Regional virtual events

May 21, 2026: Being both an author and an illustrator places you in a specific creative position—one where story and art can be developed side by side, in conversation with each other. That combination comes with real opportunities, but also real decisions about where to focus, what to show, and how to shape your work for the market. In this webinar, we’ll explore how to use your dual role intentionally when building dummies, developing portfolio pieces, and presenting your work to agents and editors. We’ll look at how writing and illustration can support one another without competing, and how to make choices that serve the project rather than trying to do everything at once. This session is about understanding how to work from the position you’re in as an author-illustrator—using both skills together to strengthen your storytelling, elevate your materials, and put forward work that feels cohesive, confident, and true to you. A limited number of PB & CB critiques available at an additional cost.

May 21, 2026: Join us for a lively discussion with three published authors as they discuss their pathways to publication and share their tips from along the years. We’ll have a full 30 minutes for Q&A after their talks, so this is a great time to bring your publishing related questions to the table. The panel will be moderated by our chapter regional advisor Mirka Hokkanen. This event will be recorded and a replay will be sent the following day. You’ll have 30 days to watch the replay. This free event was made possible by a grant from SCBWI and the Authors Coalition of America.

May 23, 2026: San Diego MayFest Zoom Webinar features a keynote speaker, an editor panel, and an agent panel. For an additional cost you may choose an optional Art Portfolio Showcase, and optional Zoom Critiques. Individual Zoom Critiques are from 2-5 p.m. (PT) that afternoon. Each critique is 15 minutes. Portfolio Showcase will be judge by two Art Directors and one image of the participants choice will be viewed by all during the event.

May 28, 2026 (registration closes): Great plots become extraordinary when driven by characters who feel real and whose choices shape the action. This interactive masterclass will show you how to integrate character depth with plot development, creating stakes that resonate and stories that captivate—no matter your genre. This program is geared more towards novels. Registered participants who attended or had access to the live presentation may view the recording for up to 30 days after the event. Optional Critiques on Sunday, May 31.

May 30, 2026: Are you ready to start querying you work? Take a guided journey through the six key steps every author needs to take to prepare their writing for submission to agents, editors and contests. This webinar will cover the best ways to present yourself and your story, and who best to present it to. It'll include tips to include and pitfalls to avoid, and will help you approach your own submission process with all the professionalism you'll need to grab the attention of the right people.

June 3, 2026: Carnegie Medal-nominated author Ros Roberts writes middle grade fiction and poetry about all things normal - friendships, break-ups, first romance and growing up. She builds her work around the intense details that distinguish us and make our lives complete. Her writing celebrates the everyday with warmth and humor. As a former primary school teacher, Ros believes passionately in working with children to promote free, imaginative writing. Join us for this special session with Ros and discover how you, too, can aim for all readers to find something of their own experience within the pages of your work.

June 4, 2026: Join MD/DE/WV SCBWI to hear self publishing secrets from author Angie Natale. Angie started writing in 2022, after a 37-year detour. She launched 5 books in under 6 months in the first year and has launched a new book every year since. Her presentation will take you along the path she traveled from “I wrote a story!” to “I published a book!”. Angie will share how she put her creative team together, how and where she promotes her books, and marketing, advertising and branding ideas. She'll also talk about why she made some of the choices she made (self publish vs traditional; POD vs offset printing; wholesale vs retail), and what she would change if she could start over again.

June 8, 2026: Self-Publishing 101 will cover what's happening in the world of self-publishing (it's come a long way in the past 2-5 years!); when it makes sense to pursue self-publishing versus traditional; benefits and challenges of self-publishing; what it takes to self-publish a high quality children's book; how to make money as an author-publisher (this is the hardest part!); and how to stay motivated when it feels like everyone is hugely successful and you "haven't made it" yet. Author Ariane Erickson will show examples of the process, successes, and failures (some of them quite funny) using her books and publishing experience.

June 9, 2026: Join author-illustrator Marker Snyder to learn how to tap into both your logical and creative sides to unlock the full range of your artistic potential. We'll explore ways to harness the analytical and intuitive aspects of your mind to organize your ideas into a productive workflow, while still leaving space for spontaneity, imagination, and creative play. You’ll come away with practical tools and techniques for blending these seemingly opposing forces, discover fresh ways to approach your work, strategies to achieve your artistic goals, and the inspiration to keep your process flowing. Marker will also offer written critiques of up to 10 graphic novel spreads, up to 10 portfolio images, or a graphic novel pitch packet. This webinar will be recorded and available to registered attendees for 30 days following the event.

