Between agents, editors, illustrators, printing, pricing, and platforms… it’s a lot. whether it's through the traditional or self-publishing path, I’ll help you get your book published with a practical plan you can actually follow.

A real plan. A real timeline. A real book.

let's do it! I'm ready!

Say "hello" to your publishing roadmap

You’ve poured your heart into a manuscript. Now you're staring at the publishing part like...wait. What do I do next?

Should I self-publish or go traditional?
How do I get an illustrator?
Should I pitch it or just print it myself?

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to guess anymore.

The great news is there are a lot of incredible ways to get your book published these days. The hard news is that it can be difficult to figure out which publishing path is right for you and your book. Plus, most authors these days do a combination of both self- and traditional publishing, and need to be well versed in both skills.

But i promise, it's not as hard as it looks from the outside. You don't need to doom-scroll google searching for the answers, you just need an expert guide.

You’ve already written the story. The only thing left is turning it into a real book. And right now is an incredible time to publish—because you have more options than ever before. Traditional publishing is still a beautiful path, and self-publishing has become a professional, viable option for authors who want more control, speed, and flexibility.

Here’s the honest truth: you don’t need perfect conditions to publish. You need a clear plan—and a next step you’ll actually take. And yes, with the right roadmap, you could be holding your book in your hands in as little as four months.

The longer a manuscript sits, the heavier it gets. You know you want to do something with it, but doubt creeps in. Momentum fades. Life fills the space. And suddenly a finished book becomes a “someday project” you don’t know how to restart.

And honestly? It makes sense. The publishing landscape is a lot to navigate. Traditional or self? Agent or no agent? Illustrator contracts, ISBNs, discounts, timelines… every answer you find seems to come with three more questions. So you start piecing it together the way most writers do: a saved post here, a podcast episode there, a late-night Google spiral, a friend’s opinion that totally contradicts the last “expert.” And somehow you’re working hard… while still feeling stuck.

Plus, if you feel like God placed this story in your hands for a reason, that stuck feeling can get even louder—because it’s not just a project anymore. It feels like stewardship. Like obedience. Like a call you want to honor well, not rush, not fumble, not overcomplicate… but also not ignore.

What If the Next Faithful Step Is Publishing?

Here’s what I want you to know: you can do this.

Publishing isn't just for the lucky few.

Not reckless. Just brave enough to begin.

it’s for any writer willing to take a chance on their own story.

Imagine you’re driving or on a lunch break or folding laundry, and you realize: I’m actually doing it. Not researching it. Not thinking about it. Not “someday”-ing it. Doing it.

It's real.

Maybe you go traditional: you hit send on your submission package, you get the yes (or the “we’re interested”), and suddenly you’re not wondering if you’re “allowed” to call yourself an author. You are one. You’re on a real timeline with real people in your corner.

Or maybe you go self-pub: a box shows up at your door, you open it, and there it is—your book. Cover. Pages. The whole thing. And you realize: the story God gave you is no longer trapped in a document. It’s in your hands. It’s something you can hand to a child. Something you can bring to your church, your school, your community, your people.

Either way, the fruit looks surprisingly similar:

You’re not just “someone who wants to be published.” You’re published.
You’re not just carrying a story. You’re stewarding it.

And that changes your life in quiet but real ways. You stop introducing yourself with a hopeful someday. You start making decisions like a person who’s building something—because you are. You have a book that can open doors, start conversations, serve families, and remind kids of what’s true and good. You have a tangible way to put beauty into the world.

what would happen if you just went for it?

Imagine what it’ll be like when this isn’t a thought in the back of your mind anymore.

Not because the industry is “easy” (it’s not), and not because you need some secret password. It’s possible because publishing isn’t magic—it’s a process. And once you understand the steps, it stops feeling like this mysterious club you’re trying to get into and starts feeling like something you can actually do.

The tricky part is that the steps are rarely laid out in order. Most writers end up piecing it together from scattered advice, and that’s where it gets overwhelming fast. But when you have a clear path—whether you’re pursuing traditional publishing, self-publishing, or a mix over time (or even at once!)—you can make decisions with confidence, keep your momentum, and move from finished manuscript to a real book you can hold in your hands.

want to hear more about how?

here's the good news, no matter who you are, publishing your children's book really is possible.

