All the courses. In your time. On your terms.

Do you have an idea for a children's book but don't know where to start?


You probably have a job, a significant other, children, or all three that also need your attention.


We've been there.


Welcome to Makers Self-Study.

What You Get

Makers Self-Study Membership

Makers Self-Study Membership

$300.00
$300.00
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 What's Inside Makers Self-Study?

COURSES: 

  • Instant on-demand access to 10 Foundational courses and 11 Advanced courses on writing, illustrating, and publishing children’s books
  • Instant, on-demand access to 42 craft-based, supplemental mini-classes
  • Time saving checklists and worksheets to guide you through the creative process

COMMUNITY:

  • 24/7 access to a knowledgeable, supportive community of fellow storytellers.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP BONUS: 

Get a FREE How to Write or Illustrate Children's Books workbook and
save 2 months worth of membership.

How It Works

With Makers Self-Study, you have access to all our courses and mini-classes: all the video lessons, the handouts, and the assignments. They are all available to you 24/7 for the duration of your membership.


All of these courses are self-study.


Without scheduled live workshops, you are free to learn, grow, and create at your own pace.

What Our Students Say

"I have taken a lot of picture book writing classes over the years. Jim’s class offers a fresh approach to brainstorming, writing, and revising picture books. It is a magical feeling when something clicks, and you are able to discover that just right puzzle piece for a WIP. "

AJ Irving, Author

Charlene Avery

"I signed up hoping to better understand terms, but I left with a whole lot more. I learned tools and effects that improved my understanding of writing books for any age, not just picture books. I didn't feel overwhelmed, and now I'm better able to understand tougher resources. It was a great and satisfying investment of my time and money."

Charlene Avery, Children's Book Writer

Our Signature Courses

Each signature course contains 6 learning modules.

Our Mini-Classes

Each mini-class contains 1 learning module, varying from 30 mins - 8 hours in length.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does the Makers Self-Study membership include?

    Our Makers Self-Study membership allows you access to ALL OF OUR COURSES for as long as you are a member. It is different from buying individual classes because you won't have lifetime access. But you can go through every class, as many times as you like for the duration of your membership.


    (NOTE: Makers Self-Study is the "lite" version of Makers Pro. Makers Self-Study does NOT include live workshops.) As a membership bonus, you also have access to all of our self-study courses as they launch.

  • What does "self-study" mean?

    Self-study means you don't have live guidance or feedback from the instructor (or community) during workshops. You are watching the lessons and doing the assignments at your own pace, on your own time. It is the same content!

  • What is the difference between a signature course and a mini-class?

    Our signature courses dive deep into the craft of writing and illustrating. Each course contains pre-recorded lessons and handouts designed to improve your craft one module at a time. 


    Our mini-classes are bite-sized, skill-based courses designed to focus on a specific element of writing, illustrating, or business. Ranging from 20 minutes to 120 minutes, depending on the topic, mini-classes are pre-recorded and available on-demand.

  • Is this all online? What equipment do I need?

    All of Storyteller Academy’s courses can be accessed ONLINE. We recommend that you have a personal computer or tablet for an optimal experience.

  • Which classes are included in the Makers Self-Study membership?

    You get access to our 21 signature courses and 38 mini-classes. You'll also receive access to all NEW courses and mini-classes as they are released throughout the year.

  • Which courses do you offer?

    Signature Courses:


    Build a Lead Magnet

    Build and Test FB Ads

    Character Design

    Crafting Picture Book Stories

    Drawing 1: Drawing with Mental Models

    Drawing 2: Drawing in 3-D

    Find and Build Your Audience 

    Graphic Novels 

    Hire a VA and Build a Team

    Illustrating with Collage

    Illustration 1 

    Illustration 2

    Making Picture Book Dummies

    Picture Book Production Design

    Picture Book Wordsmith

    Plotting Your MG Novel 

    Rhyming Picture Books 

    Self-Publishing Children’s Books 

    Submission Ready

    Writing Picture Book Manuscripts

    Writing the Middle-Grade Fantasy Novel 

     

     

    Mini-Classes:


    Adobe Illustrator

    Best Creative Year Ever

    Build an Author Business

    Building an Author Website

    Crafting a Strong Beginning

    Creating Atmosphere 

    Creating Characters

    Creative Focus and Habits

    Drawing People for Children's Books

    Find My Art Style

    How to Query Agents

    Illustrating Novelty and Board Books 

    Making Comics

    Meterology

    Nailing Your Middle Grade Voice

    Nonfiction Picture Books

    Overcoming Fear

    Painting People with Acrylics

    Perspective and Point of View 

    Photoshop Basics

    Picture Book Story Frameworks

    Pitch Your Story

    Presenting a Winning Portfolio

    Picture Book Biographies 

    Revise Your Novel 

    Social Media 

    School Visit Presentations 

    Storytelling in Rhyme

    Symbolism & Storytelling

    Textures in Your Illustrations

    Unlock Your Maker Mindset

    Watercolors

    Writing Chapter Books

    Writing Early Readers 

    Writing Humor

    Writing Natural Rhyme That Sells

    Writing Nature with All 5 Senses

    Writing Voice