Description
Instructor: Linda Harris
Format: This is the Group Course format, which includes an online discussion forum and instructor feedback. This course will be conducted via Groups.io.
Prerequisite: None
Level: Beginner
Base price: $320 (members of The Christian PEN receive discounts)
Course length: This course is eight lessons; it runs from September 7 to October 26, 2026.
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
Course Outline: Click to download.
Required Textbook: Children’s Writer’s Word Book, Second Edition by Alijandra Mogilner (published by Writer’s Digest, https://www.writersdigest.com/wd-books/childrens-writers-word-book)
Certificate of Completion: Upon completion of this course, students will earn a course certificate.
(Note: Refunds will not be given for this Group Course after September 8, 2026.)
What previous students have said about this course: “I have benefited greatly from this course and am eager to find clients for children’s books.” —Pam L. “Your explanations and examples were detailed and made the course interesting. I looked forward to each lesson. It was an excellent class and I would recommend it to other editors.” —Ann K. “I’m excited to read some of the books you recommend (a couple of which I’ve already purchased). And I feel much more prepared to be of real value to children’s authors.” —Rachel N. “I learned a ton and know that I will refer back to the material often whenever I have a children’s book to edit.” —Deb H.
BC –
This was one of the best courses I’ve taken through the PEN to help me expand the types of editing I’m comfortable with. Linda Harris does a wonderful job of explaining the different levels of children’s books and understanding the world of editing them. Each lesson was fully explained and had very relevant homework assignments, culminating with a practice edit of a children’s story along with feedback of the edits. That in itself was extremely beneficial. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in exploring editing children’s books.
Irene Chambers –
I took this class because I am editing my daughter’s first children’s book. Linda Harris explained in detail the different reading levels and genres for children’s literature, provided resources for evaluating reading the reading level, and so much more. She also provided reviews of resource books at the end of each lesson. I loved the assignments because they allowed me to put into practice what the lessons were teaching. It was priceless to get feedback on them from Linda Harris, too. She knows her stuff! My favorite part of the class was the chance to edit a real children’s book at the end, and find that I had the tools to do it! A real confidence builder for me.
Janell Powell –
The lessons were explained clearly. Also, the section for recommended books for each lesson was very helpful. I enjoyed working with the instructor, and she is very helpful and prompt when replying to email questions.
Anonymous –
The assignments for Editing Children’s Books 101 were inherently flexible and made allowances for time and resources available. Not everything in editing children’s literature is clear cut, but the instructor explained the nuances. The comparisons of the different levels/divisions of children’s lit was most helpful, along with the textbook, which provides words by level and a wonderful thesaurus. The instructor was thoughtful and thorough in her responses. Her expertise and enjoyment of children’s books came through in her lessons and responses. She learned with us and engaged in the assignments.