Regional virtual events

November 24-December 24, 2025: Enjoy unlimited viewings of these recorded Illinois programs with a small convenience fee. Your fee supports Illinois’ free events & opportunities like Networks (offered online or in-person for free), scholarships, and mentorships. We're offering workshops from New York Times Bestselling author, Michelle Jabès Corpora, Agent Vicky Weber, Librarian Jen Clemons, Agent Mary Cummings, and so much more! This month, three (3) recorded Network Events are offered for unlimited viewing, plus seven (7) Regional Event recordings.

December 6, 2025: 2025 Debut Children's Literature Authors and Illustrators Share Their Different Experiences.

December 7, 2025: Virtual Only Chapter Meeting Season Ticket pays for all chapter meetings September 2025 through April 2026 and discounts on other chapter events (EX: Mentorships and Intensives). Those who purchase a Season Ticket between Sep.-Dec. will receive recordings of the meetings they missed.

December 9, 2025: If plot is the skeleton that provides structure, character the muscles that move the plot, and setting the skin that gives a uniform appearance, then theme is the soul that truly brings a story to life. But often writers don’t put as much energy into developing theme as they do with the more obvious elements of plot, characters and setting. The result can be a weak or obscure theme. You don’t want your message misunderstood. With author Chris Eboch, learn to identify what you really want to say and bring it out in writing. This webinar will be recorded and available for 30 days.

December 11, 2025: Join award-winning illustrator Julien Chang for a dynamic, behind-the-scenes look at The Power of Graphic Design in Illustration. Julien will share his creative journey, reveal ten essential graphic design principles that shape every spread, and walk you through three real-world case studies using his own books. Whether you’re an illustrator, author, or designer, you’ll discover practical tools and fresh inspiration to elevate your visual storytelling - from first concept to final composition.

December 13, 2025 (registration closes December 12): Rachel Bright, best-selling author and illustrator, delves into the magical world of books for families and the particular ingredients that make them special. Touching on tackling big, universal ideas, perfectly presented in small, intriguing packages, she will draw from her 17 years of experience and her journey publishing more than 44 books across many major publishing houses, now translated into more than 50 languages. Perhaps most importantly, she will inspire you to find and trust your own voice - and share it with the world.

December 15, 2025: Connect with fellow children’s book creators in a supportive, online-only critique group tailored to your genre, experience level, and schedule. This SCBWI-exclusive program matches 3–6 members for a 6 month long feedback journey, starting with a “Critique Basics” webinar and guided monthly check-ins. Whether you write picture books, middle grade, YA, nonfiction, or illustrate, you’ll find your story circle here. (Open to all regions. Refunds issued if we are unable to pair you with a group.)

February 21, 2026: Today's nonfiction is bold, engaging, and innovative! Attendees will take an in-depth look at what books are (and aren't) being published. We will explore how books cover the "What?" "So What?" and/or the "Now What?" of a topic. For the sake of time, the exemplars will be picture books, but the principles explored apply to all informational books. Come ready to investigate, explore, sort, and discover with author Heather Montgomery.

February 21, 2026: Join us for an editor's perspective on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in writing for children. The 2026 San Diego Region DEI Grant recipients will be announced.

February 28, 2026: Agent Hillary Fazzari will be sharing hands-on editing strategies to polish First Chapters that hook agents, editors and readers, using examples of projects she personally represented and First Page submissions from attendees. You will also get an agents overview of the parameters and importance of a well-written synopsis when submitting novels – which more agent and editor submission guidelines are now requesting.

March 14, 2026: It’s an exciting time when you’ve finished a publishing project and are ready to query! But if you’re feeling a little lost on where to get started, we’ve got you covered. Literary agent and author, Sandra Proudman, will dive into the parts of a query letter + samples, her top ten tips for writing a standout query, the best ways to utilize and come up with comparative titles, and more in this 80-minute panel. There will be ample time for Q&A, so bring your questions and be ready to talk all about queries!

March 24, 2026 (registration closes March 23): What is a "revise & resubmit" request, and what do you do when you get one from an agent or editor? This path to publication is more common than you might think, but it doesn't always look the same. This webinar will take creators through the ins and outs of R&Rs from all angles—why an author might do one, what risks might occur, how an editor thinks about them, and what the ultimate outcome might look like. You'll be prepared for any scenario involving an R&R! A limited number of PB & MG critiques available at an additional cost.