June 13, 2026: Thinking about writing a kids’ book series but not sure where to start? In this fun, hands-on workshop, we’ll dive into what makes young readers fall in love with a story and come back for the next book. You’ll get tips on creating memorable characters, building a world kids want to hang out in, and coming up with plots that keep the pages turning. We’ll look at real examples and talk through how to turn one great idea into a full series.

June 13, 2026: If you've ever wondered what "voice" is and how to create an engaging voice in your manuscript, or if you've ever wondered what an editorial agent does, this workshop is for you! Carter will discuss establishing voice in the beginning of your manuscript, and will go through how he works as an editorial agent. He will also demonstrate this process in real time through a live edit of an attendee's picture book manuscript! Attendees will be emailed instructions on how to submit their manuscripts for a potential live edit with Carter after registering. A limited number of critiques are available for purchase.

June 16, 2026: Does your picture book story feel "slight"? Does it feel like it just isn't going anywhere? What you need is layers. Adding them to your manuscript will give it richness and depth- and most importantly "re-readability". The marketability of your story increases with every layer, and it becomes all the more enticing to your readers, agents and editors. In this webinar, award-winning author Wendi Silvano will discuss 4 must-have layers and 15 additional types of layers that might fit your story-giving it extra depth and delight.

June 16, 2026: Having trouble with comp titles? Join us for this workshop where Agent Monica Rodriguez dives into how to find the best comp titles for your book to elevate your pitch. We'll cover how to search for relevant and powerful pairs, best practices, and what to do if your book feels like it's un-compable. With an effective strategy to approach comp titles and a collaborative brainstorm session, you'll leave this workshop with the right tools to set you up for success. There will be a Q&A as part of the workshop as well.

June 16, 2026: SCBWI Midsouth will go Inside Indies when we sit down with a panel of Indie booksellers from our region for a FREE online roundtable discussion at 6:30 p.m. Central/7:30 p.m. Eastern. Come learn from those inside the industry about how to build relationships with Independent Bookstores one step at a time. This event is made possible by a grant from SCBWI and the Authors Coalition of America.

June 17, 2026: Get Ready for next year's Bologna Children's Book Fair! Join publisher Michael Leventhal of Green Bean Books, Shirley Waisman (RA), and Niyati Froind (IC) for a panel packed with practical insights for Bologna 2027. From top tips for finding a publisher to what illustrators and writers can actually gain from attending, we’ll cover what to bring, when to book travel and accommodation, who goes, and whether it’s actually fun. You’ll also hear directly from a publisher—what Michael looks for and how to approach him—with an optional opportunity to submit a personal critique (Picture book manuscripts only).

June 18, 2026: Agent Julia Churchill is over the children's department at A. M. Heath, the oldest independent literary agency in the UK. Founded in 1919 by Audrey Heath and Alice May Spinks, two women who challenged the conventions of publishing, throughout its history it has represented great writers including Anita Brookner, A.J. Cronin, Katie Fforde, Winston Graham, Radclyffe Hall, Joseph Heller, Patrick Hamilton, Conn Iggulden, Shirley Jackson, Judith Kerr, Hilary Mantel, George R.R. Martin, Flann O’Brien, Maggie O’Farrell, George Orwell and Noel Streatfeild. Based in Holborn, the agency today comprises ten agents working across fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and YA.

June 18, 2026: Feeling lost or unsure about which publishing path is best for your book? In this one-hour webinar, prolific author Janet Fox will discuss the myriad ins and outs, pros and cons of traditional, self, and hybrid publishing. The more you know the easier your publishing journey will be! This webinar will be recorded and available for 30 days.

June 18, 2026: Querying is overwhelming, but a good tracking system can change the game. Learn the systems and tools to track submissions, stay organized, and reduce stress. Walk away with customizable templates and a duplicable plan to query with confidence!

June 18, 2026: DIVING INTO THE CRAFT OF POETRY: Let's spend a poetic hour together focusing on the craft of poetry, including surprising metaphors, word choice, rhythm and rhyme, both in individual poems and in rhyming picture books. Rebecca will discuss examples of both, pointing out what works and offering suggestions and tips. Bring a poem or a few lines from a lyrical or rhyming picture book that you would like to revise (and play) as she suggests how to dive in and polish. Your questions are absolutely welcome if there is time.

