Picture Book Beat Sheet

How Strategies from SAVE THE CAT can Strengthen Your Manuscripts

Inside this course is a BRAND NEW way of evaluating the strength of your picture book manuscripts using Blake Snyder's beat sheet tool from his book, SAVE THE CAT. Author Heather Preusser has applied the beats to picture books and teaches how to use them in both the writing and revision process. Specifically, you will learn:

  • How a book on screenwriting can help us with picture book manuscripts.
  • The 15 beats in most stories.
  • A hands-on way to apply the official "Blake Snyder Beat Sheet" to a model picture book text.
  • An impromptu exercise applying the beats to a picture book.
  • Where to find additional resources.


Your Instructor


Heather Preusser
Heather Preusser

Heather Preusser earned a BA in English and art history from Williams College, an MA in education from the University of Colorado, and an MFA in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine. She is currently working on several picture books and novels for young readers. When not writing, Heather teaches high school English, bikes the European countryside, and attempts to learn ridiculously long German words. She and her husband reside in Colorado. Her debut picture book, A Symphony of Cowbells, was released in March, 2017.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

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