New to KidLit? Here Are My Favorite Free (or Affordable) Resources to Get You Started

Your no-gatekeeping guide to learning the ropes (without spending a fortune).

Apr 09, 2025

One of the most common messages I get is:

“I have an idea for a children’s book… how do I get started?”

And I get it. When I first started, I felt completely overwhelmed.

You see, I didn’t go to art school. I didn’t have a background in publishing. I was coming from a career in marketing—and suddenly found myself Googling things like, “What is a picture book dummy?” and “How many pages are in a children’s book?”

The good news? The children’s book community is incredibly generous and there are so many accessible resources out there to help you get started (without draining your bank account).

So today, I’m sharing a list of free and affordable resources that helped me when I was just beginning—and that I still return to today when I need inspiration, clarity, or a refresher.

Start Here: Writing Basics for KidLit Beginners

Highlights Foundation (Free Webinars + Affordable Courses)
highlightsfoundation.org
Highlights offers amazing in-depth workshops—but they also have free webinars, mini-courses, and donation-based events. Their vibe is warm, encouraging, and beginner-friendly.

Storyteller Academy
storytelleracademy.com
This platform offers paid courses and free trainings that walk you through things like story structure, character development, and building your picture book idea. Great for writers and illustrators alike.

SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators)
scbwi.org
They host affordable regional events, webinars, and critique groups. A membership costs ~$95/year and includes access to directories, templates, and industry contacts. Worth it if you’re serious about breaking in.

Podcasts That Taught Me So Much

The Children’s Book Podcast with Matthew Winner
Conversations with authors, illustrators, and editors. Beautifully hosted and full of heart.

Picture Book Look
Quick, behind-the-scenes episodes that break down how specific picture books were created. Great if you want to understand the “why” behind storytelling decisions.

Literaticast with Jennifer Laughran
More agent-y and insider-y, but still super useful. A great listen once you're past the total beginner phase.

Helpful Blogs + Newsletters

KidLit411
kidlit411.com
Think of this as the internet's master link list for children’s book writing and illustration. It’s packed with value. Bookmark it.

A Fuse #8 Production (Betsy Bird)
afuse8production.slj.com
Written by beloved librarian and reviewer Betsy Bird, this blog is packed with thoughtful critiques, industry insights, and roundups of what’s happening in the children’s book world. A must-read if you want to stay plugged in.

Drawn to This (hey, that’s me!)
dreasdoodles.substack.com
If you're new here—hi, I’m Andrea Campos! 👋🏼 Drawn to This is my newsletter about picture books, and building a creative career. I share behind-the-scenes stories, tips for writers and illustrators, and what I wish I knew when I was starting out.. which wasn’t that long ago!

A quick note before you go racing off to write your masterpiece…
Picture books may look simple—but writing a great one takes time, study, and a lot of revision. Don’t let that discourage you. Let it prepare you.

Good things take time. And telling stories? That’s a very good thing. 💛

Your Turn

Got a favorite podcast, class, or resource that helped you get started?
Drop it in the comments or reply—I’d love to keep growing this list together.

And if you're just starting out, I hope this post helps you feel a little less overwhelmed and a little more empowered.

You don’t need to have it all figured out.
You just need to start somewhere.

I’ll be here, cheering you on 💛
— Andrea