BOOTCAMP: From Draft to Deal: Indie, Trad, and Self-Publishing
Nov 15, 2025
Online event
Early Bird registration opens October 7th!
From Draft to Deal: Your Publishing Bootcamp
CAN'T MAKE IT DAY-OF? IT'S RECORDED.
Don't miss out on this valuable bootcamp.
Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? This intensive bootcamp walks you through the entire publishing journey—from polishing your draft to landing a deal. Whether you’re aiming for traditional or indie publishing, you’ll get expert guidance, insider tips, and actionable steps to move your book from finished pages to bookstore shelves.
Join us on November 15th, from 8 AM to 1:40 PM CST designed specifically for children's book authors and illustrators! This bootcamp is a power-packed session designed to guide you step by step from a polished manuscript to a publishing deal, whether you're going indie or aiming for traditional.
What You’ll Learn
- Indie v. Legacy (Traditional) Publishing: A Book-by-Book Choice with Darcy Pattison (Self Pub Author, SCBWI Keynote Speaker)
- How to Self-publish a Children’s Book: Key Options and Practical Tips with Karen Inglis (Self-Pub Author)
- Navigating Submission to Aquisition to Publication: Succeeding with your publishing team with Jennifer March Soloway (Agent)
- Pitching with Purpose: Crafting a Compelling Story That Sells Your Book with Linda Predovsky (Book Coach)
- Query Letters That Get Noticed: Writing standout queries to agents and publishers with Michaela (Mike) Whatnall (Agent) they/them
Sessions
Indie v. Legacy (Traditional) Publishing: A Book-by-Book Choice
In today’s evolving publishing world, authors have more power—and more choices—than ever before. This session breaks down the pros, cons, and key differences between indie and traditional publishing, helping you decide which path is right for each of your books. Learn how to evaluate your goals, timeline, and creative control to make strategic publishing decisions that work for you.
How to Self-publish a Children’s Book: Key Options and Practical Tips
Join bestselling self-published children’s author Karen Inglis as she demystifies the self-publishing process for children’s books. From formatting and illustrations to print options and marketing, Karen shares practical, real-world tips to help you navigate the journey with confidence—and get your book into young readers’ hands.
Navigating Submission to Aquisition to Publication: Succeeding with your publishing team
Literary agent Jennifer March Soloway pulls back the curtain on what happens after you hit “send.” Learn how to navigate the full publishing journey—from querying and submission to acquisition and book launch—while building strong, collaborative relationships with agents, editors, and your wider publishing team. Get insider tips on how to be your book’s best advocate every step of the way.
Pitching with Purpose: Crafting a Compelling Story That Sells Your Book
A powerful pitch is more than a summary—it’s your book’s first impression. In this hands-on session, book coach Linda Predovsky shows you how to distill your story’s essence into a pitch that grabs attention and sparks interest. Whether you're approaching agents, publishers, or readers, you’ll learn how to pitch with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Query Letters That Get Noticed: Writing standout queries to agents and publishers.
Your query letter is your foot in the door—make it count. This session breaks down the anatomy of an effective query, teaching you how to hook agents and publishers from the very first line. Learn what to include (and what to leave out), how to showcase your voice, and how to make your book irresistible in just a few paragraphs.
[Register Now] and take the next step in your author journey.
WHEN
Saturday, November 15th, 2025 starting at 8:00am CST to 1:40pm CST
Can’t make the whole event live? All sessions will be recorded and available to registered attendees.
WHERE
Zoom! Link will be provided in registration confirmation.
COST
Paid Member: $120
Regular Pricing: $140
FULL LINEUP
Indie v. Legacy (Traditional) Publishing: A Book-by-Book Choice with Darcy Pattison (Self Pub Author, SCBWI Keynote Speaker)
How to Self-publish a Children’s Book: Key Options and Practical Tips with Karen Inglis (Self-Pub Author)
Navigating Submission to Aquisition to Publication: Succeeding with your publishing team with Jennifer March Soloway (Agent)
Pitching with Purpose: Crafting a Compelling Story That Sells Your Book with Linda Predovsky (Book Coach)
Query Letters That Get Noticed: Writing standout queries to agents and publishers with Michaela (Mike) Whatnall (Agent) they/them
REGISTRATION CONFIRMATIONS
Upon completion of payment, you will receive a payment confirmation by email. You will also find a registration confirmation on the website that will include event-specific details. Go to your Member Home and click on My Events under the black bar at the top of the page. All events you have registered for will be displayed on this page. If there are additional meeting details (i.e. Zoom links for virtual events or materials required for the event), this information will be found under the green Meeting Info button.
Questions about this event? Contact [email protected]
REFUND POLICY
For events costing more than $100, we offer full refunds (minus a $15 processing fee) up until 30 days before the event. We will offer a 50% refunds (minus a $15 processing fee) up until 7 days before the event. Less than 7 days from the event, events are non-refundable.
There are NO refunds for any Critique Consultations/Portfolio Reviews or for Pitches unless the spot can be filled by another participant. If your spot is filled, you will receive a full refund (minus a $5 processing fee per consultation, review, or pitch).For more information on our refund policy, click here. By registering for this event, you agree that you have read and understand the refund policy for this event.
What is the SCBWI's Anti-harassment policy?
SCBWI's Anti-harassment policy can be found at http://www.scbwi.org/anti-harassment-statement
If you register or attend any SCBWI events, you agree to abide by this policy.