Regional virtual events

July 10, 2026: In this webinar, editor and translator María Camila Correa shares an inside look at translating children’s books. Drawing on her bilingual background, María will explore what shapes a successful translation, walk through her own path into the industry, the translation process in children’s book publishing, and touch on why a global outlook and multicultural perspectives are more important than ever. Organized by California: San Francisco/South Translator Coordinator Karin Redclift.

July 11, 2026 (registration closes July 9): Backstory can make or break a manuscript. Learn how to use it effectively with Dean Gloster. Join SCBWI San Francisco North & East Bay for a 90-minute Zoom class on inserting backstory without slowing your story down. Dean Gloster, former Regional Advisor for our region, will cover why backstory matters, why writers often include too much too soon, and practical techniques for revealing the right information at the right time.

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.

July 13, 2026: Drafting got you down? Learn best strategies for drafting with Agent Haley Casey of Creative Media Agency! Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, completing a working draft of your WIP can be challenging—and that’s just the first step in the writing process. Instead, reconsider how your drafting style works for you, learn how to keep your story flowing, and keep from getting caught in the trap of perfectionism the moment you put pen to paper. Written & zoom critiques available, as well as a post-event submission opportunity.

August 19, 2026: In this presentation, Kristin Tubb demystifies the slippery concept of “VOICE." Learn six key concepts that will help you grasp this elusive idea more clearly, and create the pull in your words that agents and editors are looking for. Add-on option: LIMITED slots for manuscript feedback from Kristin with special focus on 'voice' available! Price: $20 ($12 for Premium Members)

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 22, 2026: We all know about the power of three. But when it comes to picture books, it takes two: text and art! The industry standard is that authors and illustrators work separately. Join us as acquiring editor for Cardinal Rule Press, Adam Blackman, discusses notable exceptions to this standard and explores how closer collaboration between authors and illustrators can lead to work that is more than the sum of its parts. This event will be recorded.

August 22, 2026: Learn how agent Natascha Morris reverse engineers a story and how she has guided several debut graphic novelists through the process of preparing their graphic novel proposals. From inspiration and MSWL, she will go over the act of outlining and break down how to create a new manuscript. Whether you are working on a new idea or have no idea where to start, this proven method will help you crack the code on how to give editors and agents what they might be looking for. Handouts will be provided.

August 22, 2026 (registration closes August 17): Try something new! Join us for DOODLES & DRAFTS, a free virtual event for writers and illustrators working on all ages and categories of children’s books. Think of it as half-Telestrations, half-Write/Draw In, with ZERO pressure and a fun twist – a SWAP – designed to amp up your creativity! This event is made possible by a grant from SCBWI and the Authors Coalition of America.

August 22, 2026: Larissa Brown guides participants through the art of using humor as a storytelling superpower in picture book illustration. From cracking character expressions to crafting the perfect visual and text contradictions, you'll learn how strong story moments become comedic gold.

August 22, 2026: Carter Hasegawa, Agent with Tugeau 2 Art & Literary Agency, will select up to four picture book manuscripts submitted by attendees and will edit them live during the workshop. You'll learn how an editor/agent approaches evaluating and editing a picture book manuscript, as well as learn about picture book design, pagination, etc. in ways that will affect the editing of a manuscript.

August 24, 2026: What's the best way to get a reader's attention? In this 2-hour, in-depth online workshop, Tina Tocco teaches you how to launch a story! Learn different techniques, analyse various story openings, and (re-)write your own beginning in this hands-on webinar. Recording available.

August 27, 2026: Graphic Novels are an exiting new part of the book world – especially in the kidlit markets. No matter if you always wanted to write a Graphic Novel or are just curious, join this introduction webinar and learn everything you need to start: overview, step-by-step guide and a handout with resources. Price: $20 ($12 Premium Members)

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.

September 3, 2026: A picture may be worth a thousand words, but an author’s pen can capture something beyond the view of any camera lens: the experience of a moment from inside the body and mind of the person experiencing it. This webinar will explore the critical concepts of point of view and narrative voice, then dive deep into strategies for channeling your main character’s unique, embodied perspective. We’ll examine how to use first person and third-person intimate POVs to bring your character’s story to life in setting, action, and interiority, drawing examples from picture book, middle grade, and young adult mentor texts. You’ll come away from this workshop with concrete tools to help you render your main character’s perspective on the page and transport your readers far past the superficial, deep into your story’s heart. A limited number of PB (manuscript or dummy), MG, YA, & NIV CRITIQUES available at an additional cost.

September 15, 2026: In this tell-all session, Karen Spafford-Fitz will explain the core elements of a hi-lo book. She will also offer tips and tricks for the writer (ie. the “cook”) to lean into while crafting their own hi-lo fiction. With information about publishers who the writer might hook with their compelling stories, attendees will leave with practical next steps for pitching their hi-lo’s. Bring your questions, ideas, and imagination as we navigate the world of fast-paced, accessible fiction for young readers. Further supported with readings from hi-lo books, Karen will conclude “Get to Know Hi-Lo” with a Q&A session.

