Regional virtual events

September 14, 2024 (registration closes September 13): Looking to elevate your writing? Captivate your readers with indelible images and deep emotional connections by mastering the use of symbolism. In this hands-on workshop, Jessica Vitalis will explore different types of symbolism and practice techniques for generating and incorporating symbolism into your writing in order to take your stories to the next level. Jessica Vitalis is an award-winning, Columbia MBA-wielding middle-grade author with Greenwillow/HarperCollins.

September 14, 2024 (registration closes September 13): Learn about several editors and agents who are open to submissions—what they are actively seeking and their submission guidelines. Also learn the best ways to research editors and agents, and how to determine which agents or editors are right for your project.

September 15, 2024 (registration closes September 13): Treat yourself to individually tailored critiques by one of our faculty members. A faculty feedback is a great chance to get your work in front of industry professionals and then discuss their findings personally during a 10min Zoom call - maybe just what you need to elevate your WIP to the next level!

September 17, 2024 (registration closes September 16): This webinar is for writers who want to explore self-publishing versus traditional publishing. Presenter Kim Briggs will walk you through the steps to publishing your book, including hiring editors and cover designers, making your own website, creating and maintaining a newsletter list, and a quick overview of which social media platforms to use (and if you should). A limited number of MG/YA critiques is also available at an additional cost.

September 19, 2024: Join cartoonist Cara Bean as she reviews the colorful history of making Here I Am, I Am Me: An Illustrated Guide to Mental Health. From her first comic about mental health to the publication of Here I Am, Cara explores the highs and lows of a lifelong dream project. A recording will be available to registered participants for one month after the event. PLEASE NOTE - You must register before the event in order to have access to the video.

September 20-21, 2024 (registration closes September 19): Please join the Oklahoma/Arkansas Region of SCBWI as we learn more about the art of revision from Deborah Halverson. This is a virtual presentation with four sections. Deborah will be speaking about various aspects of the art of revision in each of the four sessions.

September 24, 2024: Join our Indie and Self-Publishing Coordinator, Joyana Peters, to learn about creating a budget and Author Business Plan to help you feel confident and in control of your Author Business!

September 27, 2024 (registration closes September 26): This interactive course is designed for all creatives in the kidlit-sphere and beyond with a special focus on those who face challenges with focus and consistency, particularly those with ADHD. Learn how the brain uses dopamine to maintain focus, explore common obstacles to staying on track, and practice strategies to overcome them. Participants will learn how to establish a flexible routine, protect their creative time, and maintain progress on longer projects. A recording of this session will be available for 30 days after the session.

September 28, 2024 (registration closes September 26): In this illustration-focused workshop by Devon Holzwarth, participants will consider various picture book texts to create a library of color palette options to use in picture book projects, as well as learn to pinpoint where color can be used to elevate stories. Participants will complete an illustration exercise (please have color pencils or paint and paper with you - digital tools are also fine). Devon will share examples of her own color practice in picture books, and demonstrate some of her techniques. There will be a Q&A period following the workshop.

September 28, 2024 (registration closes September 26): This webinar with guest speaker Jamie Nash will present the essentials of outlining your story with the Save the Cat method. Save the Cat is a popular storytelling framework that helps writers structure their plots by breaking them down into 15 key beats, ensuring a compelling and cohesive narrative.

September 28, 2024 (registration closes September 26): Choose Your Own Adventure” at the 2024 SCBWI SF/South Golden Gate Day, Saturday, September 28, 2024 in San Bruno, CA from 9am - 5pm. We've got stellar presentations from: Caldecott Honor recipient author/illustrator LeUyen Pham; Editorial Director Connie Hsu; Associate Editors Sydnee Monday and Ian Tseng; Art Director Tracy Shaw; Literary agents Ian Lendler, Sally Kim and Jennifer March Soloway. In-person or virtual manuscript critiques, portfolio reviews, and first-look roundtables will be available. Additionally, in-person attendees may register for our first ever *Pitch Clinic,"" an opportunity for a 5-minute consultation with an agent or editor to perfect your pitch! Registration for the in-person option opens June 14 at 10am PST for premium members, August 1 for non-premium. Registration for the virtual option opens August 1.

September 24, 2024 (registration closes September 22): A discussion with three creatives who’ve faced the challenges head-on. More than 4,200 book titles were targeted for censorship in 2023 in the United States alone. The number of titles targeted for censorship at public libraries increased by 92 percent over the previous year. What happens when you, as an author or illustrator, have a book that’s been challenged or banned? How does it affect your career? Your future creative endeavors? Your responsibility to push back and challenge the challenges? Join these KidLit creators – whose books have been challenged or banned – for an insightful discussion about their experiences: Dori Hillestad Butler (My Mom’s Having a Baby! and the King & Kayla series) Yangsook Choi (The Name Jar) Kirby Larson (Dash) Knowledge is power. Let’s gather to discuss how we can best respond to the current wave of censorship.

