Regional virtual events

October 2, 2024 (registration closes September 30): What’s the big deal with back matter? Editor Carol Hinz, who has been called the Queen of Back Matter on at least one occasion, offers a thorough investigation of what back matter is, who it’s for, and what types of back matter work best for picture books. Carol Hinz is accepting submissions from webinar attendees, and will provide submission information at the conclusion of the webinar.

October 2, 2024 (registration closes October 1): Do you ever wonder what an art director looks for in artwork? Join Ohio North SCBWI for a night of critiques led by Executive Art Director, Brian LaRossa from Scholastic. Slots to have work critiqued are limited to 10 people, but anyone can sign up to observe and learn from his feedback.

October 5, 2024 (registration closes October 3): Virtual/In-Person hybrid event. Learn about craft and book publishing, connect with agents, an art director, authors, and an illustrator. Mingle with other creatives. Offering critiques, portfolio reviews, pitches, and contests. When: Sat., Oct. 5, 8:30-5:30 pm PST Where: California State University Fullerton, Titan Student Union OR online via Zoom.

October 5, 2024 (registration closes October 4): Setting is defined as the location and time period of a story, but a character's sense of place and interactions with places can add depth and nuance to a story, elevating setting beyond simple backdrop. How do place and character create each other? How does place reveal character and provide sources of conflict? How can experience of place add resonance to stories, in particular to endings? Join us for an interactive workshop on place in fiction. We will discuss the difference between setting and place, look at examples from middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels, and write. Presenter Anindita Basu Sempere is a longtime writing instructor and has taught creative writing at Olin College, the Université de Neuchâtel, and Boston University.

October 5, 2024 (registration closes October 4): In this webinar, Lorraine Hawley will share tips and tricks for breaking through social media algorithms. Participants will explore actionable methods to sharpen their social media presence, increase visibility, and have fun as they experiment and grow their book marketing strategies. While it may feel overwhelming to market through the digital noise, building an engaged and passionate online community is possible. Other topics covered: * choosing your social media outlets * reels vs. stories and posts on IG * collaborating to build your community and exposure * gauging the return on your investment of time/effort

October 5, 2024 (registration closes October 4): Join NYT#1 Bestselling Illustrator Marissa Valdez in an interactive webinar where she discusses her own experience with style indecisiveness and how she refined it. In addition to addressing the pros and cons of working in multiple styles, Marissa will include live interactive critiques on previously submitted works of art from webinar attendees. Get ready to channel your influences and find your unique your style!

October 7, 2024 (registration closes October 6): Webinar Description: Many people associate the importance of worldbuilding with speculative fiction (like fantasy, science fiction, and horror), but it’s a crucial element in any novel, regardless of the genre. In Immersive Worldbuilding, we’ll analyze the ways a variety of storytellers use worldbuilding in their work, consider how you can apply those methods to your own manuscripts, and expand our understanding of what it means to build a world through writing. The goal is to make the world in your book—whether it's a realistic location, a fictional planet, or somewhere in-between—a vivid experience for the reader. Critiques available (at an additional cost): PB (manuscript or dummy); MG and YA; Graphic Novel (manuscript or illustrated sample)

October 7, 2024: Join us for a lively discussion with agents Saritza Hernández from Andrea Brown Literary, Andrea Morrison from Writers House and Lee O’Brien from Looking Glass Literary. The panel will be moderated by Harold Underdown. A link with the video will be available for 30 days following the event if you are unable to attend live!

October 7, 2024 (registration closes October 5): Character chemistry is a vital component of any story because it sparks an energy-charged dynamic between your characters and creates anticipation and excitement in the reader. While it is easy to recognize and often occurs organically, it's difficult to create intentionally. In this class, you will learn The Ten C's of Chemistry, see examples of them at work, and discover how to use them to ignite magic in your story. Whether you’re writing picture books, middle grade, or young adult, chemistry in characters is so important. Join us as romance author, Michelle Pennington, shares examples of character chemistry at work.

