Regional virtual events

May 9-10, 2025 (registration closes May 2): SCBWI Illinois welcomes you to wonderland at Spring Thaw, a hybrid pitch program for on-the-cusp authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators! Registration opens March 11th at noon CDT—limited attendance for maximum feedback opportunities. Select Through the Looking Glass Online Chat + In-Person Teacup Table at Barbara Belding Lodge in St. Charles, IL OR Through the Looking Glass Online Chat + Written Cozy Critiques. Each participant will have a chance to pitch three loglines and prune one, plus post-event submission opportunities to all faculty!

May 10, 2025 (registration closes May 9): Ivan Taurisano Presentation: Behind the Desk at Abrams Books for Young Readers with Ivan Taurisano, Associate Editor, Entertainment Publishing and Content Development Abrams Children’s Books. What does Ivan's job entail? What is entertainment publishing and content development at Abrams? What does Ivan look for in great children’s books? Join us and find out!

May 10, 2025 (registration closes May 9): Ready to create that website you've been meaning to build forever? Feeling blah about the website you already have? Whether starting from scratch or refreshing your online presence, come join us for Website Build 101 with award-winning web designer, Abby Feder. In this 90-minute webinar, Abby will help you discover how to select the right content, organize it strategically, choose a platform, and make design and copywriting choices that strengthen your brand. You'll leave with actionable steps to help you build a strong online presence that connects with readers, parents, and industry professionals while serving your unique goals.

May 10-11, 2025 (registration closes April 26): The British Isles' famed Book Launch Bootcamp will help you prepare to launch (or re-promote) your books. There will be sessions with award winning authors – on launch strategy (Sara Grant is a former publicist), school visit performance (Mo O'Hara is an actress/comedian) and web design/social media (Candy Gourlay was a web designer and early adopter of social media) There are also videos of wisdom on how things are going from previous Boot Camp authors. This year, we have author Sheila Averbuch telling us why we shouldn't avoid Goodreads like the plague. We also have industry insiders: librarian Jenny Hawke, publicist Nina Douglas, Yvonne King of author bookings agency Authors Aloud, and Frances Sleigh of Bloomsbury Sales. Join the supportive SCBWI Booklaunch WhatsApp community group. Connect with fellow authors around the globe! The sessions will be recorded and the recordings will be available to rewatch until the 15th of June 2025. Don't miss it!

May 12, 2025: Presented by Deeba Zargarpur, editor at Simon & Schuster and Salaam Reads. To rhyme or not to rhyme, that is the question. From evaluating picture book submissions, I often ask myself when I get a text in rhyme if this needs to rhyme. We will discuss the merits of rhyme, the pros/cons of rhyming, and how to improve rhyme if the story calls for it.

May 13, 2025: Have you written something that’s not a picture book and don’t know what it is? Are you interested in engaging our youngest readers? Join author Kari Allen for a workshop on creating early chapter books and early readers. Kari will talk about the form, ways to engage readers, how to play within the constraints of the format, and how these kinds of books are used by her Second Grade readers. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of early chapter books, a list of mentor texts, and hopefully some ideas!

May 13, 2025: Stories can, and do, change lives. But talking about our books, and even worse, selling our books, can be daunting. However, YA author and coach, Caroline Leech, will give you a deceptively simple five-point plan to use as you prepare to meet any audience, online or in person. Whether you’re pitching a new story to your agent or editor or preparing to launch a new book to the public, Caroline will make sure that you know how to face any event, speech, presentation, workshop, or media interview – as well as your social media content – as the confident and professional storyteller you are. This webinar will be recorded and available to registered attendees for 30 days following the event.

May 14, 2025: Join John Hendrix, author/illustrator and creator of SCBWI's new logo, for advice and examples on how to use handmade lettering in your picture books, pitches, and book jackets. $15 for Premium Members; $20 for Preview Members.

May 17, 2025 (registration closes May 16): Join SCBWI San Diego for a virtual one-day conference for authors and illustrators! MayFest features a keynote speaker, Eliza Wheeler, Award Winning Author/Illustrator. An editor panel with Foyinsi Adegbonmire, Kristie Choi, Celia Lee, and Sally Morgridge. An agent panel with Chad Beckerman, Jolene Haley, Jennie Kendrick, and Sandra Proudman. And an art portfolio showcase judged by art directors Katie Fitch and Mariam Quraishi. Optional Zoom critiques available. See pricing on the "Info for Everyone" sub-page.

May 17, 2025: Are you lost and without focus? Does your creative life feel stifled or unfulfilling? In this third session of our Creative Mindset series, award-winning journalist Jodi Hausen will lead you through a series of writing/drawing exercises to guide you toward your creative mission. Whether your intent is to educate, to change a paradigm, or to share beauty through your work, you will leave the session feeling clearer about what drives you to create and what it is you want to say with your craft.

May 17, 2025 (registration closes May 16): Join debut picture book author Keenan Jones as he shares his decade-long journey to publishing SATURDAY MORNING AT THE 'SHOP. As a Black male educator-turned-author, he’ll discuss the challenges, lessons, and triumphs of breaking into the industry, the power of authentic storytelling, and what kept him going through the ups and downs. Whether you're just starting or deep in the process, this session will inspire you to stay the course and tell the stories that matter.

May 20, 2025 (registration closes May 19): Live Comp Critique with literary agent Kelly Dyksterhouse. What do your comps say about your manuscript? Whether you're in the query trenches or still in the drafting stage, knowing where your book fits in the market is crucial to hooking agents and selling to publishers. Join us for a chance to receive live feedback on your comp titles and hear an agent's expectations and first impressions on your submission. A limited number of written critiques also available at an additional cost.