September 29, 2024 (registration closes September 28): This virtual workshop is for writers of all children’s book categories—picture books, chapter books, MG/YA, fiction or nonfiction—looking to perfect their submission query letters. Draft your own hook statement/log line, learn how to understand rejection letter feedback, and ways to revise based on that feedback. Includes a master handout, sample query letters, and a quick-reference sheet for translating editorial feedback. Presented by Deborah Halverson, former editor at Harcourt Children's Books and the award-winning author of WRITING YOUNG ADULT FICTION FOR DUMMIES as well as numerous teen novels. She is also the founder of the popular writers’ advice site DearEditor.com.

October 2, 2024 (registration closes September 30): What’s the big deal with back matter? Editor Carol Hinz, who has been called the Queen of Back Matter on at least one occasion, offers a thorough investigation of what back matter is, who it’s for, and what types of back matter work best for picture books. Carol Hinz is accepting submissions from webinar attendees, and will provide submission information at the conclusion of the webinar.

October 5, 2024 (registration closes October 3): Virtual/In-Person hybrid event. Learn about craft and book publishing, connect with agents, an art director, authors, and an illustrator. Mingle with other creatives. Offering critiques, portfolio reviews, pitches, and contests. When: Sat., Oct. 5, 8:30-5:30 pm PST Where: California State University Fullerton, Titan Student Union OR online via Zoom.

October 5, 2024 (registration closes October 4): Setting is defined as the location and time period of a story, but a character's sense of place and interactions with places can add depth and nuance to a story, elevating setting beyond simple backdrop. How do place and character create each other? How does place reveal character and provide sources of conflict? How can experience of place add resonance to stories, in particular to endings? Join us for an interactive workshop on place in fiction. We will discuss the difference between setting and place, look at examples from middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels, and write. Presenter Anindita Basu Sempere is a longtime writing instructor and has taught creative writing at Olin College, the Université de Neuchâtel, and Boston University.

October 5, 2024 (registration closes October 4): In this webinar, Lorraine Hawley will share tips and tricks for breaking through social media algorithms. Participants will explore actionable methods to sharpen their social media presence, increase visibility, and have fun as they experiment and grow their book marketing strategies. While it may feel overwhelming to market through the digital noise, building an engaged and passionate online community is possible. Other topics covered: * choosing your social media outlets * reels vs. stories and posts on IG * collaborating to build your community and exposure * gauging the return on your investment of time/effort

October 7, 2024 (registration closes October 6): Webinar Description: Many people associate the importance of worldbuilding with speculative fiction (like fantasy, science fiction, and horror), but it’s a crucial element in any novel, regardless of the genre. In Immersive Worldbuilding, we’ll analyze the ways a variety of storytellers use worldbuilding in their work, consider how you can apply those methods to your own manuscripts, and expand our understanding of what it means to build a world through writing. The goal is to make the world in your book—whether it's a realistic location, a fictional planet, or somewhere in-between—a vivid experience for the reader. Critiques available (at an additional cost): PB (manuscript or dummy); MG and YA; Graphic Novel (manuscript or illustrated sample)

October 8, 2024: Learn how to master multiple POVs from professional editor Sophia Jimenez.

October 8, 2024 (registration closes October 6): Publisher Mike Parker of WordCrafts Press will speak on “Shameless Self-Promotion and Networking.” He says, “You CAN build your brand and develop your career as an author...without selling your soul!” Although their publishing list is pretty full, Mr. Parker says he will review submissions from those who attend the webinar. He says, "We're always open to finding that gem."

October 9, 2024 (registration closes October 6): We’re often taught to “show, don’t tell” but what does that really mean? Where does storytelling fit in? Why not sharpen both sets of skills? Examine how we write scenes, how and where we place them, and how we link them with summary to create story. Presenter Uma Krishnaswami is a prolific author of books, poems, and short stories for young readers. Her story collection, THE BROKEN TUSK, has been in print continuously for twenty years. Uma’s historical middle grade novel, STEP UP TO THE PLATE, MARIA SINGH, is a South Asia Award Honor Book and a Junior Library Guild pick. Her chapter book, BOOK UNCLE AND ME, is on the USBBY Outstanding International Books list. Uma teaches Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts.

October 10 and 17, 2024 (registration closes October 6): In this two-session online Masterclass series, embark on a transformative journey from creative passion to financial prosperity! This is an exclusive course tailored for SCBWI members by expert Anna Orenstein-Cardona, author, NFEC-certified financial educator and founder of Wear Your Money Crown®. Come and find out how Anna can help YOU as a creative business. EMPOWER yourself!

October 19, 2024 (registration closes October 18): Learn the art of EXTRAORDINARY led by Estelle Laure, Agent, Senior Content Development Editor At-Large, from one of the industry’s top literary agencies, Folio Jr. We’ll be taken on an unforgettable journey filled with techniques on how to master your writing craft and tips & tricks to creating a standout query. Don’t miss out on the incredible opportunity to submit your work. Estelle Laure is the author of ten published and/or forthcoming picture books and young adult novels, including acclaimed novel The Raging Light and Disney’s City of Villains trilogy. She has been an Indie next pick, BEA Buzz Book author, a Junior Library Gold standard selection. She works as an Agent/ Senior Content Development Editor-At-Large at Folio Jr, focusing in on picture books, middle grade, and young adult.