October 8, 2024: Learn how to master multiple POVs from professional editor Sophia Jimenez.

October 8, 2024 (registration closes October 6): Publisher Mike Parker of WordCrafts Press will speak on “Shameless Self-Promotion and Networking.” He says, “You CAN build your brand and develop your career as an author...without selling your soul!” Although their publishing list is pretty full, Mr. Parker says he will review submissions from those who attend the webinar. He says, "We're always open to finding that gem."

October 9, 2024 (registration closes October 6): We’re often taught to “show, don’t tell” but what does that really mean? Where does storytelling fit in? Why not sharpen both sets of skills? Examine how we write scenes, how and where we place them, and how we link them with summary to create story. Presenter Uma Krishnaswami is a prolific author of books, poems, and short stories for young readers. Her story collection, THE BROKEN TUSK, has been in print continuously for twenty years. Uma’s historical middle grade novel, STEP UP TO THE PLATE, MARIA SINGH, is a South Asia Award Honor Book and a Junior Library Guild pick. Her chapter book, BOOK UNCLE AND ME, is on the USBBY Outstanding International Books list. Uma teaches Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts.

October 10, 2024 (registration closes October 9): You've heard from fellow authors and illustrators about how they create engaging presentations for students and teachers. Now hear from the librarians about how they find authors and illustrators to bring to their schools. In this follow-up webinar to "From Auditorium to Zoom: School Visits Deconstructed," SCBWI Midsouth presents "Shhh! Librarians Spill Secrets to Successful School Visits."

October 10 and 17, 2024 (registration closes October 6): In this two-session online Masterclass series, embark on a transformative journey from creative passion to financial prosperity! This is an exclusive course tailored for SCBWI members by expert Anna Orenstein-Cardona, author, NFEC-certified financial educator and founder of Wear Your Money Crown®. Come and find out how Anna can help YOU as a creative business. EMPOWER yourself!

October 16, 2024: There's ample information about how to *get* an agent, but virtually nothing about how to create a successful working relationship with them. Without any guidance, many authors approach this partnership in ways that contribute to burnout and ultimately crush their creativity. In this workshop, Isabel Sterling (multi-published author & master certified life coach) breaks down her approach to working well with your agent, relationship red flags, and what to do if you’re just not a good fit.

October 19, 2024 (registration closes October 18): Learn the art of EXTRAORDINARY led by Estelle Laure, Agent, Senior Content Development Editor At-Large, from one of the industry’s top literary agencies, Folio Jr. We’ll be taken on an unforgettable journey filled with techniques on how to master your writing craft and tips & tricks to creating a standout query. Don’t miss out on the incredible opportunity to submit your work. Estelle Laure is the author of ten published and/or forthcoming picture books and young adult novels, including acclaimed novel The Raging Light and Disney’s City of Villains trilogy. She has been an Indie next pick, BEA Buzz Book author, a Junior Library Gold standard selection. She works as an Agent/ Senior Content Development Editor-At-Large at Folio Jr, focusing in on picture books, middle grade, and young adult.

October 19, 2024 (registration closes October 18): Join SCBWI San Diego for this webinar presented by Zoie Konneker, Assistant Editor, Peachtree Publishing. From composing an authentic voice and establishing relatable, compelling motivations, to refining your craft in order to make your characters shine, this workshop will address all things character-related in children's books. We will cover the role of the narrator, discuss the difference between flat and round characters, and have several opportunities for class participation where we will use what we've learned to build genuine, believable characters that young readers will love.

October 20, 2024 (registration closes October 19): Join master colourist Rekha Salin in an insightful session that will expand your concepts of colour storytelling. Improve your narrative with a simple way of understanding how colours convey emotion. You will explore colour harmony, mood, and emotional storytelling; learn how to build a palette according to the narrative and your character's personality; and understand the differences between RGB and CMYK, including how and when to use them.

