Regional virtual events

July 8, 2025: An author's website is arguably their most useful marketing tool. It's where readers can find out more about their favorite books and contact their favorite authors. Unlike social media where posts are fleeting, a website is a permanent and searchable stamp to a writer's career. Whether personally developing a website or getting a pro to do it, learn some useful suggestions on what to include in an author website from Pura Belpré Award honoree Alexandra Diaz. This webinar will be recorded and available to registered attendees for 30 days following the event.

July 9, 2025: Learn how to increase engagement during kids in presentations, like school visits. Learn how to utilize games, how to illustrate concepts in a way that capture the attention of even the reluctant student. Let Marty Chan show you how to structure your visit in a way that brings your presentation to life and gets you invited back again and again. Learn how to give them something to remember!

July 11, 2025: It takes seconds for agents and editors to look at query letters and manuscripts. Let Lynne Marie of Little Press show you how to knock their socks off with the sure-fire fundamentals and eye-opening truths of what busy editors and agents want and need from your query letter and first pages.

July 12, 2025: First Pages with Lynne Marie, Special Projects /Seasonal Picture Book Editor at The Little Press. Twenty Five 'First Pages' will be chosen, read out loud, and given feedback and critique. Please submit either a query letter or a first page from a work in progress.

July 14, 2025 (registration closes July 15): Although every creator's path to publication is different, there are some insights to be gleaned from Matt's Forrest Esenwine's particular journey. In this presentation, Matt will share how he first approached the prospect of getting traditionally published, how critique groups and networking helped him develop his skills and grow his career, and why he remains unagented after publishing for ten years. (Hint: the answer to that last question is surprisingly simple!) Critiques are limited.

July 15, 2025: Author and agent Eric Smith of Neighborhood Literary will do on-the-spot query critiques. Queries will be chosen at random from those submitted one week in advance (due to time constraints and the number of queries submitted, not all will be chosen). There will be time for Q and A as well. The webinar will be recorded and available for 30 days following the event.

July 17, 2025 (registration closes July 15): No matter your story’s genre, research can save you time when writing or illustrating and bring your work to life! Join nonfiction author-illustrator Melissa H. Mwai as she shares her research tips and experiences from working with publishers like National Geographic, DK, and Paw Prints. Along with a Q&A, there will be an interactive research challenge! Critiques are limited.

August 26, 2025: Learn the components of a successful nonfiction book proposal in this presentation by literary agent Maria Vicente. Maria will share everything agents and editors expect to read in your book proposal, then break it down section by section so you can easily apply the blueprint to your own project. You will gain a deeper understanding of the MG and YA nonfiction market and the knowledge to turn your nonfiction book idea into a book deal. PB, MG, YA, & Graphic Novel critiques for both fiction and nonfiction projects are also available at an additional cost.

September 13, 2025-April 25, 2026 (registration closes September 10): Join renowned chapter book expert Marcie Colleen in this 8-month virtual workshop and learn how to captivate readers ages 6-10. Participants will learn what defines a chapter book, use mentor texts, develop a strong premise for a chapter book series, create compelling characters, hone plotting and pacing chapter-by-chapter and across a series, engage and participate in peer critiques, and conclude with a finished Book 1 of a chapter book series.

September 21, 2025: SCBWI Illinois invites you to attend the 2025 Community Gardens: Fall Harvest online conference. It’s harvest time in the community garden! Whether you’re planting your first manuscript or tending a well-established story, our online conference is designed to help you cultivate deeper industry roots, sow seeds for future connections, and gather the tools you need to grow your creative career as authors and illustrators! Join us on Sunday, September 21, 2025, and let’s grow something beautiful—together.

September 25, 2025: Gain skills and insights to create incredible book covers to successfully sell your children's books to prospective publishers and book buyers. A great cover is the most critical piece of artwork you'll create for your book, and the most scrutinized part of any book project. In this workshop, you'll learn the process, nuts and bolts, pitfalls to avoid, and how to stand out, and enjoy the process, all from award-winning illustrator Kaz Windness! Whether you're a published or pre-published illustrator, and interested in picture books, early readers, or even middle grade covers, this class is for you. Gain skills and tips you'll be using for many successful publishing years to come.