October 7 - October 23
Online
$449Overview
An Online Course with Live Presentations, Pre-recorded Lectures, Writing Exercises, and Q&A
Are you ready to write nonfiction for teens and children, but don’t know where to start?
Join award-winning authors Jennifer Swanson and Christine Taylor-Butler for an in-depth exploration of the craft of nonfiction writing for young readers. With their guidance, you’ll build a strong foundation in key aspects of the genre, from research and structure to voice and engagement. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A with editor Eileen Robinson, gaining insights into the acquisition and editing process for nonfiction projects. Plus, connect with fellow writers who share your passion and start building a supportive network within the nonfiction community.
- Live sessions via Zoom take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays (October 7, 9, 14, 16, 23) from 7:00pm – 8:30pm Eastern
- Writing exercises will be posted in the virtual classroom each week
- A 1:1 Consultation with faculty will take place between October 9 – 15 (Scheduled at a mutually convenient time)
- You will have access to the materials (including recordings) until November 30, 2025
Why This Workshop?
You are ready to begin your work in writing nonfiction for children and teens. But where should you start?
With a great idea, of course.
But what about…
- The submission process for nonfiction?
- Digging deeper into curiosity and reader engagement?
- Developing the tools of narrative structure and word choice?
These are the foundations of writing nonfiction for kids and teens. You’ll explore them and more in this online workshop with celebrated authors Jennifer Swanson and Christine Taylor-Butler.
A highlight of the course includes a 20-minute consultation with Jennifer Swanson (scheduled at a mutually convenient time, October 9 – 15). In addition you’ll enjoy a Q & A with editor Eileen Robinson about her experiences acquiring and editing projects in today’s nonfiction market.
Feedback Expected
- Informal feedback will be available in peer-to-peer small groups and the virtual classroom where you are encouraged to post and discuss weekly writing exercises.
- A 20-minute private consultation with Jennifer Swanson is included to discuss ideas, goals, project related research, and craft questions. This consultation is scheduled at a mutually convenient time, October 9 – 15. (Please note: No manuscript submissions are associated with this consultation and there is no written feedback.)
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You are working on a biography, history, nature, or STEAM/STEM-themed book for kids or teens. Let our faculty help you craft an engaging, nonfiction book for kids.
- You love nonfiction and are eager to write TRUE stories. This workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to the world of nonfiction children’s books.
- You have an in-progress or finished manuscript and aren’t sure how or where to submit your work. Pitches, proposals, and publishing opportunities will all be explored during this workshop.
- You enjoy online learning. This course relies on LIVE Zoom interaction and contributions in the virtual classroom. The sessions are recorded and you will have access to the recordings until November 30, 2025.
Do I need to have a book in progress to take this course? Not at all! If you are in the planning/idea stages, you will still gain valuable insight from this course. Use your 1:1 consultation time with faculty to discuss your ideas. (No submissions or written feedback are included in this consultation.)
Tentative Agenda
All Times are Eastern Time.
Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
Note: If your schedule does not allow you to attend live sessions, that’s OK! You’ll have access to the recordings. They’re usually posted the day after the session, and they’ll be available through November 30, 2025.
Pre-Workshop
About a week before the course, you will be invited to join the virtual classroom where you will find the Highlights Foundation Community Standards, your course syllabus, and resources associated with this course.
We’ll ask you to sign up for your 1:1 consultation by October 7th (scheduled at a mutually convenient time between October 9-15).
Week 1
Tuesday, October 7 at 7:00 – 8:30pm Eastern: LIVE session via Zoom
- Welcome
- Opening Session: STEAMing Into Nonfiction with Jennifer Swanson, followed by Q & A
- Small group introductions (come prepared to talk about ideas and interests in nonfiction)
Thursday, October 9 at 7:00 – 8:30pm Eastern: LIVE session via Zoom
- Biographies: An Overview with Christine Taylor-Butler, followed by Q & A
- Short Break!
- Hooking Readers with Your Nonfiction with Christine Taylor-Butler and Jennifer Swanson
In the Virtual Classroom:
- Introduction Thread
- Week One Writing Exercises & Resources
- Sign up for your 1:1 consultation with faculty; What to bring to your 1:1 consultation (no submissions)
- Preview Highlights Foundation Community Standards
- Familiarize yourself with the discussion board
Week 2
Tuesday, October 14Â at 7:00 – 8:30pm Eastern: LIVE session via Zoom
- Researching A Nonfiction Book with Jennifer Swanson, followed by Q & A
- Short Break!
- Nonfiction Revision Tips with Jennifer Swanson
Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 – 8:30pm Eastern: LIVE session via Zoom
- Submission Basics—The Nonfiction Proposal with Jennifer Swanson
- Small Group Touch Base (You’ll have a chance to share your progress with your peers!)
In the Virtual Classroom:
- Week Two Writing Exercises & Resources
- Optional thread for peer-to-peer interest in meeting outside the course
Week 3
*Note: No live session on Tuesday, October 21.
Thursday, October 23 at 7:00 – 8:30pm Eastern: LIVE session via Zoom
- Building Your Career with Jennifer Swanson, followed by Q & A
- Short Break!
- Q & A with Editor Eileen Robinson
- Followed by: Closing comments and questions
In the Virtual Classroom:
- Week Three Writing Exercises & Resources
- Discussion thread: Questions for the editor
1:1 Consultations
October 9 – 15: 1:1 Consultations (via Zoom)
- 20-minute consultation with Jen Swanson. (Schedule is made when the virtual classroom opens, at a mutually convenient time).
- Jen Swanson will not review manuscripts, but will answer project related questions, discuss ideas, and clarify concepts from the program.
Commitment Required for the Best Experience
This course is best if you engage in all the sessions (by attending live or watching each recording). To get the most from this experience, please sign up for your 1:1 consultation with faculty.
Note: If your schedule does not allow you to attend live sessions, that’s OK! You’ll have access to the recordings. They’re usually posted the day after the session, and they’ll be available through November 30, 2025.
The Highlights Foundation strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives, including our faculty and staff.
How It Impacts Kids
Children both love and learn from nonfiction. This course will give you the foundation to create the very best nonfiction for kids!
Testimonials from Our Community
“Both instructors were extremely well prepared for the course and developed lectures based on feedback from the class participants. They gave plenty of opportunities to ask questions and provided helpful feedback.”
“Even though we were on Zoom, I could sense a community of writers being established throughout the workshop.”
Related Resources
- 5 Tips for Researching Photos for Your Nonfiction Book
- 5 Questions Everyone Asks About Writing Nonfiction for Kids
- Jennifer Swanson: My Path to Nonfiction (AKA: When What You Think You Want to Write and What You’re Good at Writing Are Not the Same Thing)
- Setting a Scene with a STEM Book
- Teresa Robeson: A Passion for Writing Nonfiction
- 7 Ways to Make Your Nonfiction Stand Out
- Making Science Fun (or Funny) In Your Nonfiction Book
