:

  • Breakdown of Point of View & Tense so you can choose the right one for your story.
  • Setting Up Your Manuscript. A step-by-step tutorial to show you how to create a typed document for each category of children's book.
  • The 3 Plot Outlines to choose from, including the universal plot outline that all chapter books and novels should use
  • The 411 on Subplots, Plotting Factors, and Plot Ideas to try so you get the full understanding of how to create a plot for your specific book idea.
  • Finding Your Story Voice
  • Controlling Your Story's Pace so your book doesn't drag, and you keep your reader turning pages.
  • Adding Rhythm & Fun to Your Writing without having to rhyme
  • 3 Places to Add Your Character's Personality
  • Writing Dialogue, Back matter, Concept Books, and Nonfiction
  • Kidlit Digital Resource Binder: A PDF packet of 30+ writing sheets to use for each step of the process
  • Lifetime Course Access so you can use this to write as many books as you want!
Get the Course Here
From Idea to Finished First Draft | How to Write a Children's Book

Retail: $297
Yours only: $97

It was a step-by-step guide, easy and breezy to follow, and a detailed plan for writing a children's picture book. I learned to write the story from the child's perspective. I followed every step until the end. And now I have a finished book in hand.
Francyne Y. Finished book in hand
...This helped me because I honestly had no writing experience and wanted to try it. I learned everything that goes into a quality children's book and how to do it. I loved that I could work at my own pace and I can go back to reference everything anytime I want.
Kirsten H.
Everything is helpful. Classes on plotting and voice have been especially helpful and enjoyable.
Julia R. Julia R.

Hey! I'm Brooke Van Sickle

Award-winning children’s book author + publisher of more than 50 children's books.

As a kid, I dreamed of one day becoming a published author like those from all my favorite books.

But when I set out to try to publish my first book, I felt like a complete novice.

Even though I'd been writing for years, something about choosing to get "serious" about seeing my book published made me doubt I could actually make it happen.

It wasn't until I finally learned the writing process that I felt confident in the books I was writing. And when I finally got an award for my published book?

I knew I was officially the author I'd always dreamed about becoming.

Now, I help people from all over the world know exactly how to turn the idea that's in their head into a finished book.

That’s why I created From Idea to Finished First Draft.

It gives you the same writing process that finally made me confident in my books, one clear step at a time.

Get the Course Here

Here's what students are saying about the course:

I loved the course! It was so helpful to get my ideas down in the right order. I have two finished stories now and I'm excited for the next steps.
Wendee V. Two finished stories
...After watching the videos, I got a clear vision of what my own picture book could look like in terms of the plot...
Daniella N.
...The course was full of incredibly valuable information; not the least of which was appropriate length and language.
Holly C.
Brooke Van Sickle founder Journey to Kidlit

Hey! I'm Brooke Van Sickle

Award-winning children’s book author + publisher of more than 50 children's books.

As a kid, I dreamed of one day becoming a published author like those from all my favorite books.

But when I set out to try to publish my first book, I felt like a complete novice.

Even though I'd been writing for years, something about choosing to get "serious" about seeing my book published made me doubt I could actually make it happen.

It wasn't until I finally learned the writing process that I felt confident in the books I was writing. And when I finally got an award for my published book?

I knew I was officially the author I'd always dreamed about becoming.

Now, I help people from all over the world know exactly how to turn the idea that's in their head into a finished book.

That’s why I created From Idea to Finished First Draft.

It gives you the same writing process that finally made me confident in my books, one clear step at a time.

Get the Course Here

Got Questions?

Here are answers to the most common questions I see:

"Do I need writing experience to take this course?"

No. The course starts with your idea and walks you through every step, from choosing your point of view to typing your first draft. You already have the hardest part: a story that matters to you.

"I've started writing my book before and never finished. Will this help?"

Yes. The course gives you the steps in the right order, so you always know what to do next instead of guessing your way through your story.

"How much time do I need?"

Lessons are short, about 5 to 15 minutes each, so you can fit them in on a lunch break or after the kids go to bed. It’s a self-guided course, so you can go at your own pace.

"Is this only for picture books?"

No. The course covers children’s books for ages 0 to 18, from picture books to novels, including how to set up your manuscript for each category.

"How much does it cost?"

Get the course on sale for just $97 (regularly $297). It’s a one-time payment with lifetime access.

"How soon do I get access?"

Right after checkout. Your login details arrive by email within 5 to 10 minutes of purchasing.

"How long do I have access?"

Your purchase includes lifetime access, so you can come back to the course every time you start a new story.

Your story won't become a book just because you want it to…

Your story becomes a book when you sit down with a clear plan and start writing it!

Retail $297.

Yours just $97!

Get the Course Here

Created by Brooke Van Sickle, award-winning picture book author, and the best-selling author of Picture Book Perfection: How to Write a Children's Book that SELLS to Publishers (and Readers). Brooke has helped hundreds of writers globally write a finished children's book.

Brooke Van Sickle founder Journey to Kidlit

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