Regional virtual events

August 7, 2024: In this workshop, we will study picture books that have taken a classic story and twisted it into something new. We will dive deep into multiple examples to study how to do it. Then with writing prompts, we will work in the moment to try out your own ideas. A recording will be available to registered participants for a month after the event. PLEASE NOTE - You must register before the event in order to have access to the video.

Through August 9, 2024: Enjoy unlimited viewings of the following: Meet the Illustrator: Jacqueline Alcántara; Publishing without an Agent? Yes! with Matt Forrest Eisenwine; The Right Path for Your Picture Book with Michelle Schaub; Author Q&A; Summer Series WEEK 2 Breaking the Rules to Create Humor with Alice McGinty|; and Summer Series WEEK 3 Industry Insider Chat with KT Literary + Scholastic.

August 10, 2024 (registration closes August 9): You have an idea for a nonfiction picture book. You do lots of research. You are ready to begin your first draft. But first -- you need to find the focus of your manuscript. The focus you choose will determine what goes into the text and what can be included in the back matter. Today's nonfiction picture books have a specific focus. In this webinar presented by award-winning author Barbara Lowell you will learn how to find a focus for your manuscript with great examples from the best in nonfiction picture books. You can use these examples as mentor texts. You will also learn about researching your subject and writing creative back matter.

August 17, 2024 (registration closes August 15): In this presentation, Deb Gonzales will unveil the transformative power of Pinterest in book marketing, highlighting its evergreen appeal across genres. Tailored to elevate an author or illustrator's connection with their intended audiences on the platform, participants will discover that Pinterest is the perfect place for all book creators no matter what their stage in the publishing journey may be.

August 21, 2024: Conflict is a vital component of any good children’s book, from picture books to young adult novels. But which characters actually make the decisions and take action to resolve that conflict? In this workshop, we’ll discuss character agency, why it’s important for your main character to have control over their story, and how a character’s actions and decisions make the story especially satisfying for readers. Join freelance children's book editor Rachael Stein for this riveting webinar on character agency. This event will be recorded, and a replay will be available for 30 days after the live event.

August 22, 2024 (registration closes August 20): What makes a strong illustration portfolio? What are art directors looking for and how can artists make powerful illustrations that will catch their eye? Whether you are new to children's illustration or are hoping to tighten up your existing portfolio, this workshop will cover all the steps from creating compelling artwork, to organizing and presenting your work to potential clients. Join us in person at The Loft or virtually via Zoom.

August 27 (registration closes August 26): Join us for this webinar with acclaimed author Donna Gephart and Learn techniques and tips to create funny children’s books, from picture books through young adult novels. Discover which types of humor work best for various age groups. Tap into your inner child with lively examples, fun exercises and practical advice that will inspire you to write side-splitting humor for the younger set. A limited number of critiques is also available.

September 10-October 22, 2024 (registration closes October 22): Designed specifically for aspiring authors of children’s literature, this four-session course, led by Nancy Sharp Wagner, will demystify the self-publishing process. From setting up a publishing business to marketing a masterpiece, participants will learn how to make their publishing dreams a reality. Register for a discount on all four webinars or, if you prefer, register for any individually. All webinars will be from 7:00-8:30pm CT with dates of: September 10, September 24, October 8, and October 22, 2024.

September 10, 2024: Discover the art of weaving powerful emotions into your nonfiction picture books! Whether you're crafting a narrative or expository story, this class will equip you with techniques to engage young readers' hearts.

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 7, 2024-April 5, 2025 (registration closes September 6): Calling all novel writers! Want to write a novel for kids but not sure where to start? Have lots of ideas but not sure which ones will work best? Have a work-in-progess and need some accountability and guidance? In this virtual workshop, you will dive deep into writing a children's novel. Writing From the Inside Out: Novel Workshop is offered by the Nebraska region starting September 2024 with George Jreije. Classes will be 11am - 12:30pm CST.

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.

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

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!

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 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.