Publishing has a lot of moving parts (and a lot of loud opinions). This breaks it down into a clear, doable path—whether you’re pursuing traditional publishing, self-publishing, or you’re still figuring out which lane fits.

I’m handing you the step-by-step system, the templates, and the decisions in the right order—so you can move forward faster, smarter, and with way more peace.

Your no-fluff guide to getting your children’s book out of your laptop and into real hands—without the “wait… what do I do next?” spiral.

Publishing school

introducing the kidlit lab's

Part 1: Discernment (Choose your path with clarity)

Figure out which route fits your book + your real life—without pressure or shame.

A 3-Part Pathway

(So You’re Never Wondering What’s Next)

Part 2: Traditional Publishing (Submit like a pro)

Demystify the ‘black box,’ prep your materials to put your best foot forward, and understand the market.

Part 3: Self-Publishing (Build a beautiful book the right way)

Plan, hire, produce, and distribute with professional standards—without expensive mistakes.

a 3-part pathway

You’re here because the manuscript is done… and now the “publishing part” feels weirdly murky. This module makes everything feel immediately more doable by giving you a map—and a deep breath.

We’ll lay out the publishing landscape (traditional and self) in plain English—so you stop feeling like you’re missing secret information everyone else got at birth.

And yes, we talk money early—because it affects everything. You’ll learn what kidlit authors typically earn in both paths and how to run the numbers for your own project so you can make decisions with clear eyes, not vibes.

This is where the fog lifts. Instead of asking “What do other people do?” you’ll learn how to ask the better question: “What makes sense for this book and this season of life?”

We’ll look honestly at what your book is, what it needs to thrive, and what a realistic pathway looks like based on your capacity, timeline, and goals.

By the end, you’re not just “inspired.” You’re decisive. You’ll know which lane you’re choosing first—and how to keep doors open for later if God redirects you down the road.

Orientation + The Publishing Big Picture

CLARITY — Your Book, Your Story, Your Season

Module 1:

Module 2

This is your “get polished, get confident, get prepared” module. You’ll walk through what “trad-ready” actually means, so you’re not submitting too early—or waiting forever out of fear.

We’ll also get practical: platform expectations (without panic), and then the step-by-step components you need to submit professionally.

By the end, you won’t be staring at a blank Google Doc wondering how to write a query letter or proposal—you’ll be building a submission package with clarity and purpose.

Getting Ready to Submit

module 4

Traditional publishing can feel like a locked room with a bunch of mysterious rules. This module opens the door and turns the lights on.

You’ll learn the full journey—from submission to offer to publication—so you understand what takes time (and why), what you can control, and what you can not personally.

We’ll also talk timelines in a way that helps you endure them. Not with vague encouragement, but with realistic expectations—so you can keep going without burning out.

Traditional Publishing Overview

module 3

This module is for the part where most writers lose heart: Who do I email? What do I say? How do I not make this weird?

You’ll learn how to build a smart list, follow submission etiquette, and approach agents/editors like a professional—not an apologetic hopeful.

And because rejection is part of the process (even for talented writers), we’ll talk about follow-ups, timelines, and how to keep your courage intact when responses are slow or disappointing.

Submitting Like a Pro

module 5

part 1: DISCERNMENT for you and your book

PART 2: TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING TRACK

If you’ve ever thought, “Okay but what happens after a yes?”—this module is your answer.

We’ll walk through both big moments: when an agent says yes, and when a publisher says yes—what it means, what to ask, and how to respond wisely.

Then you’ll get the behind-the-scenes truth of working with a publisher so you enter that relationship with joy and realistic expectations.

Finally, we zoom out: how to think like a career author—someone building faithfulness in your role, not just chasing one book dream.

Offers, Contracts, and Career Thinking

module 6

Self-publishing doesn’t have to mean doing it “scrappy.” This module shows you how to do it professionally, with a plan, a timeline, and the right people in the right roles.

You’ll map your project from “yes” to printed book, choose trim size, and learn how to find and hire an illustrator—without falling into common contract and rights pitfalls.

This is where your dream becomes a real project with dates, decisions, and momentum.

This module is the BTS stuff that makes your book legit—and it’s where so many authors accidentally lose money or create headaches for themselves later.

