To Art Note or Not to Art Note

Every Question You've Ever Had About Art Notes in Picture Books: ANSWERED!

It's such an age-old question. Perhaps even Shakespeare asked it--should I include art notes with my manuscript or not?

For picture book authors, particular those who are not also illustrators, the question is thorny.

On the one hand, we're trying to minimize words in our manuscripts and leave room for the illustrator, so without any notes, the manuscript might be difficult to understand.

On the other hand, many agents, editors, and illustrators are opposed to seeing an abundance of art notes in a manuscript, claiming it's the illustrator's job to manage the visual portion of the storytelling in a picture book.

What's an author to do?

FIND OUT in this comprehensive course, where you will learn:

  • What Art (Illustration) Notes Are
  • The Purpose of Art Notes
  • The Function of Text in Picture Books
  • The Function of Art Notes in Picture Books
  • Types of Art Notes
  • Art Notes Do's and Don'ts
  • How to Know Whether or Not to Use Art Notes
  • What Professionals Have to Say About Art Notes
  • Examples of Art Notes in SIX Manuscripts that went on to be Published
  • How to Format Art Notes
  • Plus Q & A


Your Instructor


Julie Hedlund
Julie Hedlund

Julie Hedlund is an award-winning children's book author, the founder of the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, which boasts more than 1,700 members. She is a co-founder of Picture Book Summit, an annual online conference, and the co-creator (with Emma Walton Hamilton) of The Complete Picture Book Submissions System.

Julie's picture books include OVER, BEAR! UNDER, WHERE? (Philomel), MY LOVE FOR YOU IS THE SUN (Little Bahalia Publishing) and A TROOP IS A GROUP OF MONKEYS (Little Bahalia Publishing). Her Crystal Kite winning picture book biography SONG AFTER SONG: THE MUSICAL LIFE OF JULIE ANDREWS is available now.

Julie lives in Boulder, Colorado with her son and daughter and a whoodle who is high-maintenance enough to be considered a third child.



Course Curriculum


  Introduction and Overview
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  Course Curriculum: To Art Note or Not to Art Note
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  Art Notes Examples: Published Books
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  Review and Conclusion
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  Q & A
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The video presentation of the course will be held live on Thursday, September 12th, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. EST (5:00 PST). After the live event, all registered students will receive lifetime access to the video recording, the slides, the transcript, the audio-only version of the presentation, plus all handouts.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After the live event on September 12th, 2019, 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 within 30 days of September 12th, 2019, and we will give you a full refund.
Why am I not seeing the course curriculum on the sales page?
The course curriculum will be made available, for lifetime access, immediately following the live video presentation on September 12th, 2019.

Get started now!