October 22, 2024 (registration closes October 21): Building on her experience as a writing coach and as a sensitivity reader for publishers of adult and KidLit titles, Lisa A. Crayton will explore how critique partners (and groups) can better celebrate, uplift, and empower creators through community. She’ll address topics centering diversity—such as stereotypes, marginalization, and respect— as they relate to KidLit art and writing. Lisa will also offer tips for providing better written and verbal feedback. And she’ll address your pressing questions arising from real life experiences in critique environments. The webinar is for you if you struggle with giving honest feedback when offering critiques to another creator because of the material that includes cultures, identities and/or themes different from your lived experience. Or if you hold back your heart topics or projects in a critique group because of fear of receiving insensitive comments. Or if you simply are curious about how to build a more supportive critique group. A limited number of critiques available at an additional cost--all proceeds go to benefit the Eastern PA scholarship fund.

October 25, October 26, and November 4, 2024 (registration closes November 4): Join author Susan Johnston Taylor, author/illustrator Andrea Gabriel, and editor Sarah Rockett from Sleeping Bear Press for three inspiring sessions that dive into the wild side of children's books. The Wildlife Webinar Series is sure to sharpen your writing and illustrating skills, allowing you to create unforgettable animal characters and find the perfect publishing house for your wildlife book.

October 26, 2024 (registration closes October 23): Join us for a day of curating your illustrator portfolio as we honor keynote speaker and local author-illustrator, Julie Fortenberry. Plus world-class presentations from invited faculty and add ons—an AD assignment, and portfolio reviews.

November 1-3, 2024 (registration closes November 1): Join us in-person in beautiful Santa Fe New Mexico and/or online for an enriching and invigorating weekend celebrating children's literature and its creators! The conference features keynotes will feature acclaimed and award-winning creators, author Lesa Cline-Ransome and author-illustrator Diane Stanley, plus eight breakout session options led by experienced and decorated creators and educators, including Children's Literature Legacy Award-winning illustrator James Ransome, National Jewish Book Award-winning author Susan Wider, and NAACP Image Award Finalist, author Khadijah VanBrakle. We have five agents on faculty joining us in-person or virtually with opportunities for submissions, critiques and pitches--and for our self-publishing and small press creators, a marketing workshop taught by New Mexico/Arizona Book Award-winner RJ Mirabal. All content will be available to in-person and online-only attendees. We hope to see you there!

November 1-2, 2024 (registration closes November 1): The 2024 Kansas-Missouri Middle of the Map Conference (MOTM) will be held virtually this year November 1-2, 2024! That means saving for you and a full day of learning including two panels (Shedding Light on Hidden Histories and an Agent/Client panel), two two-hour workshops (one on Goal Setting with Francine Puckly and one on Hook, Plot, and Pitch with Kaz Windness), and two creator sessions with our 2025 Mentors (Illustrators: The Secret of a Winning Portfolio with Illustrator Mentor Rahele Jomepour Bell; Writers: Traditional vs. Self-Publishing with Chelsea Tornetto). All will be recorded and available for 60 days. Optional critiques will be available as well (Nov. 1, 6-9 pm via zoom). Live viewing will be from 8 am Central Time to 5:25 pm Saturday, November 2nd.

November 2, 2024 (registration closes November 1): 8 & Under is back! This half-day, virtual event is designed especially for writers and writer-illustrators who create for children ages 8 & Under. If you create board books, picture books, early readers, or chapter books, this is the event for you! The "full" 8 & Under event will include two faculty-led webinars plus a mini mentorship with a published author (one of Eastern PA’s PALs), complete with a written critique and an extended one-on-one virtual session. Agent/editor post-event critiques will be available for an additional fee. We are also offering the option to purchase "webinars-only" tickets, for those who are unable or do not wish to take part in the PAL mini-mentorship portion of the program. A limited number of agent/editor (post-event) critiques will be available to those who purchase a webinars-only ticket. Spaces are limited! See below for details and important dates.

