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Inside the Industry: Publishing Panels at SCBWI Virtual 2026

UnBanning Books: What the Industry Really Thinks About Book Banning

How censorship is reshaping sales, acquisitions, and the future of children's publishing.

Phil Bildner
Agent, Author
Cheryl L. Davis
George M. Johnson
Author
Alvina Ling
Editor
Namrata Tripathi

The AI Debate: What Children’s Book Creators Need to Know

Industry pros break down the impact of AI on authors and illustrators – the threats, the possibilities, and what comes next for children’s publishing.

Martha Brockenbrough
Author
Kait Feldmann
Agent
Umair Kazi
Author
Ginee Seo
Editor

Beyond Big Publishing: Alternative Paths to a Thriving Children's Book Career

Traditional publishing houses aren't the only road to success. Discover how book packagers, hybrid publishers, small presses, and self-publishing are empowering children's and YA book creators. Hear from those who are making it work.

Dhonielle Clayton
Zetta Elliott
Author
Angela Engel
Creative Director
Jane Friedman
Other
Michele McAvoy
Author, Bookseller, Educator
Laurie Miller
Manager of Events and Special Projects

The State of Children's Publishing: What's Selling and What's Not

Get the inside perspective straight from acquiring editors and agents on the trends, shifts, and market realities shaping children's publishing today, and what that means for your next project.

Maya Gartner
Editor
TeMika Grooms
Manager of Design and Illustration
Sally Kim
Agent
Melissa Manlove
Editor
Bria Ragin
Editor
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Hear from industry thought leaders

Chart your career with current industry data!