October 22, 2024 (registration closes October 21): You already know: Working with a critique partner or group can help improve your creative projects! Incorporating useful feedback into your art or writing can make the difference in whether your work attracts attention from an agent, gets accepted by a publisher, or wins an award. The best critique environment is a supportive, collaborative, safe space. It sparks vulnerability, transparency, and creativity while offering feedback that builds up writers’ confidence—in their work and in themselves. Equally true: in partnerships or groups with diverse creators, it’s important to foster a welcoming environment for creators of differing identities or cultures—or whose work centers characters or nonfiction/fiction themes outside your lived experience. Building on her experience as a writing coach and as a sensitivity reader for publishers of adult and KidLit titles, Lisa A. Crayton will explore how critique partners (and groups) can better celebrate, uplift, and empower creators through community. She’ll address topics centering diversity—such as stereotypes, marginalization, and respect— as they relate to KidLit art and writing. Lisa will also offer tips for providing better written and verbal feedback. And she’ll address your pressing questions arising from real life experiences in critique environments. The webinar is for you if you struggle with giving honest feedback when offering critiques to another creator because of the material that includes cultures, identities and/or themes different from your lived experience. Or if you hold back your heart topics or projects in a critique group because of fear of receiving insensitive comments. Or if you simply are curious about how to build a more supportive critique group. A limited number of critiques available at an additional cost--all proceeds go to benefit the Eastern PA scholarship fund.

October 26, 2024 (registration closes October 23): Join us for a day of curating your illustrator portfolio as we honor keynote speaker and local author-illustrator, Julie Fortenberry. Plus world-class presentations from invited faculty and add ons—an AD assignment, and portfolio reviews.

November 1-3, 2024 (registration closes November 1): Join us in-person in beautiful Santa Fe New Mexico and/or online for an enriching and invigorating weekend celebrating children's literature and its creators! The conference features keynotes will feature acclaimed and award-winning creators, author Lesa Cline-Ransome and author-illustrator Diane Stanley, plus eight breakout session options led by experienced and decorated creators and educators, including Children's Literature Legacy Award-winning illustrator James Ransome, National Jewish Book Award-winning author Susan Wider, and NAACP Image Award Finalist, author Khadijah VanBrakle. We have five agents on faculty joining us in-person or virtually with opportunities for submissions, critiques and pitches--and for our self-publishing and small press creators, a marketing workshop taught by New Mexico/Arizona Book Award-winner RJ Mirabal. All content will be available to in-person and online-only attendees. We hope to see you there!

November 1-2, 2024 (registration closes November 1): The 2024 Kansas-Missouri Middle of the Map Conference (MOTM) will be held virtually this year November 1-2, 2024! That means saving for you and a full day of learning including two panels (Shedding Light on Hidden Histories and an Agent/Client panel), two two-hour workshops (one on Goal Setting with Francine Puckly and one on Hook, Plot, and Pitch with Kaz Windness), and two creator sessions with our 2025 Mentors (Illustrators: The Secret of a Winning Portfolio with Illustrator Mentor Rahele Jomepour Bell; Writers: Traditional vs. Self-Publishing with Chelsea Tornetto). All will be recorded and available for 60 days. Optional critiques will be available as well (Nov. 1, 6-9 pm via zoom). Live viewing will be from 8 am Central Time to 5:25 pm Saturday, November 2nd.

November 2, 2024 (registration closes November 1): 8 & Under is back! This half-day, virtual event is designed especially for writers and writer-illustrators who create for children ages 8 & Under. If you create board books, picture books, early readers, or chapter books, this is the event for you! The "full" 8 & Under event will include two faculty-led webinars plus a mini mentorship with a published author (one of Eastern PA’s PALs), complete with a written critique and an extended one-on-one virtual session. Agent/editor post-event critiques will be available for an additional fee. We are also offering the option to purchase "webinars-only" tickets, for those who are unable or do not wish to take part in the PAL mini-mentorship portion of the program. A limited number of agent/editor (post-event) critiques will be available to those who purchase a webinars-only ticket. Spaces are limited! See below for details and important dates.

November 2, 2024 (registration closes October 31): Have you ever purchased a book to learn the craft of writing books for kids, but aren't sure how to best put it to use? Here's a chance to learn from the authors themselves! Join us for a full day of craft talk from the authors of preeminent books on writing craft. All Sessions will be recorded and available to registered participants for 30 days. ***SPECIAL BONUS: Each speaker will provide one free critique (SCBWI Gold Form + 15-minute Zoom session) to a randomly selected participant. Check out the event page to learn about the faculty, craft books covered in sessions, and full schedule.

November 9, 2024: Join us November 9, 2024 in-person in Charlottesville, VA, or online, for a day of writing workshops! Our fall workshops are classroom sized sessions that allow for a deep-dive into an element of craft. Besides instruction, these workshops can also include time for activities such as: drawing and writing exercises, group work, sharing, feedback, and discussion.

November 12, 2024: In this webinar, agent Jes Trudel will help authors and illustrators improve their queries by "beefing up" their pitches using practical tips for drawing out the plot and character details agents need to chew on to make a decision.