November 2, 2024 (registration closes October 31): Have you ever purchased a book to learn the craft of writing books for kids, but aren't sure how to best put it to use? Here's a chance to learn from the authors themselves! Join us for a full day of craft talk from the authors of preeminent books on writing craft. All Sessions will be recorded and available to registered participants for 30 days. ***SPECIAL BONUS: Each speaker will provide one free critique (SCBWI Gold Form + 15-minute Zoom session) to a randomly selected participant. Check out the event page to learn about the faculty, craft books covered in sessions, and full schedule.

November 9, 2024: Join us November 9, 2024 in-person in Charlottesville, VA, or online, for a day of writing workshops! Our fall workshops are classroom sized sessions that allow for a deep-dive into an element of craft. Besides instruction, these workshops can also include time for activities such as: drawing and writing exercises, group work, sharing, feedback, and discussion.

November 12, 2024: In this webinar, agent Jes Trudel will help authors and illustrators improve their queries by "beefing up" their pitches using practical tips for drawing out the plot and character details agents need to chew on to make a decision.

November 12, 2024: Art Director Casey Moses will share her journey in children's publishing and her creative process designing and working with other creatives to develop book covers. She will also provide tips and tricks for your portfolio, social media, and networking.

November 16, 2024 (registration closes November 15): Take a deep dive into revision with author and editor Wendy Loggia. Whether you have finished your novel or are just starting out, this 3-hour workshop features practical editing tips to help you expertly revise your novel. Attendees have the opportunity to submit a first page to Loggia, who will select several to feature in the workshop as positive examples. Attendees also receive submission guidelines. The workshop will be recorded and attendees may view, but not download, the recording for thirty days.

December 10, 2024: Do you have ideas for a graphic novel story? Do you wonder how to pitch your dream project to an agent or a publisher? In this online workshop, author-illustrator Maple Lam will teach you how to put together a great pitch for your next graphic novel.

January 11, 2025 (registration closes January 10): As an in-house children’s book editor for over ten years, an author of several children’s books, and Co-Founder of Red Fox Literary, LLC with Karen Grencik in 2011, Agent Abigail Samoun will present her unique perspective in navigating the ins and outs of a writing career and offer an insider’s professional advice and tips in writing your book and getting it noticed by agents and publishers. As an agent, Abigail represents authors and illustrators working in a range of genres, from board books to young adult novels. In addition to agenting, Abigail is the author of several children’s books, including Sterling Publishing’s Little Traveler board book series illustrated by Red Fox’s own Sarah Watts and What’s In Your Purse? (Chronicle).

February 8, 2025 (registration closes February 7): Decoding Authentic Voices will give a positive and enlightening description of a strong, authentic voice and how authors can work towards it. Presented by Saba Sulaiman, a Senior Agent at Talcott Notch Literary Services, a boutique agency located in Milford, CT. She holds a BA in Economics and Middle Eastern Studies from Wellesley College and an MA from the University of Chicago, where she studied modern Persian literature. Being an immigrant who is constantly negotiating her own identity and sense of belonging in a place she now calls “home,” she is committed to championing books by writers from marginalized communities with compelling stories to tell; stories that demonstrate the true range of perspectives that exist in this world and address urgent and often underexplored issues in both fiction and non-fiction with veracity and heart.

April 5, 2025 (registration closes April 4): Just like first impressions, first pages can matter a lot. They help set up reader expectations, as well as reader anticipation. But how do you polish your first page to where it needs to be to get a reader hooked? During this meeting, we'll be looking at examples of strong first pages and discussing what makes them work, as well as chatting about what might NOT work on a first page. Presented by Foyinsi Adegbonmire, an Editor at Feiwel & Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. She acquires Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction, and is open to contemporary, mystery, romance, and fantasy, while enjoying lighthearted stories with conversational narrative voices. She was named a PW Star Watch Honoree and her acquisitions include New York Times-bestseller Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Indie Bestseller Dear Wendy by Ann Zhao. When not reading or thinking about her very large TBR pile, she can be found watching Black sitcoms from the 90s/early 2000s, obsessing over crafting, or being sucked into Twitter and TikTok (@Foyinsi_Pub).