SCBWI AZ - Publishing 101 - Understanding the Basics of KidLit Publishing Options

Creators love to create, but it's hard to understand the other side: the publishing industry. It's dizzying delving into the many avenues and many options! AZ IC Michael Hale will cover all the ways creators can turn manuscripts into books, what options are available in 2026, and the associated costs and potential returns for each method.

Overview: Refer to Sharon’s Kid Lit 101 presentation.

           • Determining the type of book that you want to create.

           • Being honest with yourself about the skills you have versus the skills you need.

           • List your publishing goals

Available Publishing Options in 2026:

           • Using the sliding scale of publishing options.

           • Traditional - Hybrid - Self Publishing.

           • Explanations and options of each method.

           • The pros, cons and common misconceptions about each method.

           • How to examine your options and decide which method is best for you.

The Business Side of Publishing:

           • Marketing

           • Distribution

           • Sales & Returns

Breaking down the costs and potential returns:

           • Traditional : Advances and royalties.

           • Hybrid: Potential costs and returns. Also potential red flags.

           • Self Publishing: Options, costs and returns.

Questions.

Date:

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Time:

1:00 pm to 2:30 pm (MST Time)

Cost:

Member Cost: $15.00

Non-Member Cost: $25.00

LOCATION: Online Zoom Platform

If you are unable to attend the program live, a recording will be made available within a week after the event concludes. The recording will be available to registered attendees for 30 days after the recording link has been posted.

Michael Hale has agreed to take on 10 critiques from webinar attendees available for purchase at the time of registration. He will accept the following types of critiques:

• A full picture book manuscript critique - send a Word document, double-spaced no more than 1,000 words
• Portfolio Critiques - Critiquee must provide a link to their illustration portfolio website, or a link to their illustration gallery on the SCBWI site, or a pdf featuring a collection of their art, no more than 15 pieces.

Attendees must submit their critique materials to Karen Chow, Arizona SCBWI ARA at [email protected] no later than Thursday, April 2, 2026.

By signing up for this event, the registrant acknowledges that audio taping, videotaping and/or transmitting or aiding in any of the foregoing of any part of the conference (including, but not limited to, presentations, individual sessions and networking events) is prohibited. Additionally, the material in all handouts and presentations is copyrighted and may not be reprinted, blogged, written, orally transmitted, and/or reproduced without written permission of the copyright holder.

Refund Policy:

SCBWI is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. SCBWI Regions are managed by unpaid volunteers. Region funds support programs that benefit SCBWI members.

As part of the event planning process, Regional Advisors must sign contracts with venues, speakers, critiquers, vendors, and others who will be providing services during a regional activity. Registration fees collected for an event must cover the cost of these contracts; therefore, refunds are the exception rather than the rule. In the rare case a refund is granted, it will always be less any credit card processing fees and any other processing expenses.

Requests to refund registration fees for in-person activities will be decided on a case-by-case basis. By registering for an event, you acknowledge that you have read and accept the event’s refund policy.