May 22, 2025: Every author needs an author-centered (not book-centered) marketing plan, regardless of how you publish, how many books you have, or in which genre. That plan also defines the tools necessary to build engagement through each subsequent book. In this class, we'll help participants understand brand and marketing plans, including a defined network/audience, a platform-tools list, and marketing outlets. We'll also discuss how to manage writing time versus marketing time. It's all to help you be the boss of your author career.

Registration closes May 22, 2025: Ready to take your creative career to the next level? Join us for the RMC Webinar Series: The Publishing Path! Whether you're sketching your first storyboard, polishing your manuscript, or already have published works under your belt, this series is designed to meet you where you are. From aspiring illustrators to established authors, we've crafted sessions that will help illuminate your unique path in the publishing world. Speakers include: Molly Idle, Juana Martinez-Neal, Jo Knowles, Rajani LaRocca, and Karen A. Chase. Register now to secure your spot in this valuable professional development series.

May 29, 2025 (registration closes May 28): Join us for a First Pages event with literary agent Vicky Weber from Creative Media Agency. Participants can submit the first page of their manuscript (picture book, chapter book, middle grade, or young adult novel) and receive live feedback. The moderator will read as many first page submissions as possible in the 90-minute session.

Registration closes May 30, 2025: This two-part webinar series features two sessions. The first webinar in the series was recorded in March 2025, "Start Here: a Roadmap to Building Your Creative Business," presented by Tanisia "Tee" Moore. The second program takes place April 30 - "The Definitive Communications Primer: Building Communities through Narrative Communication," led by Lys Fulda. You may choose both sessions, or just one. Both sessions will be recorded and made available to those who registered for 30 days.

May 31, 2025 (registration closes May 30): In this dynamic program, you’ll learn how to discover and refine the unique angle that will make your nonfiction KidLit stand out in a crowded market. Whether you're writing a picture book or a young adult narrative nonfiction title, your story deserves a distinct voice and perspective. We'll dive into techniques to help you identify your book's unique hook, ensuring that your message resonates with your target audience. Through interactive exercises and exploring comp titles, participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to make their book stand out by finding its unique angle—one that captivates your audience and makes your message unforgettable.

June 3, 2025: Scholastic Executive Art Director Brian LaRossa will take participants through the do’s and don’ts of kid lit illustration with an emphasis on your website, social media, your deal, and your process. No matter where you are on your path to publication, you will gain valuable insights from this webinar. This event will be recorded, and a replay will be available for 30 days after the live event.

June 5, 2025: Join St. Louis-based author Micheal Anderson as she goes over self-publishing how-tos, shares her own journey into self-publishing, and how she harnessed the power of local community to build a successful author career. Micheal is the author of the award-winning Zoey Lyndon books, a STEM-focused series featuring the escapades of science-loving 4th grader Zoey as she adjusts to life at a new school. This event will be held on Zoom. Attendees will receive an email with a link and passcode once they have registered.

June 18, 2025: Are you an artist in need of a refresh and update to your portfolio? Are you an illustrator prepping a portfolio for conference season? This webinar is for you! Nicole Tugeau, agent-owner of T2 Art & Literary Agency, will help you break free from dated portfolio rules and expectations, and break out a portfolio that connects. This interactive discussion will be based on Nicole's experience agenting artists in a competitive marketplace: children's publishing.

June 6-7, 2025 (registration closes June 5): Manuscript Marathon Virtual Retreat, where stories and illustrations come to life! Join us for a one-of-a-kind online experience designed to fuel your imagination and bring your stories to life. Whether you’re drafting your next picture book, refining an illustration, or searching for inspiration, this retreat is your digital oasis for creative breakthroughs. Workshops! WIPs! Oh my! Block June 6-7th and come with your WIP or inspiration in hand!

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!

June 14, 2025 (registration closes June 12): For the finale of the Creative Mindset series, we will speak with four industry professionals about their creative processes. These published authors and illustrators will talk about their rituals, inspirations, challenges, and more. The panel will include author/ illustrator Shadra Strickland, agent at Painted Words; young adult and picture book author Marie Lamba, agent at Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency; author of novels, nonfiction, picture, and board books Ammi-Joan (Joan) Paquette, agent at Erin Murphy Literary Agency; and illustrator Mariam Quraishi, senior designer at Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. Panelists will also be open to submissions from session attendees.

June 14, 2025 (registration closes May 2): Join Gretchen Durning, editor at G. P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, for an online roundtable critique event! You will get a chance to read your peers' manuscripts ahead of time AND to join in for an online LIVE critique roundtable session hosted by Gretchen alongside your peers on the event day. It's a great opportunity to get your MG and YA manuscripts in front of an industry professional.

June 17, 2025: Using her own Newbery Honor and Caldecott-winning picture book, Watercress, as well as books by others as examples, Andrea will discuss the differences and similarities between fiction PBs and memoirs, including elements such as plot, structure, theme, and research. Andrea will also talk about some of the methods she’s used to mine her life for emotion and conflict, and how she has applied them to her own work. She will lead attendees in some guided freewriting exercises, so come prepared to write! She’ll also offer suggestions on how to incorporate the results of your freewriting into your works-in-progress, whether they're memoirs or not. This event will be recorded, and a replay will be available for 30 days after the live event.

June 21, 2025: Join us for Marketing Labs in the morning to learn more about Branding, Platform, Website, and Pinterest. Afternoon Social Media Labs will demonstrate Canva, Video Making, & Book Trailers. Half-day and Full-day tickets available. A limited number of consultations and personalized tutorials are also available at an additional cost.

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.

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.