Breakout Sessions

There are 15 different breakout sessions that you can choose from to attend live. But do not fret, all sessions will be recorded. A recording link will be available so you can view the programs at leisure for 30-days after the conference.

Breakout title: What’s Sellable in Today’s Market [ALL]

Presented by: Presented by Natascha Morris, Agent | THE TOBIAS AGENCY

Description: The market shift of 2025 caught many in publishing off guard—and because deal announcements often lag behind the trends, it can be hard to know what editors are truly hungry for right now. Join literary agent Natacha Morris for an inside look at what’s currently selling across picture books, middle grade, and young adult fiction. Drawing on conversations with more than 100 editors over the past year, Natacha will share a clear, distilled view of today’s marketplace, emerging themes, and the kinds of stories gaining traction. The session will also feature mentor text examples to help illustrate what’s working—and why.

Breakout title: Giving characters life and voice [PB]

Presented by: Presented by Charlotte Wenger, Agent | THE PROSPECT AGENCY

Description: What makes a story character-driven? How can you get your characters to jump off the page? What elements create a successful character with a distinct voice? Utilizing techniques and examples from both theatre acting and children’s literature, this interactive workshop explores these questions and unpack tools to build rich characters with standout voices and unique personalities.

Breakout title: How to start writing and keep writing [ALL]

Presented by: Presented by Gianna Lakenauth, Editor | KNOPF (PRH)

Description: In this session, we will explore different methods on brainstorming for a new project and how to start writing and keep writing. We will also touch on tools to navigate creative blocks and stumbles. There will be a 20-minute working session to either brainstorm or work through a creative block.

Breakout title: The signal and the noise [ILLO]

Presented by: Presented by Adam Rex, Author/Illustrator

Description: What I Learned Reading 300 Unpublished Picture Books

Breakout title: Picture this… Can you see yourself self-publishing a picture book? [ILLO, SPARK, PB]

Presented by: Presented by Michael Hale, Author/Illustrator

Description: If you are considering self-publishing a picture book, there are more options available to you now than ever before. Which self-publishing options are right for you and the book you want to create?

 The most important part of your self-publishing journey begins with self-evaluation and careful planning.

Breakout title: Hacking the MSWL [ALL]

Presented by: Presented by Natascha Morris, Agent | THE TOBIAS AGENCY

Description: Hacking the MSWL: Come learn how agent Natascha Morris reverse engineers a story. From inspiration and MSWL, she will walk you through the outline steps to creating a new manuscript. Whether you are working on new idea or have no idea where to even start, this proven method will help you crack the code on how to give editors and agents exactly what they might be looking for. Handouts will be provided, and her breakout session #1 is recommended.

Breakout title: One on editing--what is it, and a case study around storyboarding [PB]

Presented by: Presented by Ariel Richardson, editor | CHRONICLE BOOKS

Description: One on editing--what is it, and a case study around storyboarding

Breakout title: TITLE

Presented by: Presented by Andrea Cascardi, Agent | TRANSATLANTIC LITERARY AGENCY

Description: DESCRIPTION

Brealout title: Finding the emotional heart of your story [ALL]

Presented by: Presented by Gianna Lakenauth, Editor | KNOPF (PRH)

Description: A deep dive on writing the story you want to tell, with a focus on delivering emotional impact.

Breakout title: Your novel needs a plot [NOVELS]

Presented by: Presented by Glynka Fitz Miller (GF Miller), Author

Description: Do you have an idea for a story, and wonder if it’s big enough to fill 50,000+ words? Have you started a novel only to get mired in the middle? Perhaps an agent or editor has said your MS has pacing problems. Or maybe your finished draft just isn’t quite “working”. In this breakout, we’ll talk about plot—how to find yours, how to fix a broken one, and what to do when you’re stuck.

Breakout title: TITLE

Presented by: Presented by Ariel Richardson, editor | CHRONICLE BOOKS

Description: One on career development for the early career author--ideas for author bios, opportunities for publication in magazines, where to find grants, that kind of thing [PB]

Breakout title: Pacing Out You Picture Book [PB]

Presented by: Charlotte Wenger, Agent | THE PROSPECT AGENCY

Description: Most picture books are limited to 32 or 40 pages, so the pace at which a story unfolds is important. How do you effectively build to a climax? What makes a satisfying conclusion? Whether you’re a picture book author or illustrator, being conscious of how your story breaks down across pages can help strengthen the story's arc. We'll take a look at a few examples that really get the pacing right and, with the help of picture book maps, explore how being aware of visual aspects of storytelling can influence pacing by building tension and highlighting key moments in the text.

Breakout title: TITLE

Presented by: Presented by Andrea Cascardi, Agent | TRANSATLANTIC LITERARY AGENCY

Description: DESCRIPTION

Breakout title: The Coin-Op Illustrator [ILLO]

Presented by: Presented Adam Rex, Author/Illustrator

Description: Adam will try to make the best image he can in the time allotted, based on audience prompts. See how he thinks—or doesn’t think—his way through an illustration. Could be a bad idea! Come find out. Attendees will be encouraged to draw along with Adam. Contact Michael at [email protected], if you would like to include your prompted artwork during this session.

Breakout title: Picture books to the point: the right perspective [ILLO, SPARK, PB]

Presented by: Presented by Cynthia Harmony, Author

Description: Discover how to select and craft the most effective point of view for your story, elevating your narrative from simple plot to emotional experience.

By exploring mentor texts that pull readers into the immediate moment, we’ll identify the right perspective that can transform a good picture book into an unforgettable one.

Participants are encouraged to bring a picture book MS to workshop.