We’ll cover ISBNs, barcodes, imprint/DBA questions, pricing and wholesale discounts, and all the “official” back-matter pieces that make your book bookstore- and library-ready.

And because you’re writing Christian kidlit, we’ll also address using Scripture wisely and appropriately in a way that protects you and honors the work.

Building Your Self-Pub Team and Timeline

preparing Your Book for Publication

Module 7

Module 8

Because yes, you want the book made—but you also want it read. This module gives you a real-life marketing plan that works whether you’re launching with a publisher or launching on your own: the key assets, launch ideas, and simple systems that sell books without requiring you to become a totally different person online.

If you’re traditionally published, you’ll learn how to support your publisher’s efforts well, build a launch team, create momentum ahead of release, and keep marketing after pub week—especially when the publisher’s initial push naturally tapers.

If you’re self-publishing, you’ll learn how to run your launch like a pro: what to prep, what to prioritize, and how to sell consistently through the channels that make the most sense for kidlit authors (events, schools, churches, online audiences, and more).

Most importantly, this module helps you move from “I made a book!” to “I’m building a lasting author life.”

marketing and branding strategies

module 10

This is where your files become an actual book people can buy. You’ll be guided through the major platforms and options (including KDP and IngramSpark) so you can choose distribution based on your goals—Amazon-only, wide, bookstores, libraries, events, all of it.

You’ll learn what quality control really looks like, what settings matter, and how to avoid the classic “wait—why does my proof look like that?” moment.

By the end, you’ll understand how to get your book into the world with confidence—not crossed fingers.

Printing & Distribution

module 9

part 3: self publishing track

part 4: (bonus!) launch and sell

Publishing Toolkit

Save hours of research, second-guessing, and “wait… what do I do next?” spirals

Plus, there's more! you'll also get my

Sound professional from day one (even if this is your first time publishing)Learn what agents actually look for—straight from a top Christian KidLit agent

Protect your manuscript + rights with smart, practical templates

Make the money math clear so you can choose your path with clear eyes

Reach out to agents, illustrators, and industry pros with confidence (and words to copy/paste)

Publishing shouldn’t require reinventing the wheel—or spending 47 hours cobbling together advice from random corners of the internet. Inside Publishing School, you’ll get my ready-to-use templates, scripts, and resources so you can move faster, feel calmer, and take the next step with confidence.

(So You’re Not Starting From Scratch)

copy. paste. publish.

Money + Math

here are all the Scripts, templates, and agreements you'll find inside

so you’re never starting with a blank page.

A professional submission package (Traditional)

A ready-to-go production plan (Self-Publishing)

Proposal template + my real sample
Query letter sample + annotations
Submissions Tracker Template

Illustrator outreach template
Art director/layout outreach template
Work-for-hire agreements (illustrator + art director)
Scripture permissions language
Non-Disclosure Agreement
Copyright page template (U.S. + International)

Earnings Calculator (compare paths + pricing + margins)

and bonus, this course is the same price as those single lane ones.

Most publishing courses teach one lane—traditional or self. But modern kidlit authors often do both over time, because different books (and different seasons) call for different paths. That’s why this course covers both options, taught by someone who’s navigated and coached writers through both—so you can make confident decisions now and keep your doors open later.

I'm a bestselling, award-winning children's picture book author, and I bring more than just author experience to the table for you—I’ve worn many creative hats, from designing wedding invitations to social media consulting to co-founding Risen Motherhood, a ministry that shared gospel-hope with moms around the world. I love a good dream-turned-reality, and I'm here to put our heads together to work on yours. I love books, and I might just love seeing books come to life even more.

I've written several children's books. Among them, the bestselling, "Any Time, Any Place, Any Prayer," which was the winner of the Christianity Today's Children and Youth Book of the Year, and a finalist for the ECPA's Children's Book of the Year, and the bestselling, "Like Me: A Story About Disability and Discovering God's Image In Every Person," which won The Gospel Coalition's Children's Book of the Year.

I'm Laura and I'm here to answer your children's book questions.

i'm here to help.

