Picture Book Coaching Services to unlock the storyteller withinÂ
Your picture book dream is closer than you think with expert guidance every step.
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You've been carrying this picture book idea for months, maybe years. You know it's special. You can see it on bookstore shelves, imagine children giggling as their parents read it aloud. But every time you sit down to write, you're overwhelmed by questions: Where do I start? How long should it be? What makes editors say yes?
Here's what I know: You have a story worth telling. The question isn't whether you can write a picture book - it's whether you're ready to learn exactly how to do it right.
You Need More Than Just Writing Skills
You've probably read dozens of picture books to your own kids or students. You think you understand what makes them work. But here's what I learned after years of rejections: writing a picture book that gets published requires insider knowledge most people never discover.
It's not enough to have a sweet story or memorable characters. Publishers are looking for manuscripts that demonstrate:
âś“Â Â Perfect pacing for the picture book format
âś“Â Â Age-appropriate language and concepts
âś“Â Â Stories that work on multiple levels (engaging kids AND adults)
âś“Â Â Understanding of current market trends
âś“Â Â Professional manuscript formatting and presentation
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That's where my book coaching services come in.
How Book Coaching Works:
1
Fill Out The Coaching Form
Share a bit about your goals, and I’ll be in touch to book a free 30-minute Discovery Call. Ready to get started? Purchase a coaching session now.
2
Assessment & Planning
We’ll look at where you are in your writing journey and put together a plan that fits—whether you’re starting with just an idea or already have a draft.
3
Focused Sessions
Our one-on-one coaching sessions are highly personalized and results-focused. We work through my proven step-by-step approach at your pace.
4
Manuscript Ready
You'll end up with a polished manuscript you can be proud of, plus the knowledge and confidence to navigate the submission process.
What You Get With My Book Coaching Services
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✏ Personalized one-on-one guidance
Tailored specifically to your story and writing goals
✏ Idea-generating techniques
Tools to uncover the narrative gems within your concept
✏ Professional manuscript formatting
Templates and standards that agents and publishers prefer
✏ Story structure mastery
Learn the fundamentals that make picture books work
✏ Submission preparation
Guidance through industry standards and best practices
Work With A Picture Book Coach
Interested? A 30 minute discovery call is free
“Heather Hartt-Sussman is a super coach: she is generous and kind yet will always be honest about your writing and what needs to be done.
Heather knows both the business of publishing AND the art of crafting a well-edited, well-formatted and meaningful manuscript. What I like the most about Heather’s coaching and teaching is that she has the ability to hone in on your style and your goals resulting in a product you are proud to submit.”
- Andrea Massion, Port Hueneme, California
“Working with Heather was such a joy.
From start to finish she made the writing process easy and fun. Heather is a wealth of knowledge and an extremely talented writer and coach. She helped refine my work and prepare me for the world of children’s book writing and publishing.
I am so grateful for Heather’s help, she is a true professional, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who is looking to write a children's book.”
- Kate Church, King City, ON
Why Professional Book Coaching Services Make the Difference
The picture book market receives thousands of submissions every year, but only a small percentage get published. The difference often comes down to industry knowledge, professional presentation, and a clear understanding of what publishers are actually looking for.
When you invest in book coaching services, you're not just paying for writing help—you're gaining:
- Years of industry experience and insider perspective
- Proven systems that lead to real results
- Professional guidance that helps you avoid the frustration of trial and error
- Accountability and support from first draft to final submission
What sets my coaching apart is that I’ve been exactly where you are.
I know how overwhelming and discouraging the process can feel—because I lived it. I doubted myself, faced rejection after rejection, and nearly gave up. But once I cracked the code of what publishers wanted, everything shifted. Now, I help aspiring authors create stories that are not only heartfelt, but up to professional standards.
Anyone can call themselves a writing coach—but I’ve actually walked the path. I’ve signed contracts with Penguin Random House and Groundwood Books, collaborated with editors and art directors, and had my work featured in Publishers Weekly and selected as Editors’ Choice in The New York Times Book Review.
Book coaching with me goes beyond craft. It’s about strategy, support, and developing a submission-ready manuscript—so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.
A Little About Your Coach
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Before discovering my passion for children's literature, I worked as a broadcast journalist, interviewing legends like Walter Matthau and Jim Carrey. Those experiences taught me how to craft compelling narratives and understand what captures an audience - skills I now bring to every coaching relationship.
When I'm not coaching writers or working on my own manuscripts, you'll find me travelling, exploring hiking trails, or curled up with a good book and tea that's gone cold because I got too absorbed in the story!
Feeling stuck? Let’s get you motivated and on your way.
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The picture book industry is competitive, but not impossible to break into. With the right support, clear steps, and someone who believes in your story, you can go from idea to polished manuscript.
I’ve helped dozens of writers shape their picture book concepts into manuscripts they’re proud of. If you're wondering whether coaching is the right next step, let's talk.
Start by filling out the coaching form.
I’ll get in touch to book a free 30-minute call, where we’ll:
→ Talk through your story idea and goals
→ Pinpoint what’s holding you back
→ Explore how coaching can help
→ See if we’re a good fit
