114 - Publishing Lingo Part 1
Picture Book Summit Podcast
Once you decide to dive into writing picture books and trying to get published, you quickly realize this industry has a language all its own. Today, the Picture Book Summit Team translates the publishing lingo you might run into on the writing and revising side of things. In the next episode, we dive into the publishing lingo surrounding submissions and publishing. Books mentioned in this episode: by Lynn Brunelle and Jason Chin by Drew Beckmeyer by Chris Barton and Tom Lichtenheld by B.J. Novak by Lynn Street and Anne Hunter by Lucy Ruth Cummins Find these books and more...
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113 - What We Love About Brian Lies' Books
Picture Book Summit Podcast
Today's episode is the third in our series discussing the amazing books written and/or illustrated by our 2026 Superstar Speakers. Check out our episode on Derrick Barnes' books and Deborah Underwood's books . In this episode, we get to chat about Brian Lies' books. We talk about the in-depth work that goes into his words and illustrations and how he expands the worlds he shares with us. Books mentioned in this episode: by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld by Brian Lies by I.C. Springman and Brian Lies by Brian Lies by Brian Lies by Brian Lies by Brian Lies ...
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112 - What We Love About Deborah Underwood's Books
Picture Book Summit Podcast
Our book discussion continues today with Deborah Underwood's books! Get your TBR list out and start writing down Deborah Underwood's books we chat about in this episode. They are a masterclass in figuring out the heart of the story—no matter the theme, genre, tone, or style. We think you're going to love her books as much as we do! Books mentioned in this episode: by Deborah Underwood & Renata Liwska by Deborah Underwood and T.L. McBeth by Deborah Underwood and T.L. McBeth by Deborah Underwood and Misa Saburi by Deborah Underwood and Misa Saburi by Deborah Underwood and Jax...
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111 - What We Love About Derrick Barnes' Books
Picture Book Summit Podcast
Today is about the books—Derrick Barnes' books, to be exact. Derrick Barnes writes extraordinary picture books. In this episode, we explore what makes them so incredible and why we are so excited to hear him speak at this year's Picture Book Summit. From leaning into his voice, trusting his audience, using such specific details, to shining a beautiful light on Black boys, his words resonate with us and clearly inspire his illustrators with his evocative text. Books mentioned in this episode: by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James by Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton by...
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110: Finding Inspiration in Unusual Places
Picture Book Summit Podcast
Ideas are everywhere! Today, we explore some of the most unusual places we've found inspiration and a few of our favorite inspiration stories from other authors. Resources mentioned in this episode: with Angela Dalton and Julie Hedlund - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! Books mentioned in this episode: by Julie Hedlund and Michael Slack by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and EG Keller by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and Eva Byrne by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and Elly MacKay by Katie Davis by...
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109: What Kelli Learned About Writing at Picture Book Summit
Picture Book Summit Podcast
Kelli Panique started as a strictly behind-the-scenes support person with Picture Book Summit and has grown into our host and producer. In this episode, Kelli shares how she's been inspired to start writing her own picture book manuscripts after listening and learning over the last 12 years. If you're looking for a place to start on your next story, we think you'll find inspiration in today's chat. Resources mentioned in this episode: - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! - Use code PODCAST for 30%...
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108 - What Emma Learned About Acquisitions at Picture Book Summit
Picture Book Summit Podcast
Our own Emma Walton Hamilton was previously an editor of a children's imprint and even her mind was blown when Little, Brown editor Alvina Ling came to Picture Book Summit and pulled back the curtain on what really goes on in editorial and acquisitions meetings. Proof that no matter where you are on the writing journey, there is always something to learn. Resources mentioned in this episode: - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! What will we learn at this year's Picture Book Summit? Come find out! Join us for a one-of-a-kind, online writing conference designed for picture book writers...
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107 - What Julie Learned About Voice at Picture Book Summit
Picture Book Summit Podcast
In today's podcast, Julie Hedlund gives us an in-depth look at writing a picture book biography and how Lesa Cline-Ransome's presentation, Speak Their Truth: Conveying the Voice of Picture Book Biography Subjects, helped her move her manuscript from not-quite-there to acquired and published. Books Mentioned in this episode: by Julie Hedlund and Ilaria Urbinati Resources mentioned in this episode: - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! What will we learn at this year's Picture Book Summit? Come find out! Join us for a one-of-a-kind, online writing conference designed for...
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106 - What Katie Learned About Rhyming at Picture Book Summit
Picture Book Summit Podcast
In today's podcast, Katie Davis dives into rhyming picture books, how listening to Julie Hedlund's workshop Verse Curse changed the way she views rhyme, and what she wants you to know if you're writing in rhyme! Including tons of tips you can use today! Books Mentioned in this episode: by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman Resources mentioned in this episode: - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! What will we learn at this year's Picture Book Summit? Come find out! Join us for a one-of-a-kind, online...
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105 - Brian Lies Says You Should Keep Writing
Picture Book Summit Podcast
Ready for some motivation? Katie Davis interviews 2026 Superstar Speaker Brian Lies! Katie and Brian Lies (pronounced Lees) have a delightful conversation about the importance of continuing to write (no matter what), enjoying the process, and knowing that every writer has a different path to publication. Brian will be presenting at Picture Book Summit 2026, where he’ll share how to use your writing tools (even ones you may not know you have) to connect with your audience in Reel Them In: Using All the Lures in Your Tackle Box to Engage Readers. Here’s what you can expect: NY...
info_outlineIdeas are everywhere! Today, we explore some of the most unusual places we've found inspiration and a few of our favorite inspiration stories from other authors.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- 8 Ways to Ruin a Picture Book Biography with Angela Dalton and Julie Hedlund - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!
- Use Your Fear with Jon Klassen - Use code PODCAST for 30% off!
- Lisa Bardot
Books mentioned in this episode:
- Over, Bear! Under, Where? by Julie Hedlund and Michael Slack
- Waiting in the Wings by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and EG Keller
- Shy by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and Eva Byrne
- The Enchanted Symphony by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and Elly MacKay
- Who Hops? by Katie Davis
- To Boldly Go: How Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek Helped Advanced Civil Rights by Angela Dalton and Lauren Semmer
- Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
- Vigil by George Saunders
- A Swim in the Pond in the Rain by George Saunders
- The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
- Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzman
Looking for more inspiration? Join us for a one-of-a-kind, online writing conference designed for picture book writers and illustrators!
Time is running out to save $100 with Early Bird Registration. Offer ends 8/27/26. Grab your ticket today!