I've been writing stories for as long as I can remember. In fact, in first grade, I won my first writing award after I entered my story, "Mackenzie's Dog Goldie" in an AT&T writing contest. I still have the certificate and ribbon. (I'm thinking about putting them up on my office wall.) I had no idea the foreshadowing that would play into my future career. Childhood-me would be shocked and impressed that today I've made those dreams a reality. I get emails and DM's every week from people just like you who are looking for advice and help at various stages of their author journey, but typically their questions require more than what a quick email or DM can accomplish. That's exactly why I built this masterclass to answer the most common questions people have (and the ones they haven't thought of yet). Think of this like my brain in a bottle—the Manuscript Masterclass takes all my best tips and brings them straight to you.

“I’ve taken many classes and when it came to my children’s book, The KidLit Lab Manuscript Masterclass is all you need! It’s everything packaged in a great course with a great leader.”

- Marilu Urciuoli, author of "A Safety Net for All Seasons"

published authors from the kidlit lab

“I would not be a first-time author if it wasn’t for her and the KidLit Lab. Not only was the class informative, it was fun!”

- ally obermeier, author of "Just like caitlin"

"Joining the KidLit lab is a decision I will never regret! One of the many unique benefits of Laura’s masterclass is that she delivers the content to you; you don’t need to go searching for it. She’s in this together with you."

kay fuller, author of "no matter what God loves you"

“The Manuscript Masterclass was a literary feast for the budding author. It was a beautiful fusion of inspiration, spiritual encouragement, and praxis. This was something I had never experienced in only one writing course!”

Brittney Dagneau, author of "When I Am Afraid"

Could you be next?

You could spend hours Googling “how to publish my book” and guessing what to do want—or you could grab Publishing School and get the exact tools that are proven to get your book published.

Learn it once. Use it forever.

let me, help you, help you

- cynthia M.

If you're a person who has many book ideas but struggles to bring them to a "finished point" Laura's resources are for you!

INSTANT ACCESS

HELP AT-THE-READY

I want you to be 100% confident when you invest in The KidLit Lab. That’s why I offer a 7-day money-back guarantee! If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll work with you to make sure you're happy, even if that means a full refund.

money back
guarantee

100%

RISK FREE

The PDF template will arrive in your inbox just a few minutes after purchase. Print as many times as you like, or just pull it up electronically next to your working manuscript.

If you need more support, my team is just an email away and ready to answer any of your questions. You can even snag one-on-one time with Laura to help edit and polish your work, right here.

"hello, how can i help?"

Like Me

PSST, there's more! click here to see them all.

Christian fiction

If I can do this, so can you.

HERE ARE A FEW OF MY KID'S BOOKS! NOW LET'S GET CRACKING ON YOURS.

A World Wonder

mass-market fiction

Any Time, Any Place, Any Prayer

Christian non-fiction

BOOKS BY LAURA WIFLER

Your Worth Never Wavers

Christian non-fiction

get me on that list!

there's more!

when you enroll in this round, you'll get four months of live coaching calls with ME and access to a Private community space + group chat for questions and knowledge sharing.

value=priceless

publishing school runs live, starting tuesday, february 17.

Enrollment begins tuesday, february 3. get on the waitlist so you don't miss out!

get me on that list!

want in?

Enroll now!

Choose Your Path of Support

self-study

self-study plus

For the writer who wants the roadmap.

Get full access to Publishing School (Discernment + Traditional + Self-Pub) plus the complete Toolkit of templates, scripts, and calculators—so you can stop guessing and start moving.

Includes:

Full course access
All downloads + templates + calculators
Follow the path at your pace

Get everything in Self-Study, plus four months of live support and community—so you don’t just learn the plan… you actually follow it.

Includes:

Everything in Self-Study PLUS:
4 monthly coaching calls (60 minutes each)
Private live video Q&A thread (4 months)
Community group chat to connect with other authors

Best for: “I want momentum, accountability, AND EVEN MORE INSIDER INFO.”

Best for: “I want the HELP AND roadmap.”

Enrollment begins Monday, February 9.

join waitlist

Enrollment begins Monday, February 9.

join waitlist

Not sure it's for you?

See where you land below and find out.

Not at all—Publishing School is for new writers and already-published authors looking to try a new path. If you’ve been published before, this will feel like a strategy refresh and a systems upgrade for what you've done and a helpful step-by-step for what you haven't. It's got a clear framework for choosing the right lane for each book (traditional or self), plus the money math, templates, and step-by-step process to help you move faster, make smarter decisions, and stop piecing everything together from scratch every time you start a new project.

Is this only for first-time authors? What if I’ve already been published?

I'm an experienced author.

Should I wait until my book is done to grab this?

Nope—this is actually a great time to get clarity! Understanding how proposals and queries and self-publishing work will help you shape your manuscript in a way that aligns with your right next steps. You'll write with sharper purpose, avoid common mistakes, and move toward publication with confidence instead of confusion.

I'm not quite finished with my manuscript.

Nope—Publishing School will still help you a ton. You can skip the traditional-specific pieces and use the self-publishing track to build your plan, hire your team with confidence, handle the “make it legit” details (ISBNs, copyright, pricing, distribution), and launch in a way that actually sells—without expensive mistakes or guesswork. You're not paying more for the traditional path, and it'll be there if you need it down the road.

I already know I only want to self-publish—won't i just be paying for something I won't use?

I'm self-published (or thinking about it).

I already know I only want to go the traditional publishing path—will this waste money?

Not at all— you can focus on the traditional publishing track and use Publishing School to submit with confidence: understand the real timeline, build a professional query/proposal package, approach agents and editors the right way, and navigate offers/contracts with clear eyes—without wasting months guessing what to do next. It's no extra charge to have the self-publishing path and take it from a 4x traditionally published author—there may be a day when you want to pivot for a project and go self. Then you'll already know what to do.

I'm here to find an agent or tra publisher!

Is this course only for picture book authors or can I use it for other genres?

Publishing School is built specifically for picture book authors—that’s the primary lens for the whole course (examples, templates, timelines, and decisions). That said, a good chunk of the training is universal for children’s publishing too—things like choosing between traditional vs. self, submission basics, contracts and permissions, production essentials (ISBNs, pricing, distribution), and launch strategy. If you’re writing early readers or chapter books, you’ll still get plenty of value, but the most “perfect fit” experience is for picture book creators.

i'm working on middle grade or ya fiction.

What if I don't have much time?

You don’t need a huge block of time—you need a clear next step. Publishing School is self-paced, broken into short, practical lessons, and built for real life. Even if you can only do 20–30 minutes at a time, you’ll still make real progress because you’re following an organized roadmap (not wandering through random advice).

I've got a lot on my plate.

I'm busy! How much time will this take?

I get it—you’re juggling a lot. That’s why this course is designed to be efficient and immediately actionable and every resource is designed to save you hours of second-guessing, Googling, or rewriting down the road. You don’t need more to do—you just need the right tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have access to the course?

Lifetime access! Once you purchase, you can go back and watch it as much as you'd like for the lifetime of the course. You'll also get access to any future new content for free, if it's added.

Will you offer feedback on my manuscript / story ideas with a purchase?

While I would love to, I'm just not able to do this due to time constraints. If you'd like me to offer a personalized review of a manuscript or other feedback, your best bet is to book a 1:1 coaching call with me, here.

What if I purchase The KidLit Lab's course and realize it's not for me?

No problem! I'm offering a a 7-day money back guarantee! I want you to be 100% confident when you invest in The KidLit Lab. If you enroll and realize it's not for you, I'll refund it.

Is this for children's fiction or nonfiction?

Both! There will be all sorts of information and tips for anyone who wants to write for children, no matter their genre.

Do I have to be a Christian to take this?

Nope! You can think of this a bit like “faith-based." While I think what sets this course apart is the fact that we're coming at the topic from a Christian angle, it's not heavy-handed and anyone can learn from it.

I don’t want to pay for two options—can I just buy one?

Publishing School includes both traditional and self-publishing at the same price (or less than what you’d typically pay for one). Most authors end up publishing both ways over their career, so you’ll have the full roadmap no matter what season you’re in.

What's the difference between self-study and plus?

Self-Study is perfect if you want the full roadmap and you’re happy implementing on your own. It includes the complete Publishing School course + templates/resources, self-paced. Plus is for authors who want built-in support, accountability, and real-time answers while they move.
Includes everything in Self-Study plus four months of live support + community:

4 monthly coaching calls (60 minutes each)
Private live video Q&A thread (for 4 months)
Community group chat to connect with other authors

shoot me an email

I completely understand. Feel free to send me an email with any questions you have!

Still on the fence?

The Kidlit Lab

The KidLit Lab