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Planning a Non-Fiction Picture Book

Online course for adults
20 September – 29 November 2024
Fridays, 10:00 – 12:00 UK Time (BST until 25 October then GMT)

No longer taking bookings - if you missed out on a spot but are interested to know more about a future edition of this workshop, please email learning@qbcentre.org.uk.

This in-depth intermediate level course will support you to create your non-fiction book, focusing on how to plan books that display information in an accessible and engaging way for your audience.

With guidance from award-winning illustrator Owen Davey, you will learn how to research effectively and plan your pages, while developing your unique way of creating images. You will get valuable insight into how to take your book to the next level by presenting it to publishers.

A double page spread from a picture book featuring wasps at a picnic along with text about what wasps want to eat.
Please Don't Bite Me © Owen Davey

Our small class size of no more than 16 students will ensure that you receive personalised feedback from Owen in a relaxed and friendly learning environment. By the end of ten weeks, you will have a plan for your book, some finished spreads and the knowledge you need to take it forward.

Course content includes:

Planning

  • Effective research techniques
  • Approaches to non-fiction
  • Refining your project goals
  • Condensing text

Design

  • Layout
  • Pace and flow
  • Style
  • Colour theory
  • Converting thumbnails into sketches
  • Refining final artworks

Professional development

  • Finding an agent
  • Contacting potential clients
  • Contracts, advances and royalties
  • Presenting your work
A double page spread from a picture book featuring a series of historical characters along with text about what ancient remedies for bed bugs.
Please Don't Bite Me © Owen Davey

About Owen

Owen Davey is an award-winning illustrator who has worked with clients including Lego, WWF and National Geographic. He is the lead illustrator on the award-winning app Two Dots. His picture books have been published in over 17 languages. His Fanatical About Books was shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Awards and longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal in 2020.

What previous participants said about the course

“There are not many courses like this around.”
“The book I've ended up developing is not the one I had in mind to begin with - it's better. The course has helped me pick the right topic, develop my thinking, colour choices, art style. I don't think I could have asked for more!”
“Owen is very knowledgeable, friendly and approachable, so feedback always felt kind and constructive”