June 23, 2026: Bethan Woollvin is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator, best known for her bold, witty storytelling and empowering fractured fairytales. She launched her career with Little Red, created while studying illustration at the Cambridge School of Art, which won the Macmillan Children’s Book Competition in 2014. Since then, Bethan has continued to reimagine classic tales including Rapunzel and Hansel & Gretel, alongside her own original tales such as Three Little Vikings and Luna and the Sky Dragon. She will talk to us about her career, and the interplay between text and image in picture books, before answering questions.

June 29, 2026: Award-winning UK author Dan Smith will talk us through: i) writing a manuscript, ii) going from there to having a published book and iii) sustaining and building momentum around your book post-publication. Dan is the author of popular books for young readers such as THE WINTERMOOR LIGHTS, THE DEADSOUL PROJECT, THE WALL BETWEEN US, and NISHA'S WAR.

June 29, 2026: Step into the world of professional illustration with confidence in Industry Ready: Best Practices for (beginning) Illustrators—a dynamic webinar designed to help you bridge the gap between passion and paid work. Whether you're refining your portfolio or wondering if you're ready to start querying, this session will give you clear, actionable guidance on what industry professionals actually look for. You’ll learn how to build a portfolio that stands out, discover insider tips for getting noticed and hired, and understand the subtle but critical differences between “good” and “ready.” We’ll also review real portfolios and websites together, breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and how to level up your presentation instantly. If you’re serious about turning your illustration skills into real opportunities, this is the roadmap you’ve been waiting for.

July 7, 2026: Once you've written a draft, it can be difficult to figure out where to go next. A range of people will provide feedback, but who is right? How do you go about discerning what to edit and what to keep the same? To effectively edit, it’s critical to identify a novel’s underlying argument—it’s heart. In this workshop with author Meg Eden Kuyatt, we’ll discuss the “thesis statement” approach to editing, looking at examples of novels’ “thesis statements,” as well as providing exercises to help you identify and hone in on your novel’s thesis. This webinar will be recorded and available to registered attendees for 30 days following the event.

July 12, 2026 (registration closes July 9): Join the Austin SCBWI chapter online for 6 hours of education on revision, self-editing, & critiquing others. Join editors, agents, and authors to understand and decode an “Edit Letter,” embark on your revision journey after you’ve completed that first or fifth draft, understand cross-genre reading, interpret and implement feedback, and fully evaluate your manuscript. Optional: query, pitches, critique, and submission options with agents/editors!

July 13, 2026: Georgia Tournay-Godfrey of the Bright Agency will discuss with us how to get her attention whilst querying, and what she is looking for when reading manuscripts. She will also discuss with us the issue of working class representation in the industry.

August 22, 2026: Voice is a tricky thing, perhaps one of the slipperiest elements to develop in our writing—easy for readers to identify, but tough for writers to develop. Any editor will tell you that she knows a distinct writer’s voice when she hears it, especially when it draws her into a story and keeps her there. In this workshop we will read, study, discuss, and practice technique as we find our writer’s voices and learn how to hone them. Be ready to actively participate in the discussion.

August 27, 2026: Invisible identities shape the lives of countless young readers, yet they often go unrecognized or are portrayed inaccurately in children’s literature. This workshop explores how to authentically represent experiences that aren’t immediately visible—such as bilingualism, chronic conditions like diabetes or epilepsy, and neurological or psychological differences including dyslexia, ADHD, or depression. We’ll discuss how to avoid stereotypes, build fully realized characters, and integrate these identities naturally into story. A limited number of MY, YA, & NIV CRITIQUES available at an additional cost.

Registration closes September 25, 2026: Engaging Stories! Readers must have a compelling reason to start—and continue—engaging with your story. Engaging Stories is designed to provide takeaways and insightful creative strategies and techniques from acclaimed authors, illustrators, author-illustrators, agents, and editors. Join us at the SCBWI Wisconsin 2026 Engaging Stories webinar series and in-person conference. Webinar series dates: Feb.17, March 10, April 14, May 2, June 9, Aug. 9, 2026. In-person conference: October 8-10, 2026