September 16, 2026: I'm Em! (they/them) I make stories and illustrations with heart <3. My first picturebook, Kip and the Squiggledoodle, came out with Farshore/Harper Collins in May 2025. It’s an adventure story that touches on staying with difficult emotions and handling change. My second book, The Magic Scarf, with Farshore/Harper Collins released on April 9th 2026. It’s a story about finding where you belong and also about dancing. So much dancing! I love making work that sparks conversations about how we can understand and share our emotions better, and after years working in statistics, have finally found a career where that's actually encouraged!

September 17, 2026: Take a deep dive into Kate’s Fantastically Great women series and to children’s non-fiction books in general! Kate will discuss: The Inspirations behind her series and how the idea came about; Putting a pitch together for a non-fiction idea; Some of her favourite children’s non-fiction books around at the moment. Join us for this informative session!

September 19, 2026: An immersive workshop on the art of creating an unforgettable hook or "elevator" pitch, what catches an agent's or editor's attention, and what to expect during in-person pitches. We will discuss the elements of a pitch, a query letter, and a synopsis and how each is important in the submission process. Presentation is for all kidlit genres, from picture books through YA.

Registration closes September 20, 2026: WRITING FROM THE INSIDE OUT - PICTURE BOOKS - You’ve asked for it. We listened. Join us as we level up your picture books. Award-winning author Marcie Colleen is teaming up with SCBWI Nebraska for a virtual 6-month workshop meant to take your picture books to the next level. Targeted for authors who have written a minimum of three picture books and have an established, basic understanding of picture book writing, this workshop is intended to take your projects from good to extraordinary. Offered by the Nebraska region starting September 2026.

September 21, 2026: Author and illustrator Ruby Amy Thompson joins us to talk about how she created her debut picture book, Rock and Roll, and its journey to getting published - beginning life as a University project and growing to a two-book deal with dream publishers, Little Tiger. Ruby will touch on how her past career, working in comedy and entertainment TV, helps bring a playfulness to her writing. She will also give useful insights about how to embrace your weirdest ideas, and play to your strengths in order to stand out to agents and publishers.

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

September 26, 2026 (registration closes September 23): Learn about the qualities editors are looking for when they evaluate picture books on submission and consider their marketability, including word count and pacing, lyricism and accessibility, a fresh concept and the element of surprise, read-aloud-ability, character and story, urgency and a sense of purpose, that certain je ne sais quoi, and more! Includes limited additional picture book critiques.

October 3, 2026 (registration closes September 28): Writers and illustrators are invited to a full day of speaker presentations, critiques, pitches, first pages, contests and mingling with fellow creatives! This hybrid event is both in-person at Cal State Fullerton and via Zoom.

October 4, 2026 (registration closes September 26): It’s harvest time in the community garden! Our one-day 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 an author, illustrator, or both! Join us on Sunday, October 4, 2026 for inspirational keynotes, industry panels of agents and editors to equip you with the skills to nurture and harvest meaningful relationships, and time to grow in our Garden Box Breakout sessions. Plus, opportunities to dig deeper with optional 1:1 critique sessions. Whether you’re planting your first manuscript or tending a well-established story, Fall Harvest is a place to learn, share, and gather together in creative community. Let’s grow something beautiful—together.

October 5, 2026: Join middle grade author, Lisa Thompson, as she shares her writing and editing process. With seventeen books under her belt, Lisa has found a way of writing books that works for her. In her presentation she will share her favourite writing tips, discuss overcoming self-doubt and how she tackles heavy issues but with commercial appeal.

October 24, 2026 (registration closes October 22): Take Two! Developing a Cinematic Eye for Illustrators with Sheli Petersen. You’ve got a great manuscript and character studies—now what? In this workshop, we’ll put you in the director’s chair by covering the basics in staging your character. Develop a map of your character’s world to envision “camera” angles and framing that can best convey your visual narrative. Bring a sketchbook and a fresh cinematic eye! Learning Outcomes: Basic understanding of mapping to envision the character’s world; Basic understanding of framing a scene through the cinematic model; Basic understanding of point-of-view through linear perspective.

November 5, 2026: "When I first started thinking about writing for children I had no idea what I was doing. I didn't have the first clue about the industry, how it worked or what was expected. I just had a passion for writing and liked the idea of getting a book published. I now have around 80 published titles, a further 10 in production, and have worked with many of the big UK publishing houses. In this session I'll tell you how I got my first deal and how I've grown my career over the past 26 years, while demystifying the industry to help you move forward in your own career."

November 30, 2026: Join Costa Award winning author Jasbinder Bilan and discover more about her publication journey from the beginning to the present day. What does a typical day look like? Why are school visits and events a crucial part of being a children’s author? With eleven books under her belt in seven years, she will talk about her early inspirations, how she creates the magical worlds of her novels and why middle grade is her natural home.