Who IS the Picture Book Doctor™?
I’m Dr. Ryan G. Van Cleave, the author of more than 100 books of my own, though I’ve ghostwritten, edited, coached, and consulted on hundreds more for clients across publishing and media. I’ve taught creative writing at the college level for more than twenty years, bringing that same mix of craft and clarity to the writers I work with today.
I run the picture-book blog, Only Picture Books and serve as Editorial Director at Bushel & Peck Books and Contributing Editor for Writer’s Digest magazine.
My focus with celebrity clients is simple: discretion, creativity, and delivering stories that resonate with young audiences and align with your public voice.
What I Do
I partner with public figures, athletes, actors, and creators to develop meaningful stories for young audiences—from concept to finished picture book. Whether you already have a story idea or want help finding the right angle, I’ll guide you through every stage of the creative and publishing process.
Selected Collaborations
Past collaborations include projects with Super Bowl champion Keyshawn Johnson, Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, Olympic gymnast Fred Richard, voice actress Bettina Bush, and former MLB player and motivational speaker Chris Singleton, among others. My work has helped public figures bring authentic, meaningful stories for kids to life—with several projects translated internationally and featured in outlets such as Booklist and School Library Journal.
What does this cost?
Each collaboration is unique. I work with clients at many levels of involvement—from concept consulting and ghostwriting to full creative development. My goal is to exceed your expectations while staying within a budget that makes sense for you.
Let’s start with a short conversation to find the right approach for your project.
