More About the Course

Read, Watch, or Listen

This course will include text AND video content. You can participate by only watching or only reading; it's up to you. The course will also mostly work in audio-only format if you'd like to multitask while you learn! Note that the curriculum and amount of video content may change slightly as I develop the course and incorporate feedback.

Course Curriculum

    1. Overview of Rhyming Picture Books

      FREE PREVIEW
    2. How to Decide Whether a Picture Book Should Rhyme

    1. Rhyming Picture Books Need a Consistent Rhythm

    2. How to Analyze Rhythm in a Rhyming Picture Book

    1. How to Analyze Rhyme Schemes

    1. How to Pick Your Own Rhythm and Rhyme Scheme

    2. Drafting Rhyming Picture Books

    3. Revising Rhyming Picture Books

    1. What to Avoid When You’re Writing Rhyming Picture Books

    1. Key Takeaways

    2. Downloadable Resources

About this course

  • $129.00
  • 12 lessons
  • 1.5 hours of video content

Instructor

Tracy C. Gold

Hi! I love inspiring writers as a teacher, mentor, and editor. I have taught many real-time in person and online courses before, and I'm looking forward to sharing my knowledge with a larger audience. In the past, I've taught through Johns Hopkins' continuing education program, the Society of Children's Book Writers, the University of Baltimore, and more. I always aim to make my classes fun and interactive. When I teach, I share what I've learned from writing my own books, working with many writers as a teacher and editor, and working for a literary agent. My published and forthcoming picture books include “Everyone’s Sleepy but the Baby,” “Call Your Mother,” “Trick or Treat, Bugs to Eat,” and “Hide and Seek, Nuts to Eat.” The first two are published by Familius, and the second two are published by Sourcebooks. I earned my M.F.A. in Creative Writing and Publishing Arts at the University of Baltimore and earned my B.A. in English from Duke University. When I'm not writing or editing, I'm playing with my kid or hanging out with horses and dogs. I can't wait to get to know you and your work!

Watch the First Lesson Now

What Students Say...

5 star rating

You can learn to rhyme!

Lois Berk

Tracy's course in rhyming picture books gives you the keys to unlock the mysteries of creating a rhyming children's book that is fun for adults to read and for children to hear. Each session is short, packed with tips and tools, upbeat and accessi...

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Tracy's course in rhyming picture books gives you the keys to unlock the mysteries of creating a rhyming children's book that is fun for adults to read and for children to hear. Each session is short, packed with tips and tools, upbeat and accessible. I highly recommend the course if you are interested in honing your writing skills. L. Berk

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5 star rating

Whether to Rhyme

Dara Henry

There's a lot to love about the "Whether to Rhyme" class by Tracy Gold. If you're looking for an interactive, high-energy, and informative way to get started (or continue) on your rhyming journey, this is the class for you. Discussion questions, ...

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There's a lot to love about the "Whether to Rhyme" class by Tracy Gold. If you're looking for an interactive, high-energy, and informative way to get started (or continue) on your rhyming journey, this is the class for you. Discussion questions, examples from various text, and the ability to pause/ and rewatch (if needed) make this class very accessible and easy to use. I also appreciated the way the lessons are chunked into short clips (around 8 Min), which makes carving out time to learn more manageable. I'm looking forward to taking more of Tracy's classes.

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5 star rating

Great Class For Inspiring Children's Book Authors

Amy Helminiak

This class gave me essential knowledge about rhyming picture books. It gave me some clarity on what publishers look for when considering a rhyming picture book. The knowledge I gained during this class has improved my writing and my awareness of t...

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This class gave me essential knowledge about rhyming picture books. It gave me some clarity on what publishers look for when considering a rhyming picture book. The knowledge I gained during this class has improved my writing and my awareness of the industry. I highly recommend this class as well as other publications by Tracy.

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Bonuses

This course is more than just a few videos. Here are some bonuses.

  • Text Versions of Videos

    Prefer reading to watching? This course includes text versions of all video content, as well as some bonus downloadable one-page checklists.

  • Audio Only Design

    Want to just listen to the course while you're doing laundry or driving? Videos will largely be formatted so that you can listen along without watching.

  • Student Forum Access

    Enrolling in this class includes access to a forum just for students of my on-demand classes. We'll use the forum for asynchronous discussions, matching up with critique partners, and sharing student work. I'll be encouraging trading feedback with fellow students and chiming in with feedback myself where I can.

Testimonials

“Tracy is a genius with rhyme. Not only are her rhyming books some of my kids' and my favorites, but as her critique partner, I have been amazed at how creatively and quickly she can suggest the most adorable and fun rhymes for my own manuscripts. Any writer that has the opportunity to learn from her should take full advantage, no question!”

Tamara Girardi, author of "Why, Daddy? Why?" and YA titles including "Gridiron Girl" and "Above the Fold"

“Tracy has a keen editorial eye and does an excellent job spotting ways to fully draw out the potential in an author’s writing. I always trusted her opinion on manuscripts she read for me and was consistently impressed with her insightful evaluations and thorough edit letters. She also has a fantastic, positive personality that makes her a joy to work with. I highly recommend her!”

Carrie Pestritto, Agent with Laura Dail Literary Agency

FAQ

  • Can I take this class if I'm a total writing beginner?

    Yes! Please join us. If you have questions that aren't covered in the course material, I'm happy to chat via email or in the discussion for the class.

  • Would this class be good for a published picture book author?

    Absolutely! This class is for anyone who wants to learn about rhyme and rhythm. My published friends actually encouraged me to create this class. Join us if you have already written picture books in prose and want to add rhythm and rhyme to your toolbox, or if you want to improve rhyme and rhythm skills that feel a little shaky.

  • What materials do I need to take this class?

    An internet connection and and a playful, open mind!

  • Should I take this class if I've had this lesson with Tracy before?

    This class is based on the rhyme and rhythm session I regularly teach in my classes and coaching groups for picture books. If you have already participated in that session, this class will cover much of the same ground. However, if you'd like a refresher or to go into more detail, you may still want to take it. Contact me at [email protected] if you're unsure.

  • Can you offer this class live to my school/organization/writing group?

    Sure! Contact me at [email protected] to set something up.

Money Back Guarantee

Not learning? Get your money back.

If you're not happy with what you're learning from the class, I'll refund your money. For pre-orders, this offer is open until 30 days after the August 1 launch. Once the course has officially launched, this offer will be open for 30 days after purchase.

P.S.

Yes, you CAN be good at rhyming!

Many writers are afraid to write in rhyme because they don't think they'll be good at it. Let's put that fear aside! This class breaks down rhyme and rhythm in a fun, playful way. Not only can you succeed at writing in rhyme and rhythm--you can enjoy it!

Where Tracy Teaches

Groups that have hosted Tracy's classes include...

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