Susan Holt Kralovansky
Susan Kralovansky started writing for the children’s magazine market and published stories and poems in places such as Cat Fancy, Our Magic Window, The Mailbox, and Humpty Dumpty. Her first book, There Was a Tall Texan Who Swallowed a Flea, was released in 2013 from Pelican Publishing along with her first nonfiction series, Library Resources, with Abdo Publishing. Susan has written twelve nonfiction books and illustrated her fourth picture book, We Really, Really Want a Dog, which will be released in 2021. A former librarian, Susan has led writing workshops and served as the Austin SCBWI Picture Book Mentor.
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Workshops and Sessions
WRITING NONFICTION - This presentation is suitable for large or small groups, grade 2 and up. It lasts about 45 minutes. Participants discuss the following topics:
• Good ideas
• Research and resources
• Note-taking techniques
• Exciting language
• Storytelling techniques
THE INSIDE SCOOP - This presentation is suitable for all ages. I'll talk about the inspiration for each of my books, my writing process, and the fun, creative, sometimes painful side of publishing.
WRITING WORKSHOP - This popular session lasts from 55 to 75 minutes. It is intended for groups of 45 or less, third grade and up. Each participant will work on:
• Finding a good idea
• Adding imagery
• Using exciting words
• Activities that stimulate ideas and stories
The presentation includes examples from my favorite books, student examples from previous workshops, and some time for writing.
During every visit Susan will:
• Good ideas
• Research and resources
• Note-taking techniques
• Exciting language
• Storytelling techniques
THE INSIDE SCOOP - This presentation is suitable for all ages. I'll talk about the inspiration for each of my books, my writing process, and the fun, creative, sometimes painful side of publishing.
WRITING WORKSHOP - This popular session lasts from 55 to 75 minutes. It is intended for groups of 45 or less, third grade and up. Each participant will work on:
• Finding a good idea
• Adding imagery
• Using exciting words
• Activities that stimulate ideas and stories
The presentation includes examples from my favorite books, student examples from previous workshops, and some time for writing.
During every visit Susan will:
- Encourage reading, writing and creativity
- Discuss the writing process and where story ideas come from
- Use pictures, props and audience participation to share my books
- Answer questions from the audience
Critique Services

Picture Book Manuscripts
Susan will review your manuscript multiple times and will touch on the strengths and weaknesses of the following:
Second Looks
For a look at a manuscript I’ve already critiqued.
Nonfiction Picture Book Work-for-Hire
and
Nonfiction Work-for-Hire Submission Package
Susan will review your submission package multiple times and critique the following:
Use the contact form or check my web-page for pricing.
Susan will review your manuscript multiple times and will touch on the strengths and weaknesses of the following:
- Age appropriateness
- Voice, pacing and language
- Overall story concept
- Possible mentor texts to study
- A 30 minute Skype or telephone call is included with every critique.
Second Looks
For a look at a manuscript I’ve already critiqued.
Nonfiction Picture Book Work-for-Hire
and
Nonfiction Work-for-Hire Submission Package
Susan will review your submission package multiple times and critique the following:
- Query letter
- Resume
- Outline and or project summary
- Writing samples
Use the contact form or check my web-page for pricing.
Online Courses
The Hopeful Picture Book Writer is available on Serious Writer Academy.
In this class you'll learn how to prepare your manuscript and cover letter, untangle the submission process and the do's and don'ts to get your foot in the door.
In this class you'll learn how to prepare your manuscript and cover letter, untangle the submission process and the do's and don'ts to get your foot in the door.