MAKE A CAREER AS A KID'S BOOK AUTHOR!

You have always dreamed of becoming an author or illustrator (or both!). We believe that everyone has a story inside them waiting to be nurtured.
Welcome to Hipp-Hop Academy. School's in session!

Ryan Hipp, Author and Mentor

MY Story

"My name is Ryan Hipp, and for the last 20+ years, I have made a living in the world of children's entertainment, education, and literature. Books, music, PBSKids! television, and presenting to children in schools and libraries across the world. In 2012, I received the Gwen Frostic Award for achievements in inspiring young people."

"Now, I'm holding the lightning in a bottle that I discovered along the way and passing it to others just like you! Those that not only have a calling to write and illustrate for kids, but want to make it their career."

KID-LIT Career Coaching

For Aspiring Authors & Illustrators

LIMITED KID-LIT CAREER MENTORSHIP

For Advanced Coaching Graduates

FREE KID-LIT WEBINARS

For New Published Authors

Schedule A School Author Visit

For Schools & Teachers

BUT WHERE DO YOU EVEN BEGIN?!

Overwhelmed? I'll get you from just a BOOK IDEA all the way to a sustainable BOOK CAREER. WELCOME TO HIPP-HOP ACADEMY.

YOUR KID-LIT CAREER STARTS NOW!

"My Proven Path-to-Publish™ helps 
aspiring authors and illustrators turn their dream of writing into life-long careers in kid-lit. I will work with you until you get there. Guaranteed."

NEED Some Quick HELP Right Away? Try our FRee Guide:

" 5 Mistakes I Made in My Kid-Lit Career...and 3 BIG MOVES to Jumpstart Yours!"

QUICKSTART GUIDE. 10 Minute Reading.

READY FOR OUR FREE WEBINAR?

SECRETS to CREATE a CONSISTENT CAREER In KIDS BOOKS

(EVEN BEFORE YOUR BOOK IS PUBLISHED!)

PERFECT for BEGINNERS-to-EXPERTS.

Jumpstart Your Kid-Lit Career in 90-mins.

We’re opening up a very limited live event — for aspiring authors and illustrators just like you — who are ready to stop spinning and finally start moving. And I promise you, if you give me 90 minutes of your time, I will light a fire in you that turns your passion into a plan. This is my life's goal - to help others follow their dream to get their story into the world and into the hands of kids.

testimonials

Anna M. (Michigan)

"(Ryan has) given me in just four sessions more clarity than I have had in 6 years of trying this on my own. His support has been everything!"

Kathy & Andi (Michigan)

"We had been wasting our time fumbling and looking for answers online - what we really needed was someone like Ryan
that has been through this."

Kent District Library (MI)

"Best inservice we have ever had here. Community turn-out was incredible. Ryan has given a lot of inspiration to several dozen local writers. The First Page session was incredible."

STILL NOT SURE?

WHY WORK WITH RYAN HIPP?

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’m still working on my manuscript. Should I wait until it’s “ready” before reaching out?

A: Absolutely not. Whether you’re brainstorming your first idea, stuck in revisions, or polishing your final draft, mentorship is most valuable right now. Many writers wait too long and miss out on the guidance that could’ve saved them time, energy, and frustration. I’ll meet you where you are and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Q: Do you only work with picture book authors? What if I’m writing middle grade, comics, or YA?

A: All children’s publishing categories are welcome!, (and high likelihood I can help you with adult fiction and nonfiction as well). While I’m best known for my picture books, I've been in this industry directly long enough that I am equally familiar about other formats - I’m deeply passionate about middle grade, comics, and YA. I’ve spent years learning the nuances of these genres and can help you navigate storytelling, publishing strategies, and audience-building for any age range.

Q: Do you offer 1:1 mentorships?

A: Yes, I offer very value-priced personalized 1:1 mentorships for writers and artists who are ready to take their craft and career to the next level. These sessions are typically reserved for those that have demonstrated a commitment to go this journey to the end of the line, and as my promise to them, I will be there as long as required. My mentorships are tailored to your specific goals — whether that’s refining your manuscript, building your author platform, or navigating the publishing process. What makes my mentorships extremely unique - is my promise to you - I will be with you as long as it takes.

Q: What if I’m not ready to commit to a full mentorship?

A: That’s okay! I also offer one-time or as-needed coaching sessions for writers who need targeted feedback or guidance on a specific challenge. These sessions are perfect if you’re looking for clarity on your next steps or want professional insight on your work-in-progress.

Q: How much time does mentorship take?

A: That depends on your goals and availability. For 1:1 mentorships, we’ll create a schedule that works for you —whether that’s weekly calls, monthly check-ins, or something in between. "My approach is flexible and designed to fit into your life, not overwhelm it". On the flip side, something that sets Ryan apart from most other programs is his commitment and promise to be available to you above and beyond scheduled sessions. When Ryan was first getting into publishing, his one wish that was so difficult was access to experts - Ryan wants his program to feel like a "wishing well". When you commit to Ryan's program, he is committing to YOU!

Q: Can I really make real career progress before I get published?

A: 100%. Building a successful writing career isn’t just about getting published...it’s about creating momentum, relationships, and purpose along the way. Together, we’ll focus on the steps you can take right now to move closer to your goals, whether that’s improving your craft, growing your network, preparing for submission or self-publishing, and most importantly - making real money right now while you turn your dream into a real career on this proven path to publish.

Q: Why is mindset such a big focus in your mentorships?

A: Ryan was recently quoted in a conference Q&A forum answering this question, answering, "mindset is the only reason I am published. People may roll their eyes, that is fine, I don't care what anyone else says - it matters more than anything. Because mindset is the foundation of everything. Most writers don’t fail because of lack of talent...they give up because they feel stuck, unsure, or alone". My mentorships are designed to not only teach you the skills you need but also build your confidence, resilience, and belief in your ability to succeed. It may seem like a no-brainer that doesn't require support or guidance - but 95% of new writers fail because of real mistakes I will help them avoid. I want to give this gift to others.

Q: How do I get started?

A: "It’s simple! Reach out to schedule a FREE zero-pressure 15-minute consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, challenges, and how I can best support you. From there, we’ll create a plan that’s tailored to your needs and vision. I promise whatever happens you won't regret making the call! Let's talk soon!"

Ryan Hipp, Author and Mentor

Ryan Wants To Work With You

Ryan Hipp, MCLC, CPC is a Master Certified Kid-Lit Coach, Author, Speaker, and recipient of the Gwen Frostic Award for achievements in inspiring young people. Ryan wants YOU to follow your calling!