If you’ve ever read a picture book that made you laugh, cry, or instantly want to read it again, chances are it had a strong voice. Voice is what makes a story memorable, unique, and engaging—and it’s one of the hardest things for aspiring picture book writers to master.
Attending an online conference like Picture Book Summit can be a game-changer in helping writers develop their voice, sharpen their craft, and learn directly from industry experts. If you’re serious about writing books for children, investing in your education through an online conference is one of the smartest steps you can take. (I go into it more below, but we’re doing a 4-week course on voice, so click here if you want to know more!)
What Is “Voice” in a Picture Book?
Voice is what gives a book its personality and makes it stand out. It’s the way words flow, the rhythm of sentences, the tone, and the attitude of the narration. A strong voice is why we immediately recognize a Mo Willems book as funny and irreverent, a Mac Barnett book as clever and quirky, or a Jacqueline Woodson book as lyrical and poetic.
One of my favorite recent picture books with incredible voice is Knight Owl by Christopher Denise (and the sequel, too). Go read it and tell me you can resist this little owl’s determined and brave voice. It shines through every page, making readers root for him from the start.
I Am a Baby by Bob Shea – This is a perfect example of voice-driven humor (and one that every parent can relate to…and who do you think is buying the books?!) The baby “narrates” their impact on sleep-deprived parents, and it’s a great example of voice.
A strong voice grabs an editor’s attention and keeps young readers engaged. But developing a unique voice takes time, practice, and the right guidance—which is why we decided .
Why Online Conferences Like Picture Book Summit Are a Game-Changer
Traditional writing conferences can be expensive, requiring travel, hotel stays, and time away from work or family. That’s where online conferences shine—they provide high-quality education without the hassle or high cost.
Picture Book Summit is one of the best online conferences for aspiring picture book writers, if I do say so myself! If you come to my site, you know I cofounded it in 2015. We meet every Wednesday for an entire year to bring you a full day of live instruction from best-selling authors, editors, and agents, all from the comfort of home. Every year, it focuses on key craft elements, including voice, character, pacing, and storytelling techniques.
But we also offer other events, like the upcoming Raise Your Voice, a series of workshops (with on-demand replays) to help you capture that seemingly elusive voice we hear mentioned on editor and agent wish lists.
Here’s what you’ll get:
Every Thursday in April, you’ll join us (us being me, Emma Walton Hamilton, Julie Hedlund, and Co-
Founder Emeritus Laura Backes), as we lead you on a deep dive to understand the different
types of picture book voice. In just four weeks, you’ll have an entirely new perspective on voice
in picture books and how to develop your own voice in your manuscripts.
I’m covering character voice in my session:
The best part? Raise Your Voice comes with lifetime access so you can continue to hone and discover your voice over the course of your writing journey.
In each session, we will:
• define each type of voice
• give you the keys to writing in that voice
• break down examples of books and authors who use that voice successfully
• and more!
What Makes Picture Book Summit (and all our events) Unique?
-
Mastering Voice with the Best in the Industry
Picture Book Summit consistently brings in top-tier speakers who break down how to write. Past keynotes have included Mac Barnett, Jane Yolen, Carole Boston Weatherford, and Yuyi Morales—each of whom has a distinctive voice that sets their books apart. -
Rewatch Sessions for Deeper Learning
Unlike in-person conferences, Picture Book Summit provides replay access, so writers can revisit key lessons and absorb them fully. -
Learning at Your Own Pace, From Anywhere
No need to book a flight or take time off work. Whether you’re in your pajamas or at your favorite coffee shop, you can tune in and get inspired from wherever you are. -
A Built-in Writing Community
Writing is often solitary, but attending a conference like this connects you with like-minded writers, critique partners, and even potential mentors. Many Picture Book Summit attendees have formed long-term critique groups that continue waaaay after the event.
What Writers Say About Picture Book Summit
Many writers attend year after year because the content is so valuable and practical.
Lynne Marie, author of Let’s Eat! Mealtime Around the World, shares:
“I come back to Picture Book Summit every year because I always walk away with fresh inspiration and practical tools to make my stories stronger. The focus on voice helped me refine my characters and make them more engaging!”
Jenna Waldman, author of Sharkbot Shalom, adds:
“Each year, Picture Book Summit gives me exactly what I need. One year, I struggled with voice, and I found a whole session devoted to it. Another year, I needed help with pacing—same thing! The lineup of experts is incredible, and I love that I can rewatch sessions when I need a refresher.”
Why Investing in Your Writing Education Matters
Writing picture books is an art and a business. To break into publishing, writers must learn the craft, understand the market, and refine their skills. Attending a high-quality online conference like Picture Book Summit gives aspiring authors the education they need without the high costs and logistical barriers of in-person events.
If you’re serious about writing picture books, take a step toward your dream. Your voice is waiting to be discovered—and truly, Picture Book